How durable is the Rinaldi LEO?

A

alou

Joined
Oct 28, 2003
Messages
10
I'm new to the custom knife thing so let me apologize now if I offend anyone, especially Mr. Rinaldi. I am looking for a second knife for patrol/SWAT. I plan on getting a Strider DB due to it's size and prying ability. Needless to say, the Strider will be seeing hard use. However, I absolutely love the Rinaldi LEO design. It seems so ergonomic and the lines are flawless. However, I'm unsure how well it will stand up to hard use (chopping maybe, but prying will probably destroy it). It seems like it would be a formidable fighting knife but I'm afraid of messing it up as an everday utility knife (cops aren't the most gentle of creatures with their equipment :o ). Also, the LEO is so beautiful, I don't know if I can even bring myself to use it on duty! What do you guys think?
 
My choice of steel for hard use would be A2, and yes, the LEO will stand up to just about anything. It has a fine tip, so I wouldn't do any prying with it. The 4.5" blade is a bit on the short side for chopping, but it should stand up to it very well.
 
I would so love to get one but I really don't know if I can bring myself to use it. I might scratch the finish! I don't know if I ready (read "have enough finances") to collect knives instead of using them. I saw one on the for sale boards here. I really like the tiger stripes. I didn't think Rinaldi offered that finish. Is $400 the going price? Do you guys know of anywhere else that has them?
 
Go for it! :D

I'd keep in mind the limits of S30V though. It holds a nice edge, but it is not a good material for a prybar.

You will likely have to buy one from the secondary market.
 
There's really no reason to limit yourself with what Trace usually makes. Since it's a custom you could have it made thicker, and in any steel or even length that you prefer. It's your knife, alter it as YOU need it. Mr. Rinaldi, or any other knifemaker should be able to give you advise as what design modifications will be most effictive with your desired usage.
Good Luck, and let us what you decide to do!
 
It really hurts me to think someone would be afraid of using one of my knives.
Hell I try to ugly them up even! :D Alou contact me if you want, Im not taking regular orders, but I try to make exceptions for LEO/Mil personell when I can, and also give a discount. An LEO with S30V will do anything a knife would ever have to do and ask for more IMHO...

Thanks for the kind words guys! :cool:

Take care
Trace
 
Here's another YES vote for Trace and his knives. Several years ago Trace made me a custom TTTKK (Talonite Talmadge Tactical Kitchen Knife) and sheath. An Awesome knife AND sheath... superb attention to detail. Besides, Trace is simply great to work with... fantastic customer service. You cannot go wrong with any of Trace's knives. Period!

AJ
 
AJ said:
Here's another YES vote for Trace and his knives. Several years ago Trace made me a custom TTTKK (Talonite Talmadge Tactical Kitchen Knife) and sheath. An Awesome knife AND sheath... superb attention to detail. Besides, Trace is simply great to work with... fantastic customer service. You cannot go wrong with any of Trace's knives. Period!

AJ
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Thanks for that AJ! I appreciate it guys, and glad you all dig the stuff..
Alou I'll be in touch soon bud..


Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.THRBlades.com
www.Shivworks.com
 
I used one hard for about a year and it proved to be one heck of a knife. Built like a tank, sharp and very balanced and comfortable in the hand.

Trace Rinaldi is simply a superb knife maker, period.................
 
wolfmann601 said:
I used one hard for about a year and it proved to be one heck of a knife. Built like a tank, sharp and very balanced and comfortable in the hand.

Trace Rinaldi is simply a superb knife maker, period.................
Click to expand...

Thanks my brother, you dont know how much that means to me. :cool:


Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.THRblades.com
www.Shivworks.com
 
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