Lum Chinese owners sound off.

[Watchmaker]

I have the same as Patsknives', the plain green(-ish) version. During disassembly (can't help myself - comes with my profession ), I noticed that the stop pin is not only a loose pin, fitted in two holes cut out in either side of the handles, but on one side this hole is in the steel liner, and on the other side in the aluminium scale itself. On this side, some deformation of the hole was already visible. Definitely not a hard user then. I also took my time to smoothen all the rough liner-edges a bit. Seeing this level of finishing, I think I'll leave this my last Spyderco for now.

However, since my tweaking and re-assembly, washers well-greased, it's one of my smoothest openers; and it fits my hand well - I didn't expect it to. The VG-10 also slices really well, due also to the full flat grind. That stop-pin is a worry though, I almost wish I didn't find out about it. I do still carry it once a week or so, and don't use my knives for heavy tasks anyway. If I would, I'd pull out the Buck 110, or the 889.

 

[hoopster]

theres a chinese restaruant called lums in my neighborhood, is that what your talking about?

Spyderco Lum Chinese knife. I know a google search turns up lots of Lums chinese restaurants.

 

[randomlooker]

I have one of the new green ones, uncoated blade. I like the knife, but I don't carry it much because I'm worried about scratching up the anodizing on the handle. If Spyderco ever comes out with a G-10 or FRN version (Smooth, like the Centofante 3 and 4)...

 

[SakuTheGreat]

Did someone customize it or did it come from spyderco with G-10?

The scale was custom made.

 

[hoopster]

The scale was custom made.

Nice. :thumbup:

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

Ya, I don't really have anything to add with respect to the Original Poster's request for info about longevity of the blade coating. But I'd get the satin finished blade because I think it fits a gentlemen's folder better. Black coating a Chinese Folders blade is like putting spinner rims on a 4x4. Just doesn't fit. (Gun metal blue blade with walnut or iron wood scales would be amazing, by the way)

I edc'd a blue PE Lum Chinese for 5 years. I have the original green version in VG10, two black ZDP Chinese Folders (one of which I my daily EDC), and a satin finished foliage green. The Chinese Folder is by far the best edc knife (in my opinion) for where I live and what I do. I plan to buy at least one of every one the Company makes. But, the black blade knife is testing my commitment to that goal.

I dunno, I see a thread all about Chinese Folders I get really excited and I have to participate.

 

[hoopster]

Ya, I don't really have anything to add with respect to the Original Poster's request for info about longevity of the blade coating. But I'd get the satin finished blade because I think it fits a gentlemen's folder better. Black coating a Chinese Folders blade is like putting spinner rims on a 4x4. Just doesn't fit. (Gun metal blue blade with walnut or iron wood scales would be amazing, by the way)

I edc'd a blue PE Lum Chinese for 5 years. I have the original green version in VG10, two black ZDP Chinese Folders (one of which I my daily EDC), and a satin finished foliage green. The Chinese Folder is by far the best edc knife (in my opinion) for where I live and what I do. I plan to buy at least one of every one the Company makes. But, the black blade knife is testing my commitment to that goal.

I dunno, I see a thread all about Chinese Folders I get really excited and I have to participate.

I really like the look of both blades but went with the black because it was the best deal I could find. I agree the plain is classier looking and really prefer the black handle, plain blade of the ZDP version, unfortunately I couldn't bring myself to spend the extra money.

If the black coating starts to bother me I could always try to strip it.

 

[hoopster]

My Lum and Caly3 CF came in today. Wow! the Caly oozes quality and feels great. I'm liking the black blade on the Lum. It reminds me of an old carbon steel blade with a dark patina. Neither are a disappointment. Two of the coolest blades I've got. Maybe not the most versatile but definitely cool. Worth every penny of the $211 for the pair.

 

[mycroftt]

I have the VG-10 version with the grayish blue scales. I fell in love with this knife as soon as it came out of the box. The fit and finish are perfect. It's one of my favorite EDCs.

