Bob Lum Folding Tanto

B

bls

Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
128
Hey, folks. Anybody have this interesting looking knife?

Has the liner lock been reliable? Anyone know how it compares in terms of its design and strength to the liner lock on the Military?

I'm also not familiar with the properties of the blade steel (I think it's ATS 55), and I can't find any info regarding the black coating.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
bls
 
Yep I got the LUM in CE black coating.
The blade steel is VG10, full liners on both side, very tough folder...
the black coating seems to hold well but I've not used it so much for now as it sits in my "spyderco drawer". :)
 
Thanks, Senate. Do you know anyone that still has these in VG10? (New Graham is listing it as ATS55.)

Regards,
bls
 
sorry BLS I really don't know, I bought mine at a local here in Paris and I've searched my usual online store they're all out of stock of the ATS-55 version. I didn't even know they changed the steel until you mentionned it. Watch eBay, sometimes one shows up...
If you can't wait go for the military or even better the manix, they're both designed for hard work.
 
I have one too, black coating, SE, VG10.

Lock strength: it has dual SS liners, unlike the Military, so for me it's a more resistant knife. It's built like a tank, plenty of strength for EDC use.

Black coating: one of the two weak points of this model. It is easily marked, though it doesn't wear off completely. The other weak point is, for me, the grip shape. It is usable, but not very comfortable or secure.

The blade shape is great for piercing (full blade thickness right to the tip) and surprisingly usable for cutting, for a tanto blade (much more than EKI tantos).

Overall, a great looking and very strong knife. It is my EDC for the moment

take care

TJ
 
Thanks, xarvas. I was wondering about the unconventional looking grip. I would have expected it to be relatively secure, though, if not particularly comfortable.

Regards,
bls
 
bls, we have the Black Lum folder in both VG-10 and ATS 55. If you are still interested, just specify VG-10 when ordering.
Regards, Mike
 
Thanks, Michael.

Would you happen to have one in VG10 without a coated blade?
 
Of the handfull of spyderco knives I own, this one is my absolute favourite. I've got a plain edge black vg10, and it almost always ends up as my edc. I also managed to nab a titanium handled limited edition off of ebay, but it stays at home and looks pretty :) .

I do have one question to other lum tanto owners; how do you go about sharpening the tip? That appleseed grind is worth preserving, I don't want to mess it up by using an incorrect technique.
 
This one is a beauty, tremendous power under sexy outlooking. But I have never been a big fan of linear style locks.
 
Guys, what's the consensus on the grip? xarvas doesn't seem terribly impressed with it.
 
I have a numbered titanium-handled model and it's my favorite Spyderco of all time. lreed is right in that it's strength and beauty in one elegant package. Despite the size, I consider it to be something of a gentleman's folder. Quite appropriate for office carry.
 
I should have phrased it differently.
The grip is not comfortable or secure compared to my other EDCs, like the Gunting. Due to the rather rectangular shape of the grip it is possible (though unlikely) to twist the knife out of my hand. It is however usable.

Few more observations:
- the knife is beautiful, sor I can live with the less than naturel grip;
- it is, for me, too large and "tactical" to be an "office" knife;
- as I said before, this knife is very well built and tough. The liner lock is thick and made of steel, it inspires confidence;
- the Lum folding tanto works very well as a pocket stick.

It is still my primary EDC (probably to be replaced by the Yojimbo next week, when I'll finally receive it...)

take care

TJ
 
I once had the ti version. very nice. regret selling it. should've kept it, flame coloured the scales, then fine ceramic bead blast the scales for a smooth finish. After sharpening the hamaguriba tip and adding a swedge ala the custom lum version.

nice knife.
 
For me, the handle is fairly comfortable, but I have grotesquely large paws. My brother's Merlin disappears in my hands and feels too small. If you can, try and get a hold of one in person, as nobody can really say what you find best for yourself.
 
I just found a picture of the titanium handled version on the web, and WOW, it really is beautiful.
 
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