Mcusta 33D "Take"

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UnknownVT

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The MC-33D "Take" is in the Mcusta classic damascus folder series MC-3 -
from their webpage
The Classic Damascus Folder Series is inspired by traditional Japanese design elements. The blades are made from a VG-10 core forged with 33 layered nickel Damascus. The handles are all solid Damascus with an anodized pivot pin and Teflon washer system and each has an ambidextrous, one hand opening mechanism with liner lock. Each knife comes with a decorative woven Nishijin pouch.
3 1/2" closed.
Click to expand...

Described by Mcusta - " handles are all solid Damascus " -

this is kind of right -
but really they ought to be called
Mokume-gane Japanese/Kanji - 木目金
mokume 木目 is wood eye or burl/grain
(BTW "me" 目 is the same character used in Tsuchi-me - hammer/mallet eye - see: Review - Mcusta 113D - "Tsuchi")
and gane 金 in Kanji (and Chinese) is gold - but in this case it is used for metal.
(so roughly wood grained metal)

They are as all small damascus Mcustas 3.5" closed (CORRECTION thanks to arty in post #3 my measured length is actually 3 5/8" along the middle of the handle) with 2.75" blades -

Qualification for the term damascus - I use it since Mcusta and everyone else is using it -
but these are really vg10 core steel clad with "damascus" patterned layered nickel and steel.

Size:
Closed -

compared with standard SAK (Swiss Army Knife) - Victorinox Spartan -
shown is the decorative woven Nishijin pouch.

Open -


Being all steel the 33D "Take" has a pretty solid feel/weight

33D all steel "Take" = 3.29oz
74D cocobolo "Take" = 2.13oz
113D "Tsuchi" = 2.60oz
SAK - Victorinox Spartan = 2.08oz

As mentioned elsewhere sometimes makers call their knives by the same name -
"Take" is also used in the Mcusta MC-7 series Classic Wood/Damascus Folders

compared to the Mcusta 74D cocobolo (also called "Take") and the Mcusta 113D - "Tsuchi" (link to review)

"Take" in Japanese/Kanji is 竹 - same as the Chinese character for bamboo -


shown with the 74D cocobolo "Take" and a knife with real bamboo handle.

I think the handle is outstanding -


For my tastes the only rival in the entire Mcusta range is the small Mcusta 113D - "Tsuchi" (link to review) hammer finish -


All the Mcusta 2.75" Damascus blades are the "same" - excepting the slight variations/uniqueness of the damascus pattern - even that is similar.

33D blade




That is except for the 113D "Tsuchi" (and the 111D Nami) -

I prefer the pattern of the 113D "Tsuchi" - as the lines are more flowing/organic.

The blade is very, very sharp out of the box -
usb microscope pics (about ~ 110x magnification)-
Edge -


Damascus pattern on blade -


Damascus pattern or Mokume on handle -


The liner lock-up is almost perfect -



Blade is well centered in the handle -




Everything is nicely aligned -


Mcustas use the thumb-stud as the stop-pin/bar -

but on my sample only the right-hand std makes contact with the handle/liner -
at first I thought this might be a fault - but it does not affect the function or integrity of the knife - there is no play in the blade locked open whatsoever.
My Mcusta 74D cocobolo Take is also the same way with only the right stud in contact with the handle/liner -


This Mcusta 33D "Take" I think is a stunningly good looking knife -
it is close to perfect mechanically -
very, very sharp, using a really good steel vg10 core, and good looking damacus nickel-steel layered cladding -





Although cannot be regarded as inexpensive -
it is really good value for the what one gets for the money.

--
Vincent

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Great review particularly the comparison shot with the SAK. Really gives me a better feel for the size. I have been considering a 113D since your earlier review.
 
I wonder what it weighs and whether or not it is slick in the hand. I like the Staminawood Take very much, but have been considering some of the other models. Does the handle give you secure purchase?
Incidentally, if you measure the handle, it is a bit longer than 3 1/2"... I get at least 3 5/8" from the middle of the back of the handle to the top of the front.
 
kevnkar said:
I have been considering a 113D since your earlier review.
Click to expand...
Thanks kevnkar.

The 113D "Tsuchi" is a great knife - it is my favorite of all the Mcustas I have.

I am sure you are aware of some reports of difficulties in one-handed opening of the 113D (and 111D "Nami").
I have the same difficulty if trying to open with the normal all fingers on one side hold -
but using the index finger over the end rear corner of the handle - I can open it without any difficulties, and reliably.

I posted a description with pictures in Post #4
then a video in Post #5.

arty said:
I wonder what it weighs and whether or not it is slick in the hand. I like the Staminawood Take very much, but have been considering some of the other models. Does the handle give you secure purchase?
Incidentally, if you measure the handle, it is a bit longer than 3 1/2"... I get at least 3 5/8" from the middle of the back of the handle to the top of the front.
Click to expand...

Thanks arty for reminding me about the weight -
being all steel the 33D "Take" has a pretty solid feel/weight

33D all steel "Take" = 3.29oz
74D cocobolo "Take" = 2.13oz
113D "Tsuchi" = 2.60oz
SAK - Victorinox Spartan = 2.08oz

The 33D damascus/mokume handle has a fair amount of grip - it is definitely not slick like the 113D "Tsuchi".
I have no difficulty opening one-handed -
although since I learnt the index finger over the end rear corner technique -
I do find that even more positive on smaller knives.

Yes, you are right - I get the same measurement as you for both this 33D and the 74D cocobolo "Take".

Thanks,

--
Vincent

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Thanks for the review. From your photos, it looks like the steel clad Take handle is a little thinner than the one in Cocobolo. Is this correct?
 
I have owned one of these all damascus takes before.

