Olamic Tactical

[Insipid Moniker]

I've considered another Olamic, I really like the one I have. It's one of the early Wayfarers with a polished blade and moonglow inlays. It's just a bit too big for my tastes nowadays, still an excellent piece though. Anyways, it's unfortunate that a great company is being mentioned in this half-baked thread.

That looks fantastic. The knife doesn't look too bad, either.

 

[stabman]

The fact that ApostleP, Nick Shabazz, and several other normally pretty critical reviewers think so highly of Olamic should say something.

I really respect the opinions of one person who posts about knives online...me!

Since I have not posted anything about Olamic knives, I don't really care what the online buzz about them is.

 

[bodog]

I thought they were made in Italy and "finished" in the USA?

Their website says their folding knives are made entirely in the US and their old site says damascus fixed blades are made in their Russian shop. I'm sure there's some crossover if they use damascus steel in their folding knives.

 

[Sonnydaze]

The only reason you even know about the list is because someone quoted it and kept it there as bait to start an argument

Now, let's be honest. He couldn't quote it if you hadn't written it. That's akin to you running a red light, broadsiding another car, and then complaining to the cops that you wouldn't have hit it..if he hadn't been in your way.
What you wrote...originally...is opinion. You are entitled to that. So are other folks.

As far as Olamic, they have some nice knives. What I saw in your pics are some pretty colors of anodizing, some use of nice-looking bolsters and damascus blades. I don't have much interest in any of that, although I like Whitty's blue anodizing on his ZT's. I didn't see much in the way of new design elements...which, admittedly...can be difficult in the light of today's maturity of the profession.

What you left out is the great strides that Spyderco, ZT and others have made in the past years...that lets the new guys build upon what was already developed within the market, but sprucing it up a it.

You also wrote this about CRK..."You have Chris Reeve Knives that look the same year after year with no real changes (not necessarily a bad thing but you can only look at so many Sebenzas before they all start looking the same)."

Now this statement is heresy in my book. (I like CRK a lot)... At about 2 am today, I managed (with the help of a very well-informed CRK friend and professional collector..,) to find an older large Classic Sebenza in great condition, which I purchased IMMEDIATELY...without much thought as to cost. I've carried a Classic for several years, and it is the smoothest operating folder of my experience...which includes "many" knives costing into the mid-$700 range. "Looking the same" is why they still sell like hotcakes...to purists like me.
Whatever your taste, it's great to have such diversity available these days.

 

[palonej]

I've considered another Olamic, I really like the one I have. It's one of the early Wayfarers with a polished blade and moonglow inlays. It's just a bit too big for my tastes nowadays, still an excellent piece though. Anyways, it's unfortunate that a great company is being mentioned in this half-baked thread.

Just gorgeous Tyler!! Damn!
Joe

 

[Sonnydaze]

Hey Blues, nice knife...outstanding sandwich...nice background of construction area parking lot. Darn, you must REALLY work for a living, like you say...I suspect that you're one of the minority who actually USE their knives as intended.
BTW, your Wayfarer is much more to my liking than any of the glitter that I saw in early posts here.
Again...just my opinion.

 

[bodog]

Now, let's be honest. He couldn't quote it if you hadn't written it. That's akin to you running a red light, broadsiding another car, and then complaining to the cops that you wouldn't have hit it..if he hadn't been in your way.
What you wrote...originally...is opinion. You are entitled to that. So are other folks.

As far as Olamic, they have some nice knives. What I saw in your pics are some pretty colors of anodizing, some use of nice-looking bolsters and damascus blades. I don't have much interest in any of that, although I like Whitty's blue anodizing on his ZT's. I didn't see much in the way of new design elements...which, admittedly...can be difficult in the light of today's maturity of the profession.

What you left out is the great strides that Spyderco, ZT and others have made in the past years...that lets the new guys build upon what was already developed within the market, but sprucing it up a it.

You also wrote this about CRK..."You have Chris Reeve Knives that look the same year after year with no real changes (not necessarily a bad thing but you can only look at so many Sebenzas before they all start looking the same)."

