Kevin Wilkins Leafstorm

flava

flava

Joined
Mar 3, 2000
Messages
2,785
It happened this morning. I went to Armes Bastille in Paris to check out their "catch" from Blade (quite a few very beautiful and well made knives, mostly forged fixed blades from ABS makers). While fondlig those nice and big fixed blades, they asked me: "did we show you the Wilkins folders we got?" When I saw this small folder, I had to buy it. The edge is 2 1/4 " of Böhler N690 stainless steel, the frame is heat colored titanium.
It is very well made, everything is as it should: great fit & finish, firm lockup, centered blade, smooth opening. I would caracterize it as "Mayo quality", which is my standard for well made framelocks.
It goes directly in my EDC rotation
Here a few quick pics for your viewing pleasure.

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Congrats!! That is a fanatstic knife!! I AM a fan of Kevin Wilkins work too! I hope to someday own a Ghost Dog Pup & a Leaf Storm.
 
Are the knife laws more liberal in France than in England? I know in the UK you can't carry a locking knife, is it O'k in France? And by the way that is a beautiful knife, I like his work.
 
rugbymatt said:
Are the knife laws more liberal in France than in England? I know in the UK you can't carry a locking knife, is it O'k in France? And by the way that is a beautiful knife, I like his work.
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Let's put it this way, carying a locking folder isn't legally different than carying a non locking one. The french law is blurry at best when it comes to edged weapons. Knives are not explicitely included but law is applied based on various previous trials, more or less correctly judged! Belive me, it's a can of worms, I tried to get a clear answer on the issue ... but nobody has one ... I really mean nobody. Look like a gent and carry what you like, that's what I follow :D
 
flava said:
Let's put it this way, carying a locking folder isn't legally different than carying a non locking one.
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Or a screwdriver for that matter.

It all depends on the context. If you're caught in a violent demonstration with a screwdriver in your pocket, you're in deep dodo. On the other hand, I was once arrested (I was drunk in the street - those crazy years...) and had a large balisong in my pocket and it wasn't a problem (well, it was confiscated and destroyed, but I wasn't prosecuted for it).
 
I believe Kevin has paid his dues and people that are exposed to his work are amazed. I own a decent collection, but alas not a Wilkins. Look at a couple of ok knives and reject them take the money and buy a Wilkins. The Euro has not helped his business in the USA. I am also scratching my head as to why he is not picked up by a production company, and put under contract. Most of the leading companies that do arms in Europe could do with a top knife designer to go with some of their premier arms. Oh ... Nice Pictures.

Be well
Floyd
 
I think his knives would be a natural for Spyderco. I love the "Ryback" folder he makes. Really neat design. Talented maker. I like the little screw that keeps the pivot from moving. Those Germans have rubbed off on him!
 
Thanks Flava. :D

I have a BIG Ghost Dog on order and Kevin says it should be ready this summer. I have never handled one of Kevin's, but I will soon enough. I expect to be satisfied nicely...

Coop
 
Coop, that is awesome about your Big Ghost Dog!!!! I handled 1 of Kevin's knives at Blade, and LOVE it!! I am sure that you WILL love your Ghost Dog. I am excited for you!
 
Really nice work!!!
Every year I miss some great makers at Blade. This year it was Wilkins. How can I walk around for two or three days and not see everything?
Vance
 
nice score, Flava.
Next time I'm in Paris, I'll PM you, and maybe you can show me this place.

By the way, I think that there is a knife show in Paris in Sept.
Do you go?
 
SharpByCoop said:
I have a BIG Ghost Dog on order and Kevin says it should be ready this summer. I have never handled one of Kevin's, but I will soon enough. I expect to be satisfied nicely...

Coop
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I think that your love for great knives really comes through in your photography, Coop.
 
I have a Leafstorm, too, and the quality is top notch. I also have one of Kevin's "Mini" folders, although the name is a bit misleading. It's slightly shorter than a small Sebenza, but dwarfs the Sebbie in terms of heft and breadth. I kiddingly told Kevin he should call it the "folding pocket tank". ;) I also have a Ghost Dog Pup on order, and am very much looking forward to receiving it. :)
 
shaldag said:
nice score, Flava.
Next time I'm in Paris, I'll PM you, and maybe you can show me this place.

By the way, I think that there is a knife show in Paris in Sept.
Do you go?
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No problem, send me a message when you're in Paris!
I think the SICAC show is held on 30/09 and 01/10. I surely plan to go :)
 
Flava - is there a website for SICAC? Paris is close enough that it would make a nice weekend trip.
 
gaussian said:
Flava - is there a website for SICAC? Paris is close enough that it would make a nice weekend trip.
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There is no website I know of. The show is quite big, and IMO it's worth visiting (at least for me because I'm very close :))
I know the organizers, if you need more info I can ask them (like when and where exactly ...) . Just send me an email.
 
Awesome knife flava! I can't wait to get one some day.The highest end folder I own is a small Sebenza. As I've never held a Mayo, how does the Leafstorm compare to a Sebbie? Thanks.
 
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