Anyone else spoiled by 3D G10?

Artfully Martial

Artfully Martial

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
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I never cared that long ago--I was excited just to have the pleasure of a flat slab of G10 on my paramilitary. But the Spec Bump changed all that, and over the years, I've seen myself progress to where I pretty much only buy G10 knives that have some sort of unique texturing or 3D curvature on them.
Case in point--I recently bought a ZT0302 and I love the G10 (although I'm not crazy about the tan). I was thinking "man, this is a great knife, but I wish I could get it in a smaller package." So I pulled up some ZT0350s, which I love, and I just can't make myself buy it because of the plain flat slabs of G10 (and a titanium framelock wouldn't hurt either).

I'll probably go order a ZT0200 tomorrow just to have a manual version of my 0302.
 
It's funny you bring 3-D up AM, as we were just having a conversation yesterday on this very subject. We were discussing on whether 3-D machining G-10 or Ti is really worth the cost/effort.

It seems even on BF's (enthusiasts willing to spend more based on specs), 3-D machining gets little attention. Because of the lack of even being noticed/mentioned, we've opted to just texture over 3-D machining on a couple of recent projects.

It would be nice to hear from the members on their thoughts with 3-D machining vs.interest vs. cost.

Does anybody really care?
 
I'm digging the 3-D on the ZT0301 and the Spec-Bump. Wish more models were offered with it.
 
Here is my 2 cents. Take it as you will Thomas. Id like to see more 3D G10 on Kershaws. I really like the look of my 302 and Bump for example. I however would rather have plain G 10 rather than the textured G10 that was on the Clash and such. Id also like to see more variations from the normal black G10 and sandvick steels that have been comimg out but without a huge price tag. Variations of the skyline and other popular platforms in orange or brown g10 with s30v would be one example. Ive been in a Kershaw slump lately and id like to add to my 20+ "high end" kershaws but lately I cant seem to find one that stands out from the rest. Just my thoughts no need to call in the mafia. I will continue to support Kershaw and buy there sprints.
 
I have a Dremel so it don't matter to me how it comes. If the handle needs texturing or 3d sculpting, I do it myself.
 
Thomas,
I am personally in love with the 3D g10 on both my 0200 and my spec bump, but especially on the spec bump. that knife fits your hand like it was made for it. I am fine with the Titanium staying in the more expensive knives. however, i would love for you guys to start experimenting with something like carbon fiber.....

tldr, love the 3D machined G10. would like to see more. I do not consider titanium worth the money, but i am on a serious budget, so ymmv.

Artfully Martial said:
I'll probably go order a ZT0200 tomorrow just to have a manual version of my 0302.
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Why not try gutting the 302 of the speedsafe first, and trying that....
 
Thomas W said:
It's funny you bring 3-D up AM, as we were just having a conversation yesterday on this very subject. We were discussing on whether 3-D machining G-10 or Ti is really worth the cost/effort.

It seems even on BF's (enthusiasts willing to spend more based on specs), 3-D machining gets little attention. Because of the lack of even being noticed/mentioned, we've opted to just texture over 3-D machining on a couple of recent projects.

It would be nice to hear from the members on their thoughts with 3-D machining vs.interest vs. cost.

Does anybody really care?
Click to expand...

People who hold a flat-slabbed knife and then a Spec bump or an 0200 really appreciate the 3-D machining. I think there needs to be more knives that have it--it really changes the comfort-level of using a knife for long periods.

Thomas, I have had this idea burning in the back of my mind for a new knife utilizing 3-D machining, maybe I'll shoot you an email and see what you think.
 
