Lightfoot vs. Carson

[thaddeus]

Hello all,

I got to fondle a Kit Carson model 4 recently, and what a beautiful and tough knife it is! Great knife, and with perfectly fitted parts. I can't believe that a knife could be so sturdy, with absolutely NO blade play, yet smooth as glass...smoother opening than any fine production liner locking knife I have held (which are notoriously a bit wobbly). It is everything I would expect from a custom folder (I just wish it had an index cutout or some other kind of guard). Other that the feeling that I have no safety from my hand sliding up onto the blade, I can't say enough good about this sturdy knife.

I have not yet fondled a Lightfoot folder, but in pictures the Lightfoot's and Carsons look very comparable. There are no shows coming up and I can't afford to own both, so maybe someone who can could tell me how they compare side by side?

Also, I read about how Carson knives are made, but what about Lightfoot? Are Lightfoot's knives CNC'ed or all hand-ground?

thanks,
thaddeus

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Hi Thaddeus,

Both maker's knives are about the same IMO. Both are great tactical folder makers. Both build knives that can withstand considerable use/abuse. And both have very good varieties of folders in their lines. But I feel that Lightfoot's folders are slightly more "overbuilt" than Carson's. Honestly, you cannot go wrong with either maker - their knives are among some of the best tacticals going. Feel free to contact them for more information if you would like, I personally know both and they are true gentlemen in every sense of the word

I've 3 Lightfoot folders and one Carson folder to date, and am very happy with them. With Lightfoot's liner locks®, the ti lock bars will tend to stick a bit if the blade is opened fast. Lightfoot makes them this way so that they won't unlock inadvertently. If the blades are thumbed open, then they won't stick.

Lightfoot's blades are laser burned and then hand ground. His handle parts are profiled using either laser or abrasive waterjet machines, and then the rest is done by him using a milling machine and grinder.

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 

[thaddeus]

The Lightfoot is more overbuilt that the Carson? Zowie! The Carson is a mammoth beast, super tough. I can't imagine what the overbuilt Lightfoot would be like.

Thanks Dexter, the Carson is a great folder, but it looks like I will have to own both someday to appreciate the subtle differences

Any other opinions out there?

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Thaddeus - once you see for yourself Lightfoot's 458 Magnum or 460 Magnum models, or even the Warhead, you'll see what "overbuilt" means to Lightfoot

They are just some solid, stout knives. I'm absolutely sold on this maker...patiently awaiting any new folder offerings this Canuck will turn out in the future

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Dexter Ewing
Knife Reviews Moderator

"The keystroke is mightier than the sword"

 

[RMLamey]

I like both. They are my #1 and #2 choices for "using" tactical knives (alternating back and forth). I havent seen RJ Martins folders, but im sure they will be up there also.

I think on the issue of Carson vs Lightfoot,
its really a coin toss. Ive talked to Mr. Carson once- HECK of a nice guy.
Ive talked to Mr. Lightfoot once- HECK of a nice guy.
* so this one is a real toss up*