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Andre van Heerden 3D M16 IKBS Folder introductory Review.
Introduction and specifications.
Last year at our local Knife Makers Guild Show of South Africa (2012) I handled a few of Andre van Heerdens knives (http://www.andrevanheerden.com/). One of the particular models fascinated me due to the G10 texturing it had, the IKBS smooth flipper action and what surprised me the most .comfort in the hand. When I picked it up it just felt right.
Andres table at the 2012 show can be seen here:
[video=youtube;zozmGu-yWeg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zozmGu-yWeg[/video]
This year I was fortunate enough to buy one at our KGSA Show 2013 with his new 3D sculpted handles. I believe this is the 3de generation of this particular M16 folder.
Andre also had some other Integral Models and a co-designed Model 53 with Tashi Bharucha.
This years table can be seen here:
[video=youtube;Qbn9rVJXUw8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbn9rVJXUw8[/video]
Here are some glamor shots:
A few Specs:
Blade Alloy: CPM-S35VN
Blade Length: 107mm
Cutting edge: 98mm
Blade Thickness: 4mm
Length closed: 144mm
Weight: ? Still need to measure.
Handle: 3D machined G10 handle (dont really know how to describe it)
G10 Backspacer, I am not a fan of flow through construction, IMO it does not provide any benefit in use.
Lock: Liner Lock
Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) more can be read here: http://www.ikbsknifetech.com/11/index.html
Pocket Clip: 3D Machined G10
Observations and initial impressions:
Deep hollow grind (approximately 4.5 - 5 degrees per side and the hollow drops below that and this is considered a rather strong (thicker than normal) edge.
Compared to a Opinel No 8 and my Des Horn Imvubu with another robust grind. It should be noted, these robust grinds are significant thinner than a stock Paramilitary 2 or Military.
15 degree per side edge from the maker.
Nicely finished edge for slicing aggression.
Grip is good and feels secure in the hand in multiple grips.
Contoured handle provides a nice feel in the hand.
Since the clip is rounded as with the handle it has not formed a hotspot, really enjoying the clip design, however, since it is G10 I am wondering about its durability, should be interesting to see how it holds up in the long run.
Flipper opening action is something still new to me. My previous flipper experience was not to favourable, but this one appeals to me more due to the:
No jimping except on the flipper. Jimping is not required IMO on this model as the handle design offers enough security even with hands that are oily:
Detail on the Pivot, I believe these are made by the maker.
No lanyard hole, would have liked one as an option but can live with it.
Not a flow through construction, once again, I like that.
Solid lockup.
Silicon Nitride (Ceramic?) ball detent.
Hand rubbed satin finish is even and looks great to the eye.
Rides a bit high for some in the pocket, but I have no issues
Stock testing:
Initial edge is a slicing orientated edge. Will push cut newsprint at 45 degrees.
Shaves arm in either direction with little snag no burr on edge
The knife performed well on hard dried out wood with moderate pressure outperforming a stock Mora blade.
Video and pictures of some use.
[video=youtube_share;ytahWLrwdqQ]http://youtu.be/ytahWLrwdqQ[/video]
To recap:
The knife is pleasing to the eye and cuts well with little hotspots. Only one hotspot is noticeable doing very hard cutting tasks between the thumb and forefinger.
Edge shows minimal to no edge deformation at 10 degrees per side (after resharpening)
A coarser edge for abrasive cutting works well
The design drops the blade below the centre line, therefore the blade is canted, something I have grown to appreciate, especially in draw cuts.
Did not crack open hard food such as apples, potatoes etc. Clean cuts.
vs cracking an apple like the Mora
Compared to my normal EDC the Imvubu with Nitrobe 77 CPM-S35VN is more time consuming to sharpen due to the nature of CPM-S35VN, however, once the edge angle has been lowered maintenance is much easier. Reminds me of RWL-34 but slightly more wear resistant on the stones.
CPM-S35VN takes a keen edge similar to RWL-34 (RWL-34 is still easier for me) more so than CPM-S30V.
One thing I noticed is that CPM-S35VN in this folder does not seem to roll and microchip as CPM-S30V (Paramilitary 2 and Military) thus far. I will continue to see how it performs with extended use.
IKBS and the flipper is addictive. I can open and close the knife numerous times and the lock does not wear out ones thumb.
Now, it is due to my uses that I have concluded minimum edge thickness and minimum edge angle will give you maximum cutting ability/ease of sharpening/minimum fatigue/maximum control/ maximum pleasure and comfort when doing my specific chores, your mileage may vary of course.
The knife has surprised me with its performance and comfort during use. A great contribution to my EDC.
