Need opinion on Obenauf knives

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ph.ht1

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Jan 6, 2006
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I need some opinions on Obenauf model 3. I have never owned a custom knife and just ordered an Obenauf model 3 in ladder damascus. I have a sebenza, mnandi and WH titan. What are your thoughts on Obenauf knives?
 
ph.ht1 said:
I need some opinions on Obenauf model 3. I have never owned a custom knife and just ordered an Obenauf model 3 in ladder damascus. I have a sebenza, mnandi and WH titan. What are your thoughts on Obenauf knives?
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1. They are very well made, and Mike stands behind his work.

2. It is a work knife, and as such, I would have gone with CPM-154 or S30V or ATS-34 in satin finish, but not damascus.

3. Aesthetically, I find the blade-to-handle ratio to be a bit off. IOW, the blade is a tad too short for the handle. This is a common issue with folders in general, but, again, this is a work knife. The reason for this is that the pivot is set down low on the handle, relatively speaking, leaving full support around all areas of the blade. It is a reasonable tradeoff.

4. As investment pieces, they are holding, and gaining value. Should the trend continue, it is very possible that you could use your knife for a while, have it refurbished(but presenting it as such at the time of sale) and still make back close to, if not more than you paid for it originally.

5. You did not mention the size of the Sebenza or Obenauf model 3, but if you got the full sized version, know that it is LARGE, the handle is almost 5" long. It is a big knife.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Kohai999 said:
5. You did not mention the size of the Sebenza or Obenauf model 3, but if you got the full sized version, know that it is LARGE, the handle is almost 5" long. It is a big knife.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
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I could be wrong but I believe that the model 3 is ~ 3 3/4" closed with a 3" blade. I'm sure Mike can make larger and smaller model 3's but I've only seen this "standard" size. I agree that it is very well made and good for heavy duty use. I personally prefer the model 1 and model 2 to the model 3 due to the handle shape and feel in my hand. The tapering handle on the model 3 that I owned with carbon fiber scales did not feel as secure in my hand as his other models. Part of that may have been due to the scale material and finish.
 
xuesheng said:
I could be wrong but I believe that the model 3 is ~ 3 3/4" closed with a 3" blade. I'm sure Mike can make larger and smaller model 3's but I've only seen this "standard" size. I agree that it is very well made and good for heavy duty use. I personally prefer the model 1 and model 2 to the model 3 due to the handle shape and feel in my hand.
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I have not seen smaller model 3's, but was going under the assumption that Mike did ALL models in two sizes, which may be wrong. The handle lengths that I have personally seen are right at 4.35" which is certainly not as long as 5".

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I had an Obenauf a while back, and I sold it when I realized that I liked my Sebenza better. The internal edges of the slab are kept sharp, and it makes it a tad less friendly to use. Apart from that, great knife.
 
The model 3 I ordered has a 3 inch blade. You can see it at Truenorth knives. I own a small regular sebenza. I hope this knife is as good as my sebenza.
 
I'm pretty sure Mike O.only makes the 3 in one size.
 
Last time I talked to Mike, which was a couple of months ago, he told me that he only makes the Model 3 in one size.

I'll echo Steven's sentiments that you are getting a true quality folder with an Obenauf. The construction is among the best out there, as far as utility folders go. Plus, Mike has excellent customer service and will stand behind his work. As far as knifemakers go, my experiences with him have been among the best.

Mike Norris' stainless damascus is a good choice as a user damascus. From my experiences with it, it has performed quite well.

I would definitely say that you made a good choice with this one.
 
I own a few of the small, 3"blade, model 3's and find them to be perfect to carry and for hard use. The price range is good and the knives are better than the price would reflect. IMHO
Greg
 
Thanks for all the positive comments. I really enjoy reading the opinions of knife knuts. I should be receiving the knife tomorrow. Now, I won't need to buy a ladder damascus sebenza.
 
I have one of the 3's in damascus- it's VERY nice. As far as what I think about Mike's knives.....what's that saying about a picture and 1000 words? FYI- at this time there's only one size M3 (about 3&1/8). There is something "else" on the horizon though! Stay tuned to TNK in the future for more info.

Congrats on the great purchase- you'll love the knife!
 
schluterc said:
There is something "else" on the horizon though! Stay tuned to TNK in the future for more info!
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Can you say "Big Bandit"? I knew that you could.
 
I just received my Obenauf model 3. I like it. However, the framelock barely engages about 0.25 mm beyond the blade. Is this normal for Obenauf knives? The framelock is very difficult to unlock. I am comparing the framelock to my small regular sebenza. My seb is easy to unlock and engages about half of the blade. Will the obenauf get easier to unlock? My thumb hurts from trying to unlock it.
 
ph.ht1 said:
I just received my Obenauf model 3. I like it. However, the framelock barely engages about 0.25 mm beyond the blade. Is this normal for Obenauf knives? The framelock is very difficult to unlock......My thumb hurts from trying to unlock it.
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Yes, this is normal for an Obenauf.

New trick I learned from Phil Boguszewski the other day. Rub some graphite(pencil) on the tang area where the lock engages. It will become much easier to unlock.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
I think the Obenauf knives are terrific. Fit and finish on the ones I have owned is flawless. They are all sturdy customs meant to be used hard. The model 3 is a pleasure to hold and carry...it's a lot of knife in a relatively small and light package.

Here's a few pix of my Obies.

Model 1 in blue g10.
IMG_0838.jpg


Model 2 ti framelock.
DozierFolderandObenaufModel2004.jpg


Model 3 Bandit.
IMG_0852.jpg


Model 3 in carbon fiber.
IMG_1055.jpg
 
Here's a "special" M2 mini and M3, both are S90V. The Model 3 is a great knife!
 
Thanks Ken. Yes that Bandit ought to look familier as it is #7 which came to me through your helpful and kind hands.

Coincidentally, the Model 2 in the picture is the one I sold to you.

Round and round they go...:)
 
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