Obenauf Model 1

F

FastJack

Joined
Mar 24, 2002
Messages
180
Not that familiar with Obenauf knives. Would appreciate
any comments anyone could send my way to help me decide
whether or not to add his knives to my collection

Thanks so much...............
 
I think that they're a huge bargain. Impeccable fit and finish. Very smooth with great lock-up. A search here will yield some very favorable reviews.
 
Mike is my favorite folder maker.

Right now I have seven and one on order (a small frame lock) that should be here in a couple of weeks.

He pieces are a great bargain and an he's excellent maker, fit and finish are as good as anybody.
 
One is not represented at present....
 
Gee, which one is a tough question...

The large is definitely a big knife. Sure it's got a 4" blade but it's also a wide blade. Makes a great camp folder or weekend carry knife. I carry my Large's on weekends and in the evening.

The small is quite a bit smaller. I carry it for work more often than not because it's people friendly and rides nice in slacks.

Can't go wrong with either really, just depends on what you want to do with it.

My personal favorite for carrying at work is my Small-Small model 2. I had Mike make it to my specs and it's got a 2.75" blade and not offensive at all, can pull it out anywhere.

Have fun but rest assured there's no wrong choice!
 
Even the "Smalls" are pretty substantial knives. For EDC they seem like more than enough blade for most anything I do. I have a Mini on order to go with my Small.
 
Originally posted by 92degrees
Even the "Smalls" are pretty substantial knives. For EDC they seem like more than enough blade for most anything I do.
Click to expand...

I agree, the small Model 1 is quite a bit of knife, with a wide 3-1/4" blade. The large Model 2 I now own is about as large a folder as I like to carry, great knife. Mike's work is first rate, and his designs are clean and solid.
 
You can not go wrong with one of Mike's knives. I suggest the small version of any model to start. I say to start because you will probably be buying more.
Greg
 
Have decided a small Model 1 is the way to begin collecting
knives made by Obenauf----now where to get it is the next
question. :)
 
Don Eargle can usually have you one quicker than going to Mike direct, usually 3-6 weeks.

He's a great guy to deal with to boot!

Phoenblade@austin.rr.com

You can read about his dealer network here.

When you talk to him ask him where the heck my small frame lock is ;)
 
I was showin' off a couple of my Obenaufs to Double Edge Dave (Baker) yesterday. His opinion is that Mike is the next new custom maker to go "platinum". He thinks that Mike will have a two year wait on his work as well as a more expensive knife in the very near future.
I have always dealt with Mike direct: Great guy--will eagerly answer questions and aims to please. Mike is making me a small frame lock with a double thumb scallop at the moment. In fact, we are talking Saturday to iron out the details. As far as the frame lock goes, we can thank St. James for that stroke of genius!!
If you are looking for a liner lock, watch the "for sale" forums--they pop up occasionally.
Feel free to drop me a line any time--I love talking about my Obenaufs!
Regards,
Barry H
 
Originally posted by Barry H
Mike is making me a small frame lock with a double thumb scallop at the moment. In fact, we are talking Saturday to iron out the details. As far as the frame lock goes, we can thank St. James for that stroke of genius!!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words, Barry, but the credit goes to Mike for being willing to take the project on.

One day a few months ago I contacted three makers whose work I like but had not made any frame-lock folders that I knew of. One has never gotten back to me, another didn't want to try one at this time because he couldn't see the advantages over a liner-lock, and the third was Mike Obenauf.

Mike was a real pleasure to deal with, and I’m glad that he enjoyed making the knife enough to keep producing frame-locks. He was warned that they will take over his life if he lets it! I’m sure he will get a good reaction at the Blade Show, definitely one to watch.
 
Originally posted by Barry H
Mike is making me a small frame lock with a double thumb scallop at the moment.
Click to expand...

What, pray tell, is a "double thumb scallop?

I am very interested in Mike's Model 3 design, but I have a pretty big distaste for thumbstud openers. The only thumbstud design that I like is the Chris Reeve serrated thumblug.

It looks like Mike's has a "scoop" that kind of acts like a tiny Spyderhole and allows for positive opening.

Any comment's on that detailed aspect of his knives? Thanks.
 
I guess my definition of a thumb scallop is a tear dropped shaped recess milled into the bolster area, right underneath the thumb stud.
Think Pirella.
I'm trying to get outside to take some photos of the large and small #2 that Mike has done for me already--but it's clouding up. Might have to try another afternoon.
Hope that helped!
Barry H
 
Barry H, thanks for the post.

Were you going to post the pics on this thread, or start anew?
 
Architect,
If you want any photos, just say the word and I'll forward you some.
By the way, I post with pics over at USN--good site. Lots of good knife talk over there.
See ya,
Barry H
 
Yeah another Thumbs-Up for Mike's knives.., absolutely great bang for the buck...


"Hunters sweek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
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