 

[ReGZ_93]

I have one of the new green ones, uncoated blade. I like the knife, but I don't carry it much because I'm worried about scratching up the anodizing on the handle. If Spyderco ever comes out with a G-10 or FRN version (Smooth, like the Centofante 3 and 4)...

I wouldn't worry about scratching it. The alumite coating is exceptionally hard. I've carried one of the original dark green folders daily for years, and the finish shows very little wear.

 

[hoopster]

I wouldn't worry about scratching it. The alumite coating is exceptionally hard. I've carried one of the original dark green folders daily for years, and the finish shows very little wear.

Plus you could always refinish in something else like a powder coat if it gets real bad years from now. My philosophy is if it's a safe queen, keep it as perfect as possible, if not, don't worry about it and let it get some character. I'd get more enjoyment out of using a knife than keeping it like new.

 

[hoopster]

I have the VG-10 version with the grayish blue scales. I fell in love with this knife as soon as it came out of the box. The fit and finish are perfect. It's one of my favorite EDCs.

That's interesting because the finish on my Lum is less than perfect. By far actually, there are some gouges on the liners and what looks like alumite overrun. I still love the knife and the fit is fine.

 

[hoopster]

Bad update on my Lum. I haven't even had it a week and today was the first day I tried to carry it. By lunch time I felt something scrape across my hand and looked down to see the clip angled outwards. My first thought was that it had bent but further inspection revealed two of the screws have pulled partly out of the handle. I'm actually amazed, never had a problem with spyderco clips before and I hadn't done anything unusual, just walking around. Two calls to the warranty department so far and can't get a real person. I'm pretty bummed because I really wanted to like this knife. Now I'm not so sure.

 

[hoopster]

Well, I've been communicating with Spyderco warranty dept. and it looks like my best bet is to have them send a couple of screws. I had to bend the clip back into shape and I'm still unsure whether the screw holes in the handle stripped or not. The best I can tell, one of the screws stripped for sure. I've used some permanent lock-tite on the other screws.
The only thing I can think of is that my cell phone got between the knife and the outside part of my pocket. It seems like a freak occurrence though because I always carry my phone and knife in this pocket (last 7-8 years).

 

[mmmotorcycle]

Thanks for the pool of info on a knife I thought might be real nice. I do not really collect Spyderco's and it is good to know that this one would not see any use by me. I'm sorry you have had some trouble with yours and hope it is all resolved quickly!

 

[esevato]

[/IMG] Great knife, sharpest one I own VG-10

 

[Spyharpy]

I have the original green and blue Chinese Lums and a black ZDP-189 version. I'm not really a fan of ZDP-189 but bought it because of the black color. I picked up a foliage green/black Lum and plan on swapping the black blade with the black ZDP-189 to have an all black Chinese Lum. I started a post on the Spyderco forums and another member posted pictures of an all black Lum. It looks awesome. I may buy a few more foliage green/black and ZDP-189 Lums and make several more. You may see ultra rare foliage green/ZDP-189 Lums up for sale soon.

 

[axtalan0]

I have the green handle/satin blade VG-10 model. I LOVE the ergos on this knife! The gentle curve makes it feel like a natural extension of your hand. Mine was was well sharp right out of the box.

One thing that could improve it is some jimping on the spine. Really, that should just be standard on blades nowadays.

 

[patsknives]

...... and another member posted pictures of an all black Lum. It looks awesome.

Who would that be
Here is one of those pictures for this forum. Those are the same knives posted earlier in this thread but different setup.
First one is original FG with VG-10 blade ...this one is with me all the time. Second has FG handle with ZDP-189 blade and last one in the picture is now new black on black version. ...I know that it may look ridiculous as Lums are or should be more like gentlemans folders becouse they are small and light(not so called tactical-oversize-built) but this one really looks cool to me.

uhh ...another picture would not hurt

 

[hoopster]

Nice pictures guys. I'm carrying mine today and really like this knife, I just hope the clip, screws and screw holes will hold up for me. BTW it did come extremely sharp.