Cool Patterns but bad makers

S

scarysharp

Joined
Mar 4, 2008
Messages
646
Well maybe not bad makers, but lets call it "not so good quality", as in fit and finish or steel choices.

For example, I just saw a cool older little Uncle Henry on one of the forums, it was a small single blade pen with a scissor. After looking around the web I realize its still being made, but overseas of course. The only review I've seen is on Amazon and that user didnt care to much for it. Now if GEC made something like that I would be all over it!!
Anyone else see any patterns or designs in "cheaper" knives that you wish were made by better makers, or even customs for that matter?
 
Fred Perrin Tri-Folder. Innovative design, but I'm pretty sure they chose their materials by taking a vote at the local special school and then had them assembled by poorly trained arthritic chimpanzees.
 
CRKT has some really cool designs (Snap Lock, Hole in One, Ashworth Turtle) but their materials are crap and their construction is worse.
 
I like the look of the Vallotton Signature line, but Timberline just butchered the quality.
 
CubistHamster said:
CRKT has some really cool designs (Snap Lock, Hole in One, Ashworth Turtle) but their materials are crap and their construction is worse.
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"Cool patterns but bad makers" is sort of their business mission statement

which is really a shame, because they have a fair amount of good designs
 
the kershaw skyline begs for s30v. other than a very high wear resistance steel, it is perfect.
 
Remington's F.A.S.T. folder...
R057.jpg


This one was one of the first knives I ever purchased for myself and, in concept, still one of my favorites.
It's a beefy little framelock that set me back all of $20 some 8-10 years ago. They claim the handles are aluminum. If that's true, then the rubberized coating weighs more than dark matter, making the whole thing feel like steel (perhaps this is a feature of current production?) The blade's guard-like features allow it to be opened not only via the thumb stud and as a flipper, but also by putting pressure on the spine-side guard, making it a blast to just play around with in-hand. The fit and finish is questionable, wish screws that came stripped from the factory, horrible blade centering and obscene amounts of play.

I would love to see something like this done up by any of the titanium magicians out there. Without serrations. :rolleyes:
 
I've gone so far as to write CRKT about changing their materials to attract more folks looking for a higher end knife. Get the same response about price point and value vs. materials. I really like CRKT and carry one of their Titanium folders for the past decade with no issue, but I'd love to see a run in S30V or some other quality steel. Same with Ka Bar, that Dozier inspired Phat Bob screams for a better steel!
 
Fascion said:
Remington's F.A.S.T. folder...
R057.jpg


This one was one of the first knives I ever purchased for myself and, in concept, still one of my favorites.
It's a beefy little framelock that set me back all of $20 some 8-10 years ago. They claim the handles are aluminum. If that's true, then the rubberized coating weighs more than dark matter, making the whole thing feel like steel (perhaps this is a feature of current production?) The blade's guard-like features allow it to be opened not only via the thumb stud and as a flipper, but also by putting pressure on the spine-side guard, making it a blast to just play around with in-hand. The fit and finish is questionable, wish screws that came stripped from the factory, horrible blade centering and obscene amounts of play.

I would love to see something like this done up by any of the titanium magicians out there. Without serrations. :rolleyes:
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That looks like a Darrel Ralph design. Take a look at HTM Knives here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/860-HTM-Knives
 
Shrade ultimate survivor. Now that Chris Reeve knives is out of the fixed blade business (bad reviews and publicity from knifetest) some other makers should jump on the hollow handled survival knives.
 
Fascion said:
Far, far closer than I figured I would ever find! Thanks for the tip/link.
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I should also mention that Darrel designed a similar but better made version for S&W of all companies. It may have been designated HRT for Hostage Rescue Team. Probably out of stock by now, discontinued.

I like my Madd Maxx dagger and CUDA Maxx bowie . :)
 
DrivebyTrucker said:
Shrade ultimate survivor. Now that Chris Reeve knives is out of the fixed blade business (bad reviews and publicity from knifetest) some other makers should jump on the hollow handled survival knives.
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Are you kidding me ??? Have you seen the prices they go for on the aftermarket? CRK is focused on other fixed blade knives since their South African source for A2 blanked blades retired.

Ignorance is so sexy. :barf:
 
CubistHamster said:
CRKT has some really cool designs (Snap Lock, Hole in One, Ashworth Turtle) but their materials are crap and their construction is worse.
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I wouldn't say "crap" but when I read the topic CRKT is exactly the company that came to mind. Amazing designs and creative ideas but typically mediocrely executed and sub par to average materials. I mean AUS 6 in this day and age? Come one guys...
 
EricV said:
I wouldn't say "crap" but when I read the topic CRKT is exactly the company that came to mind. Amazing designs and creative ideas but typically mediocrely executed and sub par to average materials. I mean AUS 6 in this day and age? Come one guys...
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This may be sacrilege around here, but 95%+ of the population doesn't need and would not see the benefits of more exotic steels. I wouldn't say CRKTs quality is always the best, but it's generally solid and their warranty is first-rate. Why not let people who're only willing to spend $30 on a knife get something cool?

As for the OP's question, yes. Gerber. If you want to charge me $80 for a knife, at least have the courtesy to tell me what materials you use.
 
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