Reate productions on par with high-end mid-techs?

What a ridiculous thread. Why would you be “frustrated with misconceptions”? Are those misconceptions currently impacting your knife-buying ability? Honestly, this thread feels like someone trying hard to justify purchases they’ve made.
 
You're a strider fan? Huh.

Not at all. I think the guy is reprehensible and am honestly shocked that anybody is willing to pay the stupid prices he demands. I don’t own a single strider item.

That said I have handled a few SnGs and sort of liked the design. It was way overpriced for what I would have paid for it though. Also this was years ago before I knew about the whole stolen valour thing. All I knew at that point was that Mc Burger seemed like an ass, an ass with overpriced knives.
 
I agree! I have spent way more on knives that are nowhere near Reate quality. You will not find a knife with a better detent either!
 
When holding one of the Reates that I own, I constantly think "I know at least a dozen custom knife makers that would give their left nut to make a knife of this quality."

Not so Hinderer and Strider
 
I didn't read the whole thread but how do Reate knives compare in terms of thickness behind the edge and blade stock to any well known model (PM2, etc.). Looks like they make only titanium frame locks. Are they thin enough to actually cut well?
 
This is America, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Where you can buy whatever you want and be happy with it. You like your Reates? No problem. I have a sense of pride in owning my American-made by American labor knives. And there's nothing wrong with this either...
 
I didn't read the whole thread but how do Reate knives compare in terms of thickness behind the edge and blade stock to any well known model (PM2, etc.). Looks like they make only titanium frame locks. Are they thin enough to actually cut well?

Most are .15” or .16” in blade thickness.
 
Oh hey, a Reate thread...


Good for you ChrisKnife. - it's a strong statement of opinion and one I can appreciate.

Big fan of KAI USA as well. ZT and Shun are favorites.

Not the point of the thread exactly, but seeing that you have posted the pictures. Do you mind a side by side of the New Torrent and K-2, the former is on my list and was wondering how they exactly stack up size wise. I'd appreciate it if you find the time. ;):)
 
In the ti framelock category Reate is my top pick. They are very nice. However they aren't all perfect and they aren't cheap.
I prefer them over ZT despite the higher price. Never owned a Strider or Hinderer.
WE Knife also puts out a very high-end product. Not all perfect either.
Yep, the Chinese are a major force in ti framelocks. For other builds I like Spyderco and Cold Steel.
 
When reading a thread like this one, I always wonder how some of participants are capable of judging the quality of their knives.

"I have 21 XXX-knives and 12 XXX-knives", and so on.
If you have 21 knives of just one brand, how are you EVER going to know how those knives perform after years of use?
To me, the quality of a knife is proven after years of use. Not years of fondling.

I have one folder that I use. A Buck 112 that I have had for 25 years. And it performs very well. Every time. Sharp as ever. Not a chip in the edge. Locks up solid. The lock releases smoothly.
Who cares about a slight bit of bladeplay? It doesn't have the slightest bit of influence on the usage. It just works.
 
Here you go b00n b00n . Since this is a Reate thread, I've made it precise.

Triple - Copy.JPG The 0562 included for scale since a lot of people know it and it is the smallest of the three. The Torrent is the original in M390.

The K2 is really something. I'll attempt to capture a meaningful image of the hollow grind and detail. I believe Reate hand grinds the K2 blades, which is impressive.
 
Most are .15” or .16” in blade thickness.

Not sure what Reates you’ve been measuring (and hey, maybe they’ve changed, if so great), but I’ve never seen one less than .2”
 
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When reading a thread like this one, I always wonder how some of participants are capable of judging the quality of their knives.

"I have 21 XXX-knives and 12 XXX-knives", and so on.
If you have 21 knives of just one brand, how are you EVER going to know how those knives perform after years of use?
To me, the quality of a knife is proven after years of use. Not years of fondling.

