-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Anyone Have a Ralph/Wilson Elite?
- Thread starter 3rdWound
- Start date
Any comments would be appreciated
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2001
- Messages
- 4,743
I had two of them at the same time once, a Level 1 and a Level 2.
They varied quite a bit between them on their tolerances so if you're picky I would try to inspect it before purchasing if possible.
I was not too crazy about the washer material since I like a snug pivot. I would tighten them down to where I like and 2 days later the washer would elongate and the action would loosen up. They were definitely smooth though.
Ergonomic wise I thought they were great, very hand filling but still thin and light.
I did not keep them long enough to give advice on the 440c, but hey it is 440c so it can't vary too much from other peoples 440c.
Have fun!
They varied quite a bit between them on their tolerances so if you're picky I would try to inspect it before purchasing if possible.
I was not too crazy about the washer material since I like a snug pivot. I would tighten them down to where I like and 2 days later the washer would elongate and the action would loosen up. They were definitely smooth though.
Ergonomic wise I thought they were great, very hand filling but still thin and light.
I did not keep them long enough to give advice on the 440c, but hey it is 440c so it can't vary too much from other peoples 440c.
Have fun!
I just picked up a new Level 2 in a trade. The one I received is a very smooth opener, locks up beautifully. I'm not sure about the 440C steel just yet, but so far I haven't had to touch up the blade. You can get the blade swapped out for S30V later if you're unhappy with the steel, but I haven't heard of anyone being upset with this particular treatment of 440C.
The fit and finish are excellent, as they should be given that this knife is in the same price range as a large Sebenza.
The ergonomics of the handle are top-notch, and the blade shape lends itself to both utilitarian and defensive needs. All in all a great knife.
The fit and finish are excellent, as they should be given that this knife is in the same price range as a large Sebenza.
The ergonomics of the handle are top-notch, and the blade shape lends itself to both utilitarian and defensive needs. All in all a great knife.
I think it's absolutely f-ing disgraceful that they are releasing this knife in 440C. ANY other "tactical" knifemaker would be getting hammered all over the boards...imagine if Spyderco went to 440C. And they want $200 bucks for these knifes. So what if Ryan Wilson's dad is a famous gunsmith. That doesn't mean sh!t. You bring a $200 knife to market as a serious tactical knife, it better have some premium steel, ATS-34 at least.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2001
- Messages
- 4,743
I had a debate with DDR about it in this thread.
- Joined
- May 12, 2001
- Messages
- 2,958
I had a level 2. IMO the fit and finish were pretty good - about what my Benchmade 710HS was.
The lockbar is quite long because this is a fairly large knife, and my experience was that the Ti was a bit too thin, causing the bar to move across the back of the blade when the handle was gripped hard. The custom DDR Ti framed EDCs are tank-like and no such thing happens. They feel even beefier than a Sebbie.
The washers are squishy, but make for a smooth action. The coating seemed like it wouldn't take a lot of punishment, but I sold mine pretty much NIB, so it was never put to the test.
All in all a decent large framelock that would be a good value at half of MSRP. YMMV.
The lockbar is quite long because this is a fairly large knife, and my experience was that the Ti was a bit too thin, causing the bar to move across the back of the blade when the handle was gripped hard. The custom DDR Ti framed EDCs are tank-like and no such thing happens. They feel even beefier than a Sebbie.
The washers are squishy, but make for a smooth action. The coating seemed like it wouldn't take a lot of punishment, but I sold mine pretty much NIB, so it was never put to the test.
All in all a decent large framelock that would be a good value at half of MSRP. YMMV.
- Joined
- Aug 13, 2002
- Messages
- 439
Thanks for all the input guys,... sounds kinda like it really didnt satisfy you, or find a warm spot in your heart. I was really wandering about that choice of 440c steel for the price they are asking for one. Mebbie Ill keep my eyes open if one comes up for trade. Its a shame Sebenzas have set the standard so high for Ti framlocks...there is always going to be a comparison.