3D g10 definitely pops out to me when I am shopping for knives. Take this as my .2 cents but the 3d machined g10 has probably sealed the deal for many people when they decided to purchase the zt030x series after they looked at all the specs. The 3d machined g10 just makes it stand out from plain old flat checkered g10. I would also like to see kershaw experiment with colored g10 in brighter colors such as lime green, royal blue, bright red which would further distinguish it from others.
 
sinsanity said:
3D g10 definitely pops out to me when I am shopping for knives. Take this as my .2 cents but the 3d machined g10 has probably sealed the deal for many people when they decided to purchase the zt030x series after they looked at all the specs. The 3d machined g10 just makes it stand out from plain old flat checkered g10. I would also like to see kershaw experiment with colored g10 in brighter colors such as lime green, royal blue, bright red which would further distinguish it from others.
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Zero tolerance in general stays with the OD green, tan, and black colors to stay in tune with the LEO/MIL theme of the knives, but yeah, if a supplier orders a custom color, Kershaw will, in general, do it. (Have to order a minimum of like 500 pieces though)
 
The Spec Bump has always been one of my favorite knives. A big reason for that is the comfort of the handle largely due to the scales and handle shape. Even comparing the Needworks in G-10 with the flat scales and the original with the molded FRN I much prefer the molded feel of the FRN over the flat G-10. People's hands are not flat, and I think that if Kershaw started offering 3-D G-10 as a norm it would cause knife buyers to gravitate to them and encourage other companies to follow suitor or loose customers.
 
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I definitely think it adds a cool factor and most of the time a comfort factor. Does it really enhance the cost? For me to buy a knife the blade and handle have to be pretty damn appealing to me so just a 3D machined handle will not sell me, add a nice blade shape though and I think I would be willing to pay some extra over a nice blade and a flat slab.
 
I really like the 3D G-10. I was disappointed when it was not used on the 0350.

It's what really set the ZT line apart from the others, in my opinion.

Tom
 
I will almost always choose the look and the feel of scuplted handles.

I even have paid for guys like Dobson and The Sun to make sculpted G10 scales for my knives.
 
Thomas W said:
It's funny you bring 3-D up AM, as we were just having a conversation yesterday on this very subject. We were discussing on whether 3-D machining G-10 or Ti is really worth the cost/effort.

It seems even on BF's (enthusiasts willing to spend more based on specs), 3-D machining gets little attention. Because of the lack of even being noticed/mentioned, we've opted to just texture over 3-D machining on a couple of recent projects.

It would be nice to hear from the members on their thoughts with 3-D machining vs.interest vs. cost.

Does anybody really care?
Click to expand...

I really like the look of 3d and I think they are more comfortable opposed to flat. I'd like to see the piston with 3d scales. Also, the last screw flared out near the pommel looks as it will dig into your palm and be uncomfortable. Just a thought.
 
I love texturing. as long as it is a subtle and simple geometry.

I absolutely love my zt0551, but i thought it would be a nice addition to offer a machined Ti side like the 300 series. you can do a lot with a thick slab of Ti like that.
 
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I have the zt 200 and the spec bump and I have to say that I am a huge fan of 3d machining. Although a little bulkier for carry, it is worth the trade off once you begin to use one. They are much more comfortable in the hand than flat scales in most cases. However, I have edc'd my random task more than any other knife I own for about 10 years and I have to say that even with the flater scales, the ergonomics are outstanding and it just feels right due to the shape of the handle, even with flat scales. If I remeber right, when new, the random task wasn't any cheaper than 3d handled kershaws. I'd have to say that a good handle design is invaluable regardless of price considerations. A major selling point for me, is how it actually feels once in my hand and being used. The cost is merely an obstacle to be overcome once I decide the knife is right. Keep the innovations coming, and I will keep purchasing. I'm not sure if it would actually be considered 3d texturing, but the scales on my zt150 are pretty comfortable as well.
 
There are not enough models with 3D G10 to actually draw any conclusion IMO. I might be wrong there, but the models with 3D are for some reason of a very "uncommon" design - are either too big or too innovative... And I mean that in the good sense - I myself have got two Spec Bumps in my collection, as well as ZT 200 and three Boas... So how you could draw a conclusion that 3D does not add value in the eyes of the consumer if you have not tried it on some mass models? What about giving it a try? ;)
 
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