My Alan Davis Folder experience

Gizler00

Gizler00

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2006
Messages
3,483
Two weeks ago I did something that is very unusual and rare for me. I entered a GAW. This to me is something like buying a lottery ticket, only that costs money. I usually never partake in things like this because I usually do not win. With all that aside, I reluctantly put in for the GAW on the Alan Davis Folder.

A few days later, to my disbelief, I received an email from Alex (jr88fan) saying that I had won the GAW!!! I was in shock a little and my wife had to calm me down and make me double check. To my surprise, I actually did with the wonderful Alan Davis Carbon Fiber Folder!!

I have never been big on the GAW stuff as far as entering goes. But I have always been one to Donate, Give away, help anyone that I can. Especially someone that needs it. I recently just gifted a BK24 to my Brother-in-law that I bought for myself. I figured he did not have a good FB so I parted with it. Glad I did because his excitement and happiness made it worth it. This is something that Alex said to me after I sent him an email reply about winning the GAW. After this experience, I can assure you that I will be doing my own GAW here on BF and I will continue to do more for my friends, faimly, and anyone that needs it. Thanks Alex, and thanks everyone here on BF for being great people.

Now onto the knife.

I do not even have the words to describe how perfect this knife truly is. You know how people say something is breath taking and is truly an exceptional piece? Well this is one of those. Every little detail and part of this knife is filled with time and hard work put in by a craftsman that has refined his skills so much so that there is not a piece of this knife that's not completely perfect.

Now keep in mind, I have never owned a knife of this caliber so I am writing this based on my first experience with a knife like this. I have had a lot of nice things in the past and still do. Ie. guns, FB knives, cars, tools, etc.... You get the Idea. But this one takes the cake.

I have tossed the Idea around of making my own FB knife and possibly a folder some day. I have made various things in the past. Cedar chest's, tables, cabinets, built cars, kydex sheaths and holsters, etc... So I can respect and identify quality work when I see it.

Everything about this knife just fits together right, especially for my needs. The Steel used, Liner lock, CF scales, its light..... I could go on and on. Its a super light, super tough, beautiful looking folder that is ready for some hard work, and I have been using it as an EDC. There will be no sitting in the safe, weekly fondling just to get a taste of it. I have been carrying this blade exclusively as my EDC since it has arrived.

It has performed the typical tasks such as, opening mail, food prep, breaking down boxes, cutting rope, occasional hair shaving (haha), and did all of these without missing a beat.

If any of you have any thoughts on purchasing an Alan Davis folder, DO IT. I can tell you know that I am already saving some money, and might sell some other blades to fund my next one. In case you are wondering, Alan is an active member on the forum who I have already contacted and he promptly gets back to my PM's every time.

Ok Ok enough talk.. Here are some pics for you guys.


Fresh out of the Mail and in my possession.








Cutting up some Polish Sausage for New years day dinner. (pork and sauerkraut)



Conquering the Pork roast and sauerkraut.



And just a few more to get the idea of how perfect this blade truly is.








Thank you again everyone for reading my quick little review. I once again want to say thanks to Alex (JR88FAN) for giving me the opportunity to experience such a wonderful piece of work. And thank you to everyone I have got the opportunity to know here on BF.
 
That is truly an amazing knife. I entered the gaw as well, and it sounds like it went to a great guy who really deserves it, congrats.
 
Man, this is a gift that keeps on giving to me!

Good to see you putting that awesome blade to work Mark, that's what Alan builds them to do.
I am glad it went to a good home because I can see that you are truly enjoying it.

I hope it brings you many years of joy.

Thanks for the write-up.
 
JR88FAN said:
Man, this is a gift that keeps on giving to me!

Good to see you putting that awesome blade to work Mark, that's what Alan builds them to do.
I am glad it went to a good home because I can see that you are truly enjoying it.

I hope it brings you many years of joy.

Thanks for the write-up.
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No problem Alex! Thank you for the knife. I will keep posting pictures as I use the knife.
 
Gizler00 said:
No problem Alex! Thank you for the knife. I will keep posting pictures as I use the knife.
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That would be great! I would be very interested in seeing how this knife continues to perform.

Now that pic of those Polish sausages has ruined my day. Need some!
 
JR88FAN said:
That would be great! I would be very interested in seeing how this knife continues to perform.

Now that pic of those Polish sausages has ruined my day. Need some!
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Haha. They were yummy. I cooked them in a crockpot along with sauerkraut and a pork loin roast all day. There's only one place here in the middle of meat and potatoe land that you can get good sausage and pierogies like you can back in PA where I grew up.
 
