Moki or Al Mar Gentlemans folder around $100?

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zorak

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Jan 18, 2011
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Was looking at the Al Mar Hawk when the Mokis caught my eye. Want a blade length of 2.5-3", no belt clip necessary.

I don't own anything from either brand, so I'm not sure which way to go. Both appear to have good F&F. Mokis seem to use AUS-8 or VG-10 in that price range. Al Mars are AUS-8 too.

Any other factors to consider when comparing these two brands at this price point ($75-$125)?

Thanks for any advice :)
 
al mar, in my limited experience, has had very good quality. That said, I always felt they were a little overpriced for what you got.

I'd go for al mar.
 
Moki is an EXCELLENT brand. They also produce knives for western companies, I think (not sure) a few Al Mars are actually made by them. They also make some Spydercos, such as (If I remember well) the Caly 3.
Their own knives are very refined and precise. Actually, they feel like a custom knife.
I recommend you to check them out.
 
Both Al Mar and Moki have excellent reputations. I've been eyeing the Al Mar Falcon recently, but I think any of the ultralight series would fit the bill. The Moki Ezo Red Fox and Crimson Jigged Bone look amazing also. I'd say you have a very difficult choice to make... A more affordable, albeit less prestigious, option might be the CRKT Centofante Tribute for around $25-30 range--not bad for micarta handle material.

Good luck! :)
 
Al Mar's are definitely well made. But at that price, I'd want a much better steel. I got my Ultralight Falcon for $40 of the exchange, though, so I'm very happy with mine.
 
Both Al Mar and Moki are excellent knives. However, have you looked at Mcusta, also from Japan, to fit the 'gentlemans' EDC bill?
 
I recommend the Moki knives in VG10. The fit and finish are amazing. I have one of their models in AUS8 as well, but it is not as well done as the slightly more expensive VG10 models. I have the Crimson Bone Aries model with a 2.75" blade. It is a fine knife. The fit between the blade and backspring is so good, I can hardly see the line.
Moki made some of the nicer models for Spyderco (Kiwi, Kopa), as well as knives for other companies.
If you want a one-hand opener with a thumb stud, I can recommend the Mcusta as well. I have the Take in Staminawood. The Moki at the same price point is nicer.
 
Thanks for the replies.

How does the discontinued Kershaw 1993-2 Gentlemens Folder stack up next to Al Mar? The Kershaw has VG-10 steel and people seem to love that knife if I can find one.
 
I wouldn't be surprised if Moki was/is a Al Mar sub-contractor. Moki (and G. Sakai) does piles of that kind of work for other companies. I'd just buy which ever had the most eye appeal to you.
 
The MOKI lockback I own is of extremely high quality. Frankly, it has NO build quality issues-you can't often say that about a knife ,however costly.....
 
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