Medford Praetorian opinions.

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That Genesis looks sweet. Like Robocop colors.

Pretty funny reading that this folder takes two hands to open. Hahaha.. wait hold on, let me try to get my knife open.

First knife that comes to mind should I ever come face to face with a tank, or Robocop. What is its intended use? When would someone need this much knife? Not mocking; just stumped.
 
I like the general design shape but it needs some work

I also like knives that do not feel like they are going to crumble if i squeeze them too hard
 
Someone posted the pic of the Arktika--Officer's Match I think? Anyway, that has been on my "buy list" for awhile now. It costs a pretty penny which is why I don't have it yet. Soon though, with the stonewashed blade and titanium handle....

I have heard (and respect) the opinions of those who dislike Greg or his knives, but a few models really appeal to me personally. The OP settled on the Praetorian G and he should be happy with it--I was when I got mine. It's huge for a folder, no doubt, but it's fun.
 
I want a Medford, I'd love to try the Gigantes! Or the Arktika. Quality seems top notch, really I like the looks of all of them.
 
These things violate so many of the self-enforced rules I've set for myself over the years. Can't open up many of the models one-handed unless you get a specific 'technique' down. Can't adjust the pivot or open the knife to tinker with the mechanics, without a special tool. Ergonomics look horrible on paper (blade-heavy, thin handle profile). The blade grinds, stock, and geometry....

For the price, you can pick up an actual custom, or handful of really quality folders from top-tier manufacturers, utilizing the same (if not better) materials.

Yet, here I am, about to pull the trigger on a Micro Praetorian in 3V.

And then there's this thing (pictures not mine):

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Am I still a victim of all the hype? It sort of feels that way....
 
These Medford threads seem to bring out the same reactions (and same crowd) every time. I think it is truly awesome that we all have so many options from which to choose, and it would be odd if we all chose the same. I imagine (cuz I don't have data) that there are also a very wide range of uses that people put their knives to, from sits in box in closet (done that) to display to fondle and for some, actually to cut things! Different tools for different uses too. I carry two knives with me when doing chores around the property. One for fine cutting duty - which is usually a job for one of my too many Spydercos, and usually a Mili or PM2 or sometimes a GB, and the other a "heavy duty" beat on it and don't worry that its just a knife. That second knife is almost always a Medford, either a 187DPT or Arktika. I REALLY like the 187DPT - I'm a longtime spyderco guy and prefer thumbhole opener, this knife has a very comfortable G10 handle, and the build is very strong. These knives inspire confidence, they are so strongly constructed (folding fixed blade like). No they do not cut/slice as well as the much thinner and lighter spyderco blades, which is why I carry both. But when I am 20 ft up a ladder fixing a barn wall and need to scrape off / gouge out dryrot from framing that I was not expecting to find, I have no problem using the Medford for that, AND it still cuts just fine. Even after hitting nails. And no damage to the edge (but yeah, it definitely needs to be sharpened now). I don't use it to slice tomatoes, in case you were wondering ;)
btw, my toolbox has several kinds of pliers too, more than one hammer, a variety of wrenches,... you get the picture. Different tools for different purposes, even if we are just talking knives (what's in your kitchen knife block? Just paring knives? ;)
ok, that was a long answer just to say I really like my Medfords and find I use them nearly as much as my spydercos. Never met Mr. Medford, btw, and don't know the owners of any other knife companies either (although long admired Sal Glesser and his contributions to the knife world).
 
