Mike Obenauf's knives

ARtsig1

ARtsig1

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Are some of the cleanest built knives you will find. His prices do not match the work he does. You get more, much more than you pay for! :D And how often does that happen now a days? I have two of Mike's large model 2's. One with titanium bolsters and sand colored G-10 while the other just came today and has full micarta scales that are a beautiful red/blue. Both have D2 blades. I have a large model 2 framelock on order from Mike that should make a great Christmas present from me to me, the best kinda presents!:)

As most of you already know Mike is the son-in-law of Kit Carson and works out of the same shop. The Carson influence is evident in the clean build of the knife along with the fit and finish of the knife. Mike's style is different though. The model 2 has some of the widest blades I've seen for their length. The length is 3.6" while the blade is 1.25" wide. It all comes together to make a great looking knife and a very functional knife.

If you have not seen Mike's work you owe it to yourself to check it out as his prices will not be this low forever!
 
http://www.kvnet.org/knives/obenauf/

I have three Obenaufs. They are at equal in quality to me Carsons. Kit should be very proud.

I really like my small Model 2 framelock and it has been a daily carry since I got it! It is about the same size as a small Sebenza, but has a wider blade with more cutting surface. Locks up like the Sebenza also.

It will not be too long and he will have a 2 year wait on his knives. IMHO they are underpriced right now.

Daniel :D
 
I own 1 Mike O right now... but that will likely change in the near future. I am looking into ordering a damascus and pearl folder with engraving from his wife Kristi. Also, his framelocks look very very tempting right now.

I own a Carson M4, have owned 2 M16s in the past. You can definately see the influence, but Mike has a different interpretation. Fit and finish is amazing. Mike has yet to develope that "smoothness" and feel you can only find in a Carson or JW Smith. That is just something that will come with time and practice. That is not to say Mike's knives are gritty, when it's just the opposite. However, Kit and JW just have a certain feel to them that let you know they made that knife.

Mike is a great maker. I think you can take his name off the "up-and-comer" list because Mike is already there. His knives will only continue to get better.

My advice: BUY NOW!

JR
 
I know there's an Obenauf in my future, but this one isn't mine.
Just playing in Photoshop.
 

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Have a Model 1 and a Model 2 and really like both.

I'm very impressed with his Model 3 ! :eek: It's on my "to get list" but other priorities keep risin' to the top faster than the Model 3.

I haven't had the opportunity to handle the Model 3 though.

I'm willin' to take one for a test drive. . .If there is anyone that would like to send me theirs. . . :D
 
I am impressed with Mike's work, especially for such a young maker. He obviously has been taught by the best. Not to take away from him, as he has much raw talent. I want to have him make something in Damasteel, with Damasteel bolsters.
 
I have to put in a word for Mike Obenauf also. He makes some of the best folders out there, in absolute terms and most bang for the buck. I currently have two of his folders and I should be picking up a carbon fiber, bolsterless, extra small (2.75" blade) Model 2 with an S30v blade.
 
Looks like one common thread that is running through these posts is you better get it now before the wait is too long, and the prices will not stay this low for long. I concur with both points! Just got in from my part time job at Wal-Mart and I carried the newest Obie I have which is the one that came today. The people Ishowed it too just oohed and ahhed the micarta scales. The more I look at them the more they have that wood grained look, only in red and blue instead of a more woodsy color.

Man I'm a fool for these Obies!!:D :cool: :)
 
2bill1.jpg

CPM S30V blade steel, Titanium frame
 
I've owned three Obenauf's. One more is coming from Feverdoc and the other is something special Mike O is brewing up in the shop in Vine Grove: Large #2 framelock, S30V flatgrind, textured scales with thumb scallop. Mike!! I'm dying here!!:( How patient can a guy be?
3 months and counting. Sheesh, I remember the first one I got took about 3 weeks.
My advise: Buy while you still can;)

Barry H
 
I just ordered a small model 2 frame lock, left hand with an S30V blade. Just couldn't help it.
 
Good decision Scott on ordering the model 2 framelock. Barry you are going to have to post a picture of this "special" when it comes....you know you don't really want it, just go ahead and tell Mike to ship it to me! St. James.........you just had to go and post a picture of that awesome looking model 2 framelock, I'll be up all night long now!
 
As many of you know I am very partial to Mikes knives.

As far as custom folders go I currently have 10, one is sold and waiting to be shipped, the other is a Modified Wegner/Boguszewski frame lock and 8 others are made by Mike Obenauf. Every style and some special order variants with the exception of the frame locks, I just like the liner locks better for personal reasons.

I currently have another on order which should be done in about 6 weeks.

Since I have been buying knives from Mike everything else is compared to them. I've also had the pleaseure of watching him get better at grinding blades all the while keeping the same consistently great quality.

The only thing I can say for the work Mike does is "impeccable", his knives function smoothly, lock up is rock solid and dare I say rivals a Sebenza, even in a liner lock.

A friend of mine and I used to say a lock was "Obenauf" tight or "[insert name of a famous maker here]" tight, if it was Obenauf tight it was almost a fixed blade, the latter meant it was tight enough not to complain but lacked the rock solid strength of an Obie.

Go buy an Obenauf if you don't already own one.
 
Sorry couldn't resist ;)

Here's some..
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
I just ordered a small model 2 frame lock, left hand with an S30V blade. Just couldn't help it.
Click to expand...

Scott Dog - did you order direct by email or phone? Please give me some of this info. I am thinking of piggy-backing on your order, maybe winding up both getting the knives faster.

What finish and steel are you getting?
 
I know, this is one area where I prefer to suck :)

Wait until you see what I have Mike working on for me now.... mmmmm, powdered gravy. (in my best Homer Simpson voice)

FWIW, I'd like to get in a plug for Don Eargle at Phonix Blades.

I have ordered most of my Obies from him and he works direct with Mike to have them made to my requirements. The benefit to you is that your knife will be delivered a month or so faster than if you went to Mike direct, Don has some kind of deal worked out with him. My last one was delivered in about 2 months and that's quick even by Mikes standards.
 
I took my Obie and had the whole thing DLC coated.....I think it turned out pretty cool.

obie.jpg
 
Nosamk, my offer still stands ;)
 
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