Medford Praetorian opinions.

[Ultrasport05]

Blues...

Were the Medfords new when you were handling them? I thought it was a big load of crap about the whole "Let them break in" thing but it really was true. The Praetorian was real stiff when new. It opens like butter now that it broke in although it took long than i thought it would. One of the three Medfords i have had developed lock stick. I sent it in and they took care of it.

I will keep buying them because i like them.

 

[Krav]

Blues...

Were the Medfords new when you were handling them? I thought it was a big load of crap about the whole "Let them break in" thing but it really was true. The Praetorian was real stiff when new. It opens like butter now that it broke in although it took long than i thought it would. One of the three Medfords i have had developed lock stick. I sent it in and they took care of it.

I will keep buying them because i like them.

I agree about breaking them in. At first it was tight and hard to open, then it went through a stage of being gritty like and
A little easier to open. Now it's almost broken in, it's getting smoother and smoother.

 

[JK12]

Love my TFF-1. Still a little stiff opening, but seems to be getting better. Buy what you like, I assure you not matter what you buy, somebody who didn't pay for it will talk shit about it.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

They were all brand new at a knife shop I recently visited. The stiff action was one of many things I didn't like about them.

I've had knives that I thought "broke in" but in my experience it's usually the pivot just loosening up over time. I have a Rockstead that was stiff new, then smooth over time. I disassembled it, and when I put it back together, it was stiff like it was new again. It has a pivot bushing, so I know it wasn't user error. Played with the pivot until it was good. Had the same thing with a Sebenza I have.

I'm guessing most Medford owners don't own a spanner bit to try and adjust them. I feel like "break in period" is a myth. I own tons of knives, use them all, never noticed it.

 

[Krav]

What seemed to be breaking in on mine is, the locking bar detente ball against the blade tang. I might be wrong but I can see it wear from when I first bought it a small groove wearing in. Closed, half open or open and everywhere in between there is zero blade play with early lockup, no lock stick.

 

[KELAMA]

But if I should ask, hey gang I'm thinking about buying a Ford F150 why would you comment on how terrible they are when all you've driven is a Chevy?

^ I purchased one of the new military grade aluminum Ford F150's, that's been an awesome, fun truck to drive! FWIW: I took my time researching the market, considering a different maker than the Ford F150 I was looking to replace. I test drove a couple of Dodge Ram Hemi's, Toyota Tundra & Tacoma's, & a Raptor. Whatever you do, DON'T buy a Chevy! :thumbdn:

My big over built knives sure work for me, carry easy and cut superbly. From flesh to hardwoods and yes everyone even the dreaded cardboard monsters that appear as boxes. Some guys prefer to carry full size 1911s some guys can only handle mouse guns but to each their own and the task at hand they need it for. They all go boom but how loud do you want that boom as all knives cut. Now if he asked hey everyone I'm thinking about buying a Praetorian as a handy little letter opener, then I imagine people could set him straight with the obvious.

^ There are a few member's on this forum (I'm guessing they're the white collar calloused finger tipped non outdoor type) ; one of them was quoted last week as stating: "the gimping on a certain model ZT gives me a blister on my little pinkie finger." If I were to have made a comment, in regards to how I really felt about these type self described knife nuts, I'd probably receive an infraction. Seriously a blister? I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to take one of these guys out in the water and try and give them a kayak surfing lesson, let alone a 20 mile paddle...they'd be whining in 5 minutes that their hands hurt. :cupcake: This Millennial generation just isn't built: "FORD TOUGH!!!"

There's also quite a few expert cardboard cutter's here. They should just stick to using a utility knife- it's what I use to cut cardboard.

I bought a Medford praetorian 3v G/T vulacan finish for myself for Christmas. It's just a touch thicker than a paramilitary, it push cuts phone book paper. It has never been sharpened, that's the way Greg sharpened it. Fit n finish is excellent and the tolerances are amazing.

I use knives that best suit the activities I'm doing. I just have fun with the variety and Greg makes a great knife, looking forward to more medfords.