Ratman79 said:
187DPT and Arktika are nice choices:)---I want an Arktika; how do you like yours, Dogrunner?
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I like it - it's a keeper!
What I like - the blade shape, especially the pointy but strong tip. That was the main attraction for me.
Thumb hole opener - it works well. This is a big, heavy folder, but operates very smoothly. Opening, lock manipulation.
It is in a league of its own in burliness and strength (ok, my 187DPT is there too, and I am sure there are other uberstrong folders that can legitimately function as folding fixed blades).
Good steel, holds an edge well, cuts well. D2 is not my favorite steel, but I am a steel snob and D2 is fine steel regardless of the many super steels available now. And as I noted previously, these are not slicey delicate cutting knives. If that is what you want, look at other options.
What I don't like - handle is too fat for my small hands/stubby fingers. Handle length is rarely a problem and I enjoy other 5+ inch handles (Spyderco Mili, Medford 187, Fantoni HB01, CS Recon and Talwar, etc). This one is just too girthy for me to wrap my hand around. I have not yet, but I plan to grind it down some to reduce it as much as I safely can. That is my only problem with it, and it does not stop me from using it.
One other thing to note - because of that handle it is quite chunky, and I do not find it to be a good pocket knife. I have no such concerns about the 187, with its more slender G10/Ti slabs. That one has some mass to it too, but the Arktika simply does not carry well in a pocket. So I carry it in a belt pouch, usually in my chore coat or tool bag. Works fine that way and still a more compact way to carry a 4+ inch blade than to carry a fixed blade.
Build quality on both my Medfords is excellent, tight tolerances, zero blade play, no hint of wiggle in any direction. The Arktika is noticeably smoother to operate than the 187, but both are easy and very well made.
Hope that helps.
 
The term"overbuilt" gets thrown around quite a bit. With Medford knives, I think (my humble opinion) it pertains more so to the amount of material used and not the overall durability of the knife itself. I've owned a quite a few Medfords and I found their appeal to be more so in novelty than in actual use.

The Praetorian is a big chunk of steel and ti. There is something sort of appealing about handling something with such heft. It's certainly original and it is an acquired taste. Buy what makes you happy.
 
Dogrunner; wow, thanks for the write-up--it did indeed help. This will be my next folder; it's been decided! I was concerned about tip strength because the 187DP and RMP both have a very fine and narrow tip. They are also hollow ground whereas the Arktika's is flat ground. Problem solved. The weight is certainly hefty but by no means a deal breaker. As far as the handle size, I wear XL gloves so I don't anticipate any difficulty there. Thanks again for a quality write-up!

Officer's Match--great pictures and beautiful knife too! Nice way to show the available grip options. Thanks for that.
 
Should be here tomorrow morning, I am anxiously awaiting the moment lol. Thanks again for all the opinions and info you all shared!!!
 
Pics when it arrives!!!
Joe

PS......stop tracking it!!
😬😬
 
He is probably out somewhere stabbing stuff like the MKT website says you will want to do when you get your hands on one. :D
 
Sorry guys, been very busy at work. I haven't taken any pics yet but I have carried and used my praetorian exclusively since I got it. Fit and finish is perfect and after a couple hundred open/closes the action is super smooth. I am impressed with how well it carries and rides in my pocket. The detent is insanely strong but it is breaking in with time as well. I am very happy with my purchase and ii don't regret it one bit. Hopefully pics soon to come!
 
The best way to describe Medford knives is that they are not for cubicle crusaders. Many people who comment and don't like these knives are just that. If you need something to help you cut the cord on your tampon, this isn't for you. These knives are designed to be used hard. They aren't jewelled up and all glittery for a reason. So if you're a safe Queen type of owner, Gregs knives probably don't have enough sparkle for you. If you actually physically work outdoors like I do, this thing is a beast that will take a few falls with you.... Buy what makes sense to you and makes you happy.
 
Praetorianti said:
The best way to describe Medford knives is that they are not for cubicle crusaders. Many people who comment and don't like these knives are just that. If you need something to help you cut the cord on your tampon, this isn't for you. These knives are designed to be used hard. They aren't jewelled up and all glittery for a reason. So if you're a safe Queen type of owner, Gregs knives probably don't have enough sparkle for you. If you actually physically work outdoors like I do, this thing is a beast that will take a few falls with you.... Buy what makes sense to you and makes you happy.
Click to expand...

This one even comes with the $200 Ti hardware upgrade!

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Stained Special Edition:

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