Bradshaw Browning "Mastersmith Collection" folder

cpirtle

cpirtle

Leathercrafter
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 28, 2001
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Have you guys seen THIS yet? Looks like a nice knife.

AG has them listed as having 440c blades which is good, but they also list them as being a liner lock when clearly they're a lock back. So I'm not 100% sure what steel the blade is since the Browning web page does not list it.

I like the blade shape regardless so I have one ordered, should be here Tuesday.

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Let us know how it does. That's a beaut. I've had a few Brownings, and they were all nice knives. Nice pick up.
 
Please let us know what you think about it - I spotted it a couple days ago on AG Russell and like the looks of it.
 
Most if not all Browning knives are either AUS8 or 440C, so it is likely that AG is correct in his description. That one is real beauty.:thumbup:
 
Chad,
Bailey told me the knife will be a linerlock (surprising, since Bailey doesn't make linerlocks). The knife he made for Browning is a lockback, so that may be the knife A. G. has pictured.
Marty
 
That's a shame if it's going to be a liner lock. I have one from Bailey in that pattern (3V and stag, eat your hearts out :p ) and it really deserves to be a lockback (or Bailey's bale lock).
 
I really like this style alot for a single blade folder. 440c is a plus over many
factory steels, but would rather have in a lockback.
Looking forward to what you think of the knife.

Dean
 
I followed cpirtle link to the Browning site and found the other knives in their new Mastersmith Collection. The Bradshaw was the only folder. The others were fixed blades. James Crowell, Jerry Fisk, John Fitch and Joseph Keeslar are the others in the series. Interesting.

"Browning is very proud to present this series of exquisite knives from five top knifemakers. The fixed blade designs will be made in the United States, while the folding models will be manufactured in Germany. Only 500 knives of each design will be made. The second design from each bladesmith will not become available for sale until his first design has been completely sold. This is a unique opportunity to own a magnificent knife designed by America's premier designers. But with only a mere 500 knives of each model available, they will soon be gone."
 
Well, it did not come today, tracking shows tomorrow so we all have to wait ;)

Interesting that Baily said it was a liner lock. I'm still holding out for a lockback though, and here's why...

If you look at the picture on Browning's web page, it's clearly the custom sample they were provided with. Lock back, custom makers mark, pinched bolsters & a lock back.

Then, look at the pictures on AG's web page. Everyone know's AG takes his own pictures so they are of the production piece as evidenced by the Browning/Germany tang stamps, no piched bolsters etc.. But, I see the distinct outline of a lock back in the photo.

So, I'm seriously hoping it's not a liner lock. If it is I'll dump it quick, I'm not one for liner locks.
 
I'm holding out for a lockback too. If it's a linerlock, I'm afraid I'll pass.

-- Dwight
 
Hey, looking at the page on AG's site, I see where you noticed it says that it's a liner lock.
But I also noticed in the specifications box on the right of that page, it shows the lock type as a lockback.
Between that and the picture, I'd bet your gonna be happy when you get it today. :)
 
Okay boys and girls, I got the knife and can say without hesitation - buy one.

It is indeed a lock back, and a damn fine one at that.

Fit is on par with some mid to upper level custom makers. Lockup is rock solid without even a hint of play. Tight fit along the spine, bone and bolsters. Blade is dead centered when closed and exhibits very smooth action.

Finish is very good to excellent. Scotch-Brite finish on all of the steel gives a nice muted look and the bone is nicely blended into the bolsters.

On thing I appreciate is the fact that they did not use brass for the liners. It's refreshing to see a traditional factory knife that does not border on custom pricing with steel liners.

Torx head screws hold the scales on which I appreciate since I tend to be hard on bone. When I break them I can easily swap them out with a custom set.

With only 500 being made if you're at all inclined to own one, I would cough up the money now as they won't be around long. Mine is number 473 of 500.

I can try to take some detailed photos tonight.
 
USPS delivered mine on Saturday.

What Chad said. Mr. Pirtle does a good, concise, comprehensive review. My only real difference is that I got #427. Their 440C reprofiled to a more acute angle without undue effort and finished up with a very nice edge.

Overall, I'm quite pleased. It's well worth the price, but I don't think that I'd want to pay much more for it.
 
Thanks Wray, glad to see you got one and are happy with it. I agree, I would not pay much more but it would take something special to get me to pay much more for any traditional factory knife.

S.P., the bone is nice, but that's about it. Nothing spectacular as bone goes but still nice looking. It's brown with some green highlight's. Mine are slightly different shades on the polished edges but nothing really bad.
 
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