Folders with drilled-out handles

[vanadium]

I've started really liking folders with drilled-out handles, like this Mayo-Shiro "Dr. Death" and a lot of other Mayo designs:

or like this Enrique Peña "Talon":

Who has some favorite folders with handles that have been treated this way? Also, is there a proper name for this design category?

Personally I'd like to find something in the $200-300 range to buy, but the design seems to be concentrated in the very-cheap and very-expensive category. I associated this design with $10 "combat knives" sold next to drug paraphernalia and throwing stars, until I started noticing how beautifully Mayo does it. Kizer Critical is a nice example in the mid-range, but a bit too brutish for my tastes. A lot of designs also seem to go overboard, with different sizes and spacing of holes which just looks ugly to me… a matter of taste, I suppose.

 

[NJBillK]

How about a Benchmade 710 and aftermarket scales? @Keyman did both of these.
One aftermarket (looks to be ironwood)
One with the 710-1401 black/blue G10 drilled.

 

[Hackenslash]

The Kizer Guru adds some holes to a good effect
View attachment 817699
I love what Olamic does with their Acid Rain finish
View attachment 817698

 

[mt666tm]

I saw one the other day with a beautiful cut-out 3d spider-web like pattern to the scales, and the scales were purple/bluish. And I think it was a flipper.

I've been trying to remember where I saw the pic. Definitely more than the 2-300 price range I'm sure.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Don't have any other than my Buck 425 if that counts, but just wanna say that I dont mind it on a handle if done tastefully but it's a major no-go on blades.

 

[vanadium]

I saw one the other day with a beautiful cut-out 3d spider-web like pattern to the scales, and the scales were purple/bluish. And I think it was a flipper.

I've been trying to remember where I saw the pic. Definitely more than the 2-300 price range I'm sure.

Sounds like the Sinkevich design that's always being copied on the Chinese import sites, that looks like an 0452 but with scales made from frozen dragon phlegm. Those are great, anyway. Would love to know what the original design is called.

 

[vanadium]

I love what Olamic does with their Acid Rain finish

Damn, that is not at all what I've been thinking about, but it's amazing. You've given me another thing to consider.

 

[WValtakis]

I really like this Brad Zinker Urban Trapper I picked up recently, it's ridiculously light The custom is a bit above your price range, but the production Boker is way below and I've read good things about it.





~Chip

 

[vanadium]

I really like this Brad Zinker Urban Trapper I picked up recently, it's ridiculously light The custom is a bit above your price range, but the production Boker is way below and I've read good things about it.

That's a killer design. I'll bet the custom is great. Unfortunately when it comes to the Böker, I think they just don't know how to make pivots or do QC.

 

[mt666tm]

Sounds like the Sinkevich design that's always being copied on the Chinese import sites, that looks like an 0452 but with scales made from frozen dragon phlegm. Those are great, anyway. Would love to know what the original design is called.

That's the one! Very cool looking. I must have seen it on instagram or something as I steer clear of the import sites.

 

[BladeScout]

 

[lieferung]

Sounds like the Sinkevich design that's always being copied on the Chinese import sites, that looks like an 0452 but with scales made from frozen dragon phlegm. Those are great, anyway. Would love to know what the original design is called.

The origin if this design is the 0454, which Kai says is based on his "Cardinator" design. But I can't find any concrete images of that, just the 0454.

 

[vanadium]

The origin if this design is the 0454, which Kai says is based on his "Cardinator" design. But I can't find any concrete images of that, just the 0454.

Here's the real Sinkevich, being called the "Coordinal" and the cutout pattern is referred to as the "leaf" design:

By the way, I didn't mean the Chinese clones of it are great. Just the design.

More recent version, via Recon 1:

(source)

 

[Phil Indablanc]

I love my olamic 247...

 

[vanadium]

Buck 186… pretty nice… pretty rare…

 

[BladeScout]

Buck 186… pretty nice… pretty rare…

Yes.

I bought it with the intent to use it but it is mint and I so far havent been able to bring myself to start using it.

 

[shoegazer]

I like the Stedemon DSM. Sorry no picture.

 

[hhmoore]

I'm not a fan... to the extent that such holes are considered instant disqualifiers. That is somewhat surprising to me because I've got a couple of older knives with hole patterns that I've owned, liked, and appreciated for many years.
Kershaw Vapor II, and Camillus CUDA EDC

 

[gazz98]

Gotta mention my ol CRKT M-16. One day I'll find one with G10 handles, Ti liner/sub frame, and S30V. Heck, even VG10 or 154CM would work.

Benchmade Adamas, Kizer Vanguard & Lancer 2, ZT 801Ti, Cold Steel Ti Lite & Hold Out to name a few.

I like the Adamas but guessing that is even more brutish then the Kizer Critical.

Rike has some around the $300 mark. I don't know about them.

You won't get Ti but have you checked the custom makers here on the forum? Someone might be able to mod one of their knives to accommodate the holes in the handle and meet your price point (or not...).

Good luck!

 

[palonej]