Browning knives

[allenC]

I did a search on "Browning" and did'nt come up with much.
Does anyone have experience or opinions on Browning Knives (especially the Signature Lockbacks or the Featherweight Lockbacks)?
Thanks,
Allen.

 

[Doc4570]

Allen,
I've had the lightweight model 810 for about 15 years.
Good lockup, no blade play.
Fit and finish is pretty good.
I think it's just overshadowed by the Buck 110.
On the plus side, it's about half the weight of a 110.
Not a bad deal for the money.
Doc

 

[Jeff Clark]

I've got a couple of the Signature Lockbacks and they are nice knives. They are intended to be used to cut things not as "tactical" blades to impress people. The blades are thinner than is fashionable in some circles (all the better to cut with). The blade alloy is AUS-8 (this they have admitted under close interrogation--they have been falsely claiming to be using 440C or equivalent steel for years). The AUS-8 alloy is not as wear resistant as 440C, but takes an incredible razor edge. The sharpest knife I own is one of my Brownings. I have used it to shave my face several times and it was not uncomfortable. It didn't come that sharp, I put that edge on it myself. One characteristic with AUS-8 it that it is very fine grained and if you keep working on it you can get it much sharper than most alloys. The drawback is that it will dull faster than 440C or ATS-34.

 

[Danbo]

Not sure if I can agree with the statement that AUS8A will not stay sharp as long as 440C or ATS34. My Spyderco Calypso Jr. with AUS8A blade outcuts any 440C or ATS34 knife I have ever owned. Maybe it is the wickedly thin flat grind, but this sucker just cuts and keeps on cutting!

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Danbo, soul brother of Rambo

 

[RLR]

Had one and liked it well enough. The problem was its 50/50 blade that I learned to hate... just not my thing. I've used it to cut yards of carpet, cardboard and other tough stuff. Tight lock, solid feel and decent blade. Gave it to a newbie to get him started down the right path. Good deal for the money.

RLR

 

[The General]

I have one of the Signiture lockbacks as well the 708 if memory serves. For the money they are fine knives, the steel is ok and they are solid.

Other than that they are nothing special really.

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!