First Folder

K Robinson

K Robinson

Joined
Nov 8, 1999
Messages
673
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For all of you guys that have not had the chance to comment on my first attempt at folders, I would like as much feedback as possible, good or bad.
Pictures here-- www.robinsoncustomknives.com

Thanks in advance



------------------
Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association

Usual Suspect
 
I think its very nice! Here's a critique, for what its worth:

I know that lots of guys are using carbon fiber on knives, but micarta is vastly superior on a tactical knife. Doesn't chip as easily, isn't as slippery, isn't as shiny, lends itself better to contouring, and doesn't cost as much either. Also, thumb studs are not as easy to use as thumb discs when opening under less-than-ideal circumstances, especially if wearing gloves.

If you can make one like that, with a tip up clip mounted near the edge of the handle, I'll take it. Just tell me where to send the deposit.
 
jbravo:
Thanks for your comments, good call on the thumb disc as you are not the only one to say that they prefer it over a stud.
I did my first one in carbon fiber due to a suggestion from a friend and I knew that I would be keeping it, however the first of 3 orders I took at the blade show is for green canvis micarta and the other were for linen micarta so again you nailed that one, as for the clip it can be mounted tip up or tip down.
I will work on getting a thumb stud on one soon due to the demand.

Thanks again

Kevin

------------------
Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association

Usual Suspect
 
Kevin,
That is very nice. I like the blade shape along with the finger grooved handle. What are the specs on the knife? Length, width, weight, Does it have a clip?

Again I really do like this knife!

------------------
Art Sigmon
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Php. 4:13

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword"
Heb. 4:12
 
very clean, i like the finger grooves and thumb purchase notch's two very important features'IMO i prefer micarta and hardwood also. that carbon fiber stuff has that wiz bang tech look, that just doesn't do anything for me. i do like the design over all.

------------------
Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks for the input guys, your thoughts will be helpful in refining my designs and incorporating the changes that best reflect the intended use of the knife.
Specs.
OAL Open - 9"
Blade - 4"
Blade Materal - CPM 440V
Ti Bolsters
Carbon Fiber Scales (Optional)
Ti Liners
Ti Pocket Clip (Tip up or down)
Thong hole
Back Spacer - Black linen micarta
Price - $375.00
Lead time as of today - 3mos
No deposit
Please keep in mind I am a part time maker and the response so far has been more overwhelming than I could ever have imagined.

Thanks to Larry Chew for his hours of patient teaching and understanding of a novice wanna be maker.

Thanks to Larry Davidson for his guidance and advice.

Thanks to Les Robertson for design suggestions and input along the way.

And Thanks to all of the Usual Suspects for the encouragement and support thus far.

Kevin




------------------
Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association

Usual Suspect
 
Hey Kevin,
The pics don't do it justice! Ver-wee nice.
As far as the carbon fiber for scales, heck with that many finger grooves how could it slip from the ole grip?
Glad you had a good Blade. LD
 
It looks like you should thank Walter Brend also Kevin.
smile.gif
It resembles Walter's blade grind.

It is a very nice looking knife Kevin, and it seems like your going to do well as a maker. It also looks like your attention to detail is quite good. Unlike Jbravo, and no offence to him, but I think that high polished Carbon Fiber looks great as scales.

If your taking orders, I would like one!
smile.gif


------------------
us_marine_corps_md_clr.gif
Click Here, and Check Out Florida Custom Knives

BC... For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know... Semper Fi!
 
Looks like you have a winner. I had better hide my first folder pic now
smile.gif


------------------
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
<A HREF="http://www.doggettcustomknives.com" TARGET=_blank>
dlogo.jpg
</A><A HREF="http://www.customknifedirectory.com" TARGET=_blank>
HeaderLogo2b.jpg
</A>
 
When Kevin showed me his knife at the show. I gave him a hard time and told him to keep his day job.

In all seriousness, I have seen a lot of tactical folders. I can't remember having seen to many that were better from an entry level maker.

Kevin, has the right "eye" for design and the ever improving skills to become an excellent knife maker.

As for Walter getting credit for the blade, don't jump on that one to quick narruc1.

There may be no one out there who is a bigger fan and believer in Walter's knives than me.

Walter looked at my new Vanguard Sentinel by David Broadwell which has a re-curve blade. Walter of course gave me the look like "is everyone copying my blades". It was then I explained to Walter that the knife was actually inspired by a Rod Chappel knife that was 23 years old.

