Recommendation? Grohmann folder - DH Russell Lockblade

M

Meneldor

Joined
Dec 28, 2018
Messages
68
Thinking about putting this folder on my wishist. Canadian-made, which is a plus, and I love the styling of it. I have one of their fixed blades, and it sharpens up well, and holds an edge reasonably well. Great filleting knife. I’m just not sure how well it translates as a folder.

Does anyone have any experience with the quality, fit, finish and overall “feel” of this knife? It’s about $200.00 CAD off the website, and I don’t mind paying a bit extra to buy Canadian, but I’d rather not throw money away of it’s a low-quality build.

PS - Image is a screenshot from the company’s website. I read the image rules, and I think this is ok, but Mods, if it’s not, let me know and I will remove it.

45996632185_5273f48522.jpg
 
They have had me tempted a few times also. The styling is strange, but unique. I do feel they are a bit overpriced for what you get and that’s probably the main reason I haven’t gotten one. You should be able to pull up a couple of threads by searching. When I did awhile back I don’t remember seeing anything negative about them.
 
I just got a antique Russell Belt Knife fix blade. It's a weird looking shape but it actually is a extremely useful shape. Personally though for me to buy the folder version I would have to be out there skinning animals which this knife would be excellent for.
 
Meneldor said:
Thinking about putting this folder on my wishist. Canadian-made, which is a plus, and I love the styling of it. I have one of their fixed blades, and it sharpens up well, and holds an edge reasonably well. Great filleting knife. I’m just not sure how well it translates as a folder.

Does anyone have any experience with the quality, fit, finish and overall “feel” of this knife? It’s about $200.00 CAD off the website, and I don’t mind paying a bit extra to buy Canadian, but I’d rather not throw money away of it’s a low-quality build.

PS - Image is a screenshot from the company’s website. I read the image rules, and I think this is ok, but Mods, if it’s not, let me know and I will remove it.

45996632185_5273f48522.jpg
Click to expand...

The quality and fit and finish on the ones at my local shop were all excellent. $200(cdn?) does seem pretty expensive for one but there weren’t any glaring faults. Despite the unique design or actually because of it they were extremely comfortable in hand.
 
I can't personally vouch for their quality but I haven't heard any bad reviews and the lines catch my eye everytime I see one . :thumbsup:
 
I have the size down and it is a great folder. Well made, cuts well and great ergonomics IMO. It was under $100 CAD and that was a spur of the moment purchase at an Army Surplus store in Kingston, so I don’t expect that I got a super deal.

In any case, the model you are looking at is available directly from Grohmann as a second for only $106CAD. I have a bunch of Grohmann seconds and they are all perfect except no warranty and a small “s” stamped on the blade inconspicuously. Great values and I watch the clearance section regularly. I wouldn’t pay $200 for one though.

I really like all of the 7 or 8 Grohmanns I have except one crappy one - the serrated LockBlade. Not a good knife in any way, but it was only $25CAD.

A Manly Peak might be a good option. Similar size with M390 steel for $120CAD or so. MUCH better knife IMO.
 
I've got one, well made and very comfortable. The bolt on thumbstuds that work on Buck 110s fit on them fine also.
 
If unsure, check out their close out section, maybe a second available but you can try it out without spending full price.
 
The prices on their website are full retail. If you buy it from another Canadian online retailer, it will actually be cheaper because it will be discounted. Shop around.
 
High quality, every bit as good as a Buck 110. Don’t hesitate to buy one of their seconds either. If you call the shop they can tell you what the issue is and pick a good one for you, they are usually small blemishes or barely noticeable imperfections in the grain of the wood. I’ve got several of the seconds and you’d be hard pressed to find the blemish.
 
I have the smaller version as well. For a $70 knife, not too bad. My example didn't have great F&F (all my Case knives were much better quality) but I'd imagine it was just mine. It has horizontal blade play, a small gap between the liner and the back spacer near the butt end. While I was examining it, I noticed the blade was sitting proud out of the handle, enough for me to pull the blade out with my finger tip. A few minutes with the stone and I ground the kick down enough that the blade now sits inside.

I bought mine at a B&M so I should have examined it more thoroughly, but that's on me. Other than that, at arms length, it's a nice looking knife. Oh, and I wasn't impressed with the slip joint, spring was way too soft.
 
Thanks everyone for the thoughts on the knife and the shopping suggestions. I think i’ll Keep my eyes open for a factory second or a really good sale.
 
The DH Russell Canadian Belt knife, made by Grohmann Knives in Pictou, Nova Scotia, is a brilliant design -- it's even been on display at New York's Museum of Modern Art. I've used mine for four decades, and it's still one of the best bushcraft knives I own. The European (German, likely) steel isn't spectacular -- the carbon is close to 1080, I think, the stainless is close to 4110, both hardened to around Rockwell 56-58, easy to sharpen and hold an edge acceptably long. The elliptical blade with a high saber grind is an excellent skinner, and the offset handle lets you use the entire edge on a cutting board.
 
Alberta Ed said:
The DH Russell Canadian Belt knife, made by Grohmann Knives in Pictou, Nova Scotia, is a brilliant design -- it's even been on display at New York's Museum of Modern Art. I've used mine for four decades, and it's still one of the best bushcraft knives I own. The European (German, likely) steel isn't spectacular -- the carbon is close to 1080, I think, the stainless is close to 4110, both hardened to around Rockwell 56-58, easy to sharpen and hold an edge acceptably long. The elliptical blade with a high saber grind is an excellent skinner, and the offset handle lets you use the entire edge on a cutting board.
Click to expand...
Absolutely! I have the No. 2 Trout and Bird, the little brother to the original, and it is a fantastic slicer. Best filleting knife I own.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top