JKM - please see
http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/002529.html to appreciate my tongue in cheek reference re: thumb studs.
I work as a craftsman in a trade were complex and time consuming tasks from a vast and diverse group of individuals have to come together and coordinate in a precise manner in order to produce the desired results. The cost of this undertaking is enormous, and even when every performance of every show sells out at what most would consider to be exorbitant prices, the organization still has to rely on the generosity of the community to continue to survive. It survives because there is a certain portion of society that considers Opera to be a necessary part of their lives, and even if they do not fully understand all that is involved in producing it, will do what is in their power to support its existence.
As a craftsman, I appreciate the time and effort that has to go into the making of custom and high-end production knives. I also appreciate the beauty and elegance of the simple yet brilliant lock design that Mr. Reeve introduced to the world of folding knives, one that is still the standard and that after many years in use has only recently been copied with any success by the major knife manufacturers. And the lock and its truly bank vault fitting are only the strongest example of the high quality of these products. The handle is smooth and clean, as I said, elegant, and both the large and small versions somehow fit my hand perfectly. The blade style is also without fault, simple yet rugged and constructed from the best materials available. The unique and attractive handle decorations offered and the availability of high quality engraving are only some of the many fine options available, as Chris Reeve Knives offers many practical accessories for his knives, from the excellent leather belt and slip pouches to the recent addition (my personal favorite) of a recess insert for those of us that prefer to carry our knives without a clip. And name one other knife maker who can (or will) take one of his used and abused pieces and restore it to show room quality the way that CRK can (and does). When you spend your $300.00+ on this blade you can be sure of at least one thing; you have the best customer service and one of the best names in the business willing to stand behind their products
for life.
When I consider all this and the actual joy, pleasure and reliable use and service that I receive from my Sebenzas and Umfaans, I feel that I have received a bargain. If I add the fact that my wife
loves my Umfaan so much that she has taken possession of it, and her attitude towards my knife collection has turned practically positive ever since, and they have provided a service that is invaluable. Probably saved me thousands on counseling in the future with that one purchase. Thanks Anne & Chris and all at CRK.
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James