Allen Elishewitz Knives??

Joined
Nov 16, 1998
Messages
647
I am going to a gun & knife show tomorrow here in Reno, Nevada at the Reno Hilton, and I am looking to buy one of his folders. I have looked at them before, and was impressed with the craftmanship, and quality, but in the past, the funds were not there, as had already spent my limit on other knives. This time, I'm going to the dealer who sells his knives FIRST to see what he has. I saw manual, and autos last time from $400-$575,
Does anyone have any input on owning one of his knives, and how good the ATS-34 steel he uses is, as I'm not a great lover of ATS-34 with all the new steels on the market(CPM440-V,154-CM,BG-42,etc). Although I know some of the custom makers heat treat ATS-34 alot better than some of the standard productions are.
Any help would be greatly appreciated, especially you Les, as I know you sell them.
Thanks.
Larry
 
Hey Larry,i just got an Omega 6 from Les and this is the 3rd Elishwitz that i have had and let me tell you that his new stuff is head and shoulders above his old stuff.The previous 2 that i had i sold or traded away,the liner lock is very solid,fit and finish is excellent.I think i am keeping this one.If it is a new version,i say buy it but stay away from his old stuff unless you get a hell of a good deal and are prepared to send it back to get fixed properly(liner lock).

[This message has been edited by tattoo (edited 16 July 1999).]
 
Hi Larry,

Tattoo is correct. You have to check out his knives closely. Allen's work now compared to a few years ago has improved a lot.

As for ATS-34, it is a good steel. BG-42,440V and 420V are better. How much better, enough to warrant paying the extra money.

Rumor has it the factory in Japan is considering discontinuing this steel. Should that happen you will see makers move rapidly to the aforementioned steels. Some are already making the move to 154CM. This is basically the American version of ATS-34.

Allen is a very good, but prolific knifemaker. Consequently, he like all of his has good days and bad. So as tattoo says, just make sure you like the knife.

You may want to look at my site. Allen doesnt make the Omega model 6 as a standard model anymore. It's my favorite knife Allen makes.

I hope you get the knife you want.



------------------
Les Robertson
Moderator
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken.
 
Thanks Tattoo, and Les for your input. This why I like the forums.
The dealer I'm going to usually has new and different ones every time I stop at his table.
You said look at the liner lock to tell the older models, but I don't know what to look for.
I'm looking at buying the new bolster lock if possible, and the Stryker, or Shadow, as I like the blade style, Maybe even the Omega, as it is similar.
If I don't get an answer from one of you on what to look for in the liner before I go in the morning, I'll just look for difference, and workmanship.
I'll let you guys know what happens.
Thanks to both of you,and nice hearing from you again Tattoo.
Larry
 
Larry,

We talked at the last Crossroads show in Reno. I won't be there this time but Joel might. His helper, John had some of Allen's new stuff recently so you might look him up. Otherwise I don't know who else might be there. I don't think David will be there. If he is, he will have a good selection. Good luck.

See you in Sept.




------------------
Dennis Wright
Wright Knife & Sporting Goods

wrightknife@ixpres.com

 
Larry,as far as what to look for.If you are buying the new bolster lock you shouldn't have much to worry about.If you are getting a standard liner lock jsut make sure that it locks up very firmly.Also you can take the knife in your hand and turn it over so that the sharp edge is away from your hand and do a whack test with your hand sounds funny but i have seen some custom's that won't pass this simple test and that is very scary.
 
Les, Tattoo, and Dennis-
Thanks for all your help, and input. I went to the knife show, and saw the dealer I knew, and he had the knife I wanted from the last show that I couldn't afford. I bought a Shadow with carbon fiber scales, blue titanium liners, lavender with blue tip wire titanium clip. It also has the stonewashed blade, and is the 3 1/4" blade. The dealer said he bought it from Allen last fall. I did what you said Tattoo on the whack test, and it passed with flying colors.
Thanks again guys for all your help.

Respectfully,
Larry
 
Glad to help Larry.Anytime i can help just let me know i will try my best to do so.Glad your like your new baby.
 
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