I also posted this in the Reviews forum but thought some of y'all might also want to see it.
This is not a new knife so the review is untimely in that respect. However, the review is the result of extensive testing and experience so hopefully that will make up for the delay.
I've had this knife for several years. I can't remember exactly how many, perhaps 7 or so (at least 5). During that time, it has been my most consistently carried and used knife. It is and continues to be my EDC apart from work. Even today, after years on this board, it is preferred over everything else in my stable. I have recommended it countless times and continue to do so.
For those not familiar with the knife, it is a titanium handled framelock with a S30V blade. The knife is very light for its size (about 3" blade) due to both the Ti handles and many lightening holes drilled throughout the handles. Fit and finish is nearly perfect on my model. The closest complaint I could register is that the grind lines are not perfectly even, but the difference is so minuscule that I'm not going to fault the knife. The blade is not "perfectly" centered but 1) this is easily fixed, 2) could be the result of my own tinkering over the years, and 3) I'm not particular enough to care. Lockup is worry-free. The lock travel is about 25%, even after all this use. The detent is just right - not too strong, not too weak. In the time of ownership I've had one situation where the lock seemed to fail, but I firmly believe that was my error and not the knife's. Most likely I simply stopped at the detent.
The blade is a wonderful, useful shape. The S30V maintains a good edge. I have had no corrosion or chipping issues. The hole opener is a useful shape, albeit second to Spyderco's hole for efficiency. However, the knife does not have the pronounced hump to accommodate that larger hole, which allows the knife to have a slimmer profile. I have no complaints about opening. It is, IMO, much better than a thumb stud. I hate thumb studs so YMMV.
The clip is Ti, secured by two screws. It came tight and has stayed that way. It is the most secure pocket clip I have and I have no complaints. It carries low but is not difficult to grasp out of a pocket. I like low, discrete carry knives and wish a "waterfall" clip were available but not so much I'm willing to have one custom made.
The one thing about this knife I did not like is the horns on the handle, just before the blade. Yes, they are practical and help you keep your purchase on the knife. However, I found the horn on the front (lock) side to hurt my hand when I went into my front right pocket for my keys. 10 minutes with a dremel solved that problem. I left the horn on the rear as it is a good place for my thumb. It does not get in the way.
Overall I rate this knife as a 10 out of 10. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in a knife of this genre (Ti, framelock, S30V). The competition is stiff (CRK Sebezena, Spyderco Sage II, Bradley Alias II) but the Buck Mayo TNT holds its own.
I remarked to my wife the other night a little disappointment with the knife. Our conversation went like this: me: "You know, I'm going to have to give one of the boys this knife. It shows no signs of wearing out." Her: "Why would you want it to wear out?" Me: "Well, I like it so much, what other excuse am I ever going to have to buy another knife?" Her: "Like you've ever needed an excuse."
This is not a new knife so the review is untimely in that respect. However, the review is the result of extensive testing and experience so hopefully that will make up for the delay.
I've had this knife for several years. I can't remember exactly how many, perhaps 7 or so (at least 5). During that time, it has been my most consistently carried and used knife. It is and continues to be my EDC apart from work. Even today, after years on this board, it is preferred over everything else in my stable. I have recommended it countless times and continue to do so.
For those not familiar with the knife, it is a titanium handled framelock with a S30V blade. The knife is very light for its size (about 3" blade) due to both the Ti handles and many lightening holes drilled throughout the handles. Fit and finish is nearly perfect on my model. The closest complaint I could register is that the grind lines are not perfectly even, but the difference is so minuscule that I'm not going to fault the knife. The blade is not "perfectly" centered but 1) this is easily fixed, 2) could be the result of my own tinkering over the years, and 3) I'm not particular enough to care. Lockup is worry-free. The lock travel is about 25%, even after all this use. The detent is just right - not too strong, not too weak. In the time of ownership I've had one situation where the lock seemed to fail, but I firmly believe that was my error and not the knife's. Most likely I simply stopped at the detent.
The blade is a wonderful, useful shape. The S30V maintains a good edge. I have had no corrosion or chipping issues. The hole opener is a useful shape, albeit second to Spyderco's hole for efficiency. However, the knife does not have the pronounced hump to accommodate that larger hole, which allows the knife to have a slimmer profile. I have no complaints about opening. It is, IMO, much better than a thumb stud. I hate thumb studs so YMMV.
The clip is Ti, secured by two screws. It came tight and has stayed that way. It is the most secure pocket clip I have and I have no complaints. It carries low but is not difficult to grasp out of a pocket. I like low, discrete carry knives and wish a "waterfall" clip were available but not so much I'm willing to have one custom made.
The one thing about this knife I did not like is the horns on the handle, just before the blade. Yes, they are practical and help you keep your purchase on the knife. However, I found the horn on the front (lock) side to hurt my hand when I went into my front right pocket for my keys. 10 minutes with a dremel solved that problem. I left the horn on the rear as it is a good place for my thumb. It does not get in the way.
Overall I rate this knife as a 10 out of 10. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone interested in a knife of this genre (Ti, framelock, S30V). The competition is stiff (CRK Sebezena, Spyderco Sage II, Bradley Alias II) but the Buck Mayo TNT holds its own.
I remarked to my wife the other night a little disappointment with the knife. Our conversation went like this: me: "You know, I'm going to have to give one of the boys this knife. It shows no signs of wearing out." Her: "Why would you want it to wear out?" Me: "Well, I like it so much, what other excuse am I ever going to have to buy another knife?" Her: "Like you've ever needed an excuse."
