Overbuilt custom folders. Brands, Pics!

[Charr]

This is one of the only "overbuilt" folders that is truly deserving of that title.

If a knife is running on bearings, to me it's not "overbuilt", it just has an overbuilt aesthetic.

:thumbup:

Definitely man. I find that the moajority of "overbuilt" knives end up just being uncomfortable in the hand and in use (Chaves 228 midtech, custom is not that way tough), fataly weak in places like the lockbar (Direwares), and very bad at traditional cutting (Medford) in addition to the issue of the bearings.

All bearings really do is make a knife easier to manufacture in many cases. A well-done set of PB washers will usually be just as smooth if not better, stronger, and will hold up to wear much better. There has been a thread on this recently so I'm not going to get into it more than that for bearings, but there is no reason whatsoever for them to be in most of the knives that claim to be "supremely tough" because they inherently weaken the knife.

I think Demko, Caswell, and only a handfull of other makers are able to make a knife that can really be described as "overbuilt" or "hard use".
To me, "overbuilt" is just that OVERbuilt. Why get way more than is needed at an additional cost and lower perfromance? That makes no sense.

Don't get me wrong, I think some of the designs are cool, but they really aren't functional in 90% of cases.
I really would love to own a Demko knife and a Caswell though, because those are both stronger than I will ever need a knife to be and very functional to use everyday.

 

[jaxxsun]

 

[AusLoX]

:thumbup:

Definitely man. I find that the moajority of "overbuilt" knives end up just being uncomfortable in the hand and in use (Chaves 228 midtech, custom is not that way tough), fataly weak in places like the lockbar (Direwares), and very bad at traditional cutting (Medford) in addition to the issue of the bearings.

All bearings really do is make a knife easier to manufacture in many cases. A well-done set of PB washers will usually be just as smooth if not better, stronger, and will hold up to wear much better. There has been a thread on this recently so I'm not going to get into it more than that for bearings, but there is no reason whatsoever for them to be in most of the knives that claim to be "supremely tough" because they inherently weaken the knife.

I think Demko, Caswell, and only a handfull of other makers are able to make a knife that can really be described as "overbuilt" or "hard use".
To me, "overbuilt" is just that OVERbuilt. Why get way more than is needed at an additional cost and lower perfromance? That makes no sense.

Don't get me wrong, I think some of the designs are cool, but they really aren't functional in 90% of cases.
I really would love to own a Demko knife and a Caswell though, because those are both stronger than I will ever need a knife to be and very functional to use everyday.

I agree man. No need for bearings. And I'm liking the demcos and the SUTA is quite nice. I'd like to see an overbuild folder in 3V, only one I've seen is the Medford (if you order from their site). I'd even use M4 on a blade like the BM contego.

 

[jac_solar]

Custom made Anthony Griffin folder --

17" overall length, 0.5" blade thickness, A2 steel, 0.25" thick titanium frames.

Melvin Lozada Bull Rhino:

OAL 9.75", 0.38" thick blade.

Reese Weiland Slash --

9.25" OAL, 0.38" blade thickness.

Woods Titan --

12.5" OAL, 0.25" blade thickness.

 

[DAVE_M]

 

[snippy]

My Darrel Ralph collection. All have at least 3/16" Ti frames and blades.

May I ask what is the spikes' intended use? It sure is gorgeous to look at. The threaded connection makes me a little nervous - but wow - maybe worth it simply as a piece of art.

Eric

 

[Charr]

I agree man. No need for bearings. And I'm liking the demcos and the SUTA is quite nice. I'd like to see an overbuild folder in 3V, only one I've seen is the Medford (if you order from their site). I'd even use M4 on a blade like the BM contego.

The original Chaves Knives Redencions (customs) are all done in 3V, and I believe he even has an option for washers (I think)...good luck getting on a list for it though...
In a more reasonable category, the Spyderco Tuff is really good. A bit stiff in the lockbar sometimes, and honestly there are better locking machanisms for a kuhkri (yeah probably mispelled that) style folder, but it really works well as a user when you know how to. Spyderco does seem to do a good job on the 3V heat treat as well. And then there's always several custom makers who work in 3V. Look around and see what you can find.

Another good steel consideration instead of M4 is 4V (aka Vanadis 4E). I have a Ferrum Forge Ferox (regettably on bearings, but otherwise an absolute tank!), and the 4V performs insanely well! It's a balance between M4 and 3V. More edge retention than 3V, but less than M4; however, it is notably tougher than M4, but not as much as 3V. Also balances between the two in corrosion resistance, so better than M4 but not as much as 3V. Performs very well overall, and it can be found in the form of Vanadis 4E in the new ZT 0180 fixed blade that just went up for sale.

Also, even though people don't often think of it as "overbuilt", the Hinderer XM-18 is an excellent option! Can't do much better than an XM-18 with a spanto grind, especially since most of the XMs now have a better market price! I would recomend one in 20CV if you want to have better edge retention and overall performance, but one in S35VN if you prefer something that is easier to sharpen.

 

[Charlie Mike]

May I ask what is the spikes' intended use? It sure is gorgeous to look at. The threaded connection makes me a little nervous - but wow - maybe worth it simply as a piece of art.

Eric

The skull is held in the palm while the spike protrudes between the fingers. Use like a punch dagger.

 

[hank_612]

Some would call it over built I call it just right.

My Curtiss F3



If you want 3v and built like a Tank maybe a Calavera El Patron is the ticket.

 

[CharlesIV]

Custom made Anthony Griffin folder --

17" overall length, 0.5" blade thickness, A2 steel, 0.25" thick titanium frames.
.

Haha are you serious?

 

[jac_solar]

Haha are you serious?

Yeah, there are more pictures here;

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ustom-made-folder-with-a-0-5-quot-thick-blade

 

[DaxMan]

Crusader Forge http://www.crusaderforge.com/

 

[8steve88]

 

[Alnamvet68]

 

[mr_anderson]

I love my Weiland Fatty Slash!

 

[jac_solar]

"Evolution" by Carson Tech is an incredibly sturdy folder as well.

Specs:

• Overall length: 9.29" (236 mm)
• Closed length: 5.31" (135 mm)
• Blade length: 3.98" (101 mm)
• Blade thickness: 0.197" (5 mm)
• Blade material: RWL-34 stainless steel (with DLC coating)
• Blade hardness: 61-61.5 HRC
• Handle material: TB6 titanium (harder than usual 6Al4V titanium, DLC coating)
• Clip material: 6Al4V titanium
• Weight: 9.77 oz. (277 g)