Orca 2.0

[smithkzn]

By Arno Bernard Senior. Only a few are made a year and sold exclusively at Blade Gallery Inc in USA; they have been Bernard’s dealer for over two decades. M390 steel, Hand-ground stone washed hollow ground blade, 63 HRC hardness, glass bead blasted Grade 5 titanium, Skiff Made caged ceramic bearings on custom tungsten discs, crowned spine and gimping, milled clip with hidden screw. Hardened steel lock insert. I love the finger choil. I’m a big guy, XL gloves and the ergos are incredible. Super comfy in all grips and feels light. The frame lock is easy to disengage. Locks up like you’d expect. This one’s got a beautifully iridescent French TechnoCarbo inlay, which is 3x finer than other carbon. It’s super silky. Flips like butter. Serial number 050 for my 50th birthday; a special gift from an old friend. I’ve had a large and small Sebenza, which are of course icons and seminal in this genre, also South African in origin. This is much more than a mid-size Sebenza flipper. This is what small batch, contemporary design, technology and attention to detail culminate in - a distinct step up. Magnificent.

Blade length: 3.40 in
Total length: 7.90 in
Blade thickness: 0.12 in
Weight: 4.40 oz

 

[SharpBits]

That really is a nice looking knife.

 

[smithkzn]

That really is a nice looking knife.

Yes, it’s lovely. The tolerances are perfection. I love the carbon with this one because it reminds me of the ocean. Shimmering almost. Thoroughly modern. Also the 4 oz weight on paper doesn’t feel like it. It’s deceptively light in hand.

 

[SharpBits]

Yes, it’s lovely. The tolerances are perfection. I love the carbon with this one because it reminds me of the ocean. Shimmering almost. Thoroughly modern. Also the 4 oz weight on paper doesn’t feel like it. It’s deceptively light in hand.

There are not many of what I would call high-end knives that I would like to own, but that model is one of the few. Great photos in your post, thanks for that.

 

[smithkzn]

There are not many of what I would call high-end knives that I would like to own, but that model is one of the few. Great photos in your post, thanks for that.

No worries. I’ve owned the Sebenzas and hated the thumb openers - bruised my thumb. I also never liked the blade shape on a Sebenza. Sizes were also a little off with the slab like handle. Either too long or too short. This one is a sweet spot in all respects. As I imagine the iMamba to be also.

 

[SharpBits]

No worries. I’ve owned the Sebenzas and hated the thumb openers - bruised my thumb. I also never liked the blade shape on a Sebenza. Sizes were also a little off with the slab like handle. Either too long or too short. This one is a sweet spot in all respects. As I imagine the iMamba to be also.

I love my iMamba. It is the perfect size.

 

[smithkzn]

There are not many of what I would call high-end knives that I would like to own, but that model is one of the few. Great photos in your post, thanks for that.

I don’t normally like flippers. But this one is fine. Not uncomfortable at all. I can’t thumb roll it open as it’s tuned for flipping. This for me is an awesome collectors reference knife. Love it. Though no doubt it’s built like a tank and for very hard use. I might just preserve it nicely for the next generation.

 

[smithkzn]

I love my iMamba. It is the perfect size.

Yes, I aim to get an iMamba and for the joy of a set and the Rinkals. I have little desire for knives like Chavez (not made in USA) nor Shiro (not made in USA), nor Medford (too chunky), nor Andre de Villiers (too OTT) Had a Hinderer but the blade shape is useless for EDC that I do. Had a Strider PT but its blade wobbled.

Ones I’d like to look at perhaps are the Harsey SHF plague doctor. The Koenig Arius. Nothing else catches my fancy

 

[SharpBits]

I have the PJ iMamba and a SHF Koi fish. The action on my SHF became super smooth after a short break in period. Much better than my CRKs. My iMamba was great out of the box. It’s a flipper on washers.

The Arius looks fantastic, but it’s too dear for my wallet.

 

[smithkzn]

I have the PJ iMamba and a SHF Koi fish. The action on my SHF became super smooth after a short break in period. Much better than my CRKs. My iMamba was great out of the box. It’s a flipper on washers.

The Arius looks fantastic, but it’s too dear for my wallet.

Thanks. That all sounds about right. That Koenig is hectically expensive. It will stay on one of my lists ;-)

 

[WedgeAntilles]

I have two full size Koenig Arius and a mini. I really love them.

I have 2 iMambas that my family can sell when I'm gone. Huge fan.

I have more CRK than anything else, particularly because they make lefty models. But the first two are high enough quality I'll carry righties in my left pocket without fear.

 

[smithkzn]

I have two full size Koenig Arius and a mini. I really love them.

I have 2 iMambas that my family can sell when I'm gone. Huge fan.

I have more CRK than anything else, particularly because they make lefty models. But the first two are high enough quality I'll carry righties in my left pocket without fear.

Fabulous collection. Those are all fantastic knives. It sounds like you need to try a Shirogorov for completeness.

 

[WedgeAntilles]

Fabulous collection. Those are all fantastic knives. It sounds like you need to try a Shirogorov for completeness.

I have a lefty Shiro Ne0n. Flipper tab only isn't my favorite set up, and I don't love that I can't practically send it in for any warranty work, but it's a nice slicer with excellent action.

 

[smithkzn]

I have a lefty Shiro Ne0n. Flipper tab only isn't my favorite set up, and I don't love that I can't practically send it in for any warranty work, but it's a nice slicer with excellent action.

Interesting. I’ve never really been drawn to flippers, I tend to find them uncomfortable. After collecting and trying all sorts of knives, my favourite opening system is Spyderco’s

 

[ToXicXxX]

Been on and off thinking about getting one but I really dislike the big finger choil.

 

[smithkzn]

Been on and off thinking about getting one but I really dislike the big finger choil.

It’s interesting. Each part of a knife design speaks to different people. I have large hands and tend to seek out large choils irrespective of the knife size. I seldom need a long blade so the shorter cutting area doesnt detract for me.