-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Mcusta...
- Thread starter dannyv
- Start date
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2005
- Messages
- 58
I have the Mcusta with the Cocobolo handles and Damascus steel blade treatment. It is extremely smooth to open, pops all the way to a full lock position with only a slight flick of the thumbstud. And closing it is equally easy, the liner lock has just enuf exposure so that you don't have to hunt for it with your thumbnail.
ALso one of the sharpest knives out-of-the-box that I own.
I'm thinking hard to come up with an excuse why I need to buy another Mcusta, maybe in Ebony wood.
ALso one of the sharpest knives out-of-the-box that I own.
I'm thinking hard to come up with an excuse why I need to buy another Mcusta, maybe in Ebony wood.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2002
- Messages
- 400
I have a quick question for those of you with Mcustas - do the liners engage relatively high up on the tang? Say, halfway or so? My local store had several in over the past few weeks, and I noticed that most of them had liners that engaged about halfway, plus or minus a millimeter or so. But then, I noticed one (a quincewood Basic) that had the liner right at the left edge of the tang. Should I jump on this one, or did my dealer just get an off batch? Your input is much appreciated.
(Just as an aside, I've noticed that on many Japanese-manufactured liner locks, there doesn't seem to be much concern for making sure that new knives' liners engage at the bottom of the tang ramp - do they know something I don't?)
(Just as an aside, I've noticed that on many Japanese-manufactured liner locks, there doesn't seem to be much concern for making sure that new knives' liners engage at the bottom of the tang ramp - do they know something I don't?)
- Joined
- May 26, 1999
- Messages
- 1,964
Mcusta knives are indeed very cool. Im trying hard to resist the urge to buy more! (The fact that I currently have no money makes it a little easier to resist. :grumpy: )
On my Take, the liner falls to the left of center on the tang (when looking at it edge on). It hasnt moved at all since Ive owned it, but I havent used it very hard. The lock-up seems really solid; theres no up-and-down play. I havent tried spine-whacking it.
With my Micarta Basic, the liner started off landing at the bottom of the tang ramp, but quickly moved over after some use (which included flicking it open). It now locks up with the liner to the right of center on the tang. Im a little worried about that kind of wear, but it seems like the liner has stopped traveling. Theres still no vertical play and it passes the spine-whack test without incurring any sort of damage.
When the Basic is locked open, I can press the liner all the way over so that it contacts the opposite liner. That concerns me a bit, but Ive seen that kind of behavior in frame locks before. When I close the knife and open it again, the liner locks up in its previous position.
With both the Take and the Basic, the dual thumb studs prevent the blade from opening too far and the stop pin keeps the blade from closing too far. (When the Take is closed, the thumb studs come within a hairs breadth of contacting the handle: its a very close fit. The cutout in the liner is to accommodate the thumb stud when the blade is closed.)
When you open the blade, the thumb studs hit the top of the handle and cause minor dents in it. That allows the blade to open a bit further and lets the liner move across the tang. I think this effect is less pronounced in the Take because its scales are made of steel. The Micarta scales on the Basic suffer more from the impact of the thumb studs, though theyre reinforced with steel liners that eventually stop the denting.
So, on a new knife, I would prefer that the liner fall to the left of center on the tang. I dont know if thats necessary with a Mcusta though. Actually, Im not even sure how beneficial that is in general, since all liner locks have a unique geometry and the lock-up can change over time.
On my Take, the liner falls to the left of center on the tang (when looking at it edge on). It hasnt moved at all since Ive owned it, but I havent used it very hard. The lock-up seems really solid; theres no up-and-down play. I havent tried spine-whacking it.
With my Micarta Basic, the liner started off landing at the bottom of the tang ramp, but quickly moved over after some use (which included flicking it open). It now locks up with the liner to the right of center on the tang. Im a little worried about that kind of wear, but it seems like the liner has stopped traveling. Theres still no vertical play and it passes the spine-whack test without incurring any sort of damage.
When the Basic is locked open, I can press the liner all the way over so that it contacts the opposite liner. That concerns me a bit, but Ive seen that kind of behavior in frame locks before. When I close the knife and open it again, the liner locks up in its previous position.
With both the Take and the Basic, the dual thumb studs prevent the blade from opening too far and the stop pin keeps the blade from closing too far. (When the Take is closed, the thumb studs come within a hairs breadth of contacting the handle: its a very close fit. The cutout in the liner is to accommodate the thumb stud when the blade is closed.)
