Arlee Niemi Megaladon

Joined
Nov 4, 2002
Messages
1,091
Folks. I just got a new custom recently and wanted to do my first review about it. I would appreciate your audience. I was very excited about this knife and after reading the many glowing reviews I wanted to see what the real deal was. The knife is the Arlee Niemi Megaladon. You can see his knife at www.centerlocknives.net The website gives you a very good idea of what the knife looks like and how it functions. Pricing is, also, located there. Mr. Niemi was very congenial to talk to and his down to earth nature was refreshing when I called him to order the knife.

Let me qualify by saying I am a layman knife collector and user. My knife related background is by and large Filipino martial arts and my experience with knives is mostly hiking and camping use with a little urban EDC thrown in. Most of the knives used in my martial arts are trainers. I am not an engineer or metallurgist. Observations of this particular knife were, also, gleaned from associates who I have shown it to. I thank them for the feedback that helped contribute to this review.

I would like to state that I am partial to fixed blades, and not folders, so that is my personal preference. I think folders have their place although I prefer to rely on the durability of a fixed blade if I have a choice. The Megaladon interested me since it claims to be as solid as a fixed blade when locked open. I was particularly intrigued by its proprietary patented locking mechanism. The review I will present will be more subjective than scientific.

I ordered the knife and the package came in the mail in a nicely stained mahogany box. I would have to say it was beautiful and that special touch really surprised me with the quality of the presentation. A sheath was packaged with the knife for EDC, which was an added bonus. Included was an accompanying letter describing all sorts of errata from it's inception, to technical specs, instructions how to operate the knife, etc.

The specifications of the knife are as follows from the letter. This knife not only looks different. It is different. It is made entirely from CPM S30V stainless steel. The scales are G10 and the screws are stainless steel. The blade is R.C. 59 and cryo tempered. The spring side is R.C. 50. The side opposite the spring side is R.C. 59. The blade starts from 0.275 inch thick stock and is milled down to 0.125 everywhere except the stub for the lock that is left 0.250 thick (0.125) higher than the blade. The spring side has a pocket that fits the blade stub to lock the knife open and closed. When you work the level, the cam contacts the 440c ball bearing and forces the two 0.125 liners apart enough to let the blade (rotate open or closed).

Some additional specs are as follows. Blade length is approximately 3.5 inches. Handle length is approximately 5 inches. Handle width is approximately 0.5 inches.

The knife is an automatic. No doubt about it. Once it was in my hands, I noticed that it is very solid and heavy feeling for a folder. The knife definitely takes a knack to open and Mr. Niemi describes exactly how this is done in the instructions of his letter. It takes some practice since the mechanism is extremely strong and tight. It is not easy at all unless you have significant strength and stamina in the thumb. It definitely was not easy for me and took getting used to. I loved the satisfaction of opening the knife being rewarded with an audible "clack". Closing the knife, one has to be somewhat deft and careful. The locking lever modulated the friction. Again, discretionary use of pressure with the thumb was prudent. I found it best to spread apart the slabs and fold in the blade. Again, there is a thunk when locking up the knife, which was very re-assuring.

Looking at the actual locking mechanism, it is both simple and complex. I don't profess to understand it and do not have an adequate knowledge to describe the mechanical engineering design around it. The basic principle is that when the slabs are spread apart, the blade pops open from the spring and rotates into place, the innards between the slabs and the blade mate and clamp to each other, and the slabs close. Tension of the slabs clamping on the blade is modulated by progressive tension of the thumb on the lever. As well, the tensile strength of the metal liners, attached together at the butt end of the knife, serves to be the pivot point facilitating the spreading apart and closing of the slabs. There are all kinds things happening between the slabs that I don't dare fathom, although the action is smooth, flawless, and exceptional. The premise of the knife is that the harder you grip, the more reinforced the blade is in the open position.

The knife's G10 scales are finished very conservatively and nicely. Grip pattern is not harsh at all, with more than enough adequate grab. It is a nice balance between tactile feel and comfort. Despite the very simple configuration of the handle slab profiles, it is surprisingly comfortable to grip and feels easy in the hand. Certain grip configurations were optimized for deployment and application. It is worthwhile mentioning that the knife was meant for hunter, skinner, and fishing. The grip and blade positioning seemed to facilitate this, especially with the divot shape on the handle near the base of the blade.

The liners and blade are all S30V. Blade configuration is very typical hunter style. It is slightly upswept at the tip and there is a lot of useable belly. It could serve to be just as effective at stabbing or slashing. The blade is nothing radical and is based on what is tried and true with most small skinners I have come across. The edge grind is very high although I do not think it would compromise the strength or durability of the edge based on what I saw of the thickness of the blade.

One aspect of this knife that I cannot stress enough is how solid and heavy it feels. Overall, finish is excellent and I could easily mistake it for an extremely high priced premium production collectable folder, if I didn't know the source from which it came. The maker devoted a year to the project and it is the first design that he has produced. Another nice touch worth noting is the addition of a ruby on the button of the blade. It serves to accentuate its simple form and function by personalizing it. I think that in its outdoor focused role, it would have been nice to have a lanyard hole of some type or a pocket clip. I would find it difficult to use the knife in the outdoors, since it is collector's quality and one of a kind, although that was the prime intent. For tactical purposes, it would take some practice to deploy it, although, it would probably do fine in that role too.

