Northwoods Norfolk v Mini Moose

jrtodd46

jrtodd46

Joined
Jun 14, 2014
Messages
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I've spent the last couple of days searching and reading about these two knives. I'm still on the fence as to which one will win out. I love how slender the Norfolk is and how the blades tuck in so close to the frame, but I'm not sure about the main blade. It looks stretched out to my eye and it scares me that it might be too delicate.
On the other hand I like the shape of the Wharncliffe on the mini moose, but don't like how it sticks out of the frame.

Anyone who has tried these have any words of wisdom that might help me decide?
 
jrtodd46 said:
I've spent the last couple of days searching and reading about these two knives. I'm still on the fence as to which one will win out. I love how slender the Norfolk is and how the blades tuck in so close to the frame, but I'm not sure about the main blade. It looks stretched out to my eye and it scares me that it might be too delicate.
On the other hand I like the shape of the Wharncliffe on the mini moose, but don't like how it sticks out of the frame.

Anyone who has tried these have any words of wisdom that might help me decide?
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I've got to agree with you on the looks of the Norfolk Wharnclffe blade. It also gives me that feeling when I'm using mine. It seems too delicate. I kind of wish the Norfolk Whittler was around at the same time. The blade appears shorter and stouter, although I imagine the knife is a little thicker with the three blades.

I can't comment on the mini moose, as I don't have one.
 
I responded to your PM with my somewhat lengthy thoughts on the two. In short I think the Norfolk wins out in the looks department and the Mini Moose (more like a Hawbaker's special) wins in the performance department with those Bark River convexed ATS-34 blades.

P1010478_zps406c428a.jpg
 
Brisket said:
I responded to your PM with my somewhat lengthy thoughts on the two. In short I think the Norfolk wins out in the looks department and the Mini Moose (more like a Hawbaker's special) wins in the performance department with those Bark River convexed ATS-34 blades.

P1010478_zps406c428a.jpg
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You were the first to come to mind when I was looking at them. I appreciate you giving me your opinion!
 
Brisket said:
I responded to your PM with my somewhat lengthy thoughts on the two. In short I think the Norfolk wins out in the looks department and the Mini Moose (more like a Hawbaker's special) wins in the performance department with those Bark River convexed ATS-34 blades.
Click to expand...

That would seal the deal for me. I did not realize the Mini Moose were the vintage Northwoods. Sigh... another one on my list!
 
Yea after talking to brisket I think my mind has been made up. Mini moose it is!
 
The Mini Moose is made by Queen so it may not have the same level of fit and finish as the Norfolk which is made by GEC. I was very disappointed with the Mini Moose I received - There are gaps everywhere and a huge dip in the ebony where someone must have gotten carried away with the sander. This was the second one I had because I returned the first for other problems. Maybe I just got 2 stinkers? Who knows but just letting you know. I wish I would have just saved my money or bought something else.
 
The fit & finish on my Mini Moose is very good and would rate it equal to my Norfolk. No gaps, wobble or any other afflictions on this one but I have experienced the hit & miss Queens too. I got a Queen Copperhead the other day with side to side blade wobble and have had other Queen products with spring gaps. I"m sure Derrick will see that you get a good one.
 
I love the Mini-Moose. The convexed ATS34 blades are so sharp and the knife is perfectly sized to ride in your pocket without any notice.

The Norfolk is a great knife, but between the two, I pick the mini-moose. I wanted a Norfolk so bad I could taste it, but it wasn't until we got the Norfolk whittler that I was really satisfied.

Now between the Mini-Moose and the Norfolk Whittler....that would be a tough call for me.
 
okbohn said:
I love the Mini-Moose. The convexed ATS34 blades are so sharp and the knife is perfectly sized to ride in your pocket without any notice.

The Norfolk is a great knife, but between the two, I pick the mini-moose. I wanted a Norfolk so bad I could taste it, but it wasn't until we got the Norfolk whittler that I was really satisfied.

Now between the Mini-Moose and the Norfolk Whittler....that would be a tough call for me.
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I snagged the ebony mini moose off the site. Then noticed the card wallet after I checked out. Guess I'll snag the wallet on my next order.
 
The Whittler version of the Norfolk may be better, my Norfolk has tame snap and that's something that won't improve.
 
I got the knife today and after half a day of carrying it I'm a little let down. I had high hopes for this little knife. Here's a couple issues so far.
When closing it likes to stop just before being fully closed. Or it closes fully and bounces back a tick. Either way it doesn't always fully close.
The clip is too long and contacts the tang of the Wharncliffe. I think that may be the reason why it doesn't always close right.

I've tried flushing it and that didn't help much. I also smoothed the tangs a touch to help with contact. Maybe I should have just sent it back, but I really like the look of the knife and want it to work.

I may just give it to my brother, he's not so picky lol.
 
That sucks about your moose, I love the looks of it, however, I am more than pleased with my 2-blade Northwoods, it is flaw-free and for my needs, the blades are the perfect size..
 
I'm still going to carry it, it is the perfect size all around for me and the blades are really sharp.

I think I went in expecting more for my money.
 
That is unusual for those. Shoot us an email sales at knivesshipfree.com and we will swap it out for you.
 
okbohn said:
That is unusual for those. Shoot us an email sales at knivesshipfree.com and we will swap it out for you.
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I appreciate the offer, but in trying to get things better I've messed with the tangs and such. I couldn't in good conscience send it back now that I've messed with it.
 
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