opinions on the wiamia tnt

C

crbauhs

Joined
Dec 2, 2007
Messages
2,028
what do you guys think of it? i am currently stuck beetween that and an alias. i knwo this is the buck forum, but try not to be too biased if u please. other than that, thanks guys.
 
Never considered this comparison but its not a bad one really.

Here is what I think, the Wiamia is a collaboration with Buck and Mayo (doesn't get much better than that) with a Bos heat treated S30V blade.

Alias is essentially a top of the line benchmade. Not too shabby here either.

I'd pick the Mayo designed, Buck manufactured, Bos HT'ed knife if it were up to me. I haven't owned either, but I have held the Buck Mayo's and they have the quality that I would expect from a high end Buck.

schiesz
 
Hey crbauhs,

I just realized you are the guy looking for a knife for his dad. You are picking from some of the nicest ones out there, thats for sure.
I'm trying to put a list of a few more you might want to consider together. What price would you like to keep it under? And what blade size? It appears to be around $150 and just under a 3" blade?

schiesz
 
ya shiez that is me. i think he deserves a real good knife for all his hard work and dedication he put in in his 24 years or s3ervice. as for price, lets see here. around 150 is a good range for me. and as for size, well i am 6'3 200 and my dad is bigger at 6/4 220 so i am lookinf for one that will fit his hand nicely. we both really like the size of the griptilian. around there i guess. any help you got would be great. thanks :D one other thing. american made is a HUGE plus. he is big on everythign american made, football, cars, harlys, girls ;p but i dont think he would mind european either. i mean he does drive a porsche after all
 
Ok, here is what I would suggest you consider. I don't feel bad putting all these different brands in the Buck forum, cause the top two are bucks! :)

Take it for what its worth, but if I were looking for a knife under your circumstances this is what I would be looking at:

Buck Wiamai:
http://www.buckknives.com/catalog/detail/614/260
Tough to beat with Bos heat treated S30V blade and Titanium handles. Very nice size for EDC, just like the Paul knives.

Custom Buck 110:
http://www.buckknives.com/custom_knife_shoppe.php#
Not similar to any of the other knives here, but a very nice knife especially for a special occasion. You can pick the handle type, blade steel, engraving, and all kinds of other options.

Ritter Mk4 Paul knife:
http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk4.htm
S30V blade, cool looking G10 handles, overall nice knife.

Benchmade Opportunist:
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=440
The knife I always think of when someone mentions a Gentleman's folder. Nice looking, S30V blade.

Bradley Alias II:
http://www.bradleycutlery.com/alias2.cfm
Good design with Ti and S30V. Good working knife that looks good and will last a lifetime.

I think all of these have their stong points. For instance, I think the Wiamai is the best choice if you want an EDC folder. Its a heck of a nice knife and comparable to other models that are much more expensive, IMO. I love it when Buck does collaborations with the best in the business, its just a win-win. The custom 110 is great if you want to commemorate the event. Nothing like a Buck Folding hunter with engraving and the best steel to serve as a reminder for something. I wouldn't pick this one for EDC pocket carry, but if your dad wears a sheath its no big deal (Look on the forum here for custom sheath recommendations if you are inclined to go this direction). The Ritter Paul knife is a very solid design, but where it wins out is in the wow factor. Its just looks like an impressive piece, and if you look at the details you will see that its performance matches its looks. The Opportunist just fills the bill when it comes to a gentleman's knife. Nothing especially fancy or noteworthy, but its made well, of good materials, and has a great look. The Bradley is made to get the job done.

I think its great you are looking for a knife of this caliber for your dad. Have fun looking and I am sure he will like it however you decide to go.

schiesz
 
schiesz said:
Ok, here is what I would suggest you consider. I don't feel bad putting all these different brands in the Buck forum, cause the top two are bucks! :)

Take it for what its worth, but if I were looking for a knife under your circumstances this is what I would be looking at:

Buck Wiamai:
http://www.buckknives.com/catalog/detail/614/260
Tough to beat with Bos heat treated S30V blade and Titanium handles. Very nice size for EDC, just like the Paul knives.

