Choosing betw these two customs, Duncan & Obenauf >>

patrickb

patrickb

Joined
Dec 29, 2003
Messages
339
If you could own a Duncan Whiplash folder or an Obenauf Model 2 folder, which would you choose and why? For sake of comparison, lets say price isn't an issue and both knives have carbon fiber scales, ti liners and ti bolsters. Duncan's model has a BG-42 blade while the Obenauf is S30V. I'd like to compare items like fit and finish, quality of materials and workmanship, etc. Which is the smoother opener? Which has the more solid lockup? Those sorts of things. Look forward to your opinion.

Whiplash photo courtesy of classicgunsandknives.com:

da3.jpg



Obenauf photo courtesy of Megalobyte's fantastic site: This is the Model 1 which is larger than the Model 2, but it's the only cf obenauf I could find online quickly and include it here for sake of quick reference.

Obie%20M1%20CF%20Clsd%20Text.jpg


Thanks and look forward to your opinion.
 
I've never seen or handled either but I think the Obernauf looks nicer, maybe it's just the photography :)
 
First, I'd like to say you have 2 excellent choices here.

I have handled several duncans. All the ones i have handled locked up well and had great fit and finish. Brad is a good knifemaker and a pretty cool guy to talk with. I met him at Blade a couple of times, really nice guy. I have never owned or used one, so i can't really comment on the long term issues.

I currently own 2 Obenaufs and have another on order with Mike. I have a large Model2 and a Model3. My Model 2, since this is the one you are looking at, is an amazing knife. The fit and finish are amazing. The knife is smooth and has an excellent feel in the hand. Lock up was dead nuts on. It feels great in the hand and carries well.

For me, I chose the model 2. I simply liked the design better then the whiplash. Also, I have gotten to know Mike O personally and he is a great guy. I'll definately buy more of his knives based on the friendship alone.

I think in the situation you present her, you should pick the design that appeals to you the most. With these 2 makers, you definately can't go wrong either way. Both will be amazingly solid and reliable and both gentlemen will stand behind their products.

JR
 
i'd probably get the obenauf. if you ever get a duncan, make it an aftershock in s30v. that flipper is in a class by itself.
 
ditto what stjames said. if you want a manual with a roller bearing pivot i'd suggest chew or davidson.
 
Obie all the way. If you want solid lockup and a great looking working folder -- Mike Obenauf. Plus...he is easy to deal with and will give you great service for years to come on that folder.

Not much on Duncans...looks don't flow like the Obie and lockup not quite as solid. Don't know much about his service.

JT
 
I've had several Obenauf's and never could find anything wrong with them! All had great lockup, great fit and finish, and great design. You can't go wrong with one of these. That said I had a Duncan also and really liked it. The pivot system he has is as smooth as glass. With that said I just made a trade for a Duncan Aftershock!!:D :cool: :)
 
I have several of Duncan's work: Whiplash, Frame Lock and an Aftershock. Also have an Obenauf Model 2.

I don't think that you can go wrong with either ! The Whiplash and Model 2 are definitely different knives. . .and IMO. . .is an issue of "personal" taste.

Both makers produce superb knives that come with an awesome fit and finish. . .not to mention that both provide excellent customer support after purchase.
 
I'v ehandles both, never bought either but I like how the top corner of the blade on the Obenauf is hidden by the bolster. It sticks out on the Duncan. The handle Design also looks more ergonomic on the Obenauf.
 
If you just had the pics to make your decision than the Obenauf is a better designed knife, because of the way the bolster covers the back of the blade. I've met and handled several of Brad's knives and they're very nicely made. I know Mike a lot better because of Kit.

I don't own a knife from either maker, but I'm starting to think I need to give Mike some stag to make me a #1. Maybe when I see him a Blade. Hmmmmmm, I wonder if Kristi would be interested in engraving the bolsters for me. ;)
 
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