Marlowe Tactical (pictures)

B

biogon

Joined
Jan 2, 2002
Messages
2,111
Just received my Charles Marlowe old-style Tactical.

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-front.jpg">

3.75", 3/16ths BG-42 blade. Insanely, incredibly sharp. Ivory micarta scales.

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-back.jpg">

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-top.jpg">

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-bottom.jpg">

Blue anodized 0.083" titanium liners. Sturdy.

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-compare.jpg">

Next to BM710 and EKI Specwar.

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/marlowe-closed.jpg">

Hope you enjoyed the pics!

-Jon
 
That is my favorite Marlowe design. He has been making some really great looking framelocks but this is still the one I prefer.

How does it handle? How is the lockup? How long is the wait?
 
blademan13,
Thanks for the kind words!

shootist16,
Yeah, I agree re: the framelocks. I was quoted about 3 months; it ended up being around 5 (not too bad actually).

The balance is surprisingly neutral; more blade-heavy than either that BM710 or the Specwar, it's neither whippy nor lumbering.

I have a small grip and the contoured scales make for a diameter that's wide but reassuring. It's about ~4mm wider than the Specwar or 710, making it ride very fat in the pocket (left-rear). It feels a little like carrying the Buck Strider but tremendously more civilized (haven't had a chance to compare to the AR/GB.)

Not surprisingly, the lockup is very solid. The thick liners make it feel more like the lockup on a Sebenza than a liner-lock (and has a similar clunk sound instead of a twang.)

No problems with the standard spine-wack tests (although I don't flail at trees ;) ). The tang lock face seems a little shallow cut, especially compared to production liner or framelocks, and its straight, not radial... but I'm also paranoid about long-term durability and I would think that Charles would've tested the lock/unlock on his angles enough that extended wear wouldn't cause a problem. :)

I really like the heft and substantial feel. Not to mention the high hollow grind and edge has been polished to a truly SCARY sharpness. I free-cut some dangling flower stems today, making it about as deadly (if not more so) than my carbon Japanese kitchen knife.

Hope this helps -- if you have any other questions or would like more photos, I'd be happy to oblige.

Thanks for the comments!

-Jon
 
Oops -- correction.

Charles sent me an email correcting a statement I made above.

I quote him below:

... the lock face on the blade is cut radially ( 4.5 inch diameter). Also FYI, the angle is 7.5 degrees, most factories and many makers use a greater angle so the lock will realease more smoothly. This also increases (greatly) the chance of slippage.
Click to expand...
Also, he comments in regard to my fears of the titanium liner lock bar face grinding away to nothing and needing to be replaced ;) :
Ideally, a liner should never have to be replaced, the titanium will work harden and stop wearing at a certain point. The lock can also be peened to basically stretch it out, so only in extreme cases of abuse does a liner need replacement.
Click to expand...
Hope this clears up things.

And thanks, Charles. :)

-Jon
 
This might be my next folder! Especially with those thick liners. My friend blademan13 told me to take a look at this beauty. He knows I like my knives stout! Very nice. Leo G.
 
Wow, that is a beauty and great pics! Speaking of pics, can you please do a comparo shot of the liners on the Marlowe and the Emerson?

Thanks,
RL
 
here ya go

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/meb-liner.jpg">

<img src="http://www.kelvin.net/law/goodies/me-liner.jpg">

0.050" vs. 0.083".

Next I gotta get me one of those Strider AR's (0.100") or the SnG (0.125")

Hehheeheheh.

-Jon
 
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