Moki Fish Owl and Kronos

Andya27

Andya27

Joined
Dec 26, 2013
Messages
555
I'm thinking of purchasing a knife for my brother-in-law. He does some camping and fishing with his teenage kids. He's not a knife guy, so I'm thinking a fixed blade isn't the answer. I'm thinking that stainless may be a better option for him. My initial thought was SAK, but I wanted to go with something he hasn't had in the past. I know he has a preference for Japanese products, so I'm leaning towards a Moki.

I'd appreciate some thoughts on both the Fish owl with micarta handle (AUS-8) and the Kronos with stag (VG-10). I don't imagine my brother-in-law will be a steel snob, so AUS-8 steel on the Fish Owl probably would do just fine. The stag on the Kronos would be a nice touch, but I'm also thinking that the micarta might work better for the fishing/camping stuff.

Any thoughts on either of these models. The price difference really isn't an issue. I might also pick up one for myself, since I don't own this brand yet.

Thanks.
 
I own a couple of the Kronos lockbacks, the red jigged and stag bone. IMO they are the finest made factory lock back I have seen, by a large margin. F & F is exceptionally good, smooth action, solid lock-up and very sharp out of the box. I have seen customs at 3 times the price come up short in comparison. Solid examples of the cutlers art.
 
Thanks Jamie. I saw a youtube on the Kronos, and it looks quite nice. And at around $125 or so, it's a bargain since it's that good. I may just go that route than the less expensive AUS-8 Fish Owl. If the F&F is that good, I think that's the way to go.
 
Moki has some of the best Fit & Finish of any production maker I've ever seen, on par with custom knives. Don't see any way one could go wrong with these. :thumbup:


David
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
Moki has some of the best Fit & Finish of any production maker I've ever seen, on par with custom knives. Don't see any way one could go wrong with these. :thumbup:


David
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I'm a bit surprised I don't see more of these on the What ya Totin' today thread. I have to get one for myself AND my brother-in-law.
 
One thing about the Fish Owl that a non-knife guy might really appreciate is the weight, or lack of. For a non-knife guy, I assume that he is less likely to abuse it (or maybe more, sometimes hard to tell with newbs), but I suppose the construction of the Kronos is a bit more robust against handle twisting and tree stabbing and other things newbs do.

Either way, he's a lucky guy to be receiving a Moki as a gift.
 
blademan 13 said:
I own a couple of the Kronos lockbacks, the red jigged and stag bone. IMO they are the finest made factory lock back I have seen, by a large margin. F & F is exceptionally good, smooth action, solid lock-up and very sharp out of the box. I have seen customs at 3 times the price come up short in comparison. Solid examples of the cutlers art.
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Just for Your info:

The one with crimson jigged bone is the model "Ares".
Amber stag bone is "Kronos".
 
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I have the smaller Moki Fish Owl. Its as light as a feather and the fit and finish is indeed very good. Mine has just a tiny bit of vertical play, but nothing to be concerned about at all. I am already looking to buy another Moki (Serapis) because I am very impressed.


 
I don't have either of those models, but the Moki lockback that I do have has impeccable fit and finish. Any of their knives would be highly recommended.

 
Gnarfeng:

That is a beautyful knife.

But i like the crimson jigged one a little more.

And they are basicly the same knife.

I would recommend the OP to get the Kronos.
 
Gruntmaster said:
Gnarfeng:

That is a beautyful knife.

But i like the crimson jigged one a little more.

And they are basicly the same knife.

I would recommend the OP to get the Kronos.
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I'll get the Kronos for both myself and my brother-in-law. It will be a very nice gift for both of us.
 
Gruntmaster you are correct, the crimson is the Ares. Always confusing the name with the number as far as which denotes model and which material. I have the 433's. Sorry, not for sale though :D

I have not seen one for sale in awhile, are they being discontinued?
 
blademan 13 said:
Gruntmaster you are correct, the crimson is the Ares. Always confusing the name with the number as far as which denotes model and which material. I have the 433's. Sorry, not for sale though :D

I have not seen one for sale in awhile, are they being discontinued?
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I did a google search for the Ares, and it appears to be discontinued. Couldn't find one available.
 
I have been tempted by these knives on many occasions. I believe the Kronos replaced the Ares and the Ares is in fact discontinued.
 
Yes, sadly, they (Ares) are discontinued.... :eek::sorrow:

I will probably have to buy the Kronos (533ANZ).

The OP is making the right choice. Happy cutting to them!
 
Yes, I have one and I agree with all that praised the quality of the knife. The workmanship sets its own standards, not as high as the Case Bose collabs, but above everything else I've seen in production knives.

 
eschwebach said:
I have the smaller Moki Fish Owl. Its as light as a feather and the fit and finish is indeed very good. Mine has just a tiny bit of vertical play, but nothing to be concerned about at all. I am already looking to buy another Moki (Serapis) because I am very impressed.


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wow this really looks like a lockback sodbuster to me!
pretty spiffy
 
eschwebach said:
I have the smaller Moki Fish Owl. Its as light as a feather and the fit and finish is indeed very good. Mine has just a tiny bit of vertical play, but nothing to be concerned about at all. I am already looking to buy another Moki (Serapis) because I am very impressed.


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Aha! I think my next knife veers into sight

What a beauty and the Moki LB I have in Crimson Bone (the smaller one) has flawless construction. Somebody mentioned them being near CASE Collabs in quality, well mine is far better made than the one Collab I own. These are more than decent knives at reasonable prices, lifetime carry I'd go as far as to say.
 
I have the Kronos, it's a terrific knife. I've been wanting to pick up a Blakiston's Fish Owl as well.

Another knife you may want to check out is the VG-1 San Mai/Damascus version of the Kershaw Wild Turkey. It's also an excellent knife with terrific fit and finish, at least mine is, with a black wood handle.
I need to take pics of these knives...just haven't had time :o
 
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