Crawford Kasper conundrum

[Boink]

I have on order a Crawford Ti Kasper, the one with the bead blasted titanium skeletonized handle. Then, I went and changed the order to the same knife, but with blasted micarta slabes and blasted titanium bolsters.

They are both handsome looking knives, but I am waffling over the added thickness (1/8") of the micarta slabs versus the added purchase that the micarta might afford. I don't want to drive Pat Crawford crazy with changes and wind up getting a bad rep.

Are there owners of these knivesn that have opinions on feel and grip of the skeletonized handle over a micarta-covered handle? Should I be worried about the extra 1/8" thickness? (I mean, this is a hefty knife to begin with).

How about the perceptual value to potential buyers of either handle finish in the event I decide to sell this knife?

Thank you.

 

[RL]

Hi Boink,

I don't own either one but I wrestled with that decision for a long time (in the end, I ordered a Wortac )...anyway, in addition to the thickness, you might also want to consider weight (Micarta is heavier...a fact magnified by the weight reducing holes on the Ti) and wear (titanium is more prone to scratches than Micarta...this might affect re-sale)...from a "tactical" perspective, the weight of the Micarta can be good (e.g. impact weapon) while the holes on the Ti allow you to twirl the knife into reverse grip.

I love the feel of Micarta but if I had to choose, I would probably take the Ti...perhaps that's because the nicest KFF that I have seen in person had Ti slabs with a mirror polish blade (oops, is that something else you might want to change?? )

RL

 

[Boink]

Originally posted by RL
Hi Boink,

I love the feel of Micarta but if I had to choose, I would probably take the Ti...perhaps that's because the nicest KFF that I have seen in person had Ti slabs with a mirror polish blade (oops, is that something else you might want to change?? )

RL

Good points. I was lucky to handle a Ti only version just the other day at a store that had customs in the sales cabinet (but was very expensive), but it was a satin finished Ti handle - not bead blasted, so it was hard to try and imagine the feel of it as bead blasted.

I heard that if it was blasted Ti, it's no problem to send back to the maker to re-blast it, in the event of preparing to sell it. I had bought a used Sebenza and had it refinished and it's just like new, for heaven's sake.

The blade I selected was satin finished, because I like the way that looks.

 

[ARtsig1]

I've had both and really prefer the ti framed version. Beadblast or satin, the grip is still about the same. It is plenty thick without the micarta slabs. What really makes this knife is the handle shape anyway. The deep forefinger cutout and slight hook at the rear lock it in your hand regardless of plain ti frame or micarta slabs. Either way you go you have a definate winner

 

[Boink]

Originally posted by artsig1
I've had both and really prefer the ti framed version. Beadblast or satin, the grip is still about the same. It is plenty thick without the micarta slabs. What really makes this knife is the handle shape anyway. The deep forefinger cutout and slight hook at the rear lock it in your hand regardless of plain ti frame or micarta slabs. Either way you go you have a definate winner

I have always appreciated your insight into things and take your suggestion to heart. Just today, I was looking at the two pictures of then and wrote on the Ti version:

-- Less weight (1 oz. less)
-- Less pocket print (1/8" less in thickness)
-- Keep seeing advertisements in old TK for the Ti version
-- Will probably use this for a secondary backup, if ever
-- Other models, like the respected Perfigo come in skeletonized ti only.

So, maybe the cast is set and I'll call Pat tomorrow. Hopefully, he has not started on it yet (imagine someone saying that they hope thier knife is not started!)

 

[Boink]

Oh, well - Looks like the "conundrum" is over.

Pat's already started doing up to five large LEFTY Kasper folder knives in micarta handle with titanium bolsters, so no chages are possible. I am respecting my order and looking forward to the knife. Pat says I'm gong to really like this when it comes.

FLASH - for any lefty collectors out there, Pat says one of them is going to be special. Possible specs include Carbon Fiber handle, filework, jeweling and maybe even a damascus blade!

Wow!

 

[RL]

Hey congrats on your purchase....though I was just about to suggest an engine turned finish like the Pointguard below (my Wortac will have bolsters like this)...I'm such a trouble maker

RL

 

[Boink]

Originally posted by RL
Hey congrats on your purchase....though I was just about to suggest an engine turned finish like the Pointguard below (my Wortac will have bolsters like this)...I'm such a trouble maker
RL

Why didn't I get an engine-turned finish!! (yuk, yuk)

Great knife, RL. Pat did mention some design variable, but they all added up to $$$ , so, i went a rather plain route.

But, there's always tomorrow ... ... ..

 

[Boink]

....which brings up a point. It'd be great to have some on-line or printed resource showing all or many of the possible finishes you can get - maybe with suggestion pictures of combinations of them.

"Let see here, now... I'll take that jigged bone handle from Column A; ... maybe that zebra damascus blade finish from Column B .... sprinkle a little file work on that puppy just about there .... and maybe ..."

 

[RL]

Boink, let me know when you're ready...I literally have a couple of hundred Crawford pics on file...there's bound to be something that you like in there...


RL

 

[Boink]

Originally posted by RL
Boink, let me know when you're ready...I literally have a couple of hundred Crawford pics on file...there's bound to be something that you like in there...


RL

sounds like I'll need to upgrade my 56K modem to a cable modem or DSL! ....