- Joined
- Jul 4, 2010
- Messages
- 392
I received a custom small zulu from Andy Fannin (BF Name: AJF) earlier this week and just wanted to share my overall experience and thoughts on the knife. It is my understanding that he is fairly new to making slipjoints. My knife came to me numbered as #20. Working with Andy was excellent. I reached out to him directly after seeing one of his knives quickly sell in the classifieds. He was completely willing to make whatever I requested and was quick to respond to my emails. I decided on going with a green canvas zulu pattern with fluted bolsters and I wanted a shield. I believe this was his first go at adding a shield to a knife (and it turned out great).
Now on to the knife itself, starting with some specs:
Overall Length: 6.125"
Blade and Spring: CPM 154 at 59-60HRC
Liners: 410SS
OD Green Canvas Micarta
12" Hollow Grind with Hand Finish
To say I am happy with the overall outcome of this knife would be a major understatement. The pull is a solid 6 - 7 and pinchable. Flush in all 3 and a solid SNAP open. Walk and talk is smooth and even and blade is nicely centered. The transition from blade to spring in the open position is absolutely perfect. I cannot feel where the two meet. The hand finish on the blade is fantastic, perfectly symmetrical and even. The grind is nice and even and it is hair popping sharp. Overall fit and finish is top notch. Contouring on the handles and bolsters is spot on. By this point I guess its clear I love this knife, that doesn't mean though that there isn't room for a little improvement. I wouldn't mind seeing a higher polish/shinier finish on the bolsters/handle. The semi satin finish does look great though. And I hope to see a larger selection of shield patterns in the future.
To sum it up, if anyone is looking to pick up a very nice custom slippy, I would never hesitate to recommend one from Andy. I can't wait until I am able to work with him on another. Now on to a few pictures!
Now on to the knife itself, starting with some specs:
Overall Length: 6.125"
Blade and Spring: CPM 154 at 59-60HRC
Liners: 410SS
OD Green Canvas Micarta
12" Hollow Grind with Hand Finish
To say I am happy with the overall outcome of this knife would be a major understatement. The pull is a solid 6 - 7 and pinchable. Flush in all 3 and a solid SNAP open. Walk and talk is smooth and even and blade is nicely centered. The transition from blade to spring in the open position is absolutely perfect. I cannot feel where the two meet. The hand finish on the blade is fantastic, perfectly symmetrical and even. The grind is nice and even and it is hair popping sharp. Overall fit and finish is top notch. Contouring on the handles and bolsters is spot on. By this point I guess its clear I love this knife, that doesn't mean though that there isn't room for a little improvement. I wouldn't mind seeing a higher polish/shinier finish on the bolsters/handle. The semi satin finish does look great though. And I hope to see a larger selection of shield patterns in the future.
To sum it up, if anyone is looking to pick up a very nice custom slippy, I would never hesitate to recommend one from Andy. I can't wait until I am able to work with him on another. Now on to a few pictures!
:thumbup:
