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- Jul 3, 2001
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You should consider Larry Davidson, his knives have an excellent fit and finish. He puts alot of energy in each knife he makes and it shows!!! GOOD LUCK ON YOUR CUSTOM
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Please rank these five custom makers
- Thread starter RL
- Start date
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- Oct 6, 2001
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- 677
Hi there,
This is way too close to call.
Take care,
Neil
This is way too close to call.
Take care,
Neil
A tight liner [the titanium galling and sticking to the blade] is a very good thing. The liners will wear and as you break it in, that will get easier. I have noticed that the harder you use the knife, the tighter the liner sticks. That is an extraordinarily good thing, especially since I have much less faith in liner locks than integrals and such.
Yes, my Lightfoots stick a bit more than the others. That's one of the reasons I like them for hard use, as I said.
Yes, my Lightfoots stick a bit more than the others. That's one of the reasons I like them for hard use, as I said.
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
- 2,316
Hmmmm...my main problem with my MOD Duane Dieter is that it is very hard to open and close with one hand (sometimes even with TWO 
)...this is exactly the type of thing I'd like to avoid with a custom...HJK, you say your Lightfoots "stick"...would you say that it is hard to close quickly with one hand? Yes, I want the knife to be built like a tank but there has to be a balance....I am of the mindset that speed and surprise are the ultimate weapon...certainly I would want to be able to get "in and out" of any tactical situation as quickly as possible (and part of the "out" phase means having my knife back in my pocket).
Thanks,
RL
)...this is exactly the type of thing I'd like to avoid with a custom...HJK, you say your Lightfoots "stick"...would you say that it is hard to close quickly with one hand? Yes, I want the knife to be built like a tank but there has to be a balance....I am of the mindset that speed and surprise are the ultimate weapon...certainly I would want to be able to get "in and out" of any tactical situation as quickly as possible (and part of the "out" phase means having my knife back in my pocket).Thanks,
RL
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2000
- Messages
- 429
Of the knives you mentioned, I would highly recommend the Crawford KFF. It functions smoothly (opening, closing, locking, and unlocking), has great ergonomics, and is rock solid. I personally would choose the Ti handled model over the one with micarta handles. It is lighter and "classier" looking, without sacrificing the excellent ergonomics of the original. And you can get the Ti in satin finish or beadblast to match your Aquatimer (depending on if you have the stainless or Ti model, respectively) 
.
I cannot speak on the work of ADV and Marzitelli, as I have neither handled nor owned pieces by either of these makers.
Of the others mentioned, I least liked the Lightfoot that I owned briefly. I found the blade too thick in relation to its length, and thought the grip was exceedingly uncomfortable for MY hand. It was, however, a very well made piece.
I have owned several pieces by Elishewitz, and all were solid and flawless. His new work is especially appealing, and seems to have a lot of the character of his older work.
To further confuse matters, I might recommend that you check out Tom Mayo's TNT's. They are as smooth as glass, lock up like a tank (integral lock), unlock just as easily, and feel great in the hand.
.I cannot speak on the work of ADV and Marzitelli, as I have neither handled nor owned pieces by either of these makers.
Of the others mentioned, I least liked the Lightfoot that I owned briefly. I found the blade too thick in relation to its length, and thought the grip was exceedingly uncomfortable for MY hand. It was, however, a very well made piece.
I have owned several pieces by Elishewitz, and all were solid and flawless. His new work is especially appealing, and seems to have a lot of the character of his older work.
To further confuse matters
, I might recommend that you check out Tom Mayo's TNT's. They are as smooth as glass, lock up like a tank (integral lock), unlock just as easily, and feel great in the hand.For me, it's not a problem. But it could be a problem for you, particularly if you buy a knife without having it in hand first. Every knife has a slightly different lockup at the beginning. So maybe a Lightfoot liner lock shouldn't be your first choice.
My next suggestion would be an Elishewitz, but not a liner lock. He also makes excellent integral "frame" or "mono" locks that are better, imho, and don't have the same potential lockup problem. Anyway, they are easier to operate than a liner lock, especially the Crawford KFF that can take some practice.
So check out the Elishewitz integral locks. But get it directly from Allan or a first rate dealer like Les Robertson. Sometimes getting one from other lesser sources can be aggravating. Say no more...
Bud Weston also makes some really tough integral lock tacticals. He is a very accomodating guy who really can do a custom job for you, and Les is a good source for his work as well. I've been very happy with his stuff too, liners and integrals.
