Henckels Congress review

J

jimleach

Joined
Aug 9, 2001
Messages
16
I just received my buffalo horn congress this afternoon, and I thought I'd post a quick evaluation. I purchased this sight unseen (example picture only)from a well known internet knife shop. I've never laid eyes on any other examples of this brand of knife. I didn't know what to expect.

First impressions:
It's a pretty nice packaging system they have. Outer Sleeve, Box, Plastic Baggie, Black Velvet Sleeve, another plastic baggie, then the knife.

I'm a little dissappointed with the scale fit, as I can see what I think is adhesive between the scales and the frame on the top edge.

Finish is what I expected, the horn is well polished, and has a pretty figure. The nickel silver bolsters are a tad scuffed, but not too bad. Overall fit and finish comparable with a decent case piece. One of the bolsters is EDM'd (doesn't look stamped) with a serial number, mine is number 0188.

The edges aren't the sharpest, but at least they have points, unlike most case knives I have. It is 'only' 420 stainless, but I purchased this to me my daily carry 'office friendly knife', so i will be sharpening it. It won't see a whole lot of use, so I'm not too concerned.

Action is a different story. It's springs are strong. Almost too strong. I have to work hard to get the two smaller blades out, because there is nothing to grab onto except the nail nick, and my fingernails apparently aren't strong enough to perform this task. If your fingers were in the way when you closed it, you would get a nasty bite.

I'm pretty satisfied with this knife, for a user. If I would have purchased it for my collection, I would be a bit dissappointed.

Arbitrary Grading Scale:
Intended Use: User/Carry Knife
Fit and Finish: b- (scale fit issues, mostly.)
Walk and Talk: a
Blade Edge: b
Overall: b+

Pictures are forthcoming. I'm trying to get one to show the fit issues that I'm speaking of.

congress.jpg


jim
 
Thanks Jim,
I have a couple of older Henckels trappers and they are fine. Been wondering about the new stuff and you have given me knowledge of what to expect should I ever break down and order one.
 
Thanks Jim. The pic looks good. I've been thinking about getting a red bone whittler to use. Is the carbon steel any good?



Thanks Dean
 
The half stop is as strong as the rest of the action. well defined clicks both at the half and at full open/close. The bearing surfaces on the blades that ride on the springs are quite rough, and the two smaller blades are actually apparently untouched as for shape. they are square, with no break on the corners at all. This is part of the reason for their extreme difficulty in opening, if I'm understanding the geometry of the action correctly.

I may be touching those with a needle file, so I can put those smaller blades to use.

I sharpened it last night using a Lansky kit, and using the 30 degree setting and with a very minor bit of re-profiling I was able to get a halfway decent edge. I'm not an expert sharpener, by any means, but It's good enough for the work this knife is going to see. as far as edge holding, we shall see.

jim
 
Mine arrived tonight. I am impressed with it. Mine has the gunstock walnut. I have a Bulldog brand congress on the way to compare. I was a bit surprised that the blades were so thin. Mine is very sharp out of the box.

edited to ask: Does yours have a serial number on the bolster as well?
Mine is 0164. Kind of a neat idea, but I am not sure the bolster was the best place to place it.
 
Yup. it is an interesting place to put it. Maybe they intended this piece to be displayed. I definately like mine.

Are your blades, especially the smaller ones, difficult to open?

jim
 
I have a Henckels Red jigged bone Trapper in carbon steel that I bought a few months ago. I have been carrying it coon hunting and have done some skinning with it.

Once I got the edges profiled like I wanted them, the knife took a killer edge. It holds it about as good as most 1095--in other words, good enough for me. And it's a breeze to touch up.

Mine doesn't have the scale fit issues yours does, but the round Henckels shield inlaid in the scale fell out a few days after I got the knife. It wasn't glued in very well. I didn't try to put it back in because I bought the knife for a user, and it is fine in that role.

Enjoyed your review.
 
One thing I wanted to mention, in some defense of the finish of this piece. It appears that I purchased the very last knife with this handle material that the seller had in stock. it may very well be that this was the worst finished piece of the lot.

I only know this because within 5 minutes of my order being placed, the knife in question became temporarially out of stock...
 
Jim,
All of the blades on mine open smothly.
I am wrestling with myself right now. Throw it in the pocket today or put it up?

Well, I think it goes in the pocket.:D
 
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