- Joined
- Dec 24, 2000
- Messages
- 1,055
Oh, me too! Me too! 
I'm happy to report that the comments made in Michael Aos' post apply here as well. Mike Obenauf is definitely one to watch. Really very well made- the fit and finish are outstanding.
Some specs:
3 1/8" hand finished D2 blade. Interesting because it didn't feel "scary sharp" when I initially put my thumb to it. However, give the blade just a *little* nudge and the polished edge will slice right in. Cool. The finish is really very attractive, and I especially like the thumb ramp. Reeks of precision.
Finely blasted Ti bolsters and frame. The bolsters have a somewhat reflective quality to them, but should mask light carry marks pretty well at the same time. A nice compromise between a satin or high polish and a dull bead blast. Looks great.
"Desert" G-10 handle slabs. Nice "grain" pattern, and I love the color. It's actually quite a bit darker than the photo lets on. The texture is on the smooth side, but the shape of the handle makes for a pretty good grip to begin with anyways. No sharp edges anywhere- at least on the handle. (ha!)
Action and lock up. Smooooth. As good as any, with zero play. The liner presents itself flush with the left side of the tang every time. I think it was Michael (Aos) who mentioned in his thread that he'd put it up against a sebbie anyday- I'd go with that.
Plus, there's those nice little touches. Like the grooved portion of the locking liner to grab your thumb, or the little dished out area on the inside of the opposite facing liner. Just to give you that little extra room to get your thumb down in there. Or the 1/32" sliver of black G-10 exposed all the way around the handle between the silver of the liners and the khaki/tan G-10. In the words of Cousin Eddie- "Real nice". The 3/4 backspacer is black, and really contrasts nicely. Another sure way to win favor by me is to make use of a deep carry clip, and this one has it covered.
If someone handed me this knife and told me it cost 500 bucks, I'd think "yeah, that seems about right". I figure even at that, it's well worth it given the level of quality present.
So you can imagine I'm pretty pleased having only been asked to pay $300 for it...
Definitely the best value I've received this year.
For anyone who's been saving up for that inevitable step into semi-production or custom- keep the Small Sebenza on your list but seriously consider an Obenauf. Highly recommended.
Firebat
(More pictures with different views...just click my sig line link if you're interested.)
I'm happy to report that the comments made in Michael Aos' post apply here as well. Mike Obenauf is definitely one to watch. Really very well made- the fit and finish are outstanding.
Some specs:
3 1/8" hand finished D2 blade. Interesting because it didn't feel "scary sharp" when I initially put my thumb to it. However, give the blade just a *little* nudge and the polished edge will slice right in. Cool. The finish is really very attractive, and I especially like the thumb ramp. Reeks of precision.
Finely blasted Ti bolsters and frame. The bolsters have a somewhat reflective quality to them, but should mask light carry marks pretty well at the same time. A nice compromise between a satin or high polish and a dull bead blast. Looks great.
"Desert" G-10 handle slabs. Nice "grain" pattern, and I love the color. It's actually quite a bit darker than the photo lets on. The texture is on the smooth side, but the shape of the handle makes for a pretty good grip to begin with anyways. No sharp edges anywhere- at least on the handle. (ha!)
Action and lock up. Smooooth. As good as any, with zero play. The liner presents itself flush with the left side of the tang every time. I think it was Michael (Aos) who mentioned in his thread that he'd put it up against a sebbie anyday- I'd go with that.
Plus, there's those nice little touches. Like the grooved portion of the locking liner to grab your thumb, or the little dished out area on the inside of the opposite facing liner. Just to give you that little extra room to get your thumb down in there. Or the 1/32" sliver of black G-10 exposed all the way around the handle between the silver of the liners and the khaki/tan G-10. In the words of Cousin Eddie- "Real nice". The 3/4 backspacer is black, and really contrasts nicely. Another sure way to win favor by me is to make use of a deep carry clip, and this one has it covered.
If someone handed me this knife and told me it cost 500 bucks, I'd think "yeah, that seems about right". I figure even at that, it's well worth it given the level of quality present.
So you can imagine I'm pretty pleased having only been asked to pay $300 for it...
Definitely the best value I've received this year.
For anyone who's been saving up for that inevitable step into semi-production or custom- keep the Small Sebenza on your list but seriously consider an Obenauf. Highly recommended.
Firebat
(More pictures with different views...just click my sig line link if you're interested.)
