John w. Smith knives?

rye_a

rye_a

Joined
Apr 27, 2007
Messages
874
Any opinions on John Smith knives, particularly the F-5? I am looking for a nice EDC to replace a Sebenza that was stolen.
 
You probably got the right place.

I have no experience with the F-5, but ANYTHING John makes is killer. You will find nothing but the highest of accolades for all of JWS' work around here.

Go for it!

Coop
 
I have owned many JW Smith folders and each and every one of them were perfect in fit and finish. He is an extraordinary maker.

The only issue with the ones that I had to sell is resale value. For some reason, they are not as popular as some other "mainstream" makers. I do not understand it, but that is the way that the market sometimes works.

I would buy more again if I had any money to spend.
 
Got this one and love it. The action is always perfect. The sound of the lock up is very satisfying too. VERY precise knives.

jws_mar_evoii.jpg


I've heard the same thing that Daniel mentioned about resale, but I had this same folder once before and had no problem selling it. His quality is outstanding so if you plan on using it and not worrying about resale I think you would be making a great choice with his knives.
 
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According to Les Robertson, John Smith is one of the top 3 folder makers in the game. I had a chance to own a couple of his and they are fantastic in all ways. He makes a lot of Art Knives and brings that same level of fit and finish over to the tactical style folders he makes. Can't go wrong with this maker!:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Daniel said:
The only issue with the ones that I had to sell is resale value. For some reason, they are not as popular as some other "mainstream" makers.
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not only do his knife designs look really really good to me, but the fitment also looks really good. At least from what I've seen in pictures. But the aftermarket value seems super high to me, which is a major reason I find myself attracted to the knives. Still can't justify spending $500-$600 at this time for a folding knife, but if I had the extra money I think he'd be my go to guy.
 
I have to concur with the statements of everyone so far. I have owned two of his knives and both were of outstanding quality (I still have both actually). Fit and finish were perfect as his attention to detail is second to none. Both also inspired confidence as there is NO blade play in any direction, even without the lock engaged. A fine knife from a fine maker.

If I had to nit pick, it would be that the two I've had took some break in before they could be flicked open and even then, they aren't my favorites for quick opening. It's not that they aren't smooth, but there is more resistance than what you'd get with something like a bearing or IKBS pivot. Both I have are several years old and neither is a flipper, so take that for what it's worth.

As for the resale, I have noticed that the aftermarket shows a $50-100 drop from "retail". I doubt you'd have any issue selling one, but you may have to account for price of ownership-even if in mint condition.

I'd highly recommend JWS's tactical work for a high-end EDC.

Nick
 
Go to the customknifegallery.comm and open the new "arrivals". There is one or two in there. Tell Bob, that Frank sent you. It won't let you buy for less but you will make him smile !!! Frank
 
Frank Niro said:
Go to the customknifegallery.comm and open the new "arrivals". There is one or two in there. Tell Bob, that Frank sent you. It won't let you buy for less but you will make him smile !!! Frank
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I got mine both from Bob. The only reason I got a second of the same exact model is that I sold the first one and missed it badly. In my opinion they are smoother then IKBS from examples I've handled.
 
Lorien said:
.....Still can't justify spending $500-$600 at this time for a folding knife, but if I had the extra money I think he'd be my go to guy.
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Good.:)

The heat treat of the steel is optimized, neither too soft, nor too hard.

The edge geometry is such that unless you are cutting concrete, dirt or ironwood burls, the edge holds, and does so for a very long time. I am notorious for wearing out an edge and having to grind a new one on the belt grinder...not with the Evolution that is my current edc, and has been, on and off for over 4 YEARS...original edge profile, occasionally ceramic sticked or leather wheeled....NO regrinding.

Ergos such that carrying iwb, or pocket carry for a right hander is unmatched. There are no hot spots on the spine or the handle, the blade deploys smoothly and cleanly, spinewhack, drop on the ground, throw up in the air, the lock does not fail. Blade-to-handle ratio is superb.

J.W. was an equipment mechanic in coal fields before coming to knifemaking full time, he has an exacting eye, the hands of a machinist, the heart of an artist, the brain of an industrial designer, and the work ethic of an Amish man.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
..... he has an exacting eye, the hands of a machinist, the heart of an artist, the brain of an industrial designer, and the work ethic of an Amish man.
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Well, then. :thumbup: Not more to surpass THAT fine writeup!

Coop
 
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