The only real problems I had was my blade was off center and I couldn't take the knife apart to adjust it.

I hate proprietary screws!!! They could at least include a tool to take it apart.

However it was the sharpest knife I have ever had out of the box. It could split already whittled hairs :eek:

Nice review!
 
Super review! I have always thought Mcusta were one of the best knives (and best priced knives) around. The laser cut parts and hand assembly make them live up the their name Mcusta (manufactured custom knives). These are a few pics of my MC-124 Quince Wood. It about the same size and shaped as the Spyderco Military and even has the ambidextrous Spyderco hole and VG-10 steel blade. Much classier looking, almost like a gentleman's Spyderco Military.









 
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arty said:
From your photos, it looks like the steel clad Take handle is a little thinner than the one in Cocobolo. Is this correct?
Click to expand...
Thanks arty - well observed -

Yes, the 33D all steel "Take" is thinner than the 74D cocobolo "Take" -



The actual measurements at the thickest part at the pivot end were:

33D all steel = 0.4165"
74D cocobolo = 0.528"

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Vincent

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Great review. I have the 52D "Gentlemens Knife" with black micarta and clip - but have been looking at one of the Take models for some time now. Great knives, and yes - extremely sharp out of the box.
 
GatorFlash1 said:
Super review! I have always thought Mcusta were one of the best knives (and best priced knives) around. The laser cut parts and hand assembly make them live up the their name Mcusta (manufactured custom knives). These are a few pics of my MC-124 Cocobolo. It about the same size and shaped as the Spyderco Military and even has the ambidextrous Spyderco hole and VG-10 steel blade. Much classier looking, almost like a gentleman's Spyderco Military.

Click to expand...

Great looking knife and good photos -

From the burl and the complex figuring -
I'm pretty sure those are Quincewood scales -
also from your model # MC-124
and even your own photo names of "McustaTactilitywithQuinceWoodScalesX.jpg":D

--
Vincent

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wolf5391 said:
I have owned one of these all damascus takes before.

The only real problems I had was my blade was off center and I couldn't take the knife apart to adjust it.

I hate proprietary screws!!! They could at least include a tool to take it apart.
Click to expand...

Thanks wolf5391 -

Those aren't proprietary screws, pretty common, and almost a standard for knives -


The pivot is a 3/32" hex or Allen screw.

That 6 pointed star shaped scale screw looks like a T-6 Torx (link to Wikipedia entry) -
they were "strange" in the early 2000's but became almost a standard for knives -
many knife manufacturers sold their own Torx sets -
but they were relatively easily available - at economical prices.

I had an old thread back in June/2004 about such a set -

it even had an "identi-kit" photo for the physical location of the Torx driver in a store (see Post #25).

Use part # 74502 in a search at HomeDepot.com

Surprisingly over 9 years later the price is still the same.

CORRECTION - On further research that 6-pointed star screw may be a linehead or gamebit screw (used on Nintendos) -
but I find my Torx drivers do seem to fit.

--
Vincent

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The stuff from Mcusta, seems to be top notch, very nice quality. They're some of the most aesthetical knives IMHO. I really like the earthy looks they exhibit. As always a very good review on your part.
 
whetrock said:
The stuff from Mcusta, seems to be top notch, very nice quality. They're some of the most aesthetical knives IMHO. I really like the earthy looks they exhibit.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I couldn't agree with you more -

and I'll just use GatorFlash1's quote:
GatorFlash1 said:
I have always thought Mcusta were one of the best knives (and best priced knives) around. The laser cut parts and hand assembly make them live up the their name Mcusta (manufactured custom knives).
Click to expand...





--
Vincent

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GatorFlash1 said:
That is a great looking knife. I like the bamboo styled handle.
Click to expand...

I (ha-ha) agree!
It's a stunning piece and I think the one that I most associate with Mcusta.

The only other model that I prefer over this is the 113D - "Tsuchi" (link to review)
MC113D_pOpn131029_zps8ef16fd3.jpg


There seems to be a shortage of Mcustas at the moment -
but according to their distributors this should be relieved between now and mid-December.

--
Vincent

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If I may ask, I have been eyeing the MC-33D take but also the MC-37D yoroi, should I go with the take or with the yoroi, reason I'm asking is the difference in blade, sanmai vs Damascus....
 
tiromac said:
If I may ask, I have been eyeing the MC-33D take but also the MC-37D yoroi, should I go with the take or with the yoroi, reason I'm asking is the difference in blade, sanmai vs Damascus....
Click to expand...

It really depends on personal taste and preferences.

I'm not too sure if many buy Mcusta based on their performance as a using knife -
that doesn't mean one can't use them hard -
with the materials used and their specs -
they are probably very fine using knives

But I bought mine really for their aesthetics - but do appreciate that they can be used and are made with some of the finest knife materials.

I personally like the looks of the 33D Take over almost any other Mcusta except for the 113D - "Tsuchi" (link to review)

Probably 3 of the best looking and elegant knives I have -
MokiMK509_MC33D_113Dopn131205_zpsf633fdce.jpg

top to bottom: Mcusta 113D - "Tsuchi", Moki MK-509 "Aiora" (mother of pearl and abalone), and this Mcusta 33D "Take"

I prefer the Damascus cladding over a San Mai -
I doubt if there is that much difference in performance -
one could say the solid outer cladding in a San-Mai may be more traditional -and strong -
but in theory, at least, the Damascus layered or laminated steel cladding should be even stronger -
however I seriously doubt if anyone buying one of these knives is going to use the blade for prying.......

Sorry I haven't given any definite answers -
it really does come down to you own tastes and preferences.

However I don't think, you can go wrong with either.

--
Vincent

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