High End Folder Recommendations?

Mr. Clean said:
How is the IKBS system for cleaning and maintenance?
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I've heard very good. I think there's some youtube test videos where it's submerged in sand and dirt, and it still works great. I think you can just blow it with compressed air to clean it, and it shouldn't be too hard to get some oil in there without taking it apart. if you do take it apart, I don't think it's too bad as long as you don't lose the bearings. if you do lose them, you can easily get more, I think, and you just dip the pivot in lube and stick it in a cup of bearings, as far as I know.
 
Some great folder makers over in the makers section right now, for less than $500. WDZ? Also, I am a little bit leary of the IKBS system, even sealed bearing races get dirt in them. They look exactly like skateboard bearings on a smaller scale, I'd probably opt for another pivot system despite the glass smoothness offered if it were my cash, but it isn't!
 
crom said:
Some great folder makers over in the makers section right now, for less than $500. WDZ? Also, I am a little bit leary of the IKBS system, even sealed bearing races get dirt in them. They look exactly like skateboard bearings on a smaller scale, I'd probably opt for another pivot system despite the glass smoothness offered if it were my cash, but it isn't!
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I don't think the Lahar has a sealed IKBS system, so that's why the compresed air and a drop of oil, without taking the knfie apart, should work. I think sealed would be more of a pain.
 
Anything Reese Weiland.
 
Is it impossible to find these knives? Man, I've emailed Ralph and Martin but no luck - hard to find on the secondary market too...
 
Mr. Clean said:
Is it impossible to find these knives? Man, I've emailed Ralph and Martin but no luck - hard to find on the secondary market too...
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give it a few days, some makers don't have a chance to check their email very often. they both pop up on the secondary market more often than not, and on dealers websites. especially Ralph
 
misterjuiceman said:
give it a few days, some makers don't have a chance to check their email very often. they both pop up on the secondary market more often than not, and on dealers websites. especially Ralph
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True - plus there was a show recently I think so they're probably behind a bit.

The trigger maze is something you can find on dealers sites but only the AO version, and even that one is a bit rare. Maybe I'm missing some dealers in my artillery?
 
Anything else to consider? How about Randy Doucette?

-hell I might just grab something from a local BF maker at this point...
 
Here's my suggestion for something off the beaten track: try a Klötzli. As precisely made as Chris Reeve, somewhat more gentlemeny (decent, well-adjusted liner locks instead of framelocks) but really capable, very nicely finished knives. They also are markedly different from the knives you already have. Three lovely Walker-designed folders, they are among my personal fvourites:

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Or for something deliciously chic, a backlocking Fontenille-Pataud gentlemen-laguiole. With a horn tip handle, bien sûr. Very nicely finished:

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@Dagon: Klötzli folders are not really convenient to purchase aren't they? The Walker 06 with it's blue anodized liner side is good-looking without being too fancy.
 
How about a Fallkniven PXL ? This is the only "gentleman" folder I have and it has excellent fit & finish, good edge-holding and pretty good looks. :D

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The RJ Martin Overkill. I have 1 and like it a lot. It came with a scary sharp

edge. Its a user...all my knives are.:D

The Kershaw Volt if you can find 1. They come up fs on the fs forums from

time to time. Some blems (nib) are very reasonable. The cheapest 1 I've

seen was $110. I have a Volt blem. Fansastic knife.
 
Mr. Clean said:
So I contacted Darrel Ralph for a manual Trigger Maze, but before I pull the trigger is there anything else I should consider in the sub $500 range? ALready have my Sebbie, Strider, and HEST (on order), and a couple Spyderco's I love. Framelock is the way to go for me and I imagine it's gotta be pretty sweet to undo a DDR purchase.
Thoughts? Anso??
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Dozier are making best performes, but he is kind of conservative in style:

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For framelock style I would highly recommend Yuna:

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And SniperBlades with manually forged and differentialy heat treated 1095 blade:

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All those knives are on top of my edge retention test list.

Thanks, Vassil.
 
Thanks Vassil! I actually have an order in with Yuna. Dozier is good, damn good but his prices are a bit rich for his style in my personal opinion. Sniper was on the list but a bit too big and costly.
 
Mr. Clean said:
Thanks Vassil! I actually have an order in with Yuna. Dozier is good, damn good but his prices are a bit rich for his style in my personal opinion. Sniper was on the list but a bit too big and costly.
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They all around $500. And all has very good steel and very good performance.

Thanks, Vassili.
 
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