Greg Medford of Medford Knife and Tool

pvicenzi said:
I read this tread because I am interested in the knives. I have never seen one, but I have to say the information in this thread makes me skeptical. Stating that the knives are intended to be used, and then giving a long list of things not to do sounds like a contradiction to me. Basic care like lubing the pivot can ruin the knife? Doesn't sound like a knife that was designed to be used to me. In fact it sounds knid of delicate.
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All that explained by Greg here....

Pay attention to how the pivot is put together, and with what.

http://youtu.be/ISUlqnETSj8
 
pvicenzi said:
I read this tread because I am interested in the knives. I have never seen one, but I have to say the information in this thread makes me skeptical. Stating that the knives are intended to be used, and then giving a long list of things not to do sounds like a contradiction to me. Basic care like lubing the pivot can ruin the knife? Doesn't sound like a knife that was designed to be used to me. In fact it sounds knid of delicate.
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I hope somehow somewhere Greg gets to read that. I think he might shat himself silly laughing. Medford knives are solid. They are are tools, and believe you me they are built to last. The bearings he uses (and no they're not ball bearings but washer bearings) are made of phos/bronze, and are not only lubricated, but are also self lubricating. His "list" as you put it is as such due to some fine low speed high drag individuals that dicked their knives up doing what they shouldn't have and cried foul. It amazes me that people pay that kind of money for a tool and abuse it so...

Someone ALWAYS screws things up for the rest of us.

Bottom line, if you haven't tried one then do so. They are some of the best tanks out there.
 
pvicenzi said:
I read this tread because I am interested in the knives. I have never seen one, but I have to say the information in this thread makes me skeptical. Stating that the knives are intended to be used, and then giving a long list of things not to do sounds like a contradiction to me. Basic care like lubing the pivot can ruin the knife? Doesn't sound like a knife that was designed to be used to me. In fact it sounds knid of delicate.
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He makes some cool looking knives, like the Praetorian. Even though I am far from a supporter, I wouldn't call the knife delicate. I just think they are plagued with issues that people would not tolerate from another knife company, but because Greg is a veteran, and he makes cool looking knives, everything is ok. The lock stick issue on my knife is not a rarity. I googled it and found a ton of people describing the same problem, even Greg told me how to break the knife in. Never even seen a cheap $10.00 knife require a break in period before it functions properly. When I described the centering issue, he did not seem surprised.

With all that said, do people actually use and abuse their $600.00+ knives? I don't. I might carry them and cut a few things, but i don't hard use those knives. Plenty of cheap, but well made alternatives to abuse.
 
rob32 said:
He makes some cool looking knives, like the Praetorian. Even though I am far from a supporter, I wouldn't call the knife delicate. I just think they are plagued with issues that people would not tolerate from another knife company, but because Greg is a veteran, and he makes cool looking knives, everything is ok. The lock stick issue on my knife is not a rarity. I googled it and found a ton of people describing the same problem, even Greg told me how to break the knife in. Never even seen a cheap $10.00 knife require a break in period before it functions properly. When I described the centering issue, he did not seem surprised.

With all that said, do people actually use and abuse their $600.00+ knives? I don't. I might carry them and cut a few things, but i don't hard use those knives. Plenty of cheap, but well made alternatives to abuse.
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Never seen a cheap $10 have as smooth an opening as a broken in Medford, CRK, Strider, or other high end knife that's been properly broken in, so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. CRKs, Striders, and Emersons all have break-in periods recommended by their makers. If you don't like Medford knives, that's fine. But that's a silly reason not to like one. Plenty of knives feel better after a break-in period.
 
Quiet said:
Never seen a cheap $10 have as smooth an opening as a broken in Medford, CRK, Strider, or other high end knife that's been properly broken in, so I'm not sure what point you're trying to make. CRKs, Striders, and Emersons all have break-in periods recommended by their makers. If you don't like Medford knives, that's fine. But that's a silly reason not to like one. Plenty of knives feel better after a break-in period.
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I have a $16.00 Chinese knife that opens smooth as silk with no lock stick. A smooth opening knife doesn't have to be expensive.

I actually really like the design of a couple of his knives, including the praetorian. I think it's a great looking knife. If you wanna pull out a knife and look badass to your friends, a praetorian will do the trick.