That's an awesome Christmas present to yourself! :thumbup: :thumbup:

IMHO: Medford makes a high quality, indestructible, "MADE IN THE USA," knife! :thumbup:

 

[The Aflac Duck]

I own the same truck, same color too. I'm a construction worker.

Your comment is arrogant and uninformed...

ETA: how do you know how tough that truck supposedly is if all you're hauling is kayaks?

 

[The Aflac Duck]

What seemed to be breaking in on mine is, the locking bar detente ball against the blade tang. I might be wrong but I can see it wear from when I first bought it a small groove wearing in. Closed, half open or open and everywhere in between there is zero blade play with early lockup, no lock stick.

I could be wrong on the break in, I've been wrong before. In the end, if you like them that's all that matters. My opinion is different though.

I'm a huge fan of Rockstead, and people say those are overpriced and such. I enjoy their overpriced-ness

 

[Insipid Moniker]

^ I just purchased one of the new military grade aluminum Ford F150's, that's been an awesome, fun truck to drive! FWIW: I took my time researching the market, considering a different maker than the Ford F150 I was looking to replace. I test drove a couple of Dodge Ram Hemi's, Toyota Tundra & Tacoma's, & a Raptor. Whatever you do, DON'T buy a Chevy! :thumbdn:



^ There are a few member's on this forum (I'm guessing they're white collar non outdoor type) ; one of them was quoted last week as stating: "the gimping on a certain model ZT gives me a blister on my little pinkie finger." If I were to have made a comment, in regards to how I really felt about these type self described knife nuts, I'd probably receive an infraction. Seriously a blister? I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to take one of these guys out in the water and try and give them a kayak surfing lesson, let alone a 20 mile paddle...they'd be whining in 5 minutes that their hands hurt. :cupcake: This Millennial generation just isn't built: "FORD TOUGH!!!"

There's also quite a few expert cardboard cutter's here. They should just stick to using a utility knife- it's what I use to cut cardboard.



That's an awesome Christmas present to yourself! :thumbup: :thumbup:

IMHO: Medford makes a high quality, indestructible, "MADE IN THE USA," knife! :thumbup:

Hi! I'm the member Kelama is talking about that was complaining about the ZT 0562! I'll totally admit, I really haven't been able to get outside at all for the last 18 months. That's because I was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2015 and had a bone marrow transplant in April, which Kelama is definitely aware of. Before that I was consistently active outside, though never as much as I really would have liked.

Just thought I would give some insight as to the kind of character making these comments.

 

[NJBillK]

<snip>
^ There are a few member's on this forum (I'm guessing they're the white collar calloused finger tipped non outdoor type) ; one of them was quoted last week as stating: "the gimping on a certain model ZT gives me a blister on my little pinkie finger." If I were to have made a comment, in regards to how I really felt about these type self described knife nuts, I'd probably receive an infraction. Seriously a blister? I couldn't even imagine what it would be like to take one of these guys out in the water and try and give them a kayak surfing lesson, let alone a 20 mile paddle...they'd be whining in 5 minutes that their hands hurt. :cupcake: This Millennial generation just isn't built: "FORD TOUGH!!!"

Hi! I'm the member Kelama is talking about that was complaining about the ZT 0562! I'll totally admit, I really haven't been able to get outside at all for the last 18 months. That's because I was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2015 and had a bone marrow transplant in April, which Kelama is definitely aware of. Before that I was consistently active outside, though never as much as I really would have liked.

Just thought I would give some insight as to the kind of character making these comments.

I just wanted to distill Kelamas comment down and get it close enough to be read easily with the fitting rebuttal.
I know that it isn't much about the knives themselves, but I felt it was important for this to be clarified.
--------
Back on topic, I am still not much of a fan. If someone local to me has one that they would let me fondle and flip a few times in person, shoot me a PM. I will travel to you and likely bring something that you may not have and want to check out.

I still don't think it will be for me, but I will keep an open mind. Not open enough to buy one without handling prior, but I will fiddle with one.

