Rainy Vallotton, Mel Pardue, Roger Hatt, Questions about Fit, Lockup, overall feel

Will Batayte

Will Batayte

Joined
Jan 8, 2007
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I'm currently looking at a few different customs made by these three makers. All have similar features, materials, and price except the Vallotton's are DA naturally. I have not had an opportunity to see or hold these knives in person. From different knife shows I've noticed that every maker has their own distinct feel. Some have that precise bank vault feel others not so much. What I'm wondering is how do these three makers compare in terms of fit & finish, lockup, precision, usability, and all over feel. I'm looking for a sort of fancy user. So I'd like whichever I pick to be tough and usable but still exceptionally beautiful. Which of these three makers do you guys think fits the bill best?
 
Im only familiar with Mels stuff. From what i've owned and handled I can say his stuff feels pretty solid in the hand. Never felt a problem with lock up. And the blades never seemed to have any play.
 
coldblooded357 said:
. I have not had an opportunity to see or hold these knives in person. From different knife shows I've noticed that every maker has their own distinct feel. Some have that precise bank vault feel others not so much. What I'm wondering is how do these three makers compare in terms of fit & finish, lockup, precision, usability, and all over feel. I'm looking for a sort of fancy user. So I'd like whichever I pick to be tough and usable but still exceptionally beautiful. Which of these three makers do you guys think fits the bill best?
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There is only so much that a photo can tell you about a knife. Rainy and Mel both have made some exceptional knives, I know nothing about Roger Hatt....BUT....until you handle them, things like balance, fit and finish and lockup will not be known.

Bottom line is that the only way to pick a favorite of the three is to handle them all.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Yeah it would be easy if I was able to handle them. Unfortunately that's not an option since they are on the web and the stores are located quite far from where I am.
 
Mel's been at for a looooooong time and Rainy has, too, but still has a 'few years' to go to catch up with Mel. ;)

I do not know the other makers work but I have had a number of knives by both Rainy and Mel....all have been excellent. :)
 
I happen to own a Roger Hatt folder and although it's a nice piece I don't think he is in the same league as Valloton or Pardue. That opinion is based on me handling a few of their pieces but not owning any.

Marcel
 
This is the Pardue I used to own. It was my first sole authorship knife. This also cost under $1000 which I think is a decent price for what you get. Well made knife. Not sure how they do in the aftermarket because I don't hear much talk of his stuff but I know the quality is good. I think Roger Hatt is a pretty new maker. I don't believe he forges his own stuff. Maybe it comes down to your preferred materials??


Crappy pic, sorry. I had a slight problem with oxidation in one spot and I rubbed the blade with Flitz and sorta messed up the finish. Thats what the light spot is.

2.jpg
 
Thanks guys, This is exactly what I was looking for. I'll probably end up going with one of Mel's knives. I've found some really nice models for around $1000 with damascus, premium scale material, and beautiful file work and embellishment. I'm a pretty big guy and I wanted a really nice looking knife, but I need a good size knife thats able to handle use.
 
There is only so much that a photo can tell you about a knife. Rainy and Mel both have made some exceptional knives, I know nothing about Roger Hatt....BUT....until you handle them, things like balance, fit and finish and lockup will not be known.

Bottom line is that the only way to pick a favorite of the three is to handle them all
Click to expand...
.
I agree. Many times there will be differences with fit & finish between knives made by the same maker, even if its the same model. If you're buying a folder just going by a picture make sure about the return policy. Good luck with your choice.
 
Knifeart.com usually has some of Mel's newer knives around that price. Not sure who else has modern ones at the moment.
 
I appreciate all the nice things mentioned about my knives in the above threads.
Im not familiar with Mr. Hatts knives.
Mr. Vallotton make some really nice knives.
Take a look at my web site: www.melpardueknives.com
For what I am currently making.
Also Knifeart.com has several of my knives available.

I will make an effort to have more of a presence here on the Forum.
in the future.
This is my first time to post on Blade Forum.
I am looking forward to reviewing all the info posted and getting familiar
with all the members.
Thank You,
Mel Pardue
 
jonathan brand said:
This is the Pardue I used to own. It was my first sole authorship knife. This also cost under $1000 which I think is a decent price for what you get. Well made knife. Not sure how they do in the aftermarket because I don't hear much talk of his stuff but I know the quality is good. I think Roger Hatt is a pretty new maker. I don't believe he forges his own stuff. Maybe it comes down to your preferred materials??


Crappy pic, sorry. I had a slight problem with oxidation in one spot and I rubbed the blade with Flitz and sorta messed up the finish. Thats what the light spot is.

2.jpg
Click to expand...

rodger forges his own damascus now
 
If you are planning on spending the kind of money these guys demand for their knives, you should consider a Burn by Paul Panak. He makes in my opinion The best Auto as far a f&f, Durability and all around Beastiness. Just sayin'......
 
spyderchop said:
so felt like com(m)enting(sic) on it. thanks
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It's called thread necromancy....messing around with dead stuff....and yeah to Rodger or Roger or whatever your name is....always good to be making one's own damascus.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
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