Atkinson Folder

Santi

Santi

Joined
Sep 12, 2000
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Just got it thru trade. And I'm wondering if it's a custom or semi-custom? As I also saw one for sale in the WTS, and it's quite cheap.

Any more info on this would appreciate.
He got a web-site?
TIA! :)
 
Dick Atkinson has been making knives for a long while, is a member of the U.S. Knifemakers Guild and is a friend.

In my opinion (and I am not going out on a limb here since B.R. Hughs and others have expressed the same :)) he makes one of the best bargains out there as far as a hand-made knife. He is also pretty much a no B.S. type of guy with a great sense of humor.

As to wherether it is custom or not - depends upon your definition. If you want to use a dictionary - no. If you want to go along with the majority of the knife industry - yes. (I can tell you that the knife was not made in a shop by several salaried employees.) Others may feel differently and that is fine, but we just had the NY Custom Knife show over the weekend, so if you use the dictionary definition there were no Custom Knives for sale there. Let's just call it handmade by Dick and no one can argue with us.

(It really does not make a difference, if you like the knife.)Keep in mind that Dick is known to have several models of knives at any given time and you will see many examples of a model if you meet up with him at a show. Each will be a little different.

He introduced a TI framelock a few months ago that I was pretty impressed with.

Here is a recent picture of Dick from Blade
 

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Last I heard he does not have a site. From the picture without knowing the blade steel and if he has any inlays in the handle I think he sells that knife in the 145 to 165 range at shows.
 
I'm with Gus. If you like it, don't worry about the semantics. I got one of his lockback models myself--green linen micarta, bead blasted blade, nice filework, abalone inlay. It's a lockback with a thumbstud, and when it snaps open it just makes me smile. :) Because the micarta is durable, I actually carry this one around as my 'evening' EDC along with keys and coins. It don't make any difference. It looks the same and works flawlessly, and It's not a 'factory' production knife, for whatever that's worth.

Dick has figured out how how to make these quickly and inexpensively, so his costs are low and our price is CHEAP. Probably the best 'handmade' value out there. You got a great knife. Good score. Enjoy it!

Coop
 
I bot one of his lockbacks at a show about 4 years ago and for the money you can't beat it. Fit and finish plus file work all that on a folder I paid under a $100 for. Best knife money I ever spent. You will be happy with it for a long time to come.
Bob
 
Very nice looking knife. From what I have read here it looks like you got a great deal. You can't beat that.
 
Thanks a lot! :)
It's a GREAT knife!!

Yeah, what's custom and what's not is an issue these days. (Same as hand-made? ;) )

So, he got a new TI-framelock?
Can I have his Email address please. :D
 
I am at work at the moment. I will post Dick's email address and phone number when I get home this evening (unless someone else has it.)
 
When I stopped selling at gun and knife shows several years ago, I retained over 100 folding knives both custom and production. This allows me to carry a wide range of knives. Up until two months ago, my usual carry was a Crawford or one of three Chris Reeve sebenzas. Since I obtained the Atkinson folder in the attached scan, IT has become my everyday carry. For value and performance, I give it my highest recommendation. I have been looking for a Atkinson web site to let him know how much I enjoy his product. This forum may be another way to let him know my feelings. :)
Bubba
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=314358&a=4192287&p=53082646&f=0
 
Hey BubbaBlades, what are the measurements of that knife you have?

Bladeart has them in stock for 119 and I may get one but they don't have the specs listed.

Are the liners fairly thick?

Never seen one of his knives but for the money it'd be hard to go wrong I think..
 
cpirtle,
The blade on my Atkinson is 2.4". The overall length opened is 5.7". The extreme thickness is .2". All metal on the handle is very thin (about the thickness of two business cards). If you like small and light weight, this may be the knife for you.
Bubba
 
If you are looking for something more substantial Dick makes them and they run a few dollars more 140.00 to 180.00. I have one of his lock-backs that i have used for years. It still exhibits no blade play that I can detect and lockup is solid. I have handled, but not used his liner and frame locks and feel they will also stand up accordingly.
 
Thanks for the info guys, I think it will be too small for me, like the Umfaan..


I was looking at them at Knives USA (where the picture is from) and I like it a little better since it is more substantial. Also seems like a real bargain at this price.

Doink:eek: I just scrolled up and realized it's the same folder the thread is about, cool:cool:
 
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