Anza knives

I've seen and held them with mixed emotions:

I found a whole table of 'em at a gun show in Denver about 2 years ago. All of the Anzas I looked at were made from metal files. That should tell you something about the steel involved, and all of them had wicked sharp - but unevenly ground - edges. When I say unevenly ground, I don't mean the edges suffered: I mean the bevels were wider in spots than others, and were kind of crooked looking.

The handles had some kind of multi-colored laminated wood on them, could have used some more finishing but were ok. Most handles were too small for my taste, I have long fingers and I wear a size Large glove.

Blade finish was poor, with the "Remade from a file" heritage plainly visible on a lot of them.

Up to now this will sound like I'm bashing them - not so. All of the knives I looked at were priced in the $25 - $40 range, all were <= 6" blade length, and there was no doubt in my mind that they would have been cutting machines. I actually intended to go back and buy about a half-dozen of them, I liked them so much, but was unable to return to the show later in the day.

I have NO idea if what I'm describing is representative of Anza knives or not, and I have NO idea if the guy at the table was selling rejects, seconds, or if that's as good as they get. What I CAN tell you is that I was pretty sure - cosmetics not withstanding - that in their price range they would have been a damn good buy.

Dunno if that helps or not, but I've always regretted not getting back to the table to pick some up.
 
Rainmaker870 said:
I've seen and held them with mixed emotions:

I found a whole table of 'em at a gun show in Denver about 2 years ago. All of the Anzas I looked at were made from metal files. That should tell you something about the steel involved, and all of them had wicked sharp - but unevenly ground - edges. When I say unevenly ground, I don't mean the edges suffered: I mean the bevels were wider in spots than others, and were kind of crooked looking.

The handles had some kind of multi-colored laminated wood on them, could have used some more finishing but were ok. Most handles were too small for my taste, I have long fingers and I wear a size Large glove.

Blade finish was poor, with the "Remade from a file" heritage plainly visible on a lot of them.

Up to now this will sound like I'm bashing them - not so. All of the knives I looked at were priced in the $25 - $40 range, all were <= 6" blade length, and there was no doubt in my mind that they would have been cutting machines. I actually intended to go back and buy about a half-dozen of them, I liked them so much, but was unable to return to the show later in the day.

I have NO idea if what I'm describing is representative of Anza knives or not, and I have NO idea if the guy at the table was selling rejects, seconds, or if that's as good as they get. What I CAN tell you is that I was pretty sure - cosmetics not withstanding - that in their price range they would have been a damn good buy.

Dunno if that helps or not, but I've always regretted not getting back to the table to pick some up.
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Your description mirrors my experience with them.

Very sharp and nice blades. Handles are too small for my hand as well.
 
I've had a few Anzas over the years and I'd have to agree with Rainmaker. The fit and finish aren't the best but they are tuff as it gets. They hold an edge, get sharp, stay sharp and its pretty easy to get them that way. For the money you can't beat an Anza.

Hey Rainmaker, how you been? Where you at these days?

Ric
 
I just finished a passaround on the other forum and now the knife is being passed here. Check the section in the general area and see if you can join in. Test it out for yourself.

The comments above are pretty on. I liked the knife that I got a chance to use. It had been thru skinning 2 antelope before I got it and was pretty sharp. I used it till it was pretty dull and then put a pretty good edge on it w/ my Lansky. These knifes take an edge!! They are users knifes. I don't think that you can go wrong if you decide to own one or more.

As I said, give one a look-see in the pass around.
 
They take a VERY sharp edge, and are easily re-sharpened. They also can rust if not maintained--very old school. The "made from a file" look is intentional, but not necessary. I have found Charlie Davis at Anza to be very accomodating. He can customize any of his models for you at a very reasonable price. I regret that local laws preclude me from anything over a 3" blade, otherwise I would invest in a few more pieces from him.
 
Rainmaker870 said:
Hey Ric!
Check yer mail. :)
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Hey Man,
That address is no good any more. ................................
Blade forums won't let me update with a hotmail account. Later.

It's good to hear from you.

Ric
 
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