Mayo TNT?

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JediKnight86

JediKnight86

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I'm interested in getting one of these. I've never used or handled one. I know I don't want another Sebenza and a TNT looks like the next best thing. Are they worth the money?
 
Buying custom (handmade) knives such as the TNT is like buying a bottle of wine - you don't know if you will like it until you try it.

That is not a joke, just the truth.

Do Tom's knives cut $300 better than Chris's? - no.
 
I dont think the TnT is functionally superior to the TnT, they are both excellent, beautifully made knives, however, I'd say that the TnT has the edge in overall precision and of course, its handmade, not production. I also like the design of the TnT a little better than the Sebenza, but thats a matter of taste.
 
We have two TNT's in our collection and two more on order. Tom's TNT's are well worth the money. That is, if you can find one to buy.

If you buy it from Tom you and decide to sell it later, you will probably get all or more of your money back. Try to sell a factory knife for more than you paid for it.
 
I have a TNT and I love it. *But*, their designs vary a lot from piece to piece, and quite frankly, some of those I just plain don't like. I was lucky enough to be offered one of the finest design (AFA i'm concerned), at a very fair price.

The other thing is that they seem to go for very high prices on the 2nd hand market. I get the feeling that things are a bit quieter now, but I think that people who paid the 2nd hand price at the height of the craze will find it hard to recover their money.

One thing you might want to do is check the Buck production rendition. I heard it's good quality, and you can try the ergonomics without too much risk.
 
I did own the Buck version at one point and it was pretty nice, but I'd like to have the real deal.
 
In a nutshell, every undecorated sebenza is essentially exactly the same while every TNT is unique. Whether that's a plus or a minus for you I can't say. The Buck version, which I've owned, is very nice but not really anything comparable to the custom or to a Sebenza. Not sure why you would have any trouble finding one right now -- they are available on many of the dealer sites. If you don't like it, then any of the reputable dealers will take the knife back within their inspection period.
 
Tom's knives are great and he is a fine gentleman to boot.

If you are looking for an upscale version of a Sebenza here is what you should put on your shopping list:

TnT
Lochsa
M4
C2O

A fun way to approach this if you have limited funds would be to work your way through the list, picking them up used and selling them after a few months to fund the next one. I believe none of them would depreciate and they are all easy to sell.

After a year you can form your own opinion on what you like best.
Then you can stick with that as your EDC for the long haul and be happy ever after.
 
I’m not trying to stir here, but I was quite disappointed to see in photos posted in the other Mayo TNT thread that the laser cutting marks are still clearly visible in the thumb hole opening. On a knife of this price point (and touted to be “custom”) this is not acceptable.

Regards, HILTON
 
Hilton,
Could you post a link to that "other" TNT thread? I would be very surprised to find that Tom has anything laser cut on his knives. Not to mention, his fit and finish are superb -- you aren't going to find any unwanted marks on a TNT (and believe me, I've spent enough time handling mine during the past two years that I would've found 'em).
 
Let me put it this way: Out of all the knives in the world, I only collect two: Mayo & Onion. :) :)

Oh. And HILTON? In my book? Custom knives are meant to have character, not be CNC'ed to pristine perfection. :) :)

Brian
 
HiltonP said:
I’m not trying to stir here, but I was quite disappointed to see in photos posted in the other Mayo TNT thread that the laser cutting marks are still clearly visible in the thumb hole opening. Regards, HILTON
Click to expand...

Hilton,

Your comment about laser cutting is questionable at best. Please provide a link to the pictures showing the laser cutting marks.
 
:p :p :p laser my a$$
You should get your facts straight before making unfounded statements that you claim to be FACT!

I cut every one of those by hand on my milling machine....In fact, if you put any two together you will see that NOT ANY of them have the exact same size hole................

I use carbide endmills to cut those ovals and ANYONE on this forum is welcome to come over and see how I do it. :(


Sincerely, Tom
 
I have personally held, played with and marveled over several of Toms TNTs. I dont see how he can sell them so cheap because I know each one is a custom unique knife. Geez that titanium is a pain to work and he does it over and over with such precision its unbelievable. Buy one before he gets burned out and stops making them. just my 2cents
 
Thank you for the clarification on laser cutting Tom.

I agree with Bruce. The precision of Tom's work must be held and observed with your own eyes to be appreciated.
 
To address Jedi's original question - the TNT is quite a different creature than the Sebenza. Also very solid in construction, but with the following main differences (there are other subtle ones):

- A slimmer and more svelte package overall.
- Weighs less than the Sebbie, for comparable blade sizes.
- A more contoured and ergonomic handle, with finer bead blast.
- Holes, of rather unique design in the handle.
- Finger choil is different than the Sebbie.
- Lockbar is milled on the outside instead of inside of handle - minor to some, not to others.
- Hole type opener instead of thumbstuds.
- Tip down (generally) vs. tip up clip.
- Blade shape is quite different.
- Blade comes in S30V, but most are probably Talonite or Stellite.

I might have missed some because these are off the top of my head - anyone feel free to correct errors or omissions.
 
tom mayo said:
with the click of a mouse, we rule the world....................... :(
Click to expand...

i am a big fan of tom's knives ....

they are hand made ...with all the idiosynchrocies (sp?? :p ) that entails

every hole may not line up or be perfectly symmetric but functionally they are near perfect

i have used a tnt as an edc for three years....every day for three years except for the two weeks i travelled out of the country...thats a lot of use!!!

the knife still opens and locks up perfectly....blade still perfectly centered

the edge is not not perfect anymore because i cant sharpen worth a darn!!!
 
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