Early last week I sent my fellow Mississippian Jim Burke an email asking if he was going to be at the gun show this weekend. He replied that he wasnt going to have a booth but would meet me there if I wanted to see some of his work. I agreed.
Well, let me just say I was overwhelmed. I hesitate to even mention his knives b/c he already has a four month delivery time and I really want one. Anyway, I said I would and I want others to know about them. And they are a great value.
Im interested in folders. I appreciate fixed blades but they dont do anything for me like folders. Jims folders are incredible. His knives are light and strong, the fit and finish are superb as well. Jim told me that he can make any knife in a monolock (framelock) configuration and his website shows the many options he offers regarding steel, scales, etc. He can also make them to your size specifications. I asked about getting his newest model (forgot the name) w/o the carbon fibers scales and he said that would be no problem, hed just use slightly beefier titanium handles. This will make the knife super thin. He also said he could alter the pocket clip for low ride, discrete carry.
Getting back to the lock, Jim said the monolock had been radiused such that it would not fail even if improperly engaged, which it did perfectly. The frame fully supported the blade just a little left of center and was nowhere near the opposite frame like on lesser knives. I have full faith in Jims lock. Maybe Jim will explain the physics.
The fit of the scales was perfect and they had been expertly machined like the rest of the knife. The blade is full of belly and will make a great user. All fasteners were slightly recessed and complimented the knife well.
Summary: the knives are fantastic and dollar for dollar one of the absolute best deals out there. Jim is a great guy who is willing to make the knife how you want it. He has lots of options and executes everything well. Although built to be workers, these knives look good too. In fact, the only criticism I can muster is that I thought the carbon fiber scales were a little too thick for my tastes.
here are the two folders i got to see:
Im thinking about the following knife:
3.25 blade of S30V
monolock
lanyard hole
tip down carry
shorter and fatter clip which rides as low as possible
single thumbstud
heres where im undecided: should I get thin micarta scales or go w/o? im interested in a very thin knife but dont want to forsake grip and aesthetics to do it. What do you think?
Well, let me just say I was overwhelmed. I hesitate to even mention his knives b/c he already has a four month delivery time and I really want one. Anyway, I said I would and I want others to know about them. And they are a great value.
Im interested in folders. I appreciate fixed blades but they dont do anything for me like folders. Jims folders are incredible. His knives are light and strong, the fit and finish are superb as well. Jim told me that he can make any knife in a monolock (framelock) configuration and his website shows the many options he offers regarding steel, scales, etc. He can also make them to your size specifications. I asked about getting his newest model (forgot the name) w/o the carbon fibers scales and he said that would be no problem, hed just use slightly beefier titanium handles. This will make the knife super thin. He also said he could alter the pocket clip for low ride, discrete carry.
Getting back to the lock, Jim said the monolock had been radiused such that it would not fail even if improperly engaged, which it did perfectly. The frame fully supported the blade just a little left of center and was nowhere near the opposite frame like on lesser knives. I have full faith in Jims lock. Maybe Jim will explain the physics.
The fit of the scales was perfect and they had been expertly machined like the rest of the knife. The blade is full of belly and will make a great user. All fasteners were slightly recessed and complimented the knife well.
Summary: the knives are fantastic and dollar for dollar one of the absolute best deals out there. Jim is a great guy who is willing to make the knife how you want it. He has lots of options and executes everything well. Although built to be workers, these knives look good too. In fact, the only criticism I can muster is that I thought the carbon fiber scales were a little too thick for my tastes.
here are the two folders i got to see:
Im thinking about the following knife:
3.25 blade of S30V
monolock
lanyard hole
tip down carry
shorter and fatter clip which rides as low as possible
single thumbstud
heres where im undecided: should I get thin micarta scales or go w/o? im interested in a very thin knife but dont want to forsake grip and aesthetics to do it. What do you think?
My Jim Burke knife is to be sent to me around the first of June