I'm looking for my first custom folder...

spyken · Jun 17, 2003

could someone having experience with Mike Obenauf's knives pls share how sharp they are?

and how they compare with, say, RJ Martin knives (I think he is regarded as one of the sharpest, if not THE) in the market?

are they aggresive cutters?

will they pass the free-hanging paper, "tree-top" hair-shaving etc tests?

how acute the edge angles are?

I've read so much about his fit and finish...I'm quite sold on it. I hope to get some insight on the SHARPNESS FACTOR.

Thanks,
Spyken

jsun · Jun 18, 2003

My Obie came in extremely sharp. I have no idea precisely what the angles are, but it's very thinly ground and cut like the dickens.

Sorry I can't be more precise, but I'm extremely happy with my Obenauf and I'd recommend one to anyone.

spyken · Jun 18, 2003

jsun,
which model + size do you have? I'm not sure whether to go for the large or small model 2. I don't want a super big folder (like say a X-ray vision), neither do I want a smallish knife (eg. delica) for a tactical blade.

also, have you sharpened your Obie before? was it easy to get the same sharp edge back?

cheers,
Spyken

Sid Post · Jun 18, 2003

If you use very fine stones or paper, you can put a wicked sharp edge on almost any knife - within reason. If you don't care about edge durability, tell him what you want it to do and have him profile the edge to do that task.

CPM S30V with a good heat treat is the same where ever it comes from. The diffence is in the edge geometry. This is true of all the steel (okay, forging is a little trick but stock removal and furnace heat treats take some of the variability out).

Remember, it's a custom knife. Tell the maker what you want to do with the knife and listen to their advice and suggestions on its construction. They generally know much more then we ever will.

jsun · Jun 18, 2003

I have a mini-model 2 framelock. It's about the same size of a small Sebenza. It's a mini-tank. Rock solid and beautifully made.

I've not needed to sharpen it yet - despite owning it for about 8 months and EDC'ing it non-stop for about 3 months. It's still shaving sharp!

Mike makes a bargain. I'm not sure what his prices are now, but I feel lucky to have ordered one when I did.

Alarion · Jun 18, 2003

I think exact brand or maker is up to personal taste, but you should keep in mind a few things while chosing.

1) Have a clear picture of what you need your knife for.
Personal defence, everyday chores, heavy chores.
Hanging paper test is more about skill than sharpness.

For everyday tasks, have a knife that will suit your pocket without being too intrusive. A small one hand opener liner lock is the best knife for everyday tasks. The lock is solid enough for utility use in the modern environment.

For other tasks you may want something bigger, heavier, sturdier with one hand opening and a solid lock not susceptible of accidental release.
For cutting coarse materials or plastic a rough grind is far better than a razor's edge that will pass the hanging paper test.

spyken · Jun 22, 2003

what would be the recommended length for a blade meant for EDC, outdoor use/tactical/SD use?

thanks,
Spyken

Sid Post · Jun 22, 2003

I like large knives personally. That means a Large Sebenza, a Large Carson Model 4, a Large Obenauf, ...... All with a blade length of about 4 inches for in pocket carry.

A larger knife is capable of more then a small knife but, at time a smaller knife is what is needed. It really depends on the usuage you have in mind.

When I think of Tactical knives, I am thinking of something purpose built so it looses a lot of general utility usefulness.

Any knife is capable of self defense. Unless you are looking specifically for a tactical knife or you are practicing some martial arts style with a knife, as long as it is robust enough not to fail with hard use, I think it satisfies this role.

Outdoor use to me is the typical general utility role. For that, I like a broad blade (distance from spine to cutting edge), plain edge, and sturdy. Broad blades don't roll in your hand while slicing as the width helps to keep the blade oriented in the material being cut (for example - slicing a bagel with a chef's knife versus a narrow meat slicer). Plain edges give me a longer working length as I rarely find myself needing serrations (especially when you know how to sharpen a knife to leave part of the edge coarse with lots of bite).

ptpalpha · Jun 29, 2003

"what would be the recommended length for a blade meant for EDC, outdoor use/tactical/SD use?"
When you say outdoor use AND tac/SD use, I personally go with at least a 3.5" blade, and most times a 4" blade. Don't forget to check local carry laws (it's just good info to have). My knives that fit this category include a Carson medium M4, the new Blade-Tech Wegner Pro Hunter, and a large framelock Obenauf M2 (thanks, Sid!!). A large Carson M4 modified drop point would top this category, in my opinion.
-Paul (wishing he still had his large Carson M4 modified drop point)