When you open the blade, the thumb studs hit the top of the handle and cause minor dents in it. That allows the blade to open a bit further and lets the liner move across the tang. I think this effect is less pronounced in the Take because its scales are made of steel. The Micarta scales on the Basic suffer more from the impact of the thumb studs, though theyre reinforced with steel liners that eventually stop the denting.
So, on a new knife, I would prefer that the liner fall to the left of center on the tang. I dont know if thats necessary with a Mcusta though. Actually, Im not even sure how beneficial that is in general, since all liner locks have a unique geometry and the lock-up can change over time.
I've gotten a lot of liner locks which wound up at center or right of center after break-in. If the knife is well made and the frame doesn't get loose, it will stay there for years (10 and counting). Liner wear on a well made lock is not a problem. Only my spydercos have ever traveled far enough to be a problem and that was due to a loose frame and poor design/construction not liner wear.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2002
- Messages
- 400
Thanks for the replies re. the liner lock, guys. I actually flicked out the blade hard a few times (the dealer is my friend, so he didn't try to kill me with the knife afterwards), and the lock stayed where it was. I think I'll call and have him hold it for me. Oh, if anyone's interested, it's the basic with damascus blade. Really, really nice knife. Does anyone have any information on the screws? They don't look like Torx screws - they look like toothed gears, so I'm assuming they're either security screws or some proprietary design. Thanks again!
The screws are Torx screws. I had to file one of mine down as it stuck up too high from the handle. I also added some thumb grooves at the top of the handle in front to lessen the slipperiness.
The liner on mine goes over what LOOKS to the right (blade on view) but it is actually properly lined up with the center portion of the blade that is VG-10.
I think that's better than if it was only locking on the 420 ..outer...skin of the blade as it should wear less on the VG-10 part.
I know it takes (tah-kehs ?
) an edge like I have never seen. MORE than scary sharp.
I'm still ambivalent on it. I like it and I find fault with it.
But then that's pretty common anyhow.
Would sure like to see a larger knife from the company.
The liner on mine goes over what LOOKS to the right (blade on view) but it is actually properly lined up with the center portion of the blade that is VG-10.
I think that's better than if it was only locking on the 420 ..outer...skin of the blade as it should wear less on the VG-10 part.
I know it takes (tah-kehs ?
) an edge like I have never seen. MORE than scary sharp.I'm still ambivalent on it. I like it and I find fault with it.
But then that's pretty common anyhow.
Would sure like to see a larger knife from the company.
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2005
- Messages
- 58
I tried to push the locking liner over to the opposite liner when the blade is open and that isn't going to happen. It stops firmly in the exact center of the blade. Seems to catch the flat in the back of the blade perfectly, no play in the blade and it is a solid open lock.
I do have the 2 small marks where the thumbstuds contact the front of the frame.
I do have the 2 small marks where the thumbstuds contact the front of the frame.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 3,316
MCUSTA folders are great buys, IMO. I have several and they serve very well in the role of gent's knives or EDC. My favorite is the 3 1/4" blade damascus with the full length Quince wood scales.
Need a smaller one for dress up occassions? The Take or the Cocobolo scaled model with 2 3/4" damascus blades are excellent in that role. The Take is just a classy looking all damascus folder and having no pocket clip just slips into the pocket and rides like a traditional folder would. Or, you can use the very ornate woven belt sheath that comes with it which is green with bright gold, powder blue and orange chrysanthemum looking flowers on it.
:barf: I'm not really fond of flower patterns on my belt sheaths, but it's a case of whatever floats yer boat. While this may work for the Japanese, God bless'em, walking around in this town with that hangin' off your belt would likely get you many odd stares and maybe the offer of a same-sex date (not that there's anything wrong with that) 
. I don't think so... :grumpy: 
Take is a great little knife, but just say "NO!" to the carpet pattern sheath. :barf:
The Katana was a very pleasant surpise when I held it. 3 1/4" clad tanto blade with a VG-10 core, it has an Aluminum handle with divots scooped out of the handle and anodized a different color than the main body of the handle. Kind of resembles the traditional handle wrap of a katana minus the menuki. A nice little detail of this folder is that the lanyard hole and space around the pivot pin have also been anodized the same color as the divots. It's also a pretty classy looking piece. The thing that sets this folder off is the way the seperation line between the outer sclaes and the VG-10 core have been ground in such a way as to give that seperation line a wavy look. Unlike the straight line you see on the Spyderco ZDP-189 Calypso Jr. this one gives the impression of a hamon. I also appreciate the way the tanto profile of the blade was done. The chisel point has a much more gradual sweep to it. Quite unlike Cold Steel's tantos which are very short and abrupt and IMO, pretty ugly looking. The MCUSTA's point is much more user friendly in that it is a very needle like point.
