Questions about the Raven and Blackbird

[Bimmer1]

First of all, What was wrong with the Raven? I see it is being discontinued. I've thought about purchasing one but now I am unsure. I guess the Blackbird has replaced the Raven, but the handles on the Raven looked interesting to me.
How does the overall length of the Raven and Blackbird models compare to the mini-Commander. I do not want a folder any larger than my mini-Commander so is the Raven/Blackbird for me?

Thanks!

 

[John Hollister]

Originally posted by Bimmer1:
First of all, What was wrong with the Raven? I see it is being discontinued. I've thought about purchasing one but now I am unsure.I guess the Blackbird has replaced the Raven, but the handles on the Raven looked interesting to me.

There is absolutely nothing "wrong" with the Raven, as a matter of fact, it does have a following.

Some people didn't like the feel of the Polymer body. If you like the Polymer body, by all means, buy one or two. Last I heard, the Raven has been retired. If consumer demand rises, it can always be brought back.

Originally posted by Bimmer1:
How does the overall length of the Raven and Blackbird models compare to the mini-Commander. I do not want a folder any larger than my mini-Commander so is the Raven/Blackbird for me?

Thanks!

The Raven/Blackbird checks out like this:

Overall Length 8.375 in.
Blade Length 3.5 in.
Handle Length 5.0 in.
Blade Thickness .125 in.
Hardness 57-59 RC


The Mini-C:

Overall Length 8.0 in.
Blade Length 3.4 in.
Handle Length 4.60 in.
Blade Thickness .125 in.
Hardness 57-59 RC

As you can see, the Raven is larger then the Mini-C. The only smaller knife currently in the EKI line (other then the La Griffes) is the Mini-CQC7s

The Mini-CQC7s:

Overall Length 7.75 in.
Blade Length 2.90 in.
Handle Length 4.250 in.
Blade Thickness .125 in.
Hardness 57-59 RC

 

[Bimmer1]

Thanks for the info John. I currently have several mini-Commanders and one mini CQC7B SFS with green handles. I was hoping to find other somewhat smaller Emerson knives to rotate in my carry line-up. The Raven looks interesting but will probably be larger than I want. I carry my daily knife in my back pocket and the mini-Commander is as large as I want to go.

 

[BOK]

I considered buying the Raven not too long ago but just didn't have cash at the time.

I know a lot of people didn't like the feel of the Kydron 'cos it felt cheap. I liked the springy feel to the handle though. I think the flex made it seem like it molded better to my hand.

I liked the size and weight.

 

[Mark Schmitt]

If you like the Raven, now is the time to buy one. Vendors around here (So Cal.) have been selling them for $50-60 at shows, $70-80 retail...

Mark