Introduction and specifications.
Last year at our local Knife Makers Guild Show of South Africa (2012) I handled a few of Andre van Heerdens knives (http://www.andrevanheerden.com/). One of the particular models fascinated me due to the G10 texturing it had, the IKBS smooth flipper action and what surprised me the most .comfort in the hand. When I picked it up it just felt right.
Andres table at the 2012 show can be seen here:
[video=youtube;zozmGu-yWeg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zozmGu-yWeg[/video]
This year I was fortunate enough to buy one at our KGSA Show 2013 with his new 3D sculpted handles. I believe this is the 3de generation of this particular M16 folder.
Andre also had some other Integral Models and a co-designed Model 53 with Tashi Bharucha.
This years table can be seen here:
[video=youtube;Qbn9rVJXUw8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbn9rVJXUw8[/video]
Here are some glamor shots:
A few Specs:
Blade Alloy: CPM-S35VN
Blade Length: 107mm
Cutting edge: 98mm
Blade Thickness: 4mm
Length closed: 144mm
Weight: ? Still need to measure.
Handle: 3D machined G10 handle (dont really know how to describe it)
G10 Backspacer, I am not a fan of flow through construction, IMO it does not provide any benefit in use.
Lock: Liner Lock
Ikoma Korth Bearing System (IKBS) more can be read here: http://www.ikbsknifetech.com/11/index.html
Pocket Clip: 3D Machined G10
Observations and initial impressions:
Deep hollow grind (approximately 4.5 - 5 degrees per side and the hollow drops below that and this is considered a rather strong (thicker than normal) edge.
Compared to a Opinel No 8 and my Des Horn Imvubu with another robust grind. It should be noted, these robust grinds are significant thinner than a stock Paramilitary 2 or Military.
15 degree per side edge from the maker.
Nicely finished edge for slicing aggression.
Grip is good and feels secure in the hand in multiple grips.
Contoured handle provides a nice feel in the hand.
Since the clip is rounded as with the handle it has not formed a hotspot, really enjoying the clip design, however, since it is G10 I am wondering about its durability, should be interesting to see how it holds up in the long run.
Flipper opening action is something still new to me. My previous flipper experience was not to favourable, but this one appeals to me more due to the:
No jimping except on the flipper. Jimping is not required IMO on this model as the handle design offers enough security even with hands that are oily:
Detail on the Pivot, I believe these are made by the maker.
No lanyard hole, would have liked one as an option but can live with it.
Not a flow through construction, once again, I like that.
Solid lockup.
Silicon Nitride (Ceramic?) ball detent.
Hand rubbed satin finish is even and looks great to the eye.
Rides a bit high for some in the pocket, but I have no issues
Stock testing:
Initial edge is a slicing orientated edge. Will push cut newsprint at 45 degrees.
Shaves arm in either direction with little snag no burr on edge
The knife performed well on hard dried out wood with moderate pressure outperforming a stock Mora blade.
Video and pictures of some use.
[video=youtube_share;ytahWLrwdqQ]http://youtu.be/ytahWLrwdqQ[/video]
To recap:
The knife is pleasing to the eye and cuts well with little hotspots. Only one hotspot is noticeable doing very hard cutting tasks between the thumb and forefinger.
Edge shows minimal to no edge deformation at 10 degrees per side (after resharpening)
A coarser edge for abrasive cutting works well
The design drops the blade below the centre line, therefore the blade is canted, something I have grown to appreciate, especially in draw cuts.
Did not crack open hard food such as apples, potatoes etc. Clean cuts.
vs cracking an apple like the Mora
Compared to my normal EDC the Imvubu with Nitrobe 77 CPM-S35VN is more time consuming to sharpen due to the nature of CPM-S35VN, however, once the edge angle has been lowered maintenance is much easier. Reminds me of RWL-34 but slightly more wear resistant on the stones.
CPM-S35VN takes a keen edge similar to RWL-34 (RWL-34 is still easier for me) more so than CPM-S30V.
One thing I noticed is that CPM-S35VN in this folder does not seem to roll and microchip as CPM-S30V (Paramilitary 2 and Military) thus far. I will continue to see how it performs with extended use.
IKBS and the flipper is addictive. I can open and close the knife numerous times and the lock does not wear out ones thumb.
Now, it is due to my uses that I have concluded minimum edge thickness and minimum edge angle will give you maximum cutting ability/ease of sharpening/minimum fatigue/maximum control/ maximum pleasure and comfort when doing my specific chores, your mileage may vary of course.
The knife has surprised me with its performance and comfort during use. A great contribution to my EDC.
