Cleaver Folders

[kkeifer]

I'd be looking at that Spyderco/Pachenko collaboration at that price point ($166 preorder from KnifeCenter). You'll be spending 4X to get a custom like the Trouble Blades or Kingdom...but, yes, they are superb knives.

Only problem with the spyderco collab is that it's been on pre order for what seems like a year... Sal said it had quality issues in the spyderco forums

 

[SharpJax]

Only problem with the spyderco collab is that it's been on pre order for what seems like a year... Sal said it had quality issues in the spyderco forums

Ah, you seem to know more about it than I do. Well, the ADV Butcher and Mini-Butcher would be the other one I recommend with hands-on experience (great knife with high level of fit and finish). You might get lucky and find a used one for a bargain. There are some folks in these forums who have had issues dealing with Andre directly. No experience there. I take stuff I read on the Internet with more than just a grain of salt. His knives are available through a handful of retailers and the used market, on occasion. Don't know if you'll find one for $200 though. Can't really think of other cleaver folder designs that are in the mid-tech and production world that have caught my attention, but would be interested to hear of any others too.

 

[G. Scott H.]

Just so bada$$ that I can overlook some functionality issues...

You really need to see KA's BTB (Bill the Butcher):

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CC0rcEfnRA4

Hahaha! I gotta agree. Just looking at that BTB fills me with joy. Just saw the damascus version on their site, too. WOW! I'm a big straight edge fan, though I prefer wharncliffes over any other style due to the useful tip. Having said that, I'm sure one could still find plenty of uses for a cleaver style blade. :thumbup:

 

[John_0917]

The tanto Utilitac is not far from it, just smaller.

 

[SharpJax]

I have no idea what your budget is for knives.....

The price tag on the KA may remove it from the top of your list fast!

In all fairness, it's a custom, and Dave is a great guy who builds an amazing knife.

Just wanted to follow up with a further comment in praise of Dave Rydbom of Kingdom Armory. My BtB is one of the earlier models (number 8) and when I got it second hand, it was missing the pocket clip. I emailed Dave around the holidays (obviously a very busy time for everyone). He took the time to search out what turned out to be his only remaining deep-carry pocket clip which he made for my vintage of BtB and invited me to either buy it outright, or send my knife in for an installation and spa treatment. Prices were more than reasonable so I decided to just send it in to him. Fast forward a few weeks later, and i get an email telling the knife was completed, and outlining what he'd done (I was only expecting a cursory clean-up and sharpening):

I didn't like how beat the blade was so I re-ground it much higher and thinner, then bead blast and stonewashed it. I also cleaned up the rest of the folder, blasted out the hardware, swapped you to some thinner standoffs... and replaced the pivot washers with bronze washers. Oh.. and of course, put the clip on it.

Hope it serves you well!

Honestly, the knife looked great when I sent it to him (my earlier pic should tell as much), but no doubt was showing its age, especially to the eye of the person who designed and made it. Based on this I'd say Dave is very much a perfectionist. I was overwhelmed by what he'd done for me, the knife came back like a brand new knife and I could easily shave with the edge he put on it. Here's a few pics I snapped of it on its return to me.

So I would certainly not hesitate to recommend them, if budget allows.

 

[Student762]

That is a really nice folding cleaver. I like the idea of the long straight edge and general utility but I haven't made the plunge yet.

 

[PURPLEDC]

Folding Cleavers?

 

[Sosa]

I bet they make good picknick knives. Salami and cheese don't stand a chance. Good for spreading Braunschweiger.