I observed comments and actions by various people who I let handle the knife. Most of the people had a collecting, martial, or tactical background. Some indicated that the knife deployed easier once one got used to the locking mechanism for repeated openings and closings. Others mentioned that the mechanism seemed overly complicated to use. For martial and tactical purposes, it seemed optimal to hold it in a saber grip with the blade edge facing up. The inner mechanism may have been susceptible to oxidation because of it being roughly finished. A little cleaner and lube might help to keep the knife in excellent shape with very little maintenance. Most comments were quite positive and the balance of the knife seemed to meet with the approval of the handling audience. An inquiry into pricing seemed to indicate that there was quite a bit of interest and was not considered an unreasonable cost for the extraordinary quality of the knife.

Some advantages of the knife stated in the letter were as follows. Open design is easy to clean. The lock is impervious to dirt or debris (unless held in a half open position). *just a note, this has been tested by another purchaser and been shown that it was not so - it still functioned flawlessly!* The knife will not open in your pocket. The tighter you hold the knife, the better the lock holds. The lockup is rock solid (no play at all). The locking parts are tapered to adjust for wear, for long life.

I found that when I locked open the knife, vertical play was a non - issue. There wasn't any. As for lateral play on the blade, I could not find any. Mind you, it was using a just hand pressure although on other folders I found this to cause me dismay with the same basic test, yielding negative results. I do not know how well the knife would pry although I would hazard a guess. I feel that the attempt would yield some interesting and surprising results. I speculate that the blade would break before any serious bending or prying with the knife could damage the locking mechanism and cause it to fail.

I am excited to see what other knives Mr. Niemi comes out with. It would be interesting to see a folder without the auto feature using the same locking mechanism. Perhaps he might come out with something in a tactical role. For a first knife, it is an excellent job. Please let the maker know where you read the review of his knife and what your thoughts are. I am sure he would appreciate it. Thank you for your attention.

Richard OC
 
Nice review Schmoop, I know you were anxiously waitnig for this knife. I'm glad you got it.
 
Thanks for the review! One thing I probably pointed out in my review of the Megaladon ... I usually wince when someone gushes about how "overbuilt" their knife is, as if being overbuilt is sufficient to make a knife great. In the case of the Megaladon, at least in theory it may be the strongest folder I've ever laid eyes on -- huge thick S30V liners, and a huge thick locking lug that is integral with the blade (!!!!), and a locking mechanism that reinforces the lockup when you squeeze the knife harder (without overly tightening the lock ala the framelock). However, it's coupled with a blade that has an absolutely expert sharpening job and a blade profile meant to cut. I like to tease my friends who have big overbuilt folders from the usual suspects that not only is the Megaladon stronger, but it not only easily outcuts their overbuilt overly-thick-bladed knives, but also outcuts the rest of their collection as well :)

There are always tradeoffs, of course. The Megaladon is very heavy. It's an automatic, so the vast majority of people can't carry it. The opening mechanism definitely takes some getting used to. Trailing point isn't exactly my fave blade profile.

But, the thing is definitely a unique piece that should be commanding more than what A.R. is asking for it, and whose overall strength and reliability should be unmatched, even as it delivers impressive cutting performance.

Joe
 
Thnaks for your review to encourage me to buy the knife, Joe. I love it. The tradeoffs, to me, are postives if I look at it this way. Yes - it is heavy. Although, for me, it is worth it for contributing to the strength integrity of the lock as well as the overall knife. I felt the weight was comparable to a compact fixed blade hunter. Yes - it is an automatic. I know Arlee meant for it to be the ultimate hunter / skinner / fishing knife. I concur with him in that if I took out a bear, deer, or salmon I am sure no LEO would object to me using it in the rugged ( i.e. isolated styx ) outdoors to do it. I don't know if a park ranger would take exception to me attacking ( i.e. defending myself ) wildlife with such a knife, though. The opening mechanism is a given for the unique kind of knife it is. I love the the trailing point. It reminds me of an eskimo or indian knife, but more high tech. I agree it is a remarkable knife. I think it's idiosyncrisies makes it even more charming. I am suprised it doesn't command more than what Arlee is asking for it, also. And there is only thirty three of them out there which makes it even more special. I wish Arlee further success and I am looking forward to what other innovations he might come out with. Glad to get affirmation from you that you think his knife rocks like I think it rocks. Let's see if anybody else recognizes his talent like we do. I am sure Arlee needs all the help he can get.

Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
Thanks for the review! One thing I probably pointed out in my review of the Megaladon ... I usually wince when someone gushes about how "overbuilt" their knife is, as if being overbuilt is sufficient to make a knife great. In the case of the Megaladon, at least in theory it may be the strongest folder I've ever laid eyes on -- huge thick S30V liners, and a huge thick locking lug that is integral with the blade (!!!!), and a locking mechanism that reinforces the lockup when you squeeze the knife harder (without overly tightening the lock ala the framelock). However, it's coupled with a blade that has an absolutely expert sharpening job and a blade profile meant to cut. I like to tease my friends who have big overbuilt folders from the usual suspects that not only is the Megaladon stronger, but it not only easily outcuts their overbuilt overly-thick-bladed knives, but also outcuts the rest of their collection as well :)

There are always tradeoffs, of course. The Megaladon is very heavy. It's an automatic, so the vast majority of people can't carry it. The opening mechanism definitely takes some getting used to. Trailing point isn't exactly my fave blade profile.

But, the thing is definitely a unique piece that should be commanding more than what A.R. is asking for it, and whose overall strength and reliability should be unmatched, even as it delivers impressive cutting performance.

Joe
 
shmoopiebear :

It would be interesting to see a folder without the auto feature using the same locking mechanism.

Yes, the legal issues would prevent many from using it. As Joe noted, the combination of cutting ability plus lock functinality are very high.

-Cliff
 
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