MCUSTA has brought out a nice little line of good looking user type knives that have a gent's knife appeal. Good job and keep those knives comin' MCUSTA!
Need a smaller one for dress up occassions? The Take or the Cocobolo scaled model with 2 3/4" damascus blades are excellent in that role. The Take is just a classy looking all damascus folder and having no pocket clip just slips into the pocket and rides like a traditional folder would. Or, you can use the very ornate woven belt sheath that comes with it which is green with bright gold, powder blue and orange chrysanthemum looking flowers on it.
:barf: I'm not really fond of flower patterns on my belt sheaths, but it's a case of whatever floats yer boat. While this may work for the Japanese, God bless'em, walking around in this town with that hangin' off your belt would likely get you many odd stares and maybe the offer of a same-sex date (not that there's anything wrong with that) . I don't think so... :grumpy: Take is a great little knife, but just say "NO!" to the carpet pattern sheath. :barf:
The Katana was a very pleasant surpise when I held it. 3 1/4" clad tanto blade with a VG-10 core, it has an Aluminum handle with divots scooped out of the handle and anodized a different color than the main body of the handle. Kind of resembles the traditional handle wrap of a katana minus the menuki. A nice little detail of this folder is that the lanyard hole and space around the pivot pin have also been anodized the same color as the divots. It's also a pretty classy looking piece. The thing that sets this folder off is the way the seperation line between the outer sclaes and the VG-10 core have been ground in such a way as to give that seperation line a wavy look. Unlike the straight line you see on the Spyderco ZDP-189 Calypso Jr. this one gives the impression of a hamon. I also appreciate the way the tanto profile of the blade was done. The chisel point has a much more gradual sweep to it. Quite unlike Cold Steel's tantos which are very short and abrupt and IMO, pretty ugly looking. The MCUSTA's point is much more user friendly in that it is a very needle like point.
MCUSTA has brought out a nice little line of good looking user type knives that have a gent's knife appeal. Good job and keep those knives comin' MCUSTA!
- Joined
- May 26, 1999
- Messages
- 1,964
Yeah
the belt-carry sheath that comes with the Take is pretty effete. Its interesting to see something knife-related thats so completely non-tactical though. I guess one positive aspect of the sheath design is that I cant imagine anyone would realize it contains a knife; it looks more like a carrying case for an old ladys eyeglasses.
Tanto blades usually dont interest me at all. I have to admit though that the Katana folder looks very cool. I havent handled one, but it definitely has a more sophisticated appearance than other knives in that genre.
Tanto blades usually dont interest me at all. I have to admit though that the Katana folder looks very cool. I havent handled one, but it definitely has a more sophisticated appearance than other knives in that genre.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 3,316
LOL! Now, that's a good way of putting it.
This is a very interesting and valid point of view that completely escaped me. Upon seeing that on someone's belt, I wouldn't initially assume it was a knife pouch either.
This flowery woven pouch might very well have been made with the lady knife nut in mind. Women wear jeans and slacks too. A knife pouch with a feminine touch just might appeal to the girls. Then again, seems like these days most girls have more tats than I do...
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2002
- Messages
- 400
I don't know... I like the woven pouch. Have you seen what the Japanese keep katana in? Tell a samurai that his sword bag was girly...
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2003
- Messages
- 1,326
I have the Take,or bamboo design and I love it! Iworked a bit on the handles to make it more bamboo-like by curving where it should curve. I noticed that they have the damascus much like the new ZDP-189 damascus blade by William Henry. Instead mcusta has VG10 as core. Any relations? Think mcusta will go that way too? I HOPE SO!! Locking liners on mine are also on the middle and that should be ideal. Only problem I have is that the damascus clad is not even on both sides. Yeah, I hate the sheath! 
- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 3,316
knife saber wrote:
I can't say I have ever seen what Samurai keep their swords in other than the highly lacquered wooden sheaths that seem to be common to the genre here on the US market.
Sooo, what do you think would happen when I did this?
I imagine he would correct me and say something to the effect that this is a traditional carry bag in his country and the style of fabric is centuries old and very respectable, or something along that line.