 

[shinyedges]

Rich(insipid) has been nothing but a good guy. I'd consider him my friend. Frankly I'm offended someone would mock his situation. Poor character.

 

[Dopic1]

Rich(insipid) has been nothing but a good guy. I'd consider him my friend. Frankly I'm offended someone would mock his situation. Poor character.

Exactly, Richard is a great person as are most here not all.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I appreciate it, my friends, but I can definitely be as much of a jerk as any. However, there is an appropriate area for that kind of thing to be hashed out and this isn't it.

To get back to the thread, I honestly don't know much about the F&F and quality of machining on Medfords, but the geometry gets me every time. I honestly do cut a LOT of cardboard and I've repeatedly found that thick blade stock and short grinds inevitably equals far, far more effort expended in the cutting.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

To get back to the thread, I honestly don't know much about the F&F and quality of machining on Medfords, but the geometry gets me every time. I honestly do cut a LOT of cardboard and I've repeatedly found that thick blade stock and short grinds inevitably equals far, far more effort expended in the cutting.

Exactly, many people take offense when the subject of a Medfords geometry comes up. Nobody is saying they can't cut stuff, but it's naïve not to admit that many other knives will cut better, like a FFG Delica or Endura.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

Exactly, many people take offense when the subject of a Medfords geometry comes up. Nobody is saying they can't cut stuff, but it's naïve not to admit that many other knives will cut better, like a FFG Delica or Endura.

Yeah, it's geometry that I think works well for chopping and batoning, but I don't do that with folders and I can't think of anything I do that would be better/easier because of it.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Yeah, it's geometry that I think works well for chopping and batoning, but I don't do that with folders and I can't think of anything I do that would be better/easier because of it.

I'm sure you've got a pile of papers somewhere that needs to be weighed down

 

[deerslap]

Well Corndog, not really confident you received much help with your original question. ( Does anyone here any EXPERIENCE they'd like to share? )
Seems 90% turned out to be people with opinions on pictures they've seen of the knife or people playing flippity flip with it in a store. Not to mention the completely off topic comments or replies. Very few with actual user EXPERIENCE with the Pretorian or Medford's for that matter. Try and filter through those that seem to spend a lot and I mean a lot of time on this forum. Remember, those that can do, those that cant teach or are lonely. I'm not on this forum often but occasionally have questions myself time to time. Its nice to get answers without comments from armchair warriors.

Medford's are top quality knives without a question. I've used em and used em hard. If you know how to sharpen your knife, how to use it and what to use it on that Pretorian will serve you well. Hell I been at lumberjack completions where guys are competing by shaving their faces with an ax. Point is all blades excel in a particular task better than others but can be made to do multiple tasks. The fact that you were asking about it shows you have a interest in it. It's a very strong knife and is built to be strong. Break in period when their new, hell yes. Same with Striders and that's a good thing and yes people, even though they cost in excess of $500 and up. if I spend good money on a quality knife I don't want it as loose as an old $20 street hooker. Their working knives not eye candy. All my firearms needed to be broken in to get the best accuracy and total confidence that their 100% reliable and many cost thousands of $$. My $50,000 truck needed broken in before I started towing hard and going off road with it. Common knowledge for those in the know. Really not much out there that's mechanical that doesn't need to be broken in unless its fingernail clippers or came out of the Goodwill store.

Beauty's in the eye of the beholder Corndog. If you like the style go ahead and get it. Those Medford knives have served me well and still are. Their just part of many in my kit and I would have no second thoughts about taking them into the warzone again. Now they serve me well in the outdoors. Slow in the winter here up north, main reason I'm looking at this computer now. Time to get off my ass and do some reloading load development. Best of luck on your decision and if you get a chance let us all know what you decided.

Keep your powder dry and steel sharp

 

[PURPLEDC]

Blues...

