Ikumo, Ikudo?

Joined
Dec 2, 2005
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Looked at an Ikumo or Ikudo maybe flipper in S30V had a ball bearing system in the pivot. Hand made knife. Nice looking knife. Smoothest I've ever held and the sharpest too! Was going back and forth between that and an SMF. Anyone have any experience with these knives..
 
Here's mine posted awhile ago... really smoooth flipper. Mine is full titanium frame though, I really like it.


click for large pic, enjoy.
 
Those Ikoma knives are really cool. Very unique.

But I don't think you made a mistake with the SMF. The SMF is, IMO, the most functionally well-designed folder I have ever handled.

So if you just wanted a very functional user, the SMF was a great choice. But those Ikomas are very sexy and I am sure they are fantastic users as well. There's always a "next purchase".

Also, while I do not think that IKBS is bad with debris (I doubt Darrel Ralph would promote anything that is problematic around sand, lint etc...) I think the SMF/SNG is one of the best folder designs when dealing with debris. The IKBS system is closed so it would be hard or impossible for sand or dirt to get in it, but if it did, I think it would mean permanent damage. With the SMF (like any traditional pivot) you could just clean it. But beyond that, the SMF/SNG has a few "vents" that allow debris to work itself out easier than on other folders. This is more concerning the ball baring and detent than the pivot, though. Pivot versus pivot, the IKBS might be far less prone to debris since it is closed.
 
Yeah for maintenance I don't think the IKBS would be that friendly, but who knows. Actually I would probably say for most pocket knife uses the Ikoma takes that cake along with fit and finish, but I figured I probably should have one strider folder and if I beat it up or break it I won't feel bad because it's so darn ugly. Even though the SMF is an awesome knife I still feel taken to the cleaners paying as much for a factory knife as a custom (say hinderers xm-18), but try finding one of those I sure couldn't.
 
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