bali,
It sounds like you are good with your hands when opening and closing a non traditional folder.
The E.T. has similarities to the bali-song in the fact that most folks have difficulty opening and closing the piece out of the box. I really don’t think this a bad thing, as it makes the user work the knife outside of their comfort zone, challenges applied technique, and encourages the user to train and get fluent with their hands.
It really does take someone who is familiar with the knife (bali-song or E.T.) to share opening/closing knowledge, and then the user has to put in the time. Those of us who have come to put in the hours with a bali-song, master the multiple ways to manipulate the design, and appreciate the knife for what it is. Most don’t put in the effort, and their skills never graduate to more than a novice, voyeur level. When the beginner sees the bali-song in all its potential, they instantly are drawn to its flair, and although they are unable to mirror the experience, some, not all, want to accomplish what they have witnessed. The E.T. fits into this rare category of knife.
Unlike the bali-song, the E.T. uses an external toggle to manipulate opening/closing. Once the technique is mastered, there are multiple ways to open/close the design. The techniques vary in skill level, and can be done using both hands, or just one hand. Depending on dexterity, the user can “toggle” the E.T. very quickly, and although maybe not the fastest from a draw and open standpoint (it is very quick though), once the E.T. is in your hand you can open/close it as fast as your hand can work the toggle. Manipulating the E.T. in your hand, is much faster than a bali-song with “continuous” opening/closing. I do feel the bali-song has more tricks and flash, but the E.T. is fresh, and it will be interesting to see where it will be a year from now. I have established 13 different ways to open the E.T., most of them utilizing just one hand. My guess is that there will be a cult following with this knife, at least I hope so.
In an effort to get those who purchase an E.T. jump started, we have done a DVD that comes in the box of every knife. It shows some of the more conservative ways to open and close the knife, and the unique features of the E.T .
The E.T. is similar to the bali-song in that it does have substance to it. By that I mean the knife is more than just a good time. The bali-song once in its open position is very strong, and the design itself locks the blade up solidly. The E.T. is the same, the toggle is the lock, and it’s very sturdy once in the open position.
The E.T is unique with its multiple carry capabilities. It has a deep carry reversible left/right clothing clip (tip up), and the carabiner feature allows for belt loop/D-ring type carry.
51 pieces are necessary in putting together an E.T. Is there a chance for problem? Possibly, but there has not been one E.T. come back for warranty work to date, and we have exhausted R & D on this piece so I feel very confident with its longevity.
The Sandvik steel is hip, under the radar, and above average, the 6061-T6 aluminum scales are tough and lightweight.
The E.T. is an exciting new addition to the knife community. Grant and Gavin Hawk are incredible designers that I know we will see more of in the future. The E.T. is legal, addictive, fun, challenging, and unusual. It also comes in a few different flavors, and there are more variations on tap for the future. On the flip side, it is strong, safe, can be carried multiple ways, and is produced on par with Kershaw quality standards.
Hope this helps you out in deciding on if the E.T. is right for you.
Thomas
Kershaw Knives
