I got my Carson, Carson, Obenauf model M4GTH!

[shootist16]

General info about these knives:

S30V blade @59 Rc
.160 6Al4V sideplates
Hardened 440C pivot bolt
4.2 oz
3.5" blade
Stonewashed finish. Other finishes available but might cost a little more.
Some Stellite 6K blades available in the upcoming months
Each knife is serial numbered

Mine is serial number 5. I had a hard time deciding what blade shape to go with. I am generally a drop point kind of guy, buy opted for a clip point since, too me, is the quintessential blade shape for a model 4.

I had very high expectations from this knife. After all, it is an in-house collaboration between three excellent knife makers. It is not a mid-tech. I am happy to report that I am not disappointed. Fit and finish are excellent. Stonewash is one of my favorite blade finishes, so it goes without saying that I like the finish on this knife. The knife is an excellent size for EDC.

Inspection of the knife shows that a lot of thought went into this knife. The handle is immensely comfortable. The grooves in the handle not only aid in preventing slippage, but also have a decorative effect. There are traction grooves on the thumb ramp and on the bottom of the knife (a nice touch for when you are "choking up" on the knife).

Of course there is no play in any direction.

I suppose I can sum up my feelings like this:

If you are going to buy a titanium handled framelock knife in this size range buy one of these. You wont regret it.

 

[shootist16]

clip side pic

 

[wire edge]

That's awesome! I've gotta get one of those for my Carson collection! Great score!

 

[dryfly]

An earlier thread somewhere indicated that a smaller version was also in the works. Does anyone have info on that?

 

[Stumpy]

Yup,looks great Dennis.I really need to get myself one too.Congrats on a super score.

 

[Barry H]

Way to go!

Thanks for the pictures.

Barry H

 

[redvenom]

Good score Dennis!

A framelock Carson M4 would be pretty darned close to my idea of the ultimate utility/tac folder.

Andrew Lim

 

[shootist16]

Originally posted by redvenom
A framelock Carson M4 would be pretty darned close to my idea of the ultimate utility/tac folder.

Andrew Lim

Mine too. Here are some pics of some other optional blade shapes:

(from Bladeart)

(from Dexter Ewing)

I believe they have more options as well, but this shows some of the different looks.

 

[shootist16]

This knife has seen a lot of carry time. I feel that it is the finest framelock folder I have owned. It cuts like a lightsaber, and is very comfortable to carry. I haven't tried to sharpen it yet, haven't had to.

I also get a lot of positive comments from non knife people about how good it looks.

These guys did a great job on it.

Has anyone else got one yet?

 

[GigOne]

Beautiful knife Dennis !

I've been contemplating a C2O addition since Blade. I do believe that your thread has pushed me over the "order edge." If the old lady finds out. . .I'm blaming you and will send her over to your house to kick that butt.

While partial to the clip point. . .I've been lusting over the "Hunter" style blade.

 

[spyken]

I like the model with the false edge. How much do they cost please?

 

[rdangerer]

Originally posted by shootist16
I feel that it is the finest framelock folder I have owned. It cuts like a lightsaber, and is very comfortable to carry.

Dennis, thanks for posting. Now I gotta budget for one of these too.

Just to hurry along my budgeting process, what other framelocks have you owned and/or handled... i.e. what are you comparing to?

(I've got a Scott COok Lochsa on order in S30V... but like this M4GTH knife quite well also... but the JW Smith framelock is one I haven't handled and I'm guessing it's a gem also).

 

[wire edge]

I got mine on Friday, and I must say, it ROCKS! I opted for the drop point version and it's much better in person than in the pictures, slightly more pointy. The handle is simply the best, at least for my hand. I've always found the Med. Model 4 handle to be "just right". The C2O is essentially a framelock med 4. Everything is so nicely radiused and bur free. It's like holding a bar of soap.

Rdangerer: although the question wasn't for me, I can answer it, as I have the same feelings for this knife as Shootist does. I've had the following: JW Smith RF-1, DDR Apogee's, large and small Sebenza's, RJ Martin Avenger, and others I can't retrieve from memory at this moment. The only knife in this league is my Extra-Small Obenauf Model 2. It quite possibly has the most accurate lock I've ever had. The way it engages, unlocks, and the sound it makes while locking is like clockwork, the tolerance is just so fine.

Anyhow, all of you thinking about getting one, just go ahead and get one, put the thinking part aside for the moment. You won't regret this decision!

 

[redvenom]

Got serial #8 today. Those pictures did me in. Last time I bought a knife was over a year ago.

A clip point blade (my favourite of the Model 4 styles) and its everything you guys said. A great balance of size, weight, function, and form. I'll see if I can get some shots side by side with my other Carson M4s when I get home.

Andrew Lim

 

[penguinva]

Dennis,
They really do look awesome and having a number of Kit's and one of Mike's I can only imagine how much nicer it is in person - would definitely get one if didn't have two in the works from Mike. Congrats on one sweet knife!

Bill

 

[copfish]

They do look great! Thanks to Larry@bladeart.com I have a stellite C2O inbound!

 

[Megalobyte]

Oh man! Why did you have to tell me they were available in Stellite. With Blade-Art just a few minutes away from me, i guess im going to have to go there this week, even though i have no freakin money.

(Whoooooosh!!! That's the sound of my credit card clearing leather. )

 

[cpk]

Wow that is a beautiful knife Shootist.
What is the advantage of this knife over say a M4? I would probably use this as a edc. Do you have any links to the different options and info about this collaboration? Who contributed what to this knife, ie fit, finish. Thanks alot for the info! And congrats too all of you that have one.

 

[Kit Carson]

cpk,
You can get more details in this thread.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=274901

 

[shootist16]

Thanks for the reply Kit.

Here is a pic of Redvenom's: