stjames
Sebenzanista
- Joined
- Oct 26, 1998
- Messages
- 6,465
I received my first Elishewitz today, a Diablo from Larry at KnifeArt. I have been looking forward to getting my hands on a Bolster Lock ever since I first saw it when the Janus was introduced a few months back.
I think that Allen has come up with a real advancement in the liner lock field with this concept. By removing the scale over the top section of the locking bar he as added the reliability of the Integral lock to the design, allowing your grip to naturally re-enforce the lock. Of course, the spring section is milled out to 1/16th of an inch, so the lock strength isnt increased over his standard liner lock models. But after a certain point strength becomes moot, and what I really look for is reliability. The Bolster Lock allows him to use a variety of scale materials on his handles and alleviates some of the concerns over liner lock failure that seem to plague so many of us. The lockup on this knife would please the most hardened Sebenzanista, and by that I mean little old me
Looking beyond the locking mechanism, the overall fit and finish on the knife is excellent. Smooth, easy opening action on a huge pivot pin, with ambidextrous thumb lugs that double as the blade stop. The flat ground California clip blade has a long, strait edge and a surprisingly low point, with the stonewashed finish that has become my favorite. As to sharpness, Ill leave the analogies alone and simply state that the bare sections on my left arm have increased dramatically since I received the knife today.
The knife is surprisingly compact at 4-1/2 closed and 7-3/4 OAL. The blade length is 3-1/2, with 3-1/4 of that being sharpened edge. The knife has an attractive and practical double bolster construction, only offered in the Elishewitz line on this knife and the Janus, with both a centered and off center thong hole built in. The carbon fiber scales are slightly contoured and have a very nice feel to them, and should be rugged enough for hard use. The handle edges and interior of the scales are anodized a deep, midnight purple-blue that matches the tip down mounted clip.
The clip. I am not known to be fond of pocket clips on my tools, and I doubt that I will be using the one installed on this knife. It does have an odd but pleasant shape with a radiant star pattern cut into it, and I was pleased that its low profile and high placement does not interfere with the grip on the knife. It certainly wont turn me to the dark side, but it is by far one of the best designs for one that I have laid eyes on. Fortunately, a nylon belt/shoulder harness sheath with the Elishewitz symbol on the flap was provided for people like me. I wish that every maker would do the same, custom or production, as it allows more versatility in deployment. A very nice touch that is much appreciated.
Larry Conelly, owner and operator of KnifeArt.com, worked closely with Allen in developing this knife, and they should both be very proud of their accomplishment. Considering the quality and unique nature of the knife, it is a real bargain and a true jewel to add to my collection. As I said in the beginning, this is my first Elishewitz. It wont be my last.
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James Segura
San Francisco, CA
I think that Allen has come up with a real advancement in the liner lock field with this concept. By removing the scale over the top section of the locking bar he as added the reliability of the Integral lock to the design, allowing your grip to naturally re-enforce the lock. Of course, the spring section is milled out to 1/16th of an inch, so the lock strength isnt increased over his standard liner lock models. But after a certain point strength becomes moot, and what I really look for is reliability. The Bolster Lock allows him to use a variety of scale materials on his handles and alleviates some of the concerns over liner lock failure that seem to plague so many of us. The lockup on this knife would please the most hardened Sebenzanista, and by that I mean little old me
Looking beyond the locking mechanism, the overall fit and finish on the knife is excellent. Smooth, easy opening action on a huge pivot pin, with ambidextrous thumb lugs that double as the blade stop. The flat ground California clip blade has a long, strait edge and a surprisingly low point, with the stonewashed finish that has become my favorite. As to sharpness, Ill leave the analogies alone and simply state that the bare sections on my left arm have increased dramatically since I received the knife today.
The knife is surprisingly compact at 4-1/2 closed and 7-3/4 OAL. The blade length is 3-1/2, with 3-1/4 of that being sharpened edge. The knife has an attractive and practical double bolster construction, only offered in the Elishewitz line on this knife and the Janus, with both a centered and off center thong hole built in. The carbon fiber scales are slightly contoured and have a very nice feel to them, and should be rugged enough for hard use. The handle edges and interior of the scales are anodized a deep, midnight purple-blue that matches the tip down mounted clip.
The clip. I am not known to be fond of pocket clips on my tools, and I doubt that I will be using the one installed on this knife. It does have an odd but pleasant shape with a radiant star pattern cut into it, and I was pleased that its low profile and high placement does not interfere with the grip on the knife. It certainly wont turn me to the dark side, but it is by far one of the best designs for one that I have laid eyes on. Fortunately, a nylon belt/shoulder harness sheath with the Elishewitz symbol on the flap was provided for people like me. I wish that every maker would do the same, custom or production, as it allows more versatility in deployment. A very nice touch that is much appreciated.
Larry Conelly, owner and operator of KnifeArt.com, worked closely with Allen in developing this knife, and they should both be very proud of their accomplishment. Considering the quality and unique nature of the knife, it is a real bargain and a true jewel to add to my collection. As I said in the beginning, this is my first Elishewitz. It wont be my last.
------------------
James Segura
San Francisco, CA
