jdk1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2010
- Messages
- 2,011
OK, not too quick as I can be a bit wordy.
I’ve never been “into” folders. When the rest of you guys were drooling over Sebenzas, I though “meh” and focused on fixed blades, happy with my SAKs, Rat 1, and 20 year old Cold Steel Voyager.
Well, a while back, I started to notice some of the really nice, budget folders on the market. No longer were Chinese made knives flea market fodder. I started with a Tangram Progression which I bought for $27 shipped. I was impressed. It wasn’t heirloom grade, but light and well built with a nice working steel (Acuto 440).
I had caught the folder bug. I wanted to update my defensive folder of the past 20 years, so I purchased a Cold Steel Immortal during the Christmas sale to retire my Voyager. Wow, what a knife, but giant! If I could have one folder for the apocalypse, that’s the one, but it’s not my ideal EDC. Next was a QSP Penguin in D2. Great little blade for opening packages and the like, and for such little cash.
Then I noticed the Kizer Vanguard Sovereign, in the black discontinued version for less than $60 shipped from several sellers. The blade and handle shape really spoke to me and the price hit my cheapskate heart like a bolt of lightning.
It arrived today and I couldn’t be happier. While not small or light, it’s nowhere near as massive as the Immortal and the blade shape is really well designed for all sorts of everyday tasks, not just imaginary knife fights. The N690 steel is a solid choice, being quite stain resistant and easy to sharpen. It’s made by Bohler of Austria and similar to VG10. The g10 handle is surprisingly ergonomic and has nice texturing. The action is very slick as well.
I thought I’d share some info and pics in case it lit someone else’s fire. The blue/black VG1 version seems to be everywhere, but the N690 model is disappearing and can be found at a great price. As I’m a Sleipner fan, I wanted another Bohler steel. Thanks for looking!
I’ve never been “into” folders. When the rest of you guys were drooling over Sebenzas, I though “meh” and focused on fixed blades, happy with my SAKs, Rat 1, and 20 year old Cold Steel Voyager.
Well, a while back, I started to notice some of the really nice, budget folders on the market. No longer were Chinese made knives flea market fodder. I started with a Tangram Progression which I bought for $27 shipped. I was impressed. It wasn’t heirloom grade, but light and well built with a nice working steel (Acuto 440).
I had caught the folder bug. I wanted to update my defensive folder of the past 20 years, so I purchased a Cold Steel Immortal during the Christmas sale to retire my Voyager. Wow, what a knife, but giant! If I could have one folder for the apocalypse, that’s the one, but it’s not my ideal EDC. Next was a QSP Penguin in D2. Great little blade for opening packages and the like, and for such little cash.
Then I noticed the Kizer Vanguard Sovereign, in the black discontinued version for less than $60 shipped from several sellers. The blade and handle shape really spoke to me and the price hit my cheapskate heart like a bolt of lightning.
It arrived today and I couldn’t be happier. While not small or light, it’s nowhere near as massive as the Immortal and the blade shape is really well designed for all sorts of everyday tasks, not just imaginary knife fights. The N690 steel is a solid choice, being quite stain resistant and easy to sharpen. It’s made by Bohler of Austria and similar to VG10. The g10 handle is surprisingly ergonomic and has nice texturing. The action is very slick as well.
I thought I’d share some info and pics in case it lit someone else’s fire. The blue/black VG1 version seems to be everywhere, but the N690 model is disappearing and can be found at a great price. As I’m a Sleipner fan, I wanted another Bohler steel. Thanks for looking!
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