Mayo knife...what do I need to know?

sixfeetdeep

sixfeetdeep

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Feb 1, 2004
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Hey all, I am really considering purchasing a Tom Mayo knife with a 3 1/2" blade (is it called the LARGE then???). Problem is, is that I am not sure what blade is "best" to get. I am not looking for a Damascus blade, though they are nice, & I am not looking for one with the S30V blade......so what choices do I have left? Talonite? Anything else like 6K or ???????? What blades are better for what use?

I never got into the Mayo's because of there price, but I have always heard great comments on them so I figure it might be time to try one out.

I really like the ones with thumb studs........

Anything that you can tell me other than how silky smooth they open & close ;) I would appreciate it. Heck if you have one in the 3 1/2" size, & you take Pay-Pal, then maybe we could talk. P.M me with pics.
I could maybe do a trade too or trade plus $$$$, but the knife has to be 100% N.I.B.


Thank you all.
 
What's wrong with S30V? I can't imagine what else you would want to get unless you wanted to spend more money.
 
There would be no price difference between S30V and Talonite/Stellite bladed TNTs.

The other consideration would then be blade shape, there are plenty of those to choose from. I think there are several dealers that have TNTs right now, Bladeart.com and Bobnealcustomknives.com come to mind, and there are usually some for sale in the exchange.
 
What do you need to know?

They're awesome. Really. I've been fortunate enough to own some nice knives, really nice knives. I waited two years for mine, and the day I got it I was amazed at the difference. Smooth, very well finished, nice fit, all around great knife.

I got the 6K version myself to make a corrosion resistant knife that I can carry anywhere anytime and not be anxious about having to strip it and clean it so much (yep, I'm hyper about these things)

Having said that I wouldn't imagine you'd be disappointed with ANY of the materials Mr. Mayo works with. Get the material you like most, and enjoy!

Brandon
 
If you're not into the Cobalt blades and want a "stainless" steel other than S30V, Tom has also worked with S90V (keenest edge, best edge holding in light/ moderate use, great for most EDC) and BG42. But I haven't seen one of these on the market for a while.

I've owned Tom's folders in Talonite and 420V (renamed S90V), both outstanding.

If he is taking orders again, get in line ASAP. You'll have plenty of time to finalize your decision between now and when your turn comes up. Good luck --

Glen
 
Sounds good!


I have nothing against S30V. In fact, I love it!

I just noticed that he had other choices to try out & I was thinking about going with the Talonite version since I never tried it before.
I would post a picture of what I am looking for, but I don't want to step on anyones toes.....I did that before a while ago & man did I get reamed for it :eek:
Maybe if I find a link that I could post, I will.

I have a brand new in the box Moon Song Large Sebenza that I have been contemplating using, but I am not sure if I want to use it in a trade to get a Mayo or not......not sure what to do. I like the Seb's, but is the Mayo going to be "that" much better & especially MORE comfy to hold & carry?

Maybe with the 2 big knife shows coming to the Chicago area this month....I'll just go there with a bunch 'o moola & try one out......
My new Seb & a Green Beret for 1 knife......that's pretty much what it will take to get one :( ............we'll see.
 
large sebenzas and mayo TNTs are very different creatures. not sure how to compare them. one's a more gentlemen's knife, the other is a workhorse. both good.

Tom's knives are completely built by hand, whereas sebenzas are CNC-ed.

In terms of smoothness, Tom's stuff is smoother and all the edges are radiused.

I think S30V is better for a using steel, stellite for corrosion resistance. Both equally good, just which aspect you think you'll require more.
 
I have had two small Sebbies and just recently got my first MAyo after more than a year wait and they certainly are different. The Sebenza is a pick up truck A Porsche Cayanne Turbo. They're both tough knives and th efit and finish on teh Sebbie is the best to be found on a production knife. Tom's knife is in a different class. The ergonomics are awesome and every surface seems to have been hand finished. I fought with the blade steel question for a while and eventually settled on S30V because the other knives I have with it seem to hold an edge better than any other stainless steel I've tried. For me the extra toughness and edgeholding were more important than the additional rust resistance offered by Talonite. I went with the recurve in the large size. It's sweet, slick and the most awesome folder I own.

John
 

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Well, one thing you should know is that prices on TnTs have never been better, and I doubt they'll stay this low forever, so, now is a good time to get one.

Second, much as I love the TnT, I cant say it has F&F superior to a Sebenza, because its hard to improve on perfection, but, many feel that the TnT has the more refined and smooth feel, and I agree with that. It also has a hand made quality that the Sebenza doesn't, and, I like the looks of it better as well, plus, you get a choice of steels, handle shape and blade grinds. I have never heard of anybody who got one and was disappointed.
 
Mine shipped last week, I am very impatiently waiting for it to arrive.

I have been carrying a Buck Mayo for the last nine months while I was waiting for my turn to come up with Tom.

I also ordered a thumb stud version with a Stellite blade, and a custom engraving pattern. I figured I'd had the S30V and a thumb hole, and I wanted something a little different.

Will post some pics soon. Anybody know how long it takes mail to get from Hawaii to Connecticut?
 
Well, I had a chance to handle one at the Chicago Custom Knife show & I am hooked!

Now I just have to try & find one! :eek:

I have a possible deal on one but I will have to wait a few days to see if something can come of it or not.

Can't wait!
 
Personally, I think the right blade material for someones first Tom Mayo TNT should be Talonite or Stellite. Its the design/material that made Tom so popular. I have an old one in Talonite with polished holes that is one of my all time favorites. If I'm going to be around or in saltwater, that is the knife I carry. I'd be reluctant to do that with anything other than a cobalt metal blade. Plus, they cut a steak like nothing else can... truly like a hot knife thru butter.
 
I'll find out Tuesday or Wednesday about the new one I have coming! Can't wait to see pics of it...hope it is cool!
 
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