Make me understand this design (Warren Thomas)

A

aj1985

Joined
Nov 3, 2005
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Hey guys

Could you please follow the link below and tell me what you think of his folders in which the blade cover the hole. To me it just seems like a bad design, and I'm pretty new to knives so could you give me another point of view to look at it from.
http://www.wtknives.com/warrenthomasfolders.html


It just seems that if there was no blade within the hole it would be in your hand faster and the blade out quicker.

I look forward to your replies

aj
 
I feel like this would make for a mean cigar cutter, if only the blade traveled all the way through the hole.

Presumably the design where the blade enters the hole allows the knife to be more compact and still pack a pretty big blade in a relatively small handle.
 
i understand that it is a bigger blade, but usually a karambit does not really need a big blade to be effective. it just seems this knife needs to be quick on the draw, and within this design i'm sure that isn't that likely.

aj
 
IMO Its for looks. Ti and carbon fiber blades, not very durable. Once again I state MY Opinion.
 
I would not venture to say, but I have had a few conversations with Warren Thomas.

He puts a great deal of thought into his designs, and does not do things by accident.

If it is that much of a concern for you, pick up the phone and ask him--or email him.
 
its kind of similar to striders. the blade closed partially shows through the lanyard hole. So after a number of opening and closing sequences the lanyard would be cut without a doubt
 
It is designed to be a light and small folding karambit.
If the blade was shortened to fit under the hole the blade would be +-2". to small to be effective.
If the handle was lenghtened to accomadate the blade the handle would be about 5.5". too large to easily conceal and probably throw the balance off.

As for materials it's a slasher...not designed for prying. ti with carbides will do that just fine.
 
I don't care for kerambits much, but I like his model 12, it's very sleek.
 
I think to "qualify" as a kerambit, it has to have a hole in the handle. Most of the holes I've seen are to use as pocket extractors and to orient the blade in the hand. This hole can still be used in the grip, so the function is still there.

The reversed wave doesn't make it useless, just not a copy, and a more effective thumb rest.

That's what I get from it. It looks like what was said, an effort to make the grip length work with the rest of the design features. It would carry deeper and not advertise it's a kerambit like most of them do.
 
Some of those scare me badly. No doubt a finger could easilly slip into those holes and be cut....i dont see the value of making a folding knife like this if the folded version has exposed sharp edges. Kinda takes away the utility of it folding if its a dangerous object when folded as well.
 
David Schott said:
Some of those scare me badly. No doubt a finger could easilly slip into those holes and be cut....i dont see the value of making a folding knife like this if the folded version has exposed sharp edges. Kinda takes away the utility of it folding if its a dangerous object when folded as well.
Click to expand...

Agreed! Albeit there is a market for those sorts of ultra-tactical-tinfoil wearing groups of people you desire such an over-engineered design.;)
 
405dave said:
IMO Its for looks. Ti and carbon fiber blades, not very durable. Once again I state MY Opinion.
Click to expand...

agreed titanium is by far the worst blade material as far as metal go that i can think of, the only advantages it really ever had was its corrosion resistance and it nonmagnetic nature (seals used it)

I laugh at the riduculous price and design of it
 
mmmotorcycle said:
Agreed! Albeit there is a market for those sorts of ultra-tactical-tinfoil wearing groups of people you desire such an over-engineered design.
Click to expand...

This is such a confused, mixed statement it could only be a form of poor humor.

Please add the little smiley face in the future so we don't get the wrong impression of your thought process or lack of same.

:D

Can you recommend what would be a good example of a not-overengineered knife as comparison?
 
The Karambit style knives are not designed for "utility." They are martial tools. Their design only becomes flawed when they're not used properly. Also, titanium and carbon fiber are appropriate for this type of weapon. The marriage of strength and light weigh make this Karambit particularly useful (unlike other all steel Karambits). Their points and edges are certainly durable enough for their intented purpose. If you have to deal with more than, say, six or seven assailants; you're likely going to get hurt regardless of the material of your weapon.
 
Fdd19, ti isn't known as having a great RC hardness in blade form - granted. But the kerambit design isn't for EDC utility use either. It's a SD knife for use as a last resort.

If someone wants to pay the price for the materials, craftsmanship, and maker's name, good for them. It makes more sense than buying a Nike sweatshirt for $60. The knife will retain it's value, the sweatshirt I'll pick up at Goodwill for $3.

And thank you for your donation.
 
tirod3 said:
This is such a confused, mixed statement it could only be a form of poor humor.

Please add the little smiley face in the future so we don't get the wrong impression of your thought process or lack of same.

:D

Can you recommend what would be a good example of a not-overengineered knife as comparison?
Click to expand...

Any Mora or any Opinel.....duh....

I guess I dont see the need for any sort of SD knife that is that pricey and seemingly useless for anything else.
 
fdd19 said:
agreed titanium is by far the worst blade material as far as metal go that i can think of, the only advantages it really ever had was its corrosion resistance and it nonmagnetic nature (seals used it)

I laugh at the riduculous price and design of it
Click to expand...

Ahh, let's just clear up a little misconception. To my knowledge, none of WT's knives don't have a metal edge, but he's instead welded a carbide edge onto the blade, hence the titanium isn't doing any cutting. From what I hear, said carbide edge can be rather vicious.
 
I think it's a terrible idea. The primary way I draw my karambit is by inserting my pinkie finger into the hole and then pulling out out...not possible with this. Also, it complicates one handed closing because we're all going to be in the situation of "oh shit my finger is in there!"
Recurve is just weird too.
Looks like someone is trying to be groundbreaking or radical.
 
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