Walter is celebrating his 20th year in custom knife making this year!

Design elements in custom knives have been around for hundreds of years. I was told by a fellow dealer who went to the Art Museum in New York. That he was looking at a 16th century painting by a Dutch artist. In the hand of the hunter in the painting was a Loveless Drop Point Hunter!

I know Bob is old, however......

During my portion of the seminar at the Blade Show this past weekend on "trends in custom knives". I made the point that my 12 year old daughter is wearing bell bottom jeans!

So look for a new generation of knife makers to "re-invent" the wheel over the next few years. Some, like Kevin will be smart enough to improve on the wheel.

Don't beat them up for it or try to discredit their work. More times than not they actually believe they are the first ones to come up with this idea.

I think we all forget what the primary weapon of the world was before firearms. Through out the world there were men who did nothing but make fine cutlery for Royalty and Warriors. They were custom knife makers!

Subsequent generations of custom knife makers have been utilizing their design elements ever since.

Kevin, Nice Knife!



------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Les--

Many knifemakers' careers have seen significant advancement under your nurturing and guidance. From your very appropriate remarks here, I can see why. You seem to have a real penchant for helping to bring out the creativity in knifemakers and then encouraging them to make the most of it. Congratulations on your ongoing success.

-Will
 
Hi Will,

Thank you for the compliment. I am very fortunate to work with the excellent group of people I do.

It is not just the knife makers, it is suppiers of materials, people with the ability to auto-cad, both the editiorial and marketing divisons of the major knife publications, photographers, writers, sheath makers, companies who provide the steel, graphic design artists, web site developers.

There are a whole team of professionals who's expertise and opinion's I value. These talented individuals as well as the custom knife makers make the projects come to life.

It's new makers like Kevin and established makers who are willing to "stretch" that keep me interested in custom knives.



------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Les, my comment about thanking Walter was not a dig at Mr. Robinson. I didn't mean my remarks to sound that way, but when I saw the picture of his knife, Walter Brend popped into my mind. It's hard to type your expressions!

Like I said... I think that Mr. Robinson has a lot of talent, and that we will see a lot more of his work in the future.

------------------
us_marine_corps_md_clr.gif
Click Here, and Check Out Florida Custom Knives

BC... For those who fought for it, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know... Semper Fi!
 
Hi Narruc1,

I don't think any one took it as a "dig". Just as when you saw the picture you thought of Kevin's knife you thought of Walter. When I read your comment I thought of Walter as well.

Walter has re-defined the re-curve blade to the point that it is difficult not to think of him when you see one.



------------------
Les Robertson
www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com
Custom Knife Entrepreneur
 
Kevin:

The only thing I see that might be a problem with some people are the finger grooves. Some folks might have hands that just won't fit the grooves (too big or too small). That's why a number of makers have limited finger grooves to one or two.

If you're concerned with the folder slipping out of someones hands, you could do a number of things to the overlays to add texture - no matter what material you choose. Checkering, grooves, and holes are three easy to do things that can make a big difference if applied in the appropriate areas.
wink.gif


Other than that, I think you've designed and built yourself a winner. (The workmanship is quite impressive!
smile.gif
)

Just my .02!

------------------
Tom Anderson
Hand Crafted Knives


www.andersoncustomknives.com
 
Nice work Kevin! Your pictures give good detail and from what I see everything fits. I like you choice of materials. I for one still like carbon fiber; nothing wrong with micarta either. Finger grooves always look cool but never seem to fit my hand right or they tend to dictate a certain hold. I look forward to seeing more of your work.
 
Thanks to everyone for the overwhelming response, I am truly humbled at the caliber of members that are taking the time to respond and I mean everyone I recognize all who have posted and will be re-thinking my design a bit to incorporate a few changes that you have ask for.
1 thing I have learned for sure you like finger grooves or you don’t.

The credit goes to the people I mentioned in the above post, I have come a long way in a short time due to the guidance and advice from some very giving individuals.

Kevin


------------------
Member--Texas Knife Makers and Collectors Association

Usual Suspect
 
Kevin,
That is one beautiful knife!

I don't care for finger grooves, but personally have no problem with CF. I use a CF EDC at work all the time, lots of times it's soaking wet and filthy-no problems here.
I really like the feel of micarta though.
From what's visible in the pictures, the fit and finish are superb, and the price seems reasonable.
So...nothing really to add to the comments already made by people alot more knowledgable than me, but thanks for sharing!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top