Income Taxes (Help me pick my first expensive knife.)

For $600, if you keep an eye out, you could find yourself a Tom Mayo TnT, having owned many of the better custom utility oriented folders, the TnT remains at the top IMO, the smoothness and precision with which they are made is uncanny, perfect lockup, perfect everything... if you appreciate this sort of stuff, a TnT might be a very good choice, keep in mind, the TnT isn't designed to look like a hard core, heavy duty "Mega" folder, but, in reality, it is very heavy duty, the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing, and it can take just as much abuse and is functionally on par with the best of them, while offering added precision and incredible refinement that you won't find elsewhere.

Another very good choice would be a Scott Cook Lochsa, probably the only other framelock that I feel is as good as the TnT. With its one piece Ti handle, and fit and finish that is nearly in a class by itself, at $550 or so, it's a bargain. (If you can find one for sale) :)

JW Smith makes an exceptional liner lock folder, IMO just about the highest quality utility oriented liner lock you can get, and for under $500.

I'll mention as did another poster, Mike Obenauf, his knives are one of the best values out there, a large model 1 or 2 would run you about $400 or so, and they are amazing knives for the price, they're amazing at any price.

Well, those would be my picks, I'd also suggest a Strider SMF, but you clearly aren't interested, though you really are missing out, the SMF is one of the all time great folders, and this from a guy who collects fairly expensive customs almost exclusively and is very anal about his knives. Are they tactical in appearance, yes, are they an incredibly tough, well made folder of custom quality, YES! :)

Lochsa

DSC01821invert.jpg


Picture_042.jpg


Picture051.jpg


JWS

knifeart_1860_389906046.jpg


TNT

DSC06851copy.jpg


DSC03998_copy_v_text.jpg


Obenauf

Picture058.jpg


Picture059.jpg
 
My recommendation would be for one of John W. Smith's folders. His work is about as close to perfection as can be obtained.
 
I cannot speak for the Sebenza or the William Henry as that is the price range where I begin to consider swords rather than knives. But I can speak to the manual MicroTech LCC. I picked one up recently for $200 and it is a very nice knife. Mine has black carbon fiber scales with a flat, non-reflective silvery gray color to the blade and the bolsters. It does not look terribly "tactical" or I would not EDC it as I now do when I am in areas where it is legal. It one very fine and sturdily built knife. I had always thought that the Spyderco Chinook I was the examplar of sturdy until I met this knife. It makes makes the Chimook look lightweight in comparison. But it is very smooth and all joints are very tight. It is also very ergonomic to use.
 
How about a Darrell Ralph or Rick Hinderer, or some of the other custom makers that are here? And may I suggest you check out Steel Addiction: http://www.steeladdictionknives.com/ Megobolyte: That is a beautiful Lochsa!! And the rest of those knives are fantastic too!!! WOW, nice collectin there! PPS: You can NEVER go wrong with a CRK Sebbie. And I happen to LOVE William Henry knives too.
 
Megalobyte, quit teasing the guy with those damascus knives.....
Geez, they cost around $1000 or more, don't they?
Here's a nice one from the Darrel Ralph website that really can't be call an over-the-top tactical.
open.jpg
 
What you listed are decent knives, no doubt, but you're talking custom knife money right there and that is where I'd be looking if I were you. I'll second a few recomendations here....Kirby Lambert, Rick Hinderer and Darrell Ralph! Have had knives from each and they are well worth the investment. Current EDC is a Kirby Lambert spearpoint w/ damasteel bolsters and I couldn't be happier with the knife. Great everyday user, awesome fit and finish and a perfect design. Until you have a knife of this calliber you just can't understand what you're missing....trust me. I never thought I'd be spending this kind of money on knives, back in the day I thought $100 was a lot to spend. Now, I wouldn't dream of carrying anything less then a good solid custom unless I truly couldn't afford it. They aren't cheap, but they are well worth it IMO. I'm a relatively poor college student, but I find a way to be able to have a few decent customs around and have at least one in my pocket every day.
 
I recommend going to a nice knife show first before deciding. You'll find all kinds of wonderful surprises and makers who you never knew about before.
 
Wow, you guys have been extremely helpful. I think I may scratch my first two choices all together and opt for one of the customs. I'm especially interested in the Mayo TNT, and the designs of Darrel Ralph, Kirby Lambert, and RJ Martin so far.

You guys have been extremely helpful so far, and I am still very open to more suggestions.

I greatly appreciate all the replies thus far.
 
Great choices! I've never had an RJ Martin, but they sure look nice and I've heard nothing but good things about them. I've had knives from the other three you've listed and I know for a fact that you can't go wrong with any of them. All are superbly designed and executed knives. I have a DDR Gunhammer coming soon and I'm sure it will earn some carry time along with my Lambert.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top