Beautiful. Super of Alex do to this ... though I am not so happy to hear about his appendectomy! You are spot on in your review of the knife. Everything that Alan does is phenomenal and each one has its own unique characteristics. You might say that I am just a little bit of an Alan Davis fan! Congrats on the knife and if you remember, please post a pic or two in the Alan Davis knife thread.
 
d.r.h. said:
Beautiful. Super of Alex do to this ... though I am not so happy to hear about his appendectomy! You are spot on in your review of the knife. Everything that Alan does is phenomenal and each one has its own unique characteristics. You might say that I am just a little bit of an Alan Davis fan! Congrats on the knife and if you remember, please post a pic or two in the Alan Davis knife thread.
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Thanks!!

I love looking at all the Alan Davis knives that you have. Quite the collection!

I see you are from PA. Where at? I grew up and lived in Pittsburgh for 26 years. My wife and I are trying to move back that way this year.
 
Today I had the chance to use the Folder outside with gloves on. we got a little bit of snow last night and I to shovel the driveway. Well I was going to put some salt down and needed to open up the bag. Was not sure how it was going to go, but this blade is actually really easy to use with gloves on. Man I just cannot get over how great this knife is every time I get it out of my pocket.

 
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Gizler00 said:
Today I had the chance to use the Folder outside with gloves on. we got a little bit of snow last night and I to shovel the driveway. Well I was going to put some salt down and needed to open up the bag. Was not sure how it was going to go, but this blade is actually really easy to use with gloves on. Man I just cannot get over how great this knife is every time I get it out of my pocket.

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I absolutely love the OAL of that knife. Right around 8.5 with a perfect handle to blade ratio.....and really easy to use with gloves.

I know you touched on how light this thing is as well, If your going to make a knife out of CF and Ti it should be, and I never understood why so many knives using these materials aren't.

How's the edge holding up so far?
 
Congrats Gizler, looks like that beauty went to a great guy. Enjoy the he'll out of it!
By the way I was brought up about a half hour outside of Pittsburg in a small town of Charleroi PA.

Mike
 
JR88FAN said:
I absolutely love the OAL of that knife. Right around 8.5 with a perfect handle to blade ratio.....and really easy to use with gloves.

I know you touched on how light this thing is as well, If your going to make a knife out of CF and Ti it should be, and I never understood why so many knives using these materials aren't.

How's the edge holding up so far?
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Spot on Alex. This thing is the perfect length for my XL hands. I hear you on the weight. This knife is like a feather. Very very light. Almost goes unnoticed in the pocket. I find myself patting my right pocket from time to time just to make sure its still there.

The edge is holding up great so far. I did some light stropping to it on the gray and then green Bark river compound. I primarily did that just to see how it responded, and let me tell you, it did very well.

I have cut mail, cardboard, thick card stock, rope, plastic, and just about everything that you would encounter on a day to day basis. The edge has yet to get to a point that it will not cut successfully. Really liking this blade steel.
 
Mike45ACP said:
Congrats Gizler, looks like that beauty went to a great guy. Enjoy the he'll out of it!
By the way I was brought up about a half hour outside of Pittsburg in a small town of Charleroi PA.

Mike
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Thanks Mike. Thats crazy!! Charleroi! I grew up in South Park/Finleyville, PA. About 15 minutes from your hometown. I went to Cal U to get my Bachelors. The wife and I are currently trying to get back that way. Do you still currently live in PA.

Scratch that.. I just saw you are in NY.

MTURBO said:
Looks like your knife is getting a workout! Congrats.
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Thanks!

It totally is. I love it.
 
So I had some time At work yesterday to test the blade out as I would any other one. Cutting up/opening Brake Rotor boxes, other various parts boxes, vacuum lines, rope, etc... I also hit the blade on a Clutch pressure plate when opening a new package. The blade did not dull and was still very much sharp after all of this.

I tried some stropping on cardboard for the first time to see how the blade would respond. Let me tell you, this thing became more razor sharp than it already was. I never though to or realized that I could have outcome by using cardboard. I am going to have to test this out on a few of my other blades.

So far the knife is structurally holding up very well. Still no play in the blade in any direction. Locks up super tight and just feels so darn good in the hand. The pivot is so buttery smooth that I fins myself periodically checking to make sure that it has not come loose.

What a fantastic knife.

Will report back later with some more usage.
 
I carry an Alan Davis most of the time. Great knives, great HT, and Alan is a top notch guy. Congrats on your new knife. Russ
 
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