I’ll play. As a guy who generally likes BM products, and has had many over the years (though I do feel their pricing has gone a bit off the rails lately) and, who also likes MT stuff. I think they’re both great, larger knives with obvious differences.
I will say I do think the MT Ram Lok is well-executed, and possibly a slight improvement over the original BM Axis Lock, but it’s really close, maybe even scientifically negligible. Obviously, operation is pretty much the same, but something about a flat engagement surface on the blade tang of the Ram Lok seems to make more sense to me than that of the round crossbar of the Axis. That said, I’m no scientician. I also like the larger, more tactile grip surfaces on the Ram Lok operating nubs over the smaller round nubs of the Axis Locks, but have never had any real demonstrable issue with operating any Axis Locks to make me say they’re at all bad. I like the looks of the thumb studs and backspacer better on the Amphibian. All that said, I don’t ever have to wear gloves or deal with freezing weather to know if that affects anything regarding the use of the lock or thumb studs, or the feeling of the metal backspacer in one’s palm compared to the G10 backspacer of the CR. But you also mentioned an aluminum model of the Amphibian, so I assume that might be a moot point.
The biggest obvious blade difference is that the Amphibian has a recurve blade, which may be an issue for sharpening. The Crooked River obviously has a more classic clip point with a straight edge before the tip upturn like traditional hunting knives.
There is no denying the grip of the Amphibian, with its shape, scale texturing, and jimping is likely more secure in hand, but the CR, with its smoother, sleeker handle is very comfortable and probably adequate for most normal day-to-day use. It also rides pretty darn comfy in the pocket for that reason too. I have found both to be so long in the handle that switching to deep carry clips is only feasible if you have deep enough pockets. This may not be a problem for some, again, just something to consider.
The Amphibian is on bearings, and the Crooked River is on PB washers. I like both, and fully acknowledge PB washers can be quite a delight after they’re properly worked in.
Stylistically and overall, I just personally prefer the Amphibian for its in-your-face modern design and features, but do really understand the appeal of the Crooked River, that happens to have modern features and security built more subtly into its pretty traditional hunting knife look.
One possible advantage of the BM might be that (I think) it’s still available in the Custom Shop, so you can generate one more to your own specs if you so desired.
I don’t have enough long term experience with Magnacut to have a scientifically based preference, but Ive been a user of m390/20cv/204p for a long time and like them. I have had no life-altering issues to condemn any of them as inferior or claim either superior. I also just cut stuff, and don’t beat on my folding knives to have really pushed any failure limits. Most modern steels are better than any of us really need IMO, and I’d think I’d personally be fine with either.
I think they’re both a good choice for a larger folder, and both are probably plenty big enough for your monster mitts, but I don’t currently have a Crooked River in the stable and do have an Amphibian (and an MSI, which is pretty adjacent, and I think both are great) so there’s that.
SharpBits
and
Centermass
thanks for your input, it's much appreciated! The closest knife store is a few hours travel from here, but it'd probably be a good idea to get the blades in-hand before purchase.
. I like the looks of the Crooked River over the Amphibian.