When I mentioned my lock issue to Greg himself, I was told to spend a couple weeks opening and closing the knife so that the sticky lock would eventually go away. I have heard some Striders have the same issue, and IMO, having to use two hands to close my framelock knife is unacceptable. I even had to break out a screwdriver to pry the lockbar so that I could close the knife. There is a difference between a break in period for the knife to be perfect, and a break in period for the knife to work at all. If you think it is ok for a knife to have lock stick so bad that two hands are required to close a framelock, and for the centering to often be off, for a knife that costs $600.00 plus, then you have much lower standards than I do.

I don't think that only positive stories should be mentioned in threads like this. I have nothing against Medford or his knives, but I do think that people should hear all perspectives, especially if they are considering dropping serious money on a knife. I like the design, but after the really crappy model I got, I would have to see the knife in person before I purchased it. Even then, I think they are a little expensive for what they offer.
 
rob32 said:
... I just think they are plagued with issues that people would not tolerate from another knife company, but because Greg is a veteran, and he makes cool looking knives, everything is ok. The lock stick issue on my knife is not a rarity. I googled it and found a ton of people describing the same problem, even Greg told me how to break the knife in. Never even seen a cheap $10.00 knife require a break in period before it functions properly. When I described the centering issue, he did not seem surprised.
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Every owned a quality firearm? Ever owned a cheap firearm? Do you have any clue why a $1500 kimber 1911 requires a break in period and a cheap AK clone will eat any type of ammo that you feed it and rarely ever requires cleaning? Do you realize why your cheap $10 knife does not require a break in period?

The answer is tolerances. Anybody that knows anything about firearms will tell you that certain ones require a break in, especially semi-auto pistols with tight tolerances. The same is true with a lot of frame locks, and probably many other knives.

It seems like you are really going out of your way here to rant. Every type of knife is not for everyone. If you don't like the one you have sell it, and try something else. Buy 60 $10 knives, whatever makes you not gripe so much. I mean happy.
 
Some free education:

[VIDEO=youtube;a1AiqLUUpbU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1AiqLUUpbU[/VIDEO]
 
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Leftytwogunz said:
Every owned a quality firearm? Ever owned a cheap firearm? Do you have any clue why a $1500 kimber 1911 requires a break in period and a cheap AK clone will eat any type of ammo that you feed it and rarely ever requires cleaning? Do you realize why your cheap $10 knife does not require a break in period?

The answer is tolerances. Anybody that knows anything about firearms will tell you that certain ones require a break in, especially semi-auto pistols with tight tolerances. The same is true with a lot of frame locks, and probably many other knives.

It seems like you are really going out of your way here to rant. Every type of knife is not for everyone. If you don't like the one you have sell it, and try something else. Buy 60 $10 knives, whatever makes you not gripe so much. I mean happy.
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I own several quality firearms. They have all functioned properly the moment I received them. FYI, one of the reasons your typical AK clone is used around the world is the fact that when other "quality" firearms jam up and don't fire, the AK still functions.

I'm not here to rant. I just feel that all sides of a story are worth hearing. With everyone talking about how much they love their Medford knives, anyone considering a purchase should also be able to hear from people like me. I have purchased multiple high end folding knives, none of them were all but useless during a so-called break in period. Also, if the tolerances were so high, the centering issue on my knife would never have happened.

I am done with this topic. If you like your Medford knives, that's great. I would consider purchased one based on the looks alone, if it did not come with the severe lock stick, and if the knife was properly centered. People should be able to voice their negative experiences here without everyone coming out of the woodwork acting like their experiences don't matter.
 
Every Medford I've taken apart had good washers, nothing fancy. Guess what? The internals did not turn to ash like a vampire greeted with the morning sun when I broke the thread lock seal and opened them up. I simply cleaned off the metal/grime from the "break-in period" and applied a lil 10wt. Nano Oil to the washers and pivot. I reassembled the knives and replaced the loctite. By the grace of God the knives functioned again. I didn't need to send them in :eek:,. A clean and lubed pivot is a functional pivot.
 
Say what you want about the guy, but this post really says it. I haven't dealt with him personally although I'd like a praetorian to try, but he does have some cahones to put himself out to the knife world like that. His knives "look quality" and everyone I've talked to likes them. If you have the money to test, and use the hell out of one of the medfords, do it! I love testing my blades, and would test one of these if I had, could afford one! Good luck.
 