I have one folder that I use. A Buck 112 that I have had for 25 years. And it performs very well. Every time. Sharp as ever. Not a chip in the edge. Locks up solid. The lock releases smoothly.
Who cares about a slight bit of bladeplay? It doesn't have the slightest bit of influence on the usage. It just works.

We're talking about pocket jewelry, more or less, we've left the realm of strictly practical tools. My Ontario Rat has never failed me and I doubt it ever will. That's not why I own $600 mid-techs.

I wanted to adore Hinderer and Strider, and in some ways I do, which is why I've owned multiple of both. Which is why I've used multiple of both.

My old SMF that I just recently got rid of has rode in my pocket for years while working at a steel fabrication plant. I can assure you, from ankle thick nylon strapping to pallet banding x1000, I use my knives. I use my knives every single day.

Sure, I have a large collection of strictly eye candy but I wouldn't base my opinion nor make an assertion based upon that.

At any rate, who cares about loose tolerances and blade play? I do. Forget Reate, I have a $50 VG10/Titanium Kizer USER that's bullet proof and perfect.

I much prefer buying American for many of the reasons stated in this thread, like pride of ownership and production. With that being said, I feel that some companies need to raise the bar.

My main EDCs and absolute favorite knives remain my Hoback Kwaiback and Busse TGLB (in the woods).

Last night I was just struck when fondling my District 9 by the tolerances, quality, and overall feel. Really superb quality.

Regardless, I've owned and enjoyed many knives from all of the previously mentioned brands and I love the Bladeforums community. I'm adjusting the title and OP accordingly.
 
Not sure what Reates you’ve been measuring (and hey, maybe they’ve changed, if so great), but I’ve never seen one less than .2”

The measurements I quoted are off of the Blade HQ listings. Do with that information as you will, of course.
 
Here you go b00n b00n . Since this is a Reate thread, I've made it precise.

View attachment 928444 The 0562 included for scale since a lot of people know it and it is the smallest of the three. The Torrent is the original in M390.

The K2 is really something. I'll attempt to capture a meaningful image of the hollow grind and detail. I believe Reate hand grinds the K2 blades, which is impressive.

That's a sexy knife....my wallet....
 
Here you go b00n b00n . Since this is a Reate thread, I've made it precise.

View attachment 928444 The 0562 included for scale since a lot of people know it and it is the smallest of the three. The Torrent is the original in M390.

The K2 is really something. I'll attempt to capture a meaningful image of the hollow grind and detail. I believe Reate hand grinds the K2 blades, which is impressive.


Thanks, appreciate that. I didn't realize the two versions of the Torrent are so identical. The grind was actually what drew me to the K-2, I have the same one with the bronze and yes the grind really does shine. I'm a little torn between the New Torrent in Bronze and the K-3 with the Compound Grind, the former is more practical, the latter is a bit more interesting visually.
 
Nicer than most other productions as well.

Am I delusional or what? I've owned like, 6-8 Hinderers, always expecting the next one to be "the one that isn't crappy", alas, 'tis not the case. They have the absolute worst action. They weigh around 10lbs and they fit the hand like a brick. To be fair, I've had one XM24 that was pretty sweet. That's it though.

As for Strider, it's as if their motto is "We're going to ignore just about every advancement in technology and continue making the same knife for twenty years." No bearings, no lockbar insert, and 50/50 fit and finish. I've had freaking awesome Striders with early lock up, smooth opening, and overall pretty good quality, yet, I've had a considerable number of total duds.

These are 4-600 dollar knives, guys.

My District 9? A boss. Perfect fit and finish and lightning fast deployment. The three Kwaikens I've owned? Bosses. All of them perfect. Literally perfect. Wtf?

What's going on?
you apparently are unfamiliar with the fact that most framelocks ship set up to be safe, that setting up one to "fire", or nearly fall open and effortless wrist flick opening, are mutually exclusive, and that adjusting to personal tastes has nothing to do with "quality", and is the responsibility of the savvy owner.
 
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