Laci Szabo RAD?

Michael_Aos

Michael_Aos

Joined
Jan 25, 2001
Messages
1,639
I saw a $4.99 (or something like that) version of a knife like this once and have always thought the concept was "neat".

Anyone ever seen one of these?

szabo2.jpg


Mike
 
dam that is pretty cool. is it also inteneded to be used when folded? if so how does the grip feel with the blade folded
 
Hi Michael,

Check here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=161711 for a review of the RAD that I did back in July. There are many pics attached to the review which include size comparisons.

Incidentally, I'm currently customizing my RAD at this very moment. I've stripped the finish from the blade and the bevels will be satin, and the flats mirrored. I've also stripped the finish from the massive titanium handle slabs. As soon as I finish it (and add another modification or two), all of the RAD parts will be sent off for a nice transluscent black boron carbide finish, and then go to be fitted for a carbon fiber pattern IWB rig. From there it will go to my friends Larry Brahms and Laci Szabo in Miami for evaluation, and then it will finally be returning home to me. :)
I'll post pix here in a few weeks when it's all said and done. Hopefully my mods will be adopted by Laci and implemented by Dale Reif and this modified RAD will be known as Stealth RAD.
The RAD is a great piece. I just have a few ideas in mind that will make it perfect for me, and hopefully others will like these ideas as well. :)
 
Very impressive! But either my hands are too "wimpy" and soft or this puppy has some rough, sharp edges that need to filed down a litle.

If Mr. Blair's dreams and ideas are realized in the current production of this monster, please inform me or post the possibility of a retrofit for current folders.
 
Hiya PsychRN,

You're right; the RAD can be a bit rough around the edges, literally. My modifications include radiusing all edges of the titanium scales and blade which makes the RAD much friendlier to the hands. I've also managed to smooth up the action and the lock quite a bit so that it operates easily as a one hander.
My RAD will go out later this week for the black boron carbide, and I'll post pics here as soon as it returns for reassembly. :)
 
Hi Robert, and thanks for the compliment! Judging by the pics on your website it appears that you MAKE some very cool cutlery. :)

By the way, for those who are turned off by the sharp edges and roughness of the early RADs, I assure you that Dale Reif has the situation under control. He has finally been given free reign to improve and modify the RAD to his hearts content, and he is doing just that. Dale is currently doing to the current RADs what I am doing with me earlier RAD, which is smoothing and radiusing the sharp edges, and smoothing the action and lock.

But in my opinion the RAD should be black boron carbide finished, with a slick satin/mirror finish beneath. Dale is doing some satin RADs right now. Laci seems to like the beadblast finish, and this is the only element of the RAD that I strongly disagree with. THIS is the primary reason that I'm modifying my RAD with the black boron carbide. Plus....a few other enhancements that I can't mention as of yet. Stay tuned. :)
 
To Mr. Blair and other Szabo devotees,

I own a Reif RAD and find it has a few too many sharp points and rough edges. Does the current production of Reif RAD's have these "points" addressed? Does anyone have contact information for Dale Reif? I'm wondering what the cost would be for a more ergonomic retrofit?

STOP THE PRESSES. I emailed Mr. Reif and he said that my RAD was likely one of the first batch and he asked me to send my blade back for a retrofit. Excellent! Well, a little late for me to go to the post office but tomorrow, there's always tomorrow. Wow, this custom knife thing is pretty cool.
 
Laci showed me the RAD two years ago when he joined Bram for the seminar in Israel...

I was foolish enough not to buy it then...

Last month I got a new book about knives that has been published in France, and in it I found the early German hunting folders that have been the influence on this beautiful design.

The RAD is just SO much stronger...
 
Great thread guys., I'd always wanted more information about the RAD, and have never actually held one. Very helpful information...thanks to all!


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
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