Harsey T2??

[Waldganger]

Hey there knuts,

I've been looking around and considering buying a Sebenza and a William Henry and also a Elishewitz custom, and now I've found out my wife is pregnant again so I have to can those ideas for a great amount of time.

I've had my eye on a T2 Ranger for a while, as it has the belly to do some field work on game, both large and medium sized, and I've decided that I'll get one of
them first (got a birthday coming up) but I just want to know some information first regarding the handle materials.

I really like the look of the cocobolo handles, but cannot find any pics of both sides of the knife, so I was wondering if both scales are the wood, and if they damage easily?

also can the handles be subjected to water much or would the wood swell?

and how's the grip on the wood compare to the nylon, as I'd be using this daily, then when the novelty wears off relegating it to my hunting kit. and I assume I could end up messy on some trips.

how about the lock? does it lock up tight?

Has anyone had any issues?

any comments on Lone Wolf customer service??

Thanks for all the help

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Here's a pic with both sides of the knife. Pic from GPKnives.com

The wood scales can show nicks and scuffs if dropped or bumped against hard objects and although the wood is treated, it can be subject to eventual water damage. How soon will it begin to swell or crack depends on the level of exposure to the environment. The T2 with cocobolo scales is a very handsome folder, but you're talking about a particular Lone Wolf model that has been known to have several QC issues. Scales that aren't properly aligned with the liners. Blades that aren't properly centered. Vertical bladeplay and screws that strip easily. I've owned 3, two with the FRN scales and one with cocobolo scales. All turned out to be huge disappointments and I was happy to eventually get rid of them. To me Lone Wolf knives are way overpriced and I've observed their quality control to be hit or miss. Occasionally you get one that's just right, but it's a gamble. I've seen better and consistent fit and finish on CRKTs. In the end I was left looking at Lone Wolf as an overpriced and over-glorified Gerber offshoot.

Unless you absolutely have to own a T2, I'd recommend looking at other knives with more durable handle materials. The wood does add some elegance to the knife, but not worth the inflated price. Think about it. Just as an example, you can get a basic Lone Wolf T2 with nylon scales at an MSRP of $200. USA-made, stainless steel liners, stainless steel pocket clip and a 3.90 inch blade of S30V at a 60-61 RC. Add $20 to the MSRP if you get one with wood scales. Or, you can get a Kershaw JYD II at an MSRP of $80 that's USA-made, has stainless steel liners, G10 scales, a stainless steel pocket clip and a 3.75 inch blade of Sandvik 13C26 stainless steel at 57-59 RC. Honestly, I just don't see that much of a difference between a 60-61 RC vs a 57-59 RC to justify that much of a price difference. Yes, the JYD II will require shaperning sooner than the T2 with continuous use, but I personally like to sharpen my knives and a blade that sharpens quickly and holds a good edge is more of an asset to me than a blade that is harder to sharpen and may be prone to chipping.

 

[JSR]

I can't comment on the T2, but I do have a T1 and it is my favorite folder. The blade profile is great and it slices very well. My T1 has the Carbon Fiber scales which are slick, but still grippy due to the shape of the handle. The CF is also amazingly attractive. The CF version has been replaced by a G10 version tho which should be much grippier. I have no QC issues on my T1 aside from a slightly off-center blade. Lockup is very solid with no vertical play. I've spine whacked the hell out if it at various areas of the spine and it doesn't budge. For me, the T1 was worth it, but there's a big jump in price from the T1 to T2 and the lack of G10 or other scales on the T2 has kept me looking at alternatives.

The JYDII is a great folder at an amazing price. There is less of a belly on the blade though. The NRGII should be coming out around June/July if you can wait that long that has a blade that's not as wide as the JYDII, but a bit more belly. G10 scales with TracTec inserts. I'm looking forward to the NRG releases. Kershaw has some great larger folder offerings. The Lahar will be out soon, which looks very nice, full G10 scales, VG10 blade, and a slight recurve for a good belly.

 

[wade]

Hey there, I EDC a cocobolo T2 and love it! Never had any problems with QC on my end. This knife is built like a tank with out the weight. The cocobolo handles are slick if the get wet, and will nick easily if you drop it. Mine has several scars. Im in the process of finding someone to make me micarta scales for it. Thats my only problem with the knife. Both sides are wood scales. The lock is good, I sent mine back and had the blade ground a little so the liner engages all the way to the other side (dont trust liners). Holds one hell of an edge. It will rust, because of the blast finish, so when you get it give it a good wipe down with some tough-cloth.

 

[destroythealter]

Unless you need the knife immediately QC will not be a problem, however if there is one LF will take care of it. I have the T2 in zytel so I cannot on the handle but the T2 is a great knife.

 

[wade]

Here are a few picts of what happens when you drop cocobolo.

and here is a how my liner ingages after I had the balde ground a little more.

If I would have known what I know now. I would have got one with out the wood handles, and used the extra money for custom scales. Which are going to cost me about another $120. But, if you dont drop it too many times and take good care of it (which I dont), you will be fine. The knfe has held up extreamly well for what it has been throught. The handles are the only thing that have scars.

 

[MPE]

I really cannot comment on the Harsey, I've never held one. I have heard many good things about them. I did want to say I know all about a baby on the way. We had a baby girl March 5th. I made sure I bought as many knives as I could in the first 5 months. I even bought a few in the last couple. It doesn't get easier and the bills keep stacking. If you have your heart set on the others, pick the one you want the most. The nice thing about buying a custom is they take a while to get, you can save here and there without having to come up wit the funds ASAP. A Elishewitz, Dozier, Hinderer or any of the other top custom makers are a sure score to be had. If you can, make it happen. With my two little ones and the constant this and that coming up,I had to now cut WAY back. I will say this, I wouldn't trade it for anything though! Its the best being a dad. Good luck and congrats.

MPE

 

[rifon2]

Here are a few picts of what happens when you drop cocobolo.

and here is a how my liner ingages after I had the balde ground a little more.

If I would have known what I know now. I would have got one with out the wood handles, and used the extra money for custom scales. Which are going to cost me about another $120. But, if you dont drop it too many times and take good care of it (which I dont), you will be fine. The knfe has held up extreamly well for what it has been throught. The handles are the only thing that have scars.

Sure, wood handles on folders or fixed blades are gonna get those dings if you drop them. On the other hand, they're pretty and feel good.

Then there are the attempted compromises, like Micarta.

For tactical folders, I like G10, Zytel, or Micarta.

For "pretty knives" - slipjoints; customs - I'll go with wood or other natural materials. (Bone, etc.)

 

[sandfly]

I've got a T2 in French Walnut. Its my alternating edc with a g10/s30v leek. I've dropped it and it has a nice ding now. The dings and other wear are what make it mine.

I have Benelli Montefeltro 20ga with walnut stock. It has some scratches and nicks too. To me a black synthetic stock ruins the aesthetics much more than the wood reminding me of great time in the field.

 

[G3]

The chipping will happen on any of the wooden handled models if you drop them. My walnut version did the same. You also want to be careful not to overtighten the screws or you will crack the scales.