Greg Lightfoot Knives

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Waldo

Joined
Nov 6, 1998
Messages
189
I'm new to the custom knife world. How do Greg's knives rate quality wise (fit, finish, feel). I really like the looks of several models I saw in pictures at Les' site. Have never had the opportunity to see one in person though,

Thanks,

Waldo

 
I can't afford to own one, but I have fondled a Hammer before, and I loved that knife! I did not put it down the whole time I talked to Jay and Karen at Arizona Custom Knives. The knife was lovely in every regard, well balanced, and just begged to be used. From that small vantage point, on top of the good things I have heard about his folders, I would give him a thumbs up all around.

thaddeus
 
Greg's knives are among the best custom tacticals available today. I own three of his folders - LCC, Warhead, and the 460 Magnum. They are very stout, as Greg likes to overbuild his folders so they can really stand up to heavy use. On his locking liners - the lock bars are on the "sticky" side, which is good - when you open the knife, you know that the lock bar is wedged good and there's no way that it will come un-locked accidentally. I am happy to see that he is getting more exposure here in the US recently. Lightfoot has been making tactical folders for about 7 years and that experience shows in the way he crafts each of his knives. The fit and finish of his knives are tight and clean. He uses all the modern knifemaking materials - carbon fiber, G-10 (in assorted colors besides black), titanium, BG-42, natural handle materials, and stainless damascus. Speaking of stainless damascus, check out his LCC with a damascus blade and bolsters on the <a href="http://www.ckg.org/Lightfoot/Lightfoot.htm">Canadian Knifemakers Guild</a> website. Sweet!
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I've had the pleasure of meeting and talking with Greg at the 98 Blade Show, and since then I have enjoyed talking with him several times over the phone. He truly is a gentleman and is quite articulate. If you are heading to the Blade Show in '99, he will be exhibiting there.

Hope this info helps!

------------------
Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"





 
Dexter & Thaddeus:

I didn't know whether to thank you for the info first or order a Lightfoot!

Decided to do both at once (now, if only I could decide which one...)

Thanks,

Waldo
 
We had a knifemaker's symposium up here in Alberta in June. Greg was there demonstrating kydex sheath making and talking about tactical knife design. He also volunteered to do the rope cutting to test several blades that were made there.

I was amazed to see how he attacked the job, still as energetic after about 200 cuts as when he started. I overheard someone else saying they had never seen anyone else who was so intense about everything he does.

Matt
www.planet.eon.net/~matth
 
I'm not an owner but I've had the opportunity to handle some of his stuff. I was amazed of the fit and finish -- it was perfect. Often customs have slight imperfections due to the hand-made nature, but Greg's stuff was 100%.

--Doug
 
Guys,

I had a chance to take a look at a close up image of the Damascus Lightfoot folder Dexter mentions and WOW - what a beautiful knife. Now there's one I could only carry to church when wearing my Sunday finest!
 
Happy news :-)
My Lightfoot 460 Magnum (Sabre-shape blade) arrived today courtesy of Les and FedEx. Fit and finish are flawless and man is it sharp. As expected this knife is sturdy and will need some opening and closing to break in the action as it is stiff out of the box. My first custom knife and I look forward to using it and will let everyone know how the knife performs.

Thanks for the help,

Waldo
 
Waldo - congrats on your purchase! That 460 is one big honkin' folder ain't it? Built like a Mack truck too
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A few words about the stiffness of the blade action - Lightfoot intentionally makes his folders, especially those with heavy blades (460 Mag, 458 Mag, and Predator Back Up) to where they open up with a heavy push, rather than flicking them open. I guess this is partly due to his country's strict rules governing knives. If after a while of "play time" your 460 does not loosen up to where you are satisfied, contact Lightfoot. The 460 Mag I also bought from Les a couple of years ago had stiff action and I asked Lightfoot if there was anything he could do to loosen it up. He told me to take the knife apart and send him the washers and he would mail me new washers of a different material. I did, and he immediately sent the new ones. Now, my 460's action is much more fluid than what it used to be. If you are interested in doing this with your knife, gimme a holler on my forum and I'll be happy to email you Lightfoot's address and phone number. Hope this helps.

------------------
Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"





 
To Waldo and Dexter.

Dexter, Waldo's knife already has the new washers, so just let it break in. Gregs knives have improved dramatically over the last 3 years that I have been doing business with him. Greg takes making each knife very seriously and does not cut corners. He has very definte ideas about how his knives should be made and used. Living in Canada he has very few custom knife people anywhere near him. To Gregs credit he is very open about suggestions. Consequently, his knives, unlike many well know makers are constantly in a state of "Kai Zen" (continous improvment).

Obviously, Im a big fan of Gregs work. So I have intentionally waited until others chimed in with their favorable opinions. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, the 458 Magnum and 460 Magnum are far superior to the knives being produced by Emerson. I have recommened Greg's knives to all those who have grown frustrated over the smiling faces that tell you, "it will be just another 6 months".

Do yourself a favor, save the $25 deposit and order a knife from Greg, its a better knife for less money (substantially less money if your buying a Emerson in the aftermarket).

If I was still with the 101st Airborne, I would be carrying a Lightfoot folder. Greg makes excellent fixed blades to. Have you seen the new mini-Hammer? Its a 4" bladed version of the Hammer. Look for a new neck knife and a 3" boot knife from Greg early next year!

Les
 
Les / Dexter:

Thanks for the additional info. You are right Dexter - this is one solid heavy folder - very impressive heft to it yet don't even notice it clipped to the pocket. The blade seems to be immensely strong with a very strong tip (no need for Tanto profile on this baby) and a unique serration pattern. Definitely a very tactical folder. The saber shape blade does allow pretty good utility cutting also, however. Took a very small splinter out with it last night with no problem - very good handling knife. Can't wait to see the new knives you mentioned Les!

Take care,

Waldo
 
I haven't ever touched a custom knife; I'm just wondering, how would a (let's say) detonator compare to a sebenza (which I haven't handled eaither
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)?
(this is basically a generic question asking to compare custom vs high-end production)

Is the difference in quality worth the difference in price?

Thanks in advance for enlightening me,


=- Craig
 
I got a Lightfoot Hammer today at a gunshow in Virginia--it looks slightly different than the one pictured on the Canadian Knife Guild page, but it is definately the knife. Very sturdy, perfect fit of all components and I got it at a great price!
 
Dan Hibiki:

You asked for a comparison between a Sebenza and a Lightfoot. I own a Sebenza, and until I received my LCC (Lightfoot Compact Combat), I had a very high opinion of the Sebenza. However, comparing the two is like comparing filet mignon with hamburger. The Sebenza is an extremely well made production folder. Production or a"semi-production" folder compared to a custom made-one-at-a-time knive is like comparing apples and oranges. Bottom line-no comparison. A Sebenza (or any other production folder) is not in the same class as a Lightfoot knife.

[This message has been edited by JP (edited 24 December 1998).]

[This message has been edited by JP (edited 24 December 1998).]
 
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