I didn't mean to discourage you from a Lightfoot. He really makes great knives, but you might be happier with something from Allan.
One last idea, and then I'll shut up.
There are some excellent knife shows coming up, like Toronto and New York. Shows are the best places to see a variety of knives, actually handle them [with the exhibitor's permission please!] and talk to the makers and dealers. It sounds like you are serious enough to go to one near you. Believe me - you'd have a blast! That's it for me. I'm shutting up
My next suggestion would be an Elishewitz, but not a liner lock. He also makes excellent integral "frame" or "mono" locks that are better, imho, and don't have the same potential lockup problem. Anyway, they are easier to operate than a liner lock, especially the Crawford KFF that can take some practice.
So check out the Elishewitz integral locks. But get it directly from Allan or a first rate dealer like Les Robertson. Sometimes getting one from other lesser sources can be aggravating. Say no more...
Bud Weston also makes some really tough integral lock tacticals. He is a very accomodating guy who really can do a custom job for you, and Les is a good source for his work as well. I've been very happy with his stuff too, liners and integrals.
I didn't mean to discourage you from a Lightfoot. He really makes great knives, but you might be happier with something from Allan.
One last idea, and then I'll shut up.
There are some excellent knife shows coming up, like Toronto and New York. Shows are the best places to see a variety of knives, actually handle them [with the exhibitor's permission please!] and talk to the makers and dealers. It sounds like you are serious enough to go to one near you. Believe me - you'd have a blast! That's it for me. I'm shutting up
- Joined
- Aug 24, 1999
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- 2,316
Recluse...
Why did I know someone would mention the TNT sooner or later?
I agree with you about the KFF...it is smoooothhh...BTW, I don't have an Aquatimer yet so if I get the KFF...well, then I must get the AT
Which Lightfoot did you have?
HJK...
Ummm...yes..I think we exchanged posts on a previous thread about the CKG show in TO...you are not coming this year, right? (I was at the last one)
No need for you to shut up...you offer good advice and it is welcome. I do like liner locks though.
I am not familiar with Bud Weston's work...I will check him up!
Thanks,
RL
Why did I know someone would mention the TNT sooner or later?
I agree with you about the KFF...it is smoooothhh...BTW, I don't have an Aquatimer yet so if I get the KFF...well, then I must get the AT
Which Lightfoot did you have?
HJK...
Ummm...yes..I think we exchanged posts on a previous thread about the CKG show in TO...you are not coming this year, right? (I was at the last one)
No need for you to shut up...you offer good advice and it is welcome. I do like liner locks though.
I am not familiar with Bud Weston's work...I will check him up!
Thanks,
RL
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2000
- Messages
- 429
Originally posted by RL
Why did I know someone would mention the TNT sooner or later?
Probably because it rocks!
Truly the finest framelock I have ever encountered. I really regret selling mine, especially after meeting Tom Mayo last weekend. He's a great guy. He even gave me my Ikepod back after checking it out. 
Originally posted by RL
I agree with you about the KFF...it is smoooothhh...BTW, I don't have an Aquatimer yet so if I get the KFF...well, then I must get the AT
HJK is right that if you are unfamiliar with the "Crawford Method" of closing a liner lock (using the index finger) that operating the KFF can be a little disconcerting. I had been doing this all along (I only found out about closing one using the thumb a few months ago) so I had no learning curve on that issue.
You probably already know this, but if you even THINK you have a small wrist, you should probably rule out the stainless AT.
A Warhead.
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- Aug 24, 1999
- Messages
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Funny, I don't remember anything unconventional about the KFF liner when I handled it (yes it's recessed but I still think it works normally..no?)
As for the AT...ummm. I don't think it's a problem...here's a pic of me and Greg Lightfoot at the last CKG...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/p58811716cc716fe7d50c494c4fbcaeb9/fe4df26d.jpg
I'm debating between the AT and Luminor 1000M (incidentally, Allan Elishewitz was also thinking about one of those)...but that's another story
RL
As for the AT...ummm. I don't think it's a problem...here's a pic of me and Greg Lightfoot at the last CKG...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/p58811716cc716fe7d50c494c4fbcaeb9/fe4df26d.jpg
I'm debating between the AT and Luminor 1000M (incidentally, Allan Elishewitz was also thinking about one of those)...but that's another story
RL
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- May 9, 2000
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- 29,205
I'm not going to go too far out on a limb here and say that I think they are all top notch. What a cop out aye?
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2000
- Messages
- 429
RL-
Yep, the KFF lock works normally. I imagine there can be a muscle memory issue if one is used to using the thumb to disengage the lock.
After looking at your photo, I can see that the size of the AT is NO issue whatsoever! My comment was from the perspective of someone with a six inch wrist........
At the risk of some topic drift, I would pick the Panerai over the AT anytime. The Panerai has a quirky style that I find irrestible, but at 44mm I might as well strap on a tuna can......
Yep, the KFF lock works normally. I imagine there can be a muscle memory issue if one is used to using the thumb to disengage the lock.
After looking at your photo, I can see that the size of the AT is NO issue whatsoever!
My comment was from the perspective of someone with a six inch wrist........At the risk of some topic drift, I would pick the Panerai over the AT anytime. The Panerai has a quirky style that I find irrestible, but at 44mm I might as well strap on a tuna can......
- Joined
- Jun 26, 2000
- Messages
- 845
I kinda like this Crawford Point Guard from the BladeArt site:
Tactical and fancy all rolled into one.
Tactical and fancy all rolled into one.
larry harley
BANNED
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- Mar 19, 1999
- Messages
- 516
after a while u realize ones not better than the other!! u can only be so good
what u need to ask yr self is whos style and personality do u like better
thats subjective
harley
www..lonesomepineknives.com
what u need to ask yr self is whos style and personality do u like better
thats subjective
harley
www..lonesomepineknives.com
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2000
- Messages
- 2,330
Got knives by three of the makers - Crawford, Elishewitz and Lightfoot - you mentioned and can't say i favour one over the other. Just some thoughts on each knife and maker:
Combat Shark (Crawford) - If I was gonna use one of my folders in a self defense situation (god forbid) it would be this one. Deep cutout and hand-filling handle makes for a very reassuring grip. Locks up solidly, very usable blade shape. The only thing I'd change is to smoothen up the sharply pointed checkering on the thumb ramp which wears out my sheaths (and thumb).
Cortex (Elishewitz) - My only custom wharncliff. Locks up great, craftmanship impeccable throughout. Nice as a show-off folder for use in a less knife-friendly environment. Allen really makes some classy, sleek designs, especially the Pirella/Elishewitz collaborations. I esepcially like his bolster locks and one of the knives high up on my wish list is a Persian bolster-lock.
LCC (Lightfoot) - A bit small for a tac folder but other than that, nothing can be done better. A very nice blade shape for general utility. Truly precise fit and finish. Greg is great to deal with and managed (on his busy schedule) to refurbish the LCC with a minimum of fuss and threw in a padded zipper case as well.
In my own list, I also have these two other makers who make some of my favourite folders:
- Darrel Ralph (EDC and Apogee)
- Kit Carson (M4 and M16)
Regards
Andrew Limsk
Combat Shark (Crawford) - If I was gonna use one of my folders in a self defense situation (god forbid) it would be this one. Deep cutout and hand-filling handle makes for a very reassuring grip. Locks up solidly, very usable blade shape. The only thing I'd change is to smoothen up the sharply pointed checkering on the thumb ramp which wears out my sheaths (and thumb).
Cortex (Elishewitz) - My only custom wharncliff. Locks up great, craftmanship impeccable throughout. Nice as a show-off folder for use in a less knife-friendly environment. Allen really makes some classy, sleek designs, especially the Pirella/Elishewitz collaborations. I esepcially like his bolster locks and one of the knives high up on my wish list is a Persian bolster-lock.
LCC (Lightfoot) - A bit small for a tac folder but other than that, nothing can be done better. A very nice blade shape for general utility. Truly precise fit and finish. Greg is great to deal with and managed (on his busy schedule) to refurbish the LCC with a minimum of fuss and threw in a padded zipper case as well.
In my own list, I also have these two other makers who make some of my favourite folders:
- Darrel Ralph (EDC and Apogee)
- Kit Carson (M4 and M16)
Regards
Andrew Limsk
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2000
- Messages
- 3,211
I would highly recommend Tom Mayo and the TNT. I have two on order with him. They are very light weight and pocket friendly. Darrel Ralph is also excellent. I have one Apogee and I should be getting one in Talonite today. They sit thin in the pocket which is important if you want to carry it. The wood inlay Sebenza is alsp very nice. Not custom but with a custom price tag.
