I'd like to change marbles knives back to 52100.
Coonskinner,
I don't know if they will change back, but it looks like they have recently produced some more knives in 52100. Check out the following link for DLT Trading:
www.marblesknives.com I just recieved a Marbles Gamegetter Trailcraft in 52100 from them, and have ordered a Woodcraft with the same handle.
DLT Trading has a few other models as well as the two I have ordered. They are claiming that these are the last of the 52100 knives Marbles has made. Also, DLT is asking reasonable prices for these knives - not the inflated prices some are asking for their remaining 52100 Marbles.
I was really suprised to actually get a Marbles knife. I had been trying since mid-May to get one of the new models, and ended up canceling orders three times because the dealers couldn't get them. I had given up on Marbles, but then I came across the DLT Trading website and saw the 52100 knives advertised at normal prices. I couldn't believe I would get one until I opened the package and saw the thing!
As for changes I would make to factory knives, there are alot that I would like to see with different handles. I think alot of manufacturers cut corners on handles and guards. Cold Steel's Kraton handles feel pretty icky, for example. Also, the Becker handles are too slippery. I would like the Fallkniven's much better if they would replace those rubber handles with micarta, and put meaningful guards on those knives, instead of the inadequate little bumps on the rubber handles.
A less common problem is good knives with lousy sheaths. I have noticed this with some custom makers, who produce much better knives than sheaths. In my experience Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works sheaths are far inferior to the knives, and I have read that this is the case with Entrek knives as well.
One more thing - SOG knives with better steel. What about a Trident in 440C, ATS-34, or VG10?