Rhesus Feces
bombastic simpleton
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2002
- Messages
- 11,876
Lately there have been a few threads where various manufacturer's reputations have been called into question. Let's do something a little different. Rather than telling me what makers and manufacturers you dislike, tell me this:
What production companies and custom makers consistently live up to or far exceed your expectations?
In honor of my 500th post (woo-hoo) I would like to give my endorsement of several production companies and custom makers which I feel I've had enough experience with to offer my opinion.
This purpose of this post is to spread the word about makers and manufacturers who consistently meet or exceed your expectations.
BEFORE YOU HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON: please refrain from criticizing others or offering opinions of knives you have not personally owned and used, thank you.
My choices:
1)Chris Reeve Knives: their commitment to excellence is unrivaled in a production folder. The simplicity of construction and quality of both materials and execution simply blows my mind. The tolerances and attention to detail are the best in the business. The single biggest criticism of Reeve knives is the cost. A wise man once said "it's only expensive if it isn't worth what you paid for it", and in my experience, Chris Reeve Knives are worth every penny. They've also become well known for treating their customers like family, and in my personal experience, that is 100% accurate.
2)Bob Dozier: Bob Dozier's reputation is becoming legendary, and rightly so. The combination of a functional, ergonomic design in an undeniably tough steel with an excellent heat treat wrapped in a top-quality kydex sheath add up to one helluva value for the dollar spent. One thing you can count on: a Dozier earns it's keep.
3)Microtech: Microtech's have become my new addiction. After having owned my share of Reeve folders, I felt anything else was substandard and would only end up being sold for a loss here on the forums due to not living up to my jaded expectations. On a whim, I decided to order an Amphibian. When I opened the box and gave the Amphibian the once-over I was astounded to see such fit and finish in a knife under $200. The grinds were perfect, lockup rock-solid, wonderful ergonomics, and hair-splitting sharp. I've since used that knife HARD for several months and it is as solid as the day UPS knocked on my door. I've since purchased several others, and every one of them has rightfully earned it's position as a keeper. In my opinion there is very little competition in the price range.
4)GENE INGRAM: There was a time when I bought every knife Gene offered here because I was stunned at the quality to price ratio. As pretty as they are, they work for a living. I've tried my best to beat them up and failed miserably.
Gene's knives are very well though out in regards to ergonomics. Even with a highly polished, relatively slender micarta handle, they lock into your hand like a dream. Both his D2 and 01 tool steel are superbly heat treated, flat ground to a RAZOR'S EDGE, and tough as nails. His leather sheaths are as tough as the knives, 8-9 oz leather, hot dipped and well formed to the knife. His dangler style is pretty remarkable in the fact that carries well loose in a back pocket, hung from the belt secured by the lip of a pocket, dangling freely from the belt, or IWB. With every knife Gene makes, he gets better, and one of these days, the demand might exceed the supply. He is also one of the finest gentlemen you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing.
What production companies and custom makers consistently live up to or far exceed your expectations?
In honor of my 500th post (woo-hoo) I would like to give my endorsement of several production companies and custom makers which I feel I've had enough experience with to offer my opinion.
This purpose of this post is to spread the word about makers and manufacturers who consistently meet or exceed your expectations.
BEFORE YOU HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON: please refrain from criticizing others or offering opinions of knives you have not personally owned and used, thank you.
My choices:
1)Chris Reeve Knives: their commitment to excellence is unrivaled in a production folder. The simplicity of construction and quality of both materials and execution simply blows my mind. The tolerances and attention to detail are the best in the business. The single biggest criticism of Reeve knives is the cost. A wise man once said "it's only expensive if it isn't worth what you paid for it", and in my experience, Chris Reeve Knives are worth every penny. They've also become well known for treating their customers like family, and in my personal experience, that is 100% accurate.
2)Bob Dozier: Bob Dozier's reputation is becoming legendary, and rightly so. The combination of a functional, ergonomic design in an undeniably tough steel with an excellent heat treat wrapped in a top-quality kydex sheath add up to one helluva value for the dollar spent. One thing you can count on: a Dozier earns it's keep.
3)Microtech: Microtech's have become my new addiction. After having owned my share of Reeve folders, I felt anything else was substandard and would only end up being sold for a loss here on the forums due to not living up to my jaded expectations. On a whim, I decided to order an Amphibian. When I opened the box and gave the Amphibian the once-over I was astounded to see such fit and finish in a knife under $200. The grinds were perfect, lockup rock-solid, wonderful ergonomics, and hair-splitting sharp. I've since used that knife HARD for several months and it is as solid as the day UPS knocked on my door. I've since purchased several others, and every one of them has rightfully earned it's position as a keeper. In my opinion there is very little competition in the price range.
4)GENE INGRAM: There was a time when I bought every knife Gene offered here because I was stunned at the quality to price ratio. As pretty as they are, they work for a living. I've tried my best to beat them up and failed miserably.
