Lightfoot Tactical Folders

R

Ronald Reagan

Joined
Dec 18, 1998
Messages
417
I am very interested in acquiring a 458 Magnum with tanto tip for daily carry. It will be used primarily for self defense in conjunction with a medium sized fixed blade.

I have been trying to get a hold of an Emerson CQC8 or 6, but to no avail. So I have decided (based on Les Robertson's endorsements) to pursue a more readily available product and save $450. Thus the Lightfoot 458 magnum.

For a folder, I usually carry my ATCF with bolsters and micarta slabs or my Spyderco Military. How will a Lightfoot 458 Mag compare to these folders? Is the Lightfoot really that much superior to Emersons? Can anyone provide feedback regarding their own experiences with a Lightfoot folder as a self defense folder or general tactical tool?
 
Lightfoot folders are if not THE, so at least among the strongest folders based on the liner-locking mechanism money can buy. I own a Stealth model, bolster-less, sculptured carbon fiber scales, spear point right side chisel ground ATS-34 blade with opening disk, slightly bead blasted. The blade is the thickest of any of my folders and the chisel grind leaves a lot of steel on the blade but gives you an edge which is hair popping sharp. A false edge is going all the way along the spine and stops shortly in front of the opening disk. This makes the blade very pointy and perfect for stabbing. The rest of the spine is grooved and your thumb can find very good hold on it. In addition there are many grooves on the bottom front part of the handle which prevent your hand from sliding onto the blade even though the handle is fairly smooth and straight. The titanium liners and therefore the locking bar are bullet proof as well. The lock engages perfectly and won’t loosen up accidentally since the cutout in the handle for disengaging it is small. The bolster less handle is fairly light and keeps the overall weight of the knife reasonable. The craftsmanship is perfect and I can’t find any flaw on my knife.
Overall I would rate is as a first class self defense folder, which should be even better with the new BG-42 steel.

I cannot compare them from experience to the Emerson’s, since I would NEVER buy one. I don’t like the left side chisel grind, the fact I have to wait >2 years for a hyped folder, and to over pay it by at least 100% just because it is mentioned in Demo Dicks fiction novels.

But then, what do I know…

For the ultimate in strong defensive integral-lock folders, take a look at Mission’s new MPF with the A2 saber ground tanto blade. I own one and it’s definitely my favorite.

Ralf
 
I own both a CQC6 and a lightfoot 460 Mag.I know Les won't agree with me on this but i like both of these folders equally,but for completely different reasons at which time i won't go into them.I think you will be very happy with a lightfoot,they are built like a tank,get the bolstered model they look great.
 
Have a LCC and it's among the best customs I've bought. The only thing that bothers me is that the handles are not radiused, IMO it would be alot better knife than it already is if this were done. Haven't seen any other knives of his so don't know if they also have the "sharp edges" but it's just a personal preference for me.
 
Hi Tattoo and Ronald,

Ronald, have tried contacting the this forums favorite dealer. Ill have 3 458's with Carbon fiber in 2 weeks.

I have one right now with a ripper.

Tattoo, you misunderstand, I think the CQC6 is a great knife for $450.00. Except you cant get them for that. Its the $850-$900 that I routinely sell them for that makes the Lightfoot look like a much better knife!



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Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!

 
Les, you are correct about the money part.Luckily i got mine from a friend for a very reasonable cost.Good point
 
I had an Emerson CQC8 that I had purchased from Les last year and thought it was a great knife, but I just couldn't get myself to carry an $800 knife around. If it were even $500 I could do it, but something about being that close to $1000...

It seemed pretty tough, but it was too "pretty" and it's resale value would pretty much go out the window since most of the buyers for these knives want them to be 100% perfect.

For a working knife and something that you would actually carry, the Lightfoot knives fit the bill and then some. I've had my hands on several and the first thing I think is how they are built like a #(*#% tank.

The only two cavets that I would mention is that the big beefy construction makes the blade look short, and usually the blade is indeed short, like 3.5" or less on most of his stuff.

Second, that tank-built knife is #(#&*% heavy. You _know_ that you have that thing in your pocket.

But, in all the examples I've seen the fit and finish was first rate and the asthetics are great.


--Doug
 
I would recommend the bolster less model. They are lighter (still beefy) and stronger, since the scales are one piece.
 
I've owned a Lightfoot 460 Magnum & it is indeed a fine knife. It is very well made & will hold up to anything you could throw at it. The ripper teeth are just that, for defense not cutting & the grind of the blade puts the edge correct side up for right hand users. BG-42 is an excellent steel as well. My advice, buy a custom knife rather than a production model. You'll be rewarded with a feel & finish unavailable elsewhere. I'v owned the Benchmade Emerson's, they're nice but pale compared to the Lightfoots. A real Emerson? I'd pass for the $ you're buying the name not a better knife. Another option, an R. J. Martin Q36. This is another superlative folder, very strong & equally well made. The design is exceptional & very nice. Our moderator (Les Robertson) actually worked with the maker & you should check it out. (www.martinsite.com)
 
Drew--where did you pick up a R.J. Martin Q36? Never seen one for sale through any "custom" dealers. Never seen one for sale on the forums? I have one on order--do you have one, and if so, what is your impressions about the knife?
 
JP, I don't know about Drew, but I have the q36 from RJ, and it is one hell of a knife. The blade is a recurve, but not nearly as severe as the Emereson Commander and the size is extremely handy. Big enouch to do about any cutting chore but not so big it waighs you down. You can see the knife at [www.martinsite.com] and the quickest way to get one would probably be to go through Les. All of RJ's knives are overbuilt, real using stuff. Les also has a 458 magnum tanto from Greg Lightfoot listed on his website right now.

[This message has been edited by Lewis (edited 28 February 1999).]
 
Hi JP,

Check out RJ's site www.martinsite.com for a picture of both the Q36 and Q38. They come both as a standard liner lock or as a D/A auto. RJ has the prototype of each (not for sale). To date there have been 2 Q36's and 1 Q 38. All three ended up with this forums favorite dealer!

I have 10 of each on order. Most of those have already been pre-sold. Delivers should begin in April. For additional orders, your looking at this summer (July/August) from me.

All of these knives are extremely well made and worth the money. Yes, you can even whack the backs of these against a table and they can take it! LOL

I now have Q30's available.

RJ is now 10 months behind, this is only going to get longer.



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Les Robertson
Robertson's Custom Cutlery
http://www.robertsoncustomcutlery.com/rcc/makers.shtml
It is easier to get things done with a kind word and a knife, than with a kind word alone!

 
I picked up my R. J. Martin folder from Les (of course!) I also have one of his mini Kozuka neck knives, and a great small utility blade the beanie ball. R. J. makes some incredible fixed blades & folders. His web site is definately worth a look. I carry his folder as my heavy duty knife & I'm confident it will never fail me! The blade is a recurve style with a false edge & great grind. The handle has an excellent geometry & is comfortable & secure to hold. R. J. is great to work with. I wanted one of his kydex, mahagony lined sheaths with rare earth magnets for the mini kozuka. Usually these come with his more expensive full-sized Kozukas. He happily said no problem & for a very low price I soon had one. After receiving my folder, I found the edges on the serated thumb ramp to sharp when drawing the knife. They rubbed pon my pants pockets. I also preferred beadblasted clips which are less obvious than satin finished ones. R. J. said to send the knife to him & within a week I had the knife back. The clip was bead blasted, edges of the ramp beveled & the entire knife was oiled & sharpened! The cost to me? Only return postage!
 
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