Russian knives - who interested?

[Dmitry Platonov]

I can review russian knife market - manufacturers, models and prices. Anybody interested? Post request and questions here.
P.S. Sorry for my english

 

[Bobwhite]

I would like to hear about Russian knives. For much of my life, Russia and it's products were closed to me.

 

[fudo]

Yes, I am interested as well.
BTW, Welcome aboard.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Hello Dmitry, I came across this site which has several Russian knives. http://www.spetsnaz.ru:8080/knives_e.html

I was particularly interested in these folders:

Any reviews would be appreciated very much.

 

[tater72]

I checked that site out and they have some interesting looking blades. Where could I get info on ordering? I looked around the site and couldn't find anything like that.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Tater, the prices listed are in roubles but I don't know if they're available in North America yet. In an earlier thread The Avenger said he got in touch with an importer, but was told that the prices would be determined when they actally saw the shipment. Not too cool for the consumer to be kept in the dark.
Anyway, I'd really like to get my hands on one of the "Osa" folders.

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

Manufacturer of this knives is NOKS, which stands of "NOzhi Kontrukcii Skrileva" (Knives Constructed by Skrilev). Logo - the bat on the blade.
Characteristics:
Overal length: 180-190 mm
Blade length: 80-85 mm
Blade thickness: 2.2-4 mm ( i have seen only 2.2-2.4 mm, other are experimental or dedicated for army or special forces)
Blade hardness: 58-60 HRC ( I think, 58 is more reallistic)
Blade matrial: 50X14MF (~0.5% Carbon, 14% Crome, <=1% Molybdenum, Vanadium)
Knives are sertified as "utility knives" and are sold without any limitations.
Prices are (in Moscow): 45$ OSA-S
55$ OSA-COMMANDOS
(without sintheti? scabbard (or sheath?) prised 4$)

NOKS is famos for knives, made fo Russai army: Katran

and .. khm... i forget model name.. ok late i'll post about NOKS more.

Now, some info from forum at www.knife.ru:
1) Blade is not very corrosion-safe, particullary due of special matted blade surface.
2) Knife handle (is it right term?) made of steel is very clean, smooth and is not fixed in hand well.
3) Clip often scrambles clothing.

So, this knives has interesting design, but has not very good usability, and and of course this is not "fighting knives", mainly utility knives.

If you have any questions, ask me - i'l try answer.

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

No information about ordering outside Russia are available, but i can contact Skrilev by e-mail and ask him about this.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Dmitry, thank you very much for the information.
Do the OSA-Commandos have a locking mechanism? If so, is it sturdy?

 

[phantom4]

Is it just me or does the guy in the pictue at Dmitry's link look like Colonel Applegate's twin brother?

phantom4

 

[Keith Montgomery]

I would love to know more about the knives that are available in Russia. There seems to be very little information about Russian knives and knifemakers. I think it would add greatly to the knowledge base on BladeForums.

Welcome to BladeForums, Dmitry. Your input is very welcome here.

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

OSA-Commandos has locking mechanism, but i have no idea how sturdy it is. I have no OSA knives ( many forum visitors recommended me buy Spyderco instead of OSA ), so i have no idea about locking system on this knives. Skrilev wrote in his articles that locking mechanism is patented.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Dmitry, are the prices you posted in US dollars?

 

[one2gofst]

I do not know about Russia's quality knives, but when I was there it seemed like a knife lovers paradise. They sold autos at at kiosks all over, so I would assume they are legal to carry over there. However, you get frisked at lots of places and may never see a knife again. This looks to be a good thread. As someone who studied Russian for 5 years and has a fondness for Russia and its cultures I would be interested in picking up some Russian pieces even if they were not up to U.S.A. standards. I have thought several times about getting ahold of a Russian AK bayonet. Please keep us posted Dmitry and welcome to the forums.

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

IMHO, there are no good claps-knife (is this right word?) makers in Russia, ex?ept hand-made knives.
But there are very good traditional knifemakers:
Uzhniy Krest

Very good knives - steel 95X18 (440C analog, really rocks, maybe one of the best at this cost) hand - finished ( handles are a bit different from one knife of one model to another), good materials (i have one of "UK" knives, i'l post photo later). Prices in Moscow are 50-80$.
AiR (A&R)
http://knhp.hut.ru/pnoj1.htm

Fine, artistic, good steel.
Prices are higher.
Haralug