Hawaii connection

Joined
Nov 1, 2000
Messages
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I feel the need for a titanium framelock with holes in it. Onion and Mayo would feed my appetite. The problem is that Mayo is not longer taking orders and I can't find any contact info about Onion. Both guys are obviously still making knives, so how does one go about getting a knife from them. I don't live near any knife show venues and the secondary market is practically non-existant.
 
Ken Onion's contact info is on the main page of his website:
http://www.park2.com/onion/rightframe.html
His number is also listed in the Hawaii White Pages, if you have access to that ;)

As far as Tom Mayo is concerned, he sometimes shows up (at least on the first day) at the poor excuse we have for a knife show here. Actually, it's a "Historic Arms" show, but some knifemakers (Onion, Mayo, Fujisaka and a couple of others) buy table space because that's the closest thing we have to a knife show. I kinda remember him bringing out a couple of TNTs last time, but I'm not 100% sure because I wasn't in the market for a Mayo. If you could time a visit to coincide with the show (twice a year; in March and September - if you're really interested, e-mail me and I'll find out about the March show), you might be able to buy a knife right there. I'd call Tom and ask him about his plans first, of course.
 
Being that you are in PA it would probably be easier to drive down to the Blade Show in June. Mayo will be there for sure and if you can make it at the beginning you may get lucky, but Mayo has said they go FAST. He is a very talented knifemaker who is getting the recognition he deserves.

If you can live without a titanium framelock from Mayo or Onion there are a couple of other options. John Smith also makes a framelock that I am sure you could have him drill holes in the handles. Mike Obenauf also makes a titanium framelock. Both makers had titanium framelock knives that were just sold recently on the "Custom Knives For Sale Individual" for @ $400.00. The Obenauf had divot holes drilled in the handle (the holes did not go all the way through). Give either of those makers a holler and see what the wait time would be for a similar knife.

Oh, I forgot! Either maker is great to talk to even if you are unable to get a knife at this time from them via order. You might even try seeing if Mayo will customize a Sebenza for you (drilling holes in the handle), there was one for sale in the same above forum a little ago. Always worth a shot giving him a call or e-mail, seeing if he can do it and what he would charge.

Aloha!
 
To get a Mayo (right handed) you need to go to a show that he is going to, show up 2 hours early and wait by the door. Go to his website so that you know what he looks like. As soon as you see him, fall to your knees and throw handfulls of 20 dollar bills at him. Also bring a good sized stick. If anyone else tries to get to Tom first, beat them unconscious. Then maybe you will get one. As far as Onion, he usually has a raffle. Good luck!:D :cool: :eek: :p
 
Both makers are not taking orders, Tom since the beginning of this year, Ken for years now. The only way your going to get one from Ken these days is though one of his raffles at any show he has his knifes for sale and as far a Tom Mayo goes who knows, you will have to find out which shows he might have any for sale, but there both a long shot to say the least. Like it's been said you better get to the show first thing in the morning and wait in line.

Good Luck!
James
 
I know that Mayos and Onions are the knives to have, and in no way am i saying theyre not worth the money, what I will say is that JW. Smith makes an awfully nice Ti framelock folder with incredible fit and finish, for about $450, and i believe I have seen a few with holes in the handles. While Onions and Mayos are so tough to get, the Smiths can be found here and there. I am continually amazed at why his knives arent more in demand, thats OK, more for me! :)
 
www.park2.com/onion

If you put in the /rightframe.html you don't get the whole site to load...

I honestly wouldn't bother calling, 'cause Ken's out of town at the SHOT Show, then he'll be having surgery and recovery...probably out of comission for at least two or three months.

throw handfulls of 20 dollar bills at him
I think the tricky really is to be throwing hundreds, not 20's! ;)

You could always pay $1000-$2000 in the aftermarket. I think TNT's are going for in the $1000 range, and I know Onions are going for right around $2000.

Both Tom and Ken make awesome knives, and it's certainly worth all the effort to try to get one!

~Mitch
 
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