Brian Tighe

ARtsig1 · Nov 3, 2002

Have not seen his name mentioned lately. I have a knife coming from Les, a Tighe-Phoon/Vanguard, and it will be my first Tighe. Seems like I've read a lot of good things about this maker. If I remember correctly he is noted for his precision and for excellent fit and finish. I think the Tighe-Phoon is a little heavier duty than he normally builds, but not real sure on that. I do know I really like the shape of the handle and the flipper on the back that becomes a lower handguard when the blade is opened. I guess I can't go wrong because I have yet to see a Vanguard knife from Les Robertson that wasn't anything but the makers top work and built to take it!

Looking for opinions, testimonies, and whatever else you can supply!

brandon · Nov 3, 2002

Art,
Brian Tighe makes really nice knives, and the Tighe-Phoon is one of his best in my opinion. I sold one a while back to fund a TNT purchase, but if money were no object I would have definitely kept it. Fit and finish on all of his knives that I have seen is first rate.

ARtsig1 · Nov 4, 2002

Thanks for the response Brandon. I figured it would have to be close to being the best work of the maker for it to make the Vanguard series. I have really been pleased with the knives from this line. They have all been "heavy duty" knives and their builds have reflected that and THAT is what I like!

Btw, are you coming to the W-S gun/knife show on Saturday?

yitz · Nov 4, 2002

Tighe makes beautifully styled, solid, and smooth operating knives. He also gives great service and stands behind his work. I bought an older model from a third party and it needed some work. He refinished it at no charge. Nice guy to work with.

TomW · Nov 4, 2002

Art
Enjoy the knife
Other than being able to buy it in person and eliminate the wait you couldn't have done better.

brandon · Nov 4, 2002

Art I will be there on Saturday, and Im bringing Michael with me. Between the two of us we will have a bunch of new TNT's for the gang to check out.

carlchang · Nov 4, 2002

I got my Tighe-Phoon from Robertson yesterday .
It really a good knife .
Good finish, fit and smooth.
I have three Vanguard from Les : DDR's EDC talonite, Lightfoot Hellfire, and Tighe-Phoon.
With three knives and other knives from Les, I believe that Tighe-Phoon is really as Les said "This knife is meant for serious use"!
My Tighe-Phoon

Les Robertson · Nov 4, 2002

Brian is an extremely gifted knife maker.

To date the Tighe-Phoon is the largest folder Brian has made. Also, his first flipper. As will all of Brian's knives I was very pleased with the result.

Brian's popularity has been gaining rapidly here in the US for the last few years. I

I considered him to be one of the best "Tactical" folder makers in the world.

ARtsig1 · Nov 4, 2002

.....thanks for the great pics. I'm glad you had the J.W. Smith framelocker to get some idea of the size of the Tighe-Phoon. I've had the framelocker and know its size and the Tighe-Phoon looks to be quite a bit larger and thicker. The bolsters look very thick. The handle shape is what I think I like best about the Tighe-Phoon. It looks like it will fit my hand like a glove. I also like the blade shape although it is a little different looking, at least to me. This will also be my third Vanguard folder and what I have found out about the Vanguard series is that the knives are stouter than the pictures present them to be. I have the Carson E&E and without a doubt my favorite Carson knife. The Revolution by J.W. Smith just has to be seen. Les, it is the biggest! Not by much though.

As tough as the series is I can't imagine what the Tighe-Phoon must be since it is the ONLY one that les has said "it is built for serious use" about. I guess I will by this time tomorrow! Thanks for all the responses. Brandon I am looking forward to seeing those TNT's once again and what you've added. Les, thank you for being such a great designer and for bringing such OUTSTANDING knives to the marketplace. I can't wait to se what you do next!