Olamic, CRK or Shirogorov?

C

Chris LaGrutta

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Aug 15, 2020
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Hi all! Looking to splurge on a higher end knife. New to this whole world. Have been enjoying the higher quality of some of the zero tolerance sinkevich designs I picked up (0450, 0452, and 0460). I want to experience the next level so to speak. Really been drawn to Olamic, Shirogorov and of course Chris Reeves. What do you all recommend? What’s your favorite of the 3? If this comparison seems ridiculous, please forgive me. I’m a noob and still figuring out what I like!
 
Shiro. Sinkevich has done collabs with Shirogorov. The other two are miles apart in style. Apples and oranges.

EDIT: CRK also did a series of collabs with Shiro but were limited to graphic patterns lasered onto existing Shiro designs. The Sinkevich Shirogorov collab resulted in the Pero, an entirely new knife.
 
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Also really like some TRM
marchone said:
Shiro. Sinkevich has done collabs with Shirogorov. The other two are miles apart in style. Apples and oranges.
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I was afraid of that Haha very different indeed but I like them each in their own way. I suppose there may have been a better way to ask this that coordinated info better. Still learning here! I appreciate your feedback friend.
 
I don't have any of those you mentioned.
If I were to get one I would go with Olamic,
Steel choices and style materials are all for your choosing.
The pics I've seen are stunning.
 
That's a tough one, Chris. Those 3 brands are hard to compare objectively due to the price disparities. Based on my impulsive thoughts at seeing your thread, I would go with Shiro. I have a few of each brand and I find Shiros to just be on a different level of execution and design. You can get a CRK later (but do consider the dwindling supply of 21's), while spending some time to spec out and design your perfect Olamic.
 
I am glad to own examples of all three. They are fairly different, I like them all and my favorite changes by the day.

I would say for a first foray into this level of knife and CRK is in contention - start there. I find they are more versatile than the other two and harder wearing - pus they have a solid reputation, track record for being long lasting and warranty. BUT that could just be me as I tend to baby the Olamic and Shiro more.

Olamic knives are beautifully made and the options available are quite mind boggling - from the downright beautiful to crazy. Shiro knives feel, to me, at a higher level than the other two but there isn't much in it and is most likely just down to liking the design and feel in the hand.

I will say this - you can't make a bad choice among those three. Happy hunting.
 
I have CRKs and Shiros and have had in the past Olamics. All are great knives, but is is kind of like comparing apples, oranges, and grapes. They are different styles, builds, and price points, it's really whichever makes your socks go up and down. For me it's Shiros. They are definitely on a different level than the other two and their prices reflect that. Being new to knives I doubt you'll be disappointed with any of them, but you might think of CRKs and Olamics as gateway knives on your way to Shiros.

Wayne
 
I think you should consider Koenig too

I have enjoyed ZT for a while until I start to be into CRKs
It is my favorite manual folder brand so far
I have tested Olamic and while the action is good I don’t like the design language of the brand
If you like it you should enjoy them as the finish is IMO superior to ZT

Never had a shiro but I have the feeling they are overpriced, but if I can accept to take the $900-1000 jump I would pick a 95T
Very nice, but maybe on the larger side for my tastes

Since I have got some Koenig I think I am healed from my olamic / Shiro bugs ;)

I think all the Olamic/shiro/Koenig are on some aspects superior to CRK but at the end CRK and Koenig are my favorite brands for manual and flippers
 
Chris LaGrutta said:
Also really like some TRM

I was afraid of that Haha very different indeed but I like them each in their own way. I suppose there may have been a better way to ask this that coordinated info better. Still learning here! I appreciate your feedback friend.
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Others mentioned Koenig. Once you open the subject you can easily add another dozen makers to the list. Production knives, midtechs and customs included are all arguably about the same quality level but varying in prices.

Jens Anso, Trevor Burger, Ray Laconico, Grimsmo, Spartan Harsey, Edgar/Cole, Gareth Bull, Rockstead, Holt Specter, to name a few. The list goes on and on.
 
Your own individual preferences are going to be more important than any differences between those brands.

The Benchmade Super Freek I just got pleases me more than any of the knives I have from those other makers that you mention.
 
Therom said:
I think you should consider Koenig too

I have enjoyed ZT for a while until I start to be into CRKs
It is my favorite manual folder brand so far
I have tested Olamic and while the action is good I don’t like the design language of the brand
If you like it you should enjoy them as the finish is IMO superior to ZT

Never had a shiro but I have the feeling they are overpriced, but if I can accept to take the $900-1000 jump I would pick a 95T
Very nice, but maybe on the larger side for my tastes

Since I have got some Koenig I think I am healed from my olamic / Shiro bugs ;)

I think all the Olamic/shiro/Koenig are on some aspects superior to CRK but at the end CRK and Koenig are my favorite brands for manual and flippers
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I agree Koenig are great BUT how do you actually buy one?

o_O
 
I love all three but would recommend going with the CRK first then ease your way into the others.

And to help make your decision even harder...:D (Out of these usually one of the Sebenzas is my choice for EDC BTW)

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After a pretty horrible experience with Olamic, I could not recommend them at all. I haven’t dealt with Shiro or CRK directly, but the knives we have from them have been great. Personally, of the three you listed, I would start off w/a CRK. But I would also agree w/the Koenig suggestion, if you like flippers. I actually prefer my Mini-Goblin over my two Sebenzas.
 
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