Les Robertson's VANGUARD series

ARtsig1

ARtsig1

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This is something I could email Les about but I thought some others might be interested so I posted it here.

I am not all that familar with the exclusive series of knives that Les has had built over the past several years and hoped he or some others might enlighten me and post some pics. What I do know I will posat and hopefully someone can correct any errors and fill in the gaps.

I want to think that the first series was the LLC? I remember buying (but returning) a Carson with slanted bolsters. It seems like all of these were on the smaller side with blades ranging between 3.0 to 3.75 inches. I think a second series followed that also was sub 4.0" blades. Then there was and still is a fixed blade series? Now there is the Vanguard series of knives that include folders and fixed blades.

I currently have a Carson E&E Vanguard and a J.W. Smith Revolution Vanguard in S30V steel. These are much stouter than the first couple series of folders were. Both have a 4.0" blade or longer with the Carson being 4.25". The J.W. Smith is big. I have two other Smiths both larges, one is a MRC and the other is a LS-1, with 4.0" blades but they are not as big as the Revolution overall. The Revolution is just bigger all around and I really, REALLY like that. The Carson is also larger than what Kit normally makes. The wide spearpoint blade just dwarfs the rest of my folder blades in width, length, and thickness. (well the Smith's are as thick).

I had a Ralph EDC/Vanguard that was also bigger than what Darrell usually produces in that particular model although he now makes a standard 4" EDC. The Terzoula is a 4" model as well and the Tighe knife is close to 4" and has a pretty thick blade on it.

Overall the Vanguard series seem to be bigger knives than any of the previously produced folders. Is there a reason for this or was there a reason to produce the first and second series in a smaller format?

Whatever the reason I can tell you that I am sold on these "big ole folders" from the Vanguard series. Handle one of these and you'll be prepared for Mick Dundee himself!:eek: :D :cool:
 
I've been looking hard at Les' website, put have not yet "pulled the trigger" on a folder. I'am looking for a custom, tactical type folder. Not concerned about the steel type, but want the blade length around 3-3.25 inches. I carry a small sebbie, but want something well made with an extra 1/2 inch or so, but not bigger, a la 4 inches.
want something that is good quality, price is not a big problem, either. Any suggestions ??

Stinky
 
I hear nothing but good things about the JWS folders. Im planning on getting one very soon. Same can be said for Obenauf. Now, i know this is sacrilage, but have you thought of a Microtech LCC DA? The build quality and fit and finish do truly rival many customs, and its just icing on the cake that they can be had for only $250. Plus, DA autos are always neat to play with when bored. :)
 
squid meat said...
I carry a small sebbie, but want something well made

I totally understand that.
 
Notdos has posted the site. There are several LDC folders available. If I had the cash right now I would jump on the LDC Carson
LDC-8. This is the one I referred to in my original post. There is also a JWS LDC with a 3.25" blade that I sure is nice. Another thought would be a JW Smith from www.bladeart.com Larry B. has a few on his site that would fit your description and if you want nice and built tough like the proverbial sh*t house at the same time........then JW Smith is your man!
 
My exclusive JW Smith recurve flipper titanium framelock folder is one of the finest I have ever owned. The action you feel in your bones, not unlike hitting the sweet spot during a crushing drive on the golf range.

Smooth, sure and what a sound! Excellent folder from an excellent folder maker. One of the best.
 
Hey guys! Somebody reading these posts might get the impression that we like JW Smith, Mike Obenauf, Tom Anderson & Kit Carson - go figure! :D :D :D
 
I have two of vanguard knives , too.
One is the Ralph's EDC , and another is Lightfoot's Hellfire.
I like them!
My hellfire
My EDC

If I had the cash right now I would jump on the LDC Carson
Click to expand...
artsig1, I completely agree with you! I also want buy this one! But, I had spent too much money on my knives
TNT sebenza Mad Maxx ADV LCC.....:D
 
Those are nice knives carlchang. I have only one Vanguard...and it's a fixed blade :)

brend-14r.jpg


Oh, and I got a Bladerigger Spinal Backup sheath for it :D

brend-8r.jpg



RL
 
The detail shot of that Brend shows the amazing workmanship on that knife.
 
Thank you :)

And this detail shot shows the amazing workmanship of the sheath :)

brend-11r.jpg


RL
 
carlchang those are great shots of two great knives. How do you like the talonite EDC? Does it cut well? I was too late for a Hellfire..........of course I was too late for a Revolution in S30V but got lucky and found a mint one on the secondary market.

The Carson LDC-8 is sweet. Try one of the Carson E&E's if you want a KNIFE! I believe Les said he had some more coming in at the end of the year.

Back that pic up a bit RL. I am having trouble seeing it for what it is. That Brend is very nice!
 
Much better, thanks. How does it ride? I have a Bob Dozier Tactical 6 coming and thought about going with a shoulder rig in kydex from Bob.

I seem to be reading a lot lately about the Bladerigger products though.
 
Hi Art,

The LDC Series was conceived and developed by Bob Neal and myself.

The first two series consisted of 10 different knives, with 50 of each being made. The first 25 were sold as complete sets, the second 25 were sold as individual pieces.

The third series consisted of 5 different fixed blades, with 25 of each being made.

We also developed what I feel is the best knife carry/storage bag on the market today.

Doing the LDC series taught me invaluable lessons about marketing, forecasting, budgeting, making knives, developing investment potential and working with custom makers.

Vanguard knives have some similarities with LDC Custom Knives. But those are only similarities.

I started Vanguard knives in an answer to those critics who said that Tactial type knives were not nor could they be collectable.

The first knives were 5 D/A folders. Since then there have been liner lock folders, fighters, boot knives, sub-hilt fighters, machete's, utility knives and soon the first hunter (by Geno Denning) will be available.

Currently, 33 different models have been made, many of which have sold out.

As of this writing, new knives from the following makers will be available during 2003:

Walter Brend
David Broadwell
Joel Chamblin
Geno Denning
Greg Lightfoot
Schuyler Lovestrand
Bill Luckett
RJ Martin
Johnny Stout
Butch Vallotton

As it is only October, I anticipate other knives will be available next year as well.

As for the size of the blades on many of the folders. These knives were designed with the customers desire(s) at the time and in the near future. In the future, some folders will have smaller blades. A few will have even bigger blades!

Im pleased that so many of you have expressed your satisfaction with the Vanguard knives you have purchased.

The Vanguard line of knives appeals to the collector in me. As this series gives me the opportunity to help create new custom knives.

The goal of the Vanguard knives is to utilize the talents of world class knife makers and the best materials available today. Combine that with exclusive designs and very limited numbers.

Creating knives with a high degree of collectability as well as investment potential.

I hope you continue to enjoy owning them as much as I enjoy creating them.
 
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