How are Eickhorn knives?

[davide]

I noticed this blade on Worldknives.com and thought it might make a nice gentleman's knife: http://www.worldknives.com/products/eickhorn-balance-california-wood-liner-lock-e4191-2121.html

It's 3", a wharncliffe blade and since almost none of the blade shows, looks like it could be tightened to the point where it can't be flicked open like a gravity knife--although I'd still be wary of carrying it in NYC or anywhere else that does a flick test.

Do any of you guys have experience with Eickhorn knives or this one in particular?

 

[MikeJackmin]

My first Eickhorn experience was not good:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=623179

Perhaps their other models are better.

 

[irbailey]

I was once given an Eickhorn with serrations like the one pictured.
Avoid it like the plague!!
The build quality was spot on, but the serrations were worse than useless and hung up on everything you cut with it. If you were lucky enough to cut with them, they remained full of whatever it was you cut!
Go for a plain blade and I reckon you'll be alright.
Regards,

Ian

 

[davide]

Thanks for the tips. I think I'll pass on these then.

 

[houdini28]

I have an Eichhorn Pocket Rescue Tool and it is of decent quality. I have not had issue with the serrations. I wouldn't say I prefer them to serrations seen on Leatherman or Spyderco, but they are not bad. The only convenience is that you can sharpen the serrated portion like you could a plain edge. It could be convenient, but sharpening with a system (e.g. Lansky) is really easy.

There was no blade play, but the pivot did eventually come loose. The knife did come with a small tool to adjust the tension in the pivot. All in all, the knife is alright. I wouldn't recommend this knife over a Benchmade, Spyderco, or Victorinox, but I wouldn't necessarily discourage someone from it either.

 

[davide]

How was the steel when it came to holding an edge? I think it says that it's 420 on the World Knives site.

 

[Southern Cross]

I am a huge fan of the Eickhorns I have. I actually can't believe they do not have a bigger following here in the states. About a year or so ago I completely revamped my main deployment kit/go bag. I spared no expense...got everything anyone could ever need in a disaster...and I got the best of the best for every item I put in it. I have a fixed blade in all of my go bags and wanted a superb blade for my new go bag to replace my Puma Tac One (which is a superb blade). I wanted something smaller that I could lash to my shoulder straps. Searched eBay like crazy...after seriously considering another Nimravus I spotted the Eickohorn S.E.K. Pohl designed dagger line. They were pricey...but the armchair commando in me couldn't get over how sexified they were so I bought one...the Eickhorn S.E.K. M1. I loved it instantly. Perfect size, balance. Razor sharp and bulletproof. I've since bought two more, the S.E.K. M2 and the S.E.K. P but I've used the 1st one I bought for about everything you can use a knife for minus any social events. Its still razor sharp and minty fresh. I was very impressed with Eickhorn. Granted these are fixed but the quality is top notch...for any blade. These blades definitely made me a big fan of Eickhorn. I guess they're like any other company though...their lowers models may not be that great...but the S.E.K. is excellent. If anyone reading this ever has a chance to get one do it. They're a bit rare aside from the occasional one on eBay. There is a guy on eBay who sells a bunch of Eickhorns at decent prices. He's hokoed me up a few times. He's from Germany and I believe his name is Army Specials or Prussian Bunker...one of those. If you're looking for a folder or rescue blade there are a ton of choices out there so you don't need to risk trying Eickhorn...but if your application can handle a fixed blade...I highly recommend them. They all come with either Tek Lok sheaths or nifty forearm sheaths that hold very securely.

Here are a few pics of the blades I bought (stock photos)
My 1st M1 (Marine Dagger Plain Edge)

My 2nd one...the P (Police Serrated)

My 3rd one...the M2 (Marine Serrated)

They also make s nice single edged version I am thinking of getting. That would be one helluva strong blade. The SE version also comes in a would handled version. The purist in me is fighting the tac black urge! I'd check out that guy I mentioned on eBay so you can check out the Eickhorn line. He has a ton of them. The PRTs also look nice. Find what you want from his stock then try to find the lowest price of that model online somewhere. These days that is rarely eBay but you never know.

Good luck