I certainly hope you don't think he would pull his sword and perform a tachiwari move on me. Unless of course, we were in a movie set in Feudal Era Japan or something.
I'm glad you like the woven pouch. Like I stated above, it's a whatever floats yer boat proposition. I'm sure it fits Japanese sense of style very well. Of course, here in the U.S. our sense of style varies somewhat from theirs. If your a male and walk around here in Ocala wearing that sheath, your gonna get some rather odd looks from people and probably hear some snickering and/or some snide remarks from our teens if you go to the mall wearing it. I imagine it would be about the same even if your a Samurai.
Walk around in Japan wearing it and no one will give you a second glance. Whether your a male, female or anything in between.
I can't say I have ever seen what Samurai keep their swords in other than the highly lacquered wooden sheaths that seem to be common to the genre here on the US market.
Sooo, what do you think would happen when I did this?
I imagine he would correct me and say something to the effect that this is a traditional carry bag in his country and the style of fabric is centuries old and very respectable, or something along that line.
I certainly hope you don't think he would pull his sword and perform a tachiwari move on me. Unless of course, we were in a movie set in Feudal Era Japan or something.
I'm glad you like the woven pouch. Like I stated above, it's a whatever floats yer boat proposition. I'm sure it fits Japanese sense of style very well. Of course, here in the U.S. our sense of style varies somewhat from theirs. If your a male and walk around here in Ocala wearing that sheath, your gonna get some rather odd looks from people and probably hear some snickering and/or some snide remarks from our teens if you go to the mall wearing it. I imagine it would be about the same even if your a Samurai.
Walk around in Japan wearing it and no one will give you a second glance. Whether your a male, female or anything in between.
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2002
- Messages
- 400
Heh. Naturally his topknot would blow right off his head Right before he lopped your head off. I wish we could do that to some of the teens I see in malls... If you were lucky you'd see some l33t battojutsu action before you died.
I can see the disadvantages of the woven pouch. Just thought I'd give it some love. I have a sword bag made in the same style. Chrysanthemums in hexagons. If I carried it around in NYC I'd get funny looks too. I seem to fall in that class of human labeled "fashion-challenged," so I'd get those looks anyway. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure you'd get the same looks in Japan.
Sooo.... back on topic... how 'bout them Mcustas?
(addendum: How about sheaths made from recycled Hawaiian shirts? They're not girly, they're just full of island spirit!)
Right before he lopped your head off. I wish we could do that to some of the teens I see in malls... If you were lucky you'd see some l33t battojutsu action before you died.I can see the disadvantages of the woven pouch. Just thought I'd give it some love. I have a sword bag made in the same style. Chrysanthemums in hexagons. If I carried it around in NYC I'd get funny looks too. I seem to fall in that class of human labeled "fashion-challenged," so I'd get those looks anyway. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure you'd get the same looks in Japan.
Sooo.... back on topic... how 'bout them Mcustas?
(addendum: How about sheaths made from recycled Hawaiian shirts? They're not girly, they're just full of island spirit!)
- Joined
- Jul 9, 1999
- Messages
- 3,316
Sorry about not getting back to you last night, knife saber. I started doing some little housekeeping chores thinking I'd get them out of the way so Saturday would be freed up and it took me till almost midnight to finish.
I think your right about getting funny looks in Japan too. IIRC, sword possession in Japan is strictly legislated to the point where the sword makers themselves are restricted to only being able to make one or two a month.
Back to MCUSTA talk. I'm really hoping they come out with more designs. I recently got the Katana and am really liking that knife. I think they are great buys for the money. I keep looking around and I've yet to find damascus clad VG-10 blades that are as affordable as the MCUSTA's. Aside from William Henry's damascus clad ZDP189 folders, I haven't found anything in the way of Damascus clad folders.
I need to go out to Ruff's and see if Frank has added any new ones to his stock.
Can't wait to see what's coming out next!
I think your right about getting funny looks in Japan too. IIRC, sword possession in Japan is strictly legislated to the point where the sword makers themselves are restricted to only being able to make one or two a month.
Back to MCUSTA talk. I'm really hoping they come out with more designs. I recently got the Katana and am really liking that knife. I think they are great buys for the money. I keep looking around and I've yet to find damascus clad VG-10 blades that are as affordable as the MCUSTA's. Aside from William Henry's damascus clad ZDP189 folders, I haven't found anything in the way of Damascus clad folders.
I need to go out to Ruff's and see if Frank has added any new ones to his stock.
Can't wait to see what's coming out next!