I bought a Fantoni folder at the same time I bought the LionSteel SR-1D. The SR-1 sorta took first place in my eye's and I put the Fantoni on the back burner for a later date. Well, it is now a later date and I have a few comments about it. First of all, this knife was originally made for Beretta, and made in a small and large size. After Beretta's contract was completed, Fantoni begin to manufacture the knife under their name. Just fyi, a few years ago Beretta begin blowing out the large models of this knife for $99, and the small model for $79(?). I purchased three large models and sold all of them, thinking I would pick up a couple more for myself later on, When later on came, they were all gone, and I was sick about it. I also need to mention that the knife was designed by William Harsey.
Fantoni is an Italian knife company located in Maniago, the principal knifemaking region of Italy. The knife I bought is simply named the HB-01 and is the large model. It has a 4.25" long X ,157" thick blade of S30V and a very nice stonewashed finish. The handle is 5.25" long with the oal being 9.50". The one I picked has dark green G-10 scales, with other choices being tan, and black. It is a liner lock using .070" thick titanium liners, and has a weight of 6.2 ounces.
I broke it out the other day too take a good look at it and to disassemble it. Before I go any further I just want to comment of this. The three knives I purchased from Beretta absolutely could not be disassembled at the pivot. Every other screw would come out, except for the pivot screws. I tried every trick I knew to get the knife apart but none worked. I didn't know what to expect on the newer ones but I was willing to take a chance because I liked the knife so much. I got my tools ready and begin to try and unscrew the pivot. Much, and I mean very much, to my delight, the pivot broke loose and begin coming apart! Once apart I simply cleaned up everything, polished the phospher/bronze washers, polished the blade tang, and the titanium liners where the washers lay. I put it together and got the pivot tightened to my liking. The Knife opens like it is on bearings, with excellent lockup as the liner falls right in the middle on the blade tang. I also want to mention that the blade grinds are excellent and symetrical , with the edge being a razor , and will snap the hairs off my arms and chest.
All in all this is a very nice, well designed knife that has superb fit and finish. I thought the clip would not be to my liking but once I put it into my pocket I saw no problems with it. The knife costs a little less than 3 times what Beretta was asking or, $285 vs.$99. Now that I have it in hand I think it is well worth the price. There are several other models that Fantoni produces, including fixed blades. The C.U.T. is a new folder that is marketed as one of the hottest new tactical folders on the market. It is a good looking knife.
So that about it. Just wanted to give the Fantoni HB-01 it's props, and let everyone know that another fine Italian knife company is out there!!:thumbup:
Fantoni is an Italian knife company located in Maniago, the principal knifemaking region of Italy. The knife I bought is simply named the HB-01 and is the large model. It has a 4.25" long X ,157" thick blade of S30V and a very nice stonewashed finish. The handle is 5.25" long with the oal being 9.50". The one I picked has dark green G-10 scales, with other choices being tan, and black. It is a liner lock using .070" thick titanium liners, and has a weight of 6.2 ounces.
I broke it out the other day too take a good look at it and to disassemble it. Before I go any further I just want to comment of this. The three knives I purchased from Beretta absolutely could not be disassembled at the pivot. Every other screw would come out, except for the pivot screws. I tried every trick I knew to get the knife apart but none worked. I didn't know what to expect on the newer ones but I was willing to take a chance because I liked the knife so much. I got my tools ready and begin to try and unscrew the pivot. Much, and I mean very much, to my delight, the pivot broke loose and begin coming apart! Once apart I simply cleaned up everything, polished the phospher/bronze washers, polished the blade tang, and the titanium liners where the washers lay. I put it together and got the pivot tightened to my liking. The Knife opens like it is on bearings, with excellent lockup as the liner falls right in the middle on the blade tang. I also want to mention that the blade grinds are excellent and symetrical , with the edge being a razor , and will snap the hairs off my arms and chest.
All in all this is a very nice, well designed knife that has superb fit and finish. I thought the clip would not be to my liking but once I put it into my pocket I saw no problems with it. The knife costs a little less than 3 times what Beretta was asking or, $285 vs.$99. Now that I have it in hand I think it is well worth the price. There are several other models that Fantoni produces, including fixed blades. The C.U.T. is a new folder that is marketed as one of the hottest new tactical folders on the market. It is a good looking knife.
So that about it. Just wanted to give the Fantoni HB-01 it's props, and let everyone know that another fine Italian knife company is out there!!:thumbup:
