Need help with REKAT.

[flyingmonkey]

Hello All,
I would like to add a REKAT to my collection. I am leaning toward the Hobbit Folder, but I would like to know how it compares with the Sifu or Carnivour. I am looking for a strong and sturdy defense-style knife that is easy to carry and quick to deploy. These all look like they fit the bill, but before I buy one I would greatly appreciate opinions from people who have used them.
Thanks in advance.
FM.

 

[glockman99]

IF you can legally carry a folder with a blade of 5.4 inches, get a Sifu...(I carry one as one of my 2 "EDC" folders). If you are limited to a 4 inch blade, go for the Carnivour.

I have owned a Pocket Hobbit, and although it is a well-built "fighter", I find it to be last on my list of favorite REKAT folders...I just don't like the blade-style.

 

[HankS]

I'll echo Glockman on this one. I carry my sifu a lot, and when I need to be a little more pc, I carry my carnivour. I usually carry something small as well, just in case I need a knife and I'm around the paranoid.

Hank

 

[Recluse]

I have to go with glockman99 on this one. The Sifu is like a lightning bolt in a convenient pocket size. It REALLY is convenient too. I picked one up a few days ago, have been carrying it since, and find that it is actually comfortable in jeans or pants, for both IWB and standard pocket carry.

A few considerations though. If you are going to carry a Sifu you will probably need to carry another, smaller knife for basic utility, because anyone within 50 feet who sees you deploy a Sifu will be placing stuttering, incoherent calls to 911 regarding a "knife brandishing maniac." It's THAT big.

Also, you mentioned "quick to deploy" as a consideration. I personally feel the Sifu is a little weak in this department, not only because the Rolling Rock provides quite a bit of resistance to opening, but also because the knife is saddled with sucky thumbstuds, instead of a proper opening mechanism like a disk (just my personal preference), which combine to make it easy for me to "misfire" on a deployment. I'm still practicing though.

Oh, and if you decide to go with the Sifu, get D2E is you can. It takes a wicked edge.

Oh, and one MORE consideration, then I'll shut up. If you have lot of muscle memory in your primary hand for closing liner-lock folder (like I do) you may find it takes a bit of practice to "look" for the release in a completely different area..........

 

[HankS]

Recluse,

Try releasing the lock when opening, instead of using the thumbstud. With practice, you'll get used to the feel, and it can be real fast! I can open it like a snap opening but without the hard snap on the knife.

Hank

 

[Nakano 2]

Not quick to deploy?! While it isn' t necessarily my recommendation, every Sifu I' ve ever handled had blades than can be delpoyed with a quick flick of the wrist! Although quite a few of them had relatively rough/ gritty actions, the mass and size of the blade itself lends easily to inertial opening.

Nakano

 

[Brian C]

First, the disclaimer -- I'm a big REKAT fan. While I agree with glockman99 on his assessment of the Carnie vs Sifu from a size perspective, don't dismiss the Pocket Hobbit. Although it is designed to be used in reverse grip, it functions very well in a forward grip as well. Quick? IMO, when carried in the break-front belt carrier it's only competition is a Commander & then only by a fraction of a second. No flames now but, with it's surperior lock, it's a no-brainer choice for me. Carried right side front, it's open in a reverse grip before I even have to think about it. Left side front, I use my index finger on the lock button & the blade is deployed before I can even bring it back up to waist level. If you want a quick opening blade with a strong lock & super retention characteristics, give the Pocket Hobbit a close look.

I also have to disagree with Recluse on the Sifu's action. IME with one of the original BladeForums pieces, it's action could not possibly be any smoother.

Flyingmonkey, I just noticed that you are in NYC. If you are interested in handling all three -- Carnie, Sifu & Pocket Hobbit, shoot me an e-mail. I'm out of the country until later in the week but my schedule is pretty flexible until the New Year.