A couple questions for you guys (pic heavy)

So-Lo

So-Lo

Joined
Jun 12, 2006
Messages
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I have acquired a Yuna Zen. Its looks nice from afar, but once you hold it and see the fit and finish close up it does look so good. The opening is not smooth, the blade is not centered when closed, the scales are not the same thickness, the lock up goes all the way over the tang, it also leaves a bit of vertical play when locked up, the file work is not even, bolsters do not fit the scales, the grinds on the blade are uneven, lets not even talk about the clip.

My queston is:

Is this a feeling all Yuna knives have? The knife feels rustic, like the maker might of made this knife with very few tools (read no CNC machine). I know not all custom knives fit like this, I just wonder if handmade knives should or might show imperfections?

The reason why I ask is, it looks like the maker put a lot of time and effort into this knife. I just wonder if it was meant to feel rustic-like or if its just bad fit and finish?


yunafront.jpg


yuna-lockup.jpg


yuna-fileworkback.jpg


scaletop.jpg


yuna-clip.jpg
 
Have you discussed this with the maker? He would probably be able to give you more insight. Did you purchase this knife new, or secondhand? I ask, because if it was secondhand it might be an older knife, and it might not be up to current standards.

I have only seen Yuna knives in photos, so I can't tell you if what you have is commonplace or not.
 
I was going to ask what Keith asked.

I have also only seen Yuna knives in pix. I am sure those that DO own them will be able to help.
 
I traded for this knife, so it is second hand.

Have any of the pictures you seen show any details, like the file work, scales?
 
Do an advanced search using the user name Trisak. He is the maker of Yuna Knives. He has posted photos of dozens of knives. He shows things like filework and where the lock resides when the knife is in the locked open position.
 
I would venture a guess that the filework was done by someone else. All of the stuff on the back-spacer, blade, and clip do not seem to go with the rest of the knife at all. I could be wrong, but it's a guess.

The scales being uneven is one of the pitfalls of using natural handle material. Typically I will grind color, texture, etc. off of a natural material before I will leave it uneven, but some folks like that aspect of the natural material. With stag you typically grind the inside down more to leave the texture alone, but those scales are quite different as one is quite round and the other is not.

I agree that you would not expect all of that stuff from a distance looking at that knife.
 
That is a very early Yuna.

Now Trisak's work has developed beautifully (though still a young man)...I've handled several (beside the two in the safe :) ), and one can see the progression of his craft as his knifemaking skills increased. He now makes a product that is commensurate with his sense of design, many of which I like!

-Michael
 
I love the design of the Zen, its just the quality of the fit and finish that is questionable on this specific knife.

or

Do hand knives show some inconsistencies ?
 
I get to see quite a few really nice knives coming across my bench for leather and that knife is pretty rough by almost any standard. I think like a couple of others, that it must be some of his earlier work and no where near the standards you'd expect today.

It would not be a candidate for my collection in this condition. The clip almost looks like an after thought an does not seem to fit the flow of this knife and the unfinished holes are really a detraction. I also agree that the file work could be an after market addition as well.

I hope you are in a favorable postion with regard to aquisition.

Paul
 
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