Were the Medfords new when you were handling them? I thought it was a big load of crap about the whole "Let them break in" thing but it really was true. The Praetorian was real stiff when new. It opens like butter now that it broke in although it took long than i thought it would. One of the three Medfords i have had developed lock stick. I sent it in and they took care of it.

I will keep buying them because i like them.

I think most people know that knives will break in after some use. I think the issue is mr medford claiming that its the right way to do things when so many to come before him seem to be able to make knives that work perfectly right out of the box. Some simply feel medford is trying to promote a minimalist approach to knife making as a superior superlative craft. When many disagree and see his products as having only one feature which is an overbuilt thick design. I consistently see that company taking the laziest finishing techniques, slapping a weird name on it and calling it something it isnt. Special.

 

[The Aflac Duck]

Well Corndog, not really confident you received much help with your original question. ( Does anyone here any EXPERIENCE they'd like to share? )
Seems 90% turned out to be people with opinions on pictures they've seen of the knife or people playing flippity flip with it in a store. Not to mention the completely off topic comments or replies. Very few with actual user EXPERIENCE with the Pretorian or Medford's for that matter. Try and filter through those that seem to spend a lot and I mean a lot of time on this forum. Remember, those that can do, those that cant teach or are lonely. I'm not on this forum often but occasionally have questions myself time to time. Its nice to get answers without comments from armchair warriors.

Medford's are top quality knives without a question. I've used em and used em hard. If you know how to sharpen your knife, how to use it and what to use it on that Pretorian will serve you well. Hell I been at lumberjack completions where guys are competing by shaving their faces with an ax. Point is all blades excel in a particular task better than others but can be made to do multiple tasks. The fact that you were asking about it shows you have a interest in it. It's a very strong knife and is built to be strong. Break in period when their new, hell yes. Same with Striders and that's a good thing and yes people, even though they cost in excess of $500 and up. if I spend good money on a quality knife I don't want it as loose as an old $20 street hooker. Their working knives not eye candy. All my firearms needed to be broken in to get the best accuracy and total confidence that their 100% reliable and many cost thousands of $$. My $50,000 truck needed broken in before I started towing hard and going off road with it. Common knowledge for those in the know. Really not much out there that's mechanical that doesn't need to be broken in unless its fingernail clippers or came out of the Goodwill store.

Beauty's in the eye of the beholder Corndog. If you like the style go ahead and get it. Those Medford knives have served me well and still are. Their just part of many in my kit and I would have no second thoughts about taking them into the warzone again. Now they serve me well in the outdoors. Slow in the winter here up north, main reason I'm looking at this computer now. Time to get off my ass and do some reloading load development. Best of luck on your decision and if you get a chance let us all know what you decided.

Keep your powder dry and steel sharp

As I stated, my opinion is what I shared in this thread. If you disagree, cool! I really don't understand why you feel like everyone needs to agree with you

 

[J85909266]

I handled a bunch of Medfords recently. The locks were sticky, the pivot action was slow and a couple felt kinda gritty, and everything about the ergonomics are just too aggressive for me.

Fit and finish was unacceptable for a knife of that price, literally a slab of g10 and ti with a big thick blade stuff between it, like a big ol' tactical sandwich. No pocketing inside the ti handle, and all the machining was pretty "loose" compared to other knives in that price range. An $850 Arktika is a joke compared to an $850 Rockstead Chi or Higo. I couldn't get over how clumsy they felt in my hand.

The flipper tab on the 187 was like the spout of a teapot, just weird. And the flipping action felt like the pivot was wooden. The blade just flopped out like a dead fish.

And the geometry, oh boy... Yes, they're thick, obviously, but the grind is so shallow on the Praetorian it's like Greg grinds them with a Dremel, blindfolded, with one hand, after a few stiff drinks.

They are nothing more than another flavor of tacticool.
So yeah, that's my opinion.

I was going to post something similar, but you said it well enough. The designs and F&F are bad enough. Add the price and it becomes an outright insult.

Personally, I wish less people were willing to pay that kind of price for these knives because it has a negative effect on the industry. A $500+ price tag should mean a lot more than it does, these days.