Hawkbill folder.

[Alan Mackey]

Hi all, long time lurker and first time poster.

I would like to purchase my first (and certainly not last) hawkbill folder but I can't find anything that satisfies me. I love the Spyderco Harpy, but the SS scales seem too slippery and its sister, the Tasman, does not appeal to me (FRN is good but looks cheap, if you know what I mean).

Both Superhawk and Matriarch are way too big and the Ladybug Hawk is maybe too little (nothing that size surpasses my SubClaw anyway; not even the mighty Cricket). And I can't come up with anything else (Spyderco or not).

Any ideas would be rather welcome.

 

[viva la]

how much are you willing to spend?

 

[Alan Mackey]

how much are you willing to spend?

Anything under $200. :thumbup:

 

[WadeWilson]

I would also like to know more about some good hawkbill knives. I'm familiar with the Spyderco line up but totally unfamiliar with other manufacturers.

 

[RevDevil]

There are not a lot of manufacturers that make hawkbill bladed folders, that is why many people might be unfamiliar with them. Of the ones that do, Spyderco certainly does stand out as a leader because of 2 things, in my poinion.
1- Ergonomics. The knives just feel right in the hand. That says a lot right there.
2- Steel choice. The steel used in the Salt series (H1) is a work hardened steel, the serrated version will hold a very sharp edge longer than most ofther steels due to the effects of grinding the serrations.

FRN is not designed to be cute, elegant, or pretty. It is designed to be strong, take impacts, be low maintenance, and be unbreakable (within reason). The FRN Spyderco uses does have added glass fiber to increase the overall strength. If it didn't work, they wouldn't keep using it ana selling thousands of knives with it every year. I know it boils down to personal preference, but it works.

There was a Harpy available with G10 about 4 years ago, you might be able to find one, but it will be much pricier than the regular version.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

How about a Case Hawkbill Pruner?

 

[BladeChick777]

Blackhawk Gara II
5.11 Tactical LMC Hawkbill Folding Knife
5.11 C.U.B. Master 2.0 Tactical Karambit S30V Knife w/ FRN (Black PLN)
Spyderco Spyder Hawk
Mantis MK-3VXB Encore Folding Karambit Knife
Mantis MK-2 Cinq 2 Manual Karambit Knife
Mantis MK-IVX Midnight Manual Karambit Knife

 

[swamp]

Microtech Hawk. And while not a hawksbill I like the Spyderco Civilian.

 

[gooeytek]

I bought a Greco hawkbill framelock a couple of months back, and I really love the blade. The handle/scales/fittings can be greatly improved on though, so I am getting it customized by a member here on the forums to make it more comfortable to hold.

The blade is about 3/16", flat ground, and tapered.

 

[Alan Mackey]

That Greco is a real beauty!

 

[RevDevil]

Blackhawk Gara II
5.11 Tactical LMC Hawkbill Folding Knife
5.11 C.U.B. Master 2.0 Tactical Karambit S30V Knife w/ FRN (Black PLN)
Spyderco Spyder Hawk
Mantis MK-3VXB Encore Folding Karambit Knife
Mantis MK-2 Cinq 2 Manual Karambit Knife
Mantis MK-IVX Midnight Manual Karambit Knife

Mantis knives are utter garbage, they have shady business practices and flat out lie about what they are selling. No need to advertise or advocate a group such as that. I'd rather carry a broken bottle piece than one of their offerings.

 

[OrdnanceBubbaUSMC]

Could also look at Emerson Karambit - the Emerson model I've always wanted. Maybe just because it was in The Punisher People say it has a very thin tip, so it might be best to be mindful of it doing utility stuff.

 

[gomipile]

How about the Boker Plus Bat Knife?

 

[RandomAyes]

maybe look at the ZT 0750 ?

 

[Noctis3880]

maybe look at the ZT 0750 ?

That one might be held up for a while yet until the 0560/1, 0550, and 0777 are done with. I'd recommend the Kershaw Talon in the meantime.

 

[Superdave1]

How about the A.G. Russel version, I love mine.

 

[Socom Elite]

Camillus CUDA 4s for the win. I used to have one. They are sweet

 

[michaelm466]

Byrd G10 Crossbill if you don't mind 8cr

 

[trashboss]

Too bad the Tazman dosnt appeal to you and you think the FRN is looks cheap - because this Tazman "Salt" is an awesome blade. Actually one of my favorite knives. This Spydie was also my first hawkbill blade and it opened up a whole new cutting experience for me. I live near the ocean so the H1 steel is hard to beat and the hawkbill curve works perfectly with my sharpmaker, it's super easy to maintain and keep a razor edge. Good luck finding a better hawkbill style blade than a Taz for the money.

 

[Alan Mackey]

Too bad the Tazman dosnt appeal to you and you think the FRN is looks cheap - because this Tazman "Salt" is an awesome blade. Actually one of my favorite knives.

Which one would you choose? Tasman or Harpy? Serrated or plain edge?