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rob32 said:
I own several quality firearms. They have all functioned properly the moment I received them. FYI, one of the reasons your typical AK clone is used around the world is the fact that when other "quality" firearms jam up and don't fire, the AK still functions.

I'm not here to rant. I just feel that all sides of a story are worth hearing. With everyone talking about how much they love their Medford knives, anyone considering a purchase should also be able to hear from people like me. I have purchased multiple high end folding knives, none of them were all but useless during a so-called break in period. Also, if the tolerances were so high, the centering issue on my knife would never have happened.

I am done with this topic. If you like your Medford knives, that's great. I would consider purchased one based on the looks alone, if it did not come with the severe lock stick, and if the knife was properly centered. People should be able to voice their negative experiences here without everyone coming out of the woodwork acting like their experiences don't matter.
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So, in other words, you don't like folks saying good things about Medfords, so feel the need to make sure people know that "But there's also issues! Mine had an issue, and even though all these other folks had great experiences, you should know that I had a big issue! Which means that when nice things get said about Medford, I've decided that I need to come in to say not nice things about him because I either need to play Devil's Advocate, or else I just need validation. You know, whichever."

Ok, we understand. Those who might like a Medford though have to ask. "Will I be this one guy and get one with lockstick? Or will I get one of the awesome ones that aaaaaaallllll these other guys have?" Statistically, well you know the answer.

Have a good one.
 
bladeninja said:
As you can only imagine...I'm a knife enthusiast and have acquired some excellent knowledge here on the forum along with some excellent blades I wouldn't have known about if it weren't for you.

Most of my knives are fixed blades and I'm coming back around now to folders, but only the good stuff. The mid-techs. The over built, tank style, well engineered stuff that I can use with confidence and enjoyment. I'm all about, buy it once and pass it on to my son's. That's just me. I don't mind spending the money if it's, "that good".

So I just became infatuated with Medford Knife and Tool on my search for a high end folder. Love their designs, quality good 'ol made in the U.S. manufacturing and parts, Veteran run and owned business. It all lines up with my values. I'm a Veteran too. I love America. I love the Freedoms we have here because of the sacrifices so many before us made (Veteran or Not).

Here's my point...yes I'm getting there...The #1 reason I buy a knife is because of the person that represents it, made it or otherwise stands behind it. Call me old fashioned, but that's the truth.

I'm going to buy an MKT no matter what because I believe their company is run by excellent leadership. Greg and his crew have built something exquisite.

For those that disagree...or have had an experience less than favorable...well...I'm sorry. Negative feedback should be dealt with one on one. Not here on the forum where it skews other peoples perceptions in one direction before they even get a chance to form their own.

I guess this where I opened up a can of worms so please....if you have something constructive to say, please have at it. I want to know more about MKT. That's why I'm reaching out to you.
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Well, as others have said, you can't very well ask for people's input and experiences and limit them to only positive ones. Obviously you must know that for some, Greg is a very polarizing person, hence your comment that you may be "opening a can of worms." So, with all that said, my thoughts: the only Medfords I have really fallen for are the Praetorian Ti's. Having handled many and owned one, I can tell you that they are extremely well made, fantastic fit and open and lock up like a bank vault. If you like really overbuilt folders, they are super. I do think that for what is essentially a "mid-tech" or factory custom they are overpriced (but hey, I think that about many customs too).

There have been many complaints about customer service and some of Greg's policies but I personally haven't experienced them.

I think that if you are ok with the price, they are well-made quality products.
 
It was last Saturday that I received my MKT 187 Flipper while responses were still being posted. An unused second hand piece at a fair price. I couldn't be happier with it. It's really that nice.





 
That OD green 187F is exactly what I want. I'd settle for tan, but the OD is classy. Would you mind measuring the exact width of yours - the Medford site says that it AND the larger Marauder are both 5/8 thick, and that can't be right.
 
chainring said:
That OD green 187F is exactly what I want. I'd settle for tan, but the OD is classy. Would you mind measuring the exact width of yours - the Medford site says that it AND the larger Marauder are both 5/8 thick, and that can't be right.
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Have it on me right now and a ruler also to confirm. It's 5/8" wide.
 
Thank you! That means the Marauder is even wider. I can put up with 5/8 wide. The Boker Plus Vox F3 that I carry is just about 1/16 narrower.
 
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