Having trouble deciding...

S

Shortknock27

Gold Member
Joined
Sep 2, 2002
Messages
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Of these two knives, which would make for a better EDC in your opinion, and why: Brad Duncan Whiplash or Lg. Micarta Sebenza? I'm already aware of the quality of a Sebenza, but have not handled a Whiplash, but like the looks of it and the idea of the roller bearing pivot. Thanks in advance.

Scott
 
Hi Scott,

If you like the idea of the roller bearing system you should check out RJ Matin's work.

WWG
 
I do like R. J. Martin's knives and would like a Devastator, but I currently do not need a 4 1/4" blade on a knife. Other than that, I would already own one.


Thanks,
Scott
 
Shortknock27 said:
I do like R. J. Martin's knives and would like a Devastator, but I currently do not need a 4 1/4" blade on a knife. Other than that, I would already own one.

Thanks,
Scott
Click to expand...

Havoc, you must have a Havoc!!

Will appreciate in value, awesome knife, perhaps one of the top 10 EDC's I have ever owned, reasonably priced, right around 3.5" blade.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Hi STeven,

Couldn't agree with you more. If I replaced my Boguszewski as my EDC it would be with a Martin Havoc.

W
 
I don't like blade coatings very much as far as use goes, but I do like the way they look to begin with...but before I get a recommendation to try the dress havoc, I don't really like the looks of it very much (but I do like the looks of the regular Havoc a lot). Thought about a Contender, but it looks too plain to me.

Aside from the problems he personally was having until some time last year, I like the look of Brad Duncan's Whiplash, but I would like to hear something about the knife's performance, not just whether his C/S is any good or not (as I have heard it has improved a lot). Does anyone carry and use one, and how is it for EDC? I like the Sebenza a lot, but for just about 35 to 40 dollars more, I can get a Whiplash. I am still undecided about which I would be happier with. How are the ergos and blade geometry on the Whiplash? How about lockup? Thanks again.

Scott
 
I picked up a Whiplash a few days ago. The roller bearing is great – there is absolutely zero blade play, and no pivot resistance except for the pressure of the détente ball against the blade. Its size is deceptive - at 9” overall, it's a big knife, but it’s light and the handle is thin and narrow, and it feels great in the hand – not bulky at all. Lockup is solid – a bit sticky actually.

Regards,
Steve.
 
Shortknock27 said:
I don't like blade coatings very much as far as use goes, but I do like the way they look to begin with...but before I get a recommendation to try the dress havoc, I don't really like the looks of it very much (but I do like the looks of the regular Havoc a lot). Thought about a Contender, but it looks too plain to me.

Aside from the problems he personally was having until some time last year, I like the look of Brad Duncan's Whiplash, but I would like to hear something about the knife's performance, not just whether his C/S is any good or not (as I have heard it has improved a lot). Does anyone carry and use one, and how is it for EDC? I like the Sebenza a lot, but for just about 35 to 40 dollars more, I can get a Whiplash.
Scott
Click to expand...

You seem to be predisposed to buy a Whiplash, so buy one. Only you are going to know what you like.

I don't care for the aesthetics of the piece.

If you like the Havoc, but don't like the Dress Havoc, you do know that you can ask RJ to custom set it up the way that would make you happiest, don't you?

I got an Avenger from RJ about 2 years ago, with BB frame, untextured silver twill G-10 scales, no pocket clip, and satin finished spear point blade. It is sweet and not like any others out there. That is the joy of custom knives, and RJ WILL make it the way you like it, but maybe Mr. Duncan would as well.

I just know that RJ's customer service, and fit and finish are pretty hard to beat, and he has a spotless reputation as well.

If the Duncan mentioned above is "sticky" just rub a pencil on the lockbar, where it contacts the frame. This tip came from Phil Boguszewski.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
the Havoc is really starting to grow on me, but I wonder how the coating holds up and if Mr. Martin would be willing to recoat or refinish (i.e. satin, striated, etc.) after a black bladed Havoc was bought. I especially like the 3 1/2" blade, as this is an ideal blade length for me. Can he also put on a thumbdisk on an already made knife? Thanks.

Scott
 
Shortknock27 said:
the Havoc is really starting to grow on me, but I wonder how the coating holds up and if Mr. Martin would be willing to recoat or refinish (i.e. satin, striated, etc.) after a black bladed Havoc was bought. I especially like the 3 1/2" blade, as this is an ideal blade length for me. Can he also put on a thumbdisk on an already made knife? Thanks.

Scott
Click to expand...

The coating on the blade is not particularly durable for useage, but is easily reapplied.

The blade finish is striated under the coating.

A thumbdisk would be aesthetically pleasing, but would only get in the way-you would never use it-the flipper mechanism is that good.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Scott: The black finish is epoxy powdercoat. It's baked on.
I have sold quite a few knives with this treatment on the blade, and have yet to receive one back that needed re-coating. That includes fixed blade knives that have kydex sheaths, which are typically hard on coated blades.

Anyway, the good thing about the powdercoat is that it can be blasted off and re-applied, should that be necessary. I would charge a nominal fee for that service.

I do not put thumb discs on .125 thick blades-Only on .180 thick blades. Besides, as Steve points out, it would be a liability on a HAVOC.

Just a point of clarification-I use roller thrust bearings, while Brad uses a cylindrical cage that surrounds the pivot.
 
RJ, the Devastator I picked up from Les Robertson does not have a thumb disc, Is this something special for Les? It also has a torched finish on the titanium frame that is described as blue/black. Again is this a special? I really, and I mean REALLY, do like the torched finish. As far as the disc goes, I do not really need it, just curious.:thumbup:
 
I've owned several Whiplashes and Sebenzas, and both are well made knives. The Whiplash will be much smoother than the Sebenza, thanks to the sealed bearing pivot, and it will likely fit in your hand more comfortably because it is better contoured than a Sebenza. The Sebenza is probably built a bit tougher, though.

Like those who have posted above, I am partial to the Havoc over either the Whiplash or the Sebenza, though. If you don't like the coated blade, I do believe the model is offered with a satin finished or striated blade as well. The flipper action is smooth enough so that the thumb disk is entirely unnecessary; personally, I prefer flipper knives without thumb openers anyway.
 
Hi Shortknock.

Good news/Bad news.

Bad news....Havoc is gone.

Good news...I'll have some more next week.

WWG
 
cutter17 said:
RJ, the Devastator I picked up from Les Robertson does not have a thumb disc, Is this something special for Les? It also has a torched finish on the titanium frame that is described as blue/black. Again is this a special? I really, and I mean REALLY, do like the torched finish. As far as the disc goes, I do not really need it, just curious.:thumbup:
Click to expand...

I asked about this too. According to Les, RJ doesn't add a thumb disc any more because it is not needed given the increadibly smooth action of the knife. A thumb disc would be neat, but I'm not missing it too bad.
 
The thumb disc and flipper were on some of the earlier knives primarily as a transition. From a "makers" view. Tapping the hole to put the thumb wheel in can be a little tricky as well. Consequently, if they don't ave to do it, they can save time and money, which translates into a less expensive knife for you.

My favorite opener at one time was the thumb wheel, still like it better than a thumb stud. But because of the action on RJ's knives the flipper is the way to go.

Additionally when the blade is deployed the flipper becomes a guard for your forefinger. Not for knife fighting, but does help to keep your finger from sliding onto the primary edge.

WWG
 
Cutter17: I just started doing the heat colored titanium frames. They have a nice look and feel and are more durable than anodizing. I am partial to my OD Green heat coloration, which is a nice greyish green color. Les likes it too-I think it reminds him of his Army days.....
 
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