Nirvana- users?

fishface5

fishface5

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Feb 3, 2001
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Does anyone use these beauties as actual working knives, and if so how is it? Wondering about handle comfort in use, thanks!
 
EDC'ing mine for about 6 months on/off with a Mnandi. It's good but perfect. Main complaints are easily scratched finish/handle, ok action for the price(ZT 0452CF would obliterate it), and a thick stubby grind(hard to place) which is terrible for food prep. However the ability to beat on it while carving wood, thick cardboard and heavier objects means that it is for me a more elegant Hinderer. The tightness of the lock up is absolute and rivals alot of knives. Carry wise its good(slim) but a little dense. Ergonomically I love the saber grip(spectacular jimping) since the finger choil makes it incredibly secure and the integral spine means its like a fixed blade. The steel is good with just light touchups on the Ultrafine to maintain a sharp working edge(easy for printer paper slicing but no push cutting). If it had a smoother action, stronger detent, FFG regrind, and tougher finish(bronzed body, standard stonewash/satin/dlc blade) I would probably find perfection. Overall 8/10 for EDC.
 
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I was initially really excited about the Nirvana and gave it a pretty glowing review, but it has not aged well for me at all - the primary issue being the unnecessarily obtuse primary grind. It's definitively not Spyderco-like in performance and as a result I rarely carry it now because I prefer a thinner grind for the kind of tasks I would use it for.
 
Why they went with the saber grind on such a short blade face is beyond me. I wonder if they initially flat ground a Proto type and decided they didn't like the look? It is just way too thick behind the leading-edge.
 
aha good info thanks - I've seen folks do a regrind to FFG but I'll bet it's spendy
 
I have one coming on Friday. Was told the new ones have less lock stick and a good detent. I can't see spending the cash on one of these just to send it out for an regrind or re finish, I'd just move on to another folder. I also have a Slyze Bowie coming with it as well for EDC comparison. I'll post my review later.
 
Got a chance to check one out recently. Good detent. Very strongly strung lockbar. Rock solid lockup. A little lock stick. Not as smooth as expected from bearings. Liked the ergos. Hated the grind. Give it a hollow grind or a FFG. It does have a neutral balance but a lighter blade would still improve the handling, IMO. It's a beautiful knife with a lot of potential.
 
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