Architect AK3 first impressions

kod

Joined
Oct 2, 2023
Messages
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usf29RZ.jpeg


Full imgur gallery with 45 photos of comparisons to mora companion, various grips, measurements, weights, etc.

This is the kind of knife more manufacturers should be making:
thin (.093 spine, about .018 BTE)
neutral handle with enough room for a solid 4 finger grip (my hands are size L / US 10 in Mechanix gloves)
fairly light (130g with scales and hardware, 175g total with sheath)
good steel, white river has been doing magnacut on enough knives at this point that one hopes they've got it figured out
saber grind, smooth transition from bevel to ricasso.
works well in most grips (hammer, chest lever, icepick etc). saber grip puts the butt of the knfe in the palm of my hand, but the coke bottle shape is subtle enough that it's not uncomfortable. there aren't divots in the scales or much room for pinch grip, but finger along spine works well.
sheath retention is good and it fits completely in a pocket.

Only minor things I've noticed are:
the sides of the jimping aren't chamfered - the top is fine, but if you run your finger along the 90 degree corner it's noticeable.
the inside lip of the kydex could also stand to be rounded; could just be the scale colors but it already left a kydex mark on the finger guard after inserting it twice.
the top of the spine is a little bit proud of the scales, but you can't really feel it in hand.

I'd rather have micarta than g10 so I may hold off on using this one until either micarta scales are back in stock or I find someone willing to swap scales. Otherwise I think it's a keeper.
 
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