OK, I've Got It Narrowed Down to Three...

[Ranger R]

Howdy!

Haven't spent much time on this part of BF, but I'm making the leap into customs, so I figured this was the place to go...

I've narrowed my first, and probably only for awhile, custom knife purchase down to a Hinderer Firetac Extreme, a RJ Martin Avenger, or a Cucchiara Poncho. I've done a bit of research and soul searching to end up with these three contenders and now I need your help! Given that all of these float my boat from an esthetic standpoint and all these makers seem to be revered by the custom knife masses, my question is, which would you pick if you could only have one? I don't intend to use it edc, but I want it to be tough and usable as such. My other criteria would be longevity of use (i.e. is the framelock hardened or will it loosen with much use, which knife's steel has the edge in heat treatment, and which knife just pulls ahead of the others (if any)? I realized that with these makers it's probably splitting hairs, but I wanted some input from those that have actually used or possess these knives.

Thanks! Ranger R

 

[ralph.merlino]

I have one of Matts knives and I love it , you will not go wrong with anything that Matt makes.

 

[Danbo]

I really don't think you could go wrong with any, but I've owned R.J. Martin's knives as well as Rick Hinderer's and I know how good they are. :thumbup: I've not gotten the opportunity(yet) to lovingly fondle one of Matt's knives.

 

[jujigatame]

I've got a regular size Firetac and while my EDC needs are not heavy duty I would have no reservations that it could take hard use. Super solid knife, but all 3 you mention here would be. You can get Firetacs with Rick's lockbar stabilizer, meant to prevent damage to the lock during hard use. Rick's explanation of it is shown in the thread below.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=356336&goto=nextnewest

 

[RogerP]

I'm afraid I can't be of much help. Of the three, the only maker's knives that I have seen, handled and used are R.J. Martin's. I am really impressed with his stuff and don't doubt you'd be happy with one of his blades. But I can't offer any comparative recommendation as against the other two.

Roger

 

[commodorewheeler]

I've handled multiple pieces of all 3 models before. All three are great knives, and I would recommend any one. If I had to pick one, though, I would go with the Firetac Extreme. It is built the toughest of the 3, unless we are talking about an extra beefy Cucchiara, which I have seen, and thanks in part to CNC, Rick's knives have the most consistent build quality of just about any custom maker I can think of.

 

[Ranger R]

Thanks for your thoughtful insights!

Ranger R

 

[T.K.C.]

That is a tough call!! All are excellent!! I am a fan of all the makers you listed. BUT, the only one I own, is a Hinderer Firetac, and it IS an awesome, awesome knfe! I highly recoomend the Firetac!!