I just received this knife from www.knifecenter.com. Kudos to them for very quick service.
I have been looking at this knife for some time, but was reluctant to get it because I had a KLM-3 - the coated wharncliff blade with red/black carbon fiber scales. I wasn't too thrilled with that knife except that the cf scales are stunning.
But, I got a Small Sebenza about 8 months ago, and I had been wishing for more of a wharncliff shape. Tried the BM Park Avenue, but didn't really like it either.
So I got this one, and I have to say that out of the box/pouch, it is a truly impressive blade. Near mirror-polish ATS-34, with a high-hollow grind, razor sharp. These blades are hand ground at the Klotzli shop.
An improved thumbstud (over the KLM-3), very short with a dimple for better purchase and a good placement relative to the pivot point.
Its a titanium liner lock (ok, so no Integral Lock) with fine lock up. For me, not a problem. If I am going to do truly heavy work, I will use my Large Sebenza.
Scales are ultra-thin stainless, with the unique etched surface texture which provides a nice grip (better than carbon fiber). Scales are put together in open body construction with 3 pins. A smokey-anodized Ti clip (removeable) with what appear to be bronze fasteners and pivot pint. (Anodized Ti??. The overall handle length is a bit longer than the Sebenza, and the front and rear cutouts provide secure placement for your fingers for more rugged cutting tasks.
Pivot action is buttery smooth and flawless, just like the Sebenza. And finally, the blade is a cross between a true sheepsfoot and an upswept wharcliff (radical drop point?). A swedge is ground to enable some penetration geometry. I haven't used it yet, but am looking forward to doing so.
It is a unique and beautiful knife.
I ordered mine from the Knifecenter for $175, but it was their last one. I have seen them on www.bestknives.com, www.premiumknives.com and possibly at www.agrussell.com. I understand that they are not readily available in the US.
Neil Ostroff at www.truenorthknives.com had a special version with damasteel blade and Larry at www.knifeart.com has another beauty with anodized liner and ivory scales.
Has anyone else here on BF owned or even handled on of these? I am interested in your thoughts.
I have been looking at this knife for some time, but was reluctant to get it because I had a KLM-3 - the coated wharncliff blade with red/black carbon fiber scales. I wasn't too thrilled with that knife except that the cf scales are stunning.
But, I got a Small Sebenza about 8 months ago, and I had been wishing for more of a wharncliff shape. Tried the BM Park Avenue, but didn't really like it either.
So I got this one, and I have to say that out of the box/pouch, it is a truly impressive blade. Near mirror-polish ATS-34, with a high-hollow grind, razor sharp. These blades are hand ground at the Klotzli shop.
An improved thumbstud (over the KLM-3), very short with a dimple for better purchase and a good placement relative to the pivot point.
Its a titanium liner lock (ok, so no Integral Lock) with fine lock up. For me, not a problem. If I am going to do truly heavy work, I will use my Large Sebenza.
Scales are ultra-thin stainless, with the unique etched surface texture which provides a nice grip (better than carbon fiber). Scales are put together in open body construction with 3 pins. A smokey-anodized Ti clip (removeable) with what appear to be bronze fasteners and pivot pint. (Anodized Ti??. The overall handle length is a bit longer than the Sebenza, and the front and rear cutouts provide secure placement for your fingers for more rugged cutting tasks.
Pivot action is buttery smooth and flawless, just like the Sebenza. And finally, the blade is a cross between a true sheepsfoot and an upswept wharcliff (radical drop point?). A swedge is ground to enable some penetration geometry. I haven't used it yet, but am looking forward to doing so.
It is a unique and beautiful knife.
I ordered mine from the Knifecenter for $175, but it was their last one. I have seen them on www.bestknives.com, www.premiumknives.com and possibly at www.agrussell.com. I understand that they are not readily available in the US.
Neil Ostroff at www.truenorthknives.com had a special version with damasteel blade and Larry at www.knifeart.com has another beauty with anodized liner and ivory scales.
Has anyone else here on BF owned or even handled on of these? I am interested in your thoughts.