High end opinions wanted

A

Alpha3

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Aug 17, 2016
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I own many knives and have reached a point in my collection where I want to purchase a knife in the $500-$750 range. I'm am curious as to your opinions - Chris Reeve, Medford, Olamic, or ????
Thanks
 
I own (or have owned) CRK, Medford, Hoback, and Shirogorov knives, and of those north of $500 for all but CRK. Haven't owned an Olamic yet. They've all been fantastic knives with impeccable fit and finish, just exemplary all around.

But they're also all pretty different knives. My Sebenza 31 and Shirogorov NeOn NL have almost nothing in common apart from the obvious; they feel entirely different, and they're designed with different goals in mind.

Are you curious about anything specific? If not, my answer is yes -- buy one, they're worth it. :D
 
unwisefool said:
Catch up to what?
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Catch up with Shiro insane F&F quality. I have not found better so far for the price range of Shiros - and I'm into the cheaper ones. CRK is close second but hey, they don't flip :)
Hoback are nice but they are too tightly machined, pocket lint jam them bad. Hinderer are way more rugged, and so are Olamic - these two are high end and usable knives for sure.
 
Alpha3 said:
I own many knives and have reached a point in my collection where I want to purchase a knife in the $500-$750 range. I'm am curious as to your opinions - Chris Reeve, Medford, Olamic, or ????
Thanks
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I've been looking around for the same, and as soon as I see another batch of Curtiss Warhawks released I'm going to be on one, probably the 375.
Olamic Rainmaker is kind of in the same category, but I've had Olamics.
 
+ 1 for Curtiss! My F3 replaced all other folders. Been carrying a large for about 7 months straight. Best action of any knife I’ve owned ( including lower end Shiro’s, Reeves, Hinderers, Calavera’s, Striders). Curtiss knives are really nice. Like a Shiro, and Reeve , they actually cut too.

83D2EC24-F5B3-4043-88DE-ED7A9E687D06.jpeg

Hands down my favorite folder.
 
What does high end mean: the price, the quality, the name?
For me the maker nor he price are a good base to rely on.
 
deovolens said:
What does high end mean: the price, the quality, the name?
For me the maker nor he price are a good base to rely on.
Click to expand...


When you produce quality, you will also achieve "a name" and "a price".
I think if there are no faults visible even in macro shots, when every surface is hand finished, when quality materials are used and the heat treat is extraordinary, we are in high end territory.
 
I can only comment on CRK and Shirogorov at the moment. Both brands are super nice in terms of fit and finish so I don’t think you’d be upset with either. (Depending on your preferred style)

CRK makes way more knives so availability is much better, plus if you’re in the states and have an issue, it’s easily rectified. They’re easy to take apart and clean as well. I have both Sebenzas and Inkosis and love their simple yet proven designs. You can’t go wrong putting one in your pocket. (I suggest the large size in either model)

I didn’t like flipper knives until I got a Shirogorov. Every flipper prior to that was sold and never really appreciated. I just didn’t like them. The Shiro Neon NL changed that for me and for a smaller knife, it has the same blade length as the large Sebenza. I now own 3 others, my favorites being the F95’s. Shiros are not as easy to take apart and clean compared to CRK due to all the little ball bearings inside and the single sided tool specific hardware. Also, if you have an issue you have to return it to Russia (if you buy from a US dealer though they should handle the process). I wouldn’t let that stop you however! They are awesome all around and incorporate more fine build details than CRK I believe.
 
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If you are planning on taking photos of a new knife next to cables, other construction equipment or in a workshop, etc., get a CRK. :p

Otherwise, try a Shiro, Cheburkov or Hinderer :)

Seriously though, I don’t use CRK because I don’t like thumb studs. Might want to think about additional requirements other than price before you buy. Opening and lock mechanism, size & weight, steel, that kind of thing.
 
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