Now this statement is heresy in my book. (I like CRK a lot)... At about 2 am today, I managed (with the help of a very well-informed CRK friend and professional collector..,) to find an older large Classic Sebenza in great condition, which I purchased IMMEDIATELY...without much thought as to cost. I've carried a Classic for several years, and it is the smoothest operating folder of my experience...which includes "many" knives costing into the mid-$700 range. "Looking the same" is why they still sell like hotcakes...to purists like me.
Whatever your taste, it's great to have such diversity available these days.

That's saying that it SHOULD HAVE caused an argument to begin with. It shouldn't have but as shown here it was inevitable, apparently. Are they not common complaints? Anyway, deleting it to keep from arguing could have worked except someone wanted it quoted and kept there for that purpose and the mods are OK with it.

As far as the Sebenzas I don't disagree. It'd be nice if they did some real modification work like Olamic is doing and I'd bet that CRK would grow to include even more people who now respect the manufacturing tolerances but find the looks boring. The Sebenza and Inkosi are prime canvas for quality mods. If done at their factory and backed by their company it'd open some eyes, for sure. More than now anyway. CRK was the main one I was thinking of for doing these types of things. Not so strapped for production, a recognizable name, and give more choices for those who want a touch more art in their knives with the capacity to do so.

 

[Amoo]

I was unable to find anything on their site with a blade length of less than 3", granted I didn't look very hard. I'm not into the whole damascus craze, but if the damascus on their folders is made in Russia, I kind of have a problem with that as they seem to be going out of their way on their website to state all of their folders are 100% made in the USA. No need to get all technical about exactly what that means by the letter of the law, but it does raise some interesting questions.

 

[ChazzyP]

Sweet knife, Blues, and a helluva lunch. I've been working construction for over 45 years. At this point, winding down my so-called career, I don't believe I could eat that massively fine sandwich and actually go back to work. Nap time for this old nail-banger. Some things are better left to the young(er)....

 

[Danke42]

Their website says their folding knives are made entirely in the US and that their damascus fixed blades are made in their Russian shop. I'm sure there's some crossover if they use damascus steel in their folding knives.

OK I understand. Mostly assembled in the USA from various foreign parts. Sounds fair.

 

[bodog]

I was unable to find anything on their site with a blade length of less than 3", granted I didn't look very hard. I'm not into the whole damascus craze, but if the damascus on their folders is made in Russia, I kind of have a problem with that as they seem to be going out of their way on their website to state all of their folders are 100% made in the USA. No need to get all technical about exactly what that means by the letter of the law, but it does raise some interesting questions.

They might have moved everything to the US. I doubt they're hiding anything. Here's their own stated profile on BF from several years ago when they were primarily, if not only, making fixed blade knives. Things could have changed from 2012 and if they say their folding knives are made completely in the US I'm sure that's the case unless someone finds something to the contrary. I guess someone could ask them to make sure one way or another.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/913010-Company-Info-F-A-Q

Who are you?
We are Olamic Cutlery, founded 10/10/10. We make semi-custom to custom handmade hunting knives in Russia, where we have a small operation. U.S.-made expansion is in the near future. All posts will be done by me, Eugene Solomonik, the co-founder.

Where are you?
We are based and ship out of San Jose, CA. If you are local, feel free to set up a viewing appointment. I can travel to meet you somewhere too (within reasonable driving distance).

What steel do you use?
At the moment, the knives are predominantly High Carbon Vanadium Damascus, forged from a proprietary mix of 4 steels. Steel composition charts available.

How can I get one?
Below is a list of our current dealers. In addition, there will be an on-going thread in this forum with directly available knives. The company website is currently going through changes, but we will eventually sell certain models there as well.

What payment methods do you accept?
Credit Card over phone (Visa/MC/Discover), PayPal, Money Order, Cashier's Check, Cash if we meet in person.

What's included with a knife?
Each knife is stamped with a unique four digit serial ID. That ID links it to a hand-signed certificate of authenticity, and product literature. Each knife comes with a stitched and riveted leather belt loop sheath.

What about shipping?
Shipping is FREE via USPS Priority Mail w/ confirmation, tracking, insurance.

Is there a warranty?
Yes. The warranty is Lifetime for the life of the knife, regardless of who originally purchased it. The knife itself is proof of ownership.

Will you be at any shows?
Yes! We are currently booked for the Knifemakers Invitational in Vegas (Jan 20-22), Oregon Knife Collectors in Eugene, OR (April 14-15), SoCal Blades Knife Expo in Pasadena, CA (March 23-25), Blade Show in Atlanta, GA (June 8-10).

Can I become a dealer?
Of course! Send me a PM and we can talk details.

Dealer List as of 01/02/12
Arizona Custom Knives
Nordic Knives
World Knives LTD
Art Knives
Fort Henry Custom Knives
Sonoran Desert Knives
Knife Purveyor
Kizlyar Knives Australia

Other Links
Facebook Page
YouTube Page (see how the knives are made!)
Main Website (***UNDER CONSTRUCTION***)

 

[bodog]

OK I understand. Mostly assembled in the USA from various foreign parts. Sounds fair.

I don't believe anyone said or implied that at all. But it's good to see you trolling. Keepin it real, dog. By your logic since they use M390 they definitely can't claim to being US made either because M390 is made in Europe.

For anyone else NOT trolling, their website does make a simple claim that everything is made in the US. Not Italy, not Russia. I'm sure the owners would be happy to explain any questions rather than someone thinking something negative.

 

[Sonnydaze]

I realize that you removed a portion of initial post a bit too late...it had already been quoted.
Just so you don't feel like you're the only one who has done this...
NBD.

 

[Danke42]

I don't believe anyone said or implied that at all. But it's good to see you trolling. Keepin it real, dog. By your logic since they use M390 they definitely can't claim to being US made either because M390 is made in Europe.

For anyone else NOT trolling, their website does make a simple claim that everything is made in the US. Not Italy, not Russia. I'm sure the owners would be happy to explain any questions rather than someone thinking something negative.

I missed what you edited out again. Can you put it back.

While you do that how to you rationalize the blade itself being made in Russia to becoming a 100% made in the USA knife?

 

[bodog]

I missed what you edited out again. Can you put it back.

While you do that how to you rationalize the blade itself being made in Russia to becoming a 100% made in the USA knife?

I'm not saying they are. I'm saying their old website said their fixed blades were made in Russia and their new website says everything is US made. I just read a knife news article saying in 2012 everything was brought to the US. Why don't you give Eugene a call. His number is definitely on his website. You seem like you really want to get to the bottom of it. Or maybe you just want to troll. Either way, you can get your answer if you really want. There's a "contact" link. It gives his phone number. You can also email him. No excuse for you to keep on the subject when the means to find answers to your questions have been given.

 

[Lorien]

it's unfortunate that a great company is being mentioned in this half-baked thread.

I agree. I admire Olamic's products, (from afar) and have for a good number of years. Particularly their damascus fixed blade knives, which are pretty unique by N. American standards.

It's unfortunate this thread started with such a poorly conceived introduction, but what has made it irredeemable are the responses from the op. There is only one person who bears the responsibility for the downward trajectory of this thread.

Anyway, deleting it to keep from arguing could have worked except someone wanted it quoted and kept there for that purpose and the mods are OK with it.

nothing to say about the first part that hasn't already been said, but to the last part-

You are asking mods to change someone else's post.

Because that person accurately quoted something that you posted.

Which in retrospect, you wish you hadn't included.

I think it's safe to assume that revelation came after they quoted you.

Man.

 

[Mecha]

I agree. I admire Olamic's products, (from afar) and have for a good number of years. Particularly their damascus fixed blade knives, which are pretty unique by N. American standards.

It's unfortunate this thread started with such a poorly conceived introduction, but what has made it irredeemable are the responses from the op. There is only one person who bears the responsibility for the downward trajectory of this thread.

Kelama?

 

[Twindog]

When I got my Olamic Wayfarer 247, I was amazed by the quality. The flipper worked perfectly. Rock-solid lockup. Centered Elmax blade. Excellent grind lines. High-quality materials put together with a high level of fit and finish. Compared to my carbon fiber Sebenza, which cost about the same, the Olamic feels like a better knife and handles much better. The Sebenza is obviously a classic, extremely well made knife, but the Olamic just handles better and feels better in the hand.

I had a larger Olamic that I didn't like as well, but the smaller one is really, really nice.

 

[Twindog]

 

[palonej]

WOW!!!!! Gorgeous TD!!!