Lonewolf SWALE

M

mantzao

Joined
Jun 16, 2011
Messages
1,522
Hello guys,

The Lonewolf Blackfoot was one the first quality folders in my collection.
I sold it a while ago but i sorely miss it:(
The knife has been discontinued so it has been a really hard task to find one! I loved everything about it so if i knew then what i know now i would've never traded it:(
So due to the impossible task of finding one i'm considering the Swale!
I know the steel isn't the same. I have no experience with N680 Stainless Steel! Is it any good?
The handle material isn't the same either but the design is so that's why i'm considering it.
Is there anyone out there that has experience with this knife?
Do you recommend it?

Thanks for looking:)
 
I have the Swale and its big brother, the Trask, and they are both excellent knives. Came very sharp and seem to hold an edge very well. The Swale has a stonewashed blade, while the Trask does not.

The handles are steel with Olive wood scales. Keep in the mind the scales cover access to the pivot screw. So to tighten the frame screws or pivot screw you have to remove the scales and/or pocket clip

I would highly recommend them, though, especially if you put a dab of Loctite on the pivot screw threads when you first get the knife (I use the Purple Loctite). Will lock up solid for a long long time.

Size comparison of Swale and Trask
101_0275.jpg


Swale without scales 1
101_0229.jpg


Swale without scales 2
101_0230.jpg


Lone Wolf is owned by Benchmade, and I think you can expect the same quality that you expect from Benchmade. I am certainly satisfied and will keep these knives to pass down to my children.
 
Construction looks exactly the same as my Lone Wolf Longhorn. It's really baffling that they cover up the pivot. What a dumb idea.
 
Yeah I'm with mantzao I don't mind it at all. I've had zero issues with the pivot screw but like I said I used the Purple Loctite just in case.
 
I had the Blackfoot for more than a year and never experienced any issues at all, even without loctite.
The lockup was as solid as it can be on a folding knife.
Wish I could find me a Blackfoot:(
 
Looks like a stylish, rustic folder in a good way. It should be easy to customize the scales if one want's. So the liner lock is good?
 
I'm interested in both of them, but what I can't figure out is whether or not the wood used for the handle scales is stabilized in some way. I've sent multiple emails to Benchmade and haven't heard anything back yet. For those who have one or the other, does the wood appear stabilized in any way? Have you had any issues with it? I don't know if it's something you can tell by look or feel, but maybe experience has provided some clues. I would just worry about dimensional changes affecting the screw alignment and resulting in cracks.
 
mlanghornes said:
I'm interested in both of them, but what I can't figure out is whether or not the wood used for the handle scales is stabilized in some way. I've sent multiple emails to Benchmade and haven't heard anything back yet. For those who have one or the other, does the wood appear stabilized in any way? Have you had any issues with it? I don't know if it's something you can tell by look or feel, but maybe experience has provided some clues. I would just worry about dimensional changes affecting the screw alignment and resulting in cracks.
Click to expand...

One side is more stabilized than the other. The pocket clip side has two screws into the frame and two screws through the pocket clip into the frame, while the other side only has two screws since it doesn't have double pocket clips lol. Also, if you look at the second and third images above, you can see cutouts on the back of both scales that the pivot screw heads fit into. I wouldn't worry about it if you use the knife like a knife should be used.

Your concerns are definitely legitimate, though. My advice would be to trust in Benchmade's ability. I love both knives they are very attractive and also give N680 steel a great name. It is a beautiful steel on these knives.

Also I'm certain that if you cracked a scale or lost a screw you could most likely get Benchmade to send you replacements for free.

I have the Heckler & Koch Fugitive, another Benchmade brand. This knife has a very similar handle design, except glass filled nylon scales instead of Olive wood. I stripped one of the screws after disassembling to Loctite the pivot screw. I told Benchmade the truth and how I stripped it and a week later I received an entire set of extra screws and an extra pocket clip.
 
Had recently purchased the trask and after having a millwright friend machine me some custom stainless back spacers and making a custom stainless deep carry pocket clip stripped the first couple threads on the pocket clip screws. A quick email and 8 hours later new ones were in the mail. After the great customer service I'm definitely buying the swale as well. Love the trask so why not buy the little brother.
 
a40ozdrinker said:
Had recently purchased the trask and after having a millwright friend machine me some custom stainless back spacers and making a custom stainless deep carry pocket clip stripped the first couple threads on the pocket clip screws. A quick email and 8 hours later new ones were in the mail. After the great customer service I'm definitely buying the swale as well. Love the trask so why not buy the little brother.
Click to expand...


Does your friend still make those back spacers? I'd love to have one on mine, it sounds awesome!
 
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