Moki Fish Owl and Kronos

The Kronos arrived yesterday. Since I wasn't sure just how much my brother-in-law would like it, I ordered one for myself first. I could have ordered two at the time. For under $130 including Priority shipping, this knife is more than a bargain - it's one fine piece of workmanship. The blade arrived super sharp. The presentation is perfect: nice box, excellent sheath with smooth leather interior. Very nice stag handle and brushed stainless bolsters. The blade is mirror polished, which means you'll get plenty of finger prints on it. But the action is smooth, lock-up with the back-lock is super tight with no play. Blade lines dead center between the bolsters and handles. I've paid much more for far less knife. I just wish Moki had a larger selection of folders. I'll be ordering one for my brother-in-law.

 
Got the large version fish owl today and it's fantastic!

A lot lighter than I had expected at 46 grams, but then again, it's also my first liner-less knife. Walk and talk is superb, action is buttery smooth, you can pinch-open the blade, blade is dead center closed, no play whatsoever, and one of the sharpest production knives out of the box I can remember.

I have the small version in the mail, too, but the large size is just about perfect.

On a scale of 1-10 with ten being a custom of the same configuration I'll give it a solid 8.5. Only faults (which aren't necessarily faults) is that the inside of the micarta isn't polished like the outside and you can see where they ground the taper for the tip of the blade. Mind you the micarta on the inside is still plenty smooth to never interfere with the blade and the blade finish is flawless... you can just see the grind taper if you hold the blade in certain light which can be said of some high dollar customs as well. If we factor in price compared to the high dollar custom it's clearly a 10+

If you're a sodbuster fan looking for a more approachable blade geometry or of shadow patterns then the large fish owl belongs in your rotation. Period.
 
Last edited:
sierra11b said:
Got the large version fish owl today and it's fantastic!

A lot lighter than I had expected at 46 grams, but then again, it's also my first liner-less knife. Walk and talk is superb, action is buttery smooth, you can pinch-open the blade, blade is dead center closed, no play whatsoever, and one of the sharpest production knives out of the box I can remember.

I have the small version in the mail, too, but the large size is just about perfect.

On a scale of 1-10 with ten being a custom of the same configuration I'll give it a solid 8.5. Only faults (which aren't necessarily faults) is that the inside of the micarta isn't polished like the outside and you can see where they ground the taper for the tip of the blade. Mind you the micarta on the inside is still plenty smooth to never interfere with the blade and the blade finish is flawless... you can just see the grind taper if you hold the blade in certain light which can be said of some high dollar customs as well. If we factor in price compared to the high dollar custom it's clearly a 10+

If you're a sodbuster fan looking for a more approachable blade geometry or of shadow patterns then the large fish owl belongs in your rotation. Period.
Click to expand...

This is really helpful. Thanks for the review.

When you receive the smaller Fish Owl, please do a comparison of the two. I plan to purchase one. Just not sure which. I continue to use my Kronos daily, and it's one fantastic knife. For the money, it's the best knife I own. It may be the best knife I own - forget about the cost.
 
MarkPinTx said:
In theory, a linerless knife scares me a bit. I assume the Fish Owl is quite robust?
Click to expand...

Very robust. From a practical knife standpoint I've always felt Micarta and Carbon Fiber served the same purpose seeing how we're not exactly dealing with the airframe of an F22. Both are very rigid and light and the amount of micarta at the bolster is a substantial 1/8" thick.

But if we really want to compare just how robust both materials are Micarta is to sapphire what CF is to diamond. Unless you use this knife like a crowbar there's no way that micarta is going to give. Then again, you should never use any knife like that anyway.
 
I have a number of linerless knives with bodies consisting of FRN or G10. Quite robust. Micarta is stronger than FRN and about as strong as G10.
 
The smaller version Moki Fish Owl arrived today and lives up to everything the larger version is in terms of quality, fit, finish, walk and talk. I must say, however, after handling the larger version I do prefer it over the smaller one. Don’t get me wrong! It’s a great little knife but I do feel the larger version is the better option if you were to only purchase one.

It tips the scales at 32g which is 14g lighter than its bigger brother… But the micarta to steel ratio on the smaller one is more or less equal on the smaller version whereas the larger version has more micarta. So you get the illusion of a lighter knife with the larger version despite it being heavier and it feels more agile in the hand. That being said, you also get a lot more knife with the larger version without it being overly large. I’ve been carrying the larger version until today in my front right pocket without any discomfort whatsoever. It’s perfect and fits my palm like a glove.

As you can see from the photos the small version is still larger than a case peanut but it’s at that awkward 'middle size' where you’re not sure whether to choke-up on the blade a little or solely grip the handle. YMMV depending on hand size. With the larger size you can obviously choke-up or hold the handle but the design of the knife lets you choose your grip. For me the smaller version would make a great watch pocket companion, a good kit knife for a tackle box, or for business attire where an inconspicuous smaller knife is in order.

Both are certainly fantastic knives for the price! Although I perfer the larger version I don't feel there's a wrong answer so if you can swing both do so.

(Any imperfections you see on the blades or handles is just oil from the joints or lighting on the bolsters, etc.)

moki_zpsa623f073.jpg

moki1_zps789c6171.jpg

moki2JPG_zps70233b35.jpg
 
I should also add that the larger version has more of a sunken joint than the smaller version which is nice for carry...

unnamed_zpsa7156553.jpg
 
Thanks so much for the review and the photos. That settles it - I'll get the larger one. The smaller one is just too small - I don't need another small knife. It will make a good companion for the Kronos - which I'm using again today. It's a superb knife, and at $128 including delivery is an amazing bargain.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top