Bob Lum's Chinese Folders

[Ronald Reagan]

I am interested in acquiring one of these knives but I know very little about them or the maker himself.

Can anyone provide insight regarding the Chinese model? How does it compare to other tactical customs such as Terzuola, Lightfoot, Emerson, Crawford?

In your opinion, what is more desirable as a self-defense folder, the Lum Chinese model or a Lightfoot 458 Magnum?

 

[RKnight]

From looking at a picture of the Lum Chinese Chopper (AZCK site) it appears that the shape of the edge, placement of the point, handle shape, the angle of the blade to the handle, and the size of all it, is very similar to the David Boye lockback. And there are others (3" Keith Coleman persian).

This configuration is one of my favorites and overlooked by many for its' innocent appearance.

Held in a reverse grip it can be extremely effective.

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Regards,
Ron Knight

Yeah I'm crazy, but what do you want me to do about it

 

[Ralf]

I own the full size Chinese folder from Bob Lum. It is a beautiful piece of functional art and the result of superior craftsmanship. With its flowing forms it’s an outstanding example of innovative design for handmade folders.

Ok, what sounds like sales pitch here tells you how much I like it. However, I wouldn’t recommend it as a self defense tool. The banana like overall form and big bellied flat ground blade makes for a perfect slashing knife but it has severe disadvantages for stabbing. This has several reasons. Besides the drop point form of the blade it’s even more due to the very smooth handle and the lack of any retention features. Neither blade nor handle have any grooves or cutouts and the handle goes smoothly over into the blade. The only way to keep your hand from slipping onto the blade in a forward thrusting motion is the convex handle form. The back of the handle finds hold in the palm of your hand. This is not enough for a defensive tool. There are better suited designs our there for that purpose. One of the best is the Crawford/Kasper folder (KFF).

See also my posting regarding Lightfoot knives.

Ralf