Custom Buck 110:
http://www.buckknives.com/custom_knife_shoppe.php#
Not similar to any of the other knives here, but a very nice knife especially for a special occasion. You can pick the handle type, blade steel, engraving, and all kinds of other options.

Ritter Mk4 Paul knife:
http://www.dougritter.com/dr_rsk_mk4.htm
S30V blade, cool looking G10 handles, overall nice knife.

Benchmade Opportunist:
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=440
The knife I always think of when someone mentions a Gentleman's folder. Nice looking, S30V blade.

Bradley Alias II:
http://www.bradleycutlery.com/alias2.cfm
Good design with Ti and S30V. Good working knife that looks good and will last a lifetime.

I think all of these have their stong points. For instance, I think the Wiamai is the best choice if you want an EDC folder. Its a heck of a nice knife and comparable to other models that are much more expensive, IMO. I love it when Buck does collaborations with the best in the business, its just a win-win. The custom 110 is great if you want to commemorate the event. Nothing like a Buck Folding hunter with engraving and the best steel to serve as a reminder for something. I wouldn't pick this one for EDC pocket carry, but if your dad wears a sheath its no big deal (Look on the forum here for custom sheath recommendations if you are inclined to go this direction). The Ritter Paul knife is a very solid design, but where it wins out is in the wow factor. Its just looks like an impressive piece, and if you look at the details you will see that its performance matches its looks. The Opportunist just fills the bill when it comes to a gentleman's knife. Nothing especially fancy or noteworthy, but its made well, of good materials, and has a great look. The Bradley is made to get the job done.

I think its great you are looking for a knife of this caliber for your dad. Have fun looking and I am sure he will like it however you decide to go.

schiesz
Click to expand...

dude, killer choices there. all great. now here is what i think for my dad. he already has a 110 that i got him for christmas a few years ago to replace his brothers that he lost. and it would be too big for him anywya. the mk4 is just too fancy looking for him. and the opprotunist was great, but it is a linear lock. im not to fond of those, even if my dad wont be using it alot. so i guess i am back where i started. beetween the tnt and the alias 1. hard choice there. grrr what to do now?
 
If you are really looking at Mayo's and Bradley's, the TNT and Alias I are similar sized, and the Waimia and Alias II are comparable (with the Mayo being a little smaller, and perfect for EDC). I personally think the Buck Mayo's beat the Bradley's in both sizes.

schiesz
 
not to turn this to non buck knives, but the benchmade skirmish is a good choice for a big guy. but honestly, you can't go wrong with any buck either
 
skirmish is good but im looking for something more sheeple friendly. and it is down to the alis and the tnt. ill figure it out soon:thumbup:
 
I have Benchmade, a Spyderfly, some Cold Steel, and a couple of Bucks.

My preference is Buck.

Have the Mayo TNT and Waimea. Love 'em!!!
 
For what it is worth: The Alias is a "poor man's Chris Reeve." The fellow that owns Bradleys, a knife shop, I believe in the Mid West, got tired of waiting for his orders from CR. So he had Benchmade make him some knives that were similar to the CR Sebenza in both large and small sizes. Top quality throughout. The TNT is a straight-up collaboration between Buck and Tom Mayo (you guys already knew that). The differences between the Buck and the Mayo are minor-Buck: s30V, Buck name on blade. Mayo: 154cm and no Buck name. Otherwise, identical. My vote is for the TNT (which I own and am currently wearing). Light weight, easy on the pocket, great blade steel, BOS heat treat, and definitely sheeple friendly. I've worn mine to church and got nary a glance.
 
Buckaholic said:
I have Benchmade, a Spyderfly, some Cold Steel, and a couple of Bucks.

My preference is Buck.

Have the Mayo TNT and Waimea. Love 'em!!!
Click to expand...

Hey Goose!
How about posting photos of the TNT and the Waimea together so I can see the difference in size. :D I may just have to get the little brother version for a change of pace.
Mike
Yes, I'm still here!!
 
I like the Waimea better than the standard 172. Here is mine in a comparison shot with some siblings:

Knives12-8-07021.jpg
 
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