Anyone find a "perfect" knife? (fit and finish)

Daniel Dorn

Daniel Dorn

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I just finished reading about a Spyderco Lum (nice...real nice) that the owner was proud to say was flawless in execution, i.e. no visible grinding marks on the blade or handle, and perfect lines on the edge, etc.

So, have any of you recently gotten any knives that were just too perfect to not be mentioned?

I recently bought two (yes two) NIB Microtech SOCOMs circa 0ct. '98 that are absolutely perfect. The blades are perfectly centered, totally symetrically ground, and sharpened. No flaws whatsoever on the blades, clip, handles, or handle finish. No marks on the screws, either!

Now, getting two knives obviously purchased at the same time, and both being perfect (this was prior to MT putting serial numbers on them) seems a little strange to me in this day and age.

So, other than a Sebenza, what are your experiences with "perfect" knives. Now this has nothing to do with functionality, or materials, rather execution of such design. Is it like finding a four leaf clover, a once in a lifetime type deal? Or should we all expect there to be perfect knives out there sitting on every dealer's shelf?

DD
 
other than a Sebenza
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Shoot!

Actually both the Dodo and ATR passarounds, at least when I first received them, seemed flawless in execution.
 
There is no such thing as a perfect knife. Even on the finest custom knives, I can find something. Some makers, it is much harder to find, but I can always find something. Heck, that's half the fun! :)
 
I'd have to say MT. I got a D/A Socom last month and it was flawless. I expect that the new CFO2 coming in a few days will be just as good if not better.
 
When I got my SERE 2000 I examined it closely all over. Perfectly centered blade, perfect grinds. G-10 and liners flawless. Pefect lock up. Boy I really went over it with a fine tooth comb. I finally did find a flaw, a tiny line at the tip where the grinder just barely touched it. You almost need a microscope to see it. That's as close to perfect as I've seen. Amazing quality in a factory knife.
 
Have to agree with the SERE 2000. Also a RJ Martin Rampage had THE most comfortable handle I have ever held. I would buy one in a second! Probably the best finished knife I have ever felt. Take Care!!!
 
Perfect fit and finish, huh? This might not follow the spirit of the question, but I've never seen any flaws in a metal-handled (or a plastic handled, really) Victorinox.
 
The closest any of my production knives come to being "perfect" would be my Spyderco/Jess Horn C27 with the jigged bone handle. I've had this knife next to a real Jess Horn and the quality is similar. I'm not positive but I think the C27 was the most expensive knife that Spyderco released. What is surprising is that the quality of the Kiwi (at about 1/3 the price) is IMO equal to the C27. The Kiwi is becoming one of my favorite production knives.
 
My SERE 2000 that I bought in 2001 came perfect right out of the box. I did buy another 1 year later and it was highly flawed. I believe that it had to do with the fact that it was made in Moki instead of Seki, Japan.
 
Best I've bought recently would be a Microtech Terzoula ATCF. A perfectly gound satin finished blade and fantastic overall fit & finish.
 
I recently purchased a micarta Calypso Junior as a gift for someone. Fit and finish was BEYOND flawless.
 
Almost forgot... Got a Kiwi that was flawless also. Those fellas in Seki are pros. :)
 
You said "other than a Sebenza". Well you didn't say anything about a small Sebenza, small regular Sebbie with stonewashed s30v blade to be exact. To me it's the perfect EDC. Also,I recently picked up an Mnandi and for "Gent" style knives it simply can't be beat, IMHO.
 
By far the most flawless production knife that I have ever seen is the Moki Glory that my father gave me a few years ago. It is better in execution than the one Sebenza that I have handled, and rivals the William Henry Kestrel (teardrop damascus/carved pearl handle) that I once handled. I was amazed at the quality of this production knife.
 
I had a perfect folder.... or in my opinion. I got it in a trade and I could not bring my self to use it. It was a Shinosky Framelock.
Plain jane but fit N finish were flawless and the action was slick.

Another I should have kept...... someday I shall grab another.
 
...Another vote for the Al Mar SERE 2000; I have a pair of 'em, and both are excellent in the "fit and finish" department.
 
Originally posted by DaveH
Shoot!

Actually both the Dodo and ATR passarounds, at least when I first received them, seemed flawless in execution.
Click to expand...

My Seb....I mean I agree with Dave, the Dodo was pretty flawless. :D
 
I don't collect major high-end knives, and so most of mine are under $100 or so, but I guess I'd say my Spyderco Gunting is the best put-together knife I've bought. (purchase price was $125)

Some of you may laugh, and that's fine, but I have to say that my $25 Kershaw Vapor II had absolutely nothing wrong with it N.I.B. The finish was really nice and smooth, the lockup is like a rock, the edge was fine -- though no edge I've ever received from any factory has been satisfactory to me without my effort at sharpening it before carry. I guess that's just the way it is, and no factory mass-producing knives seems able to do what the end user can do when he is willing to put in the time and energy to really bring out the best in an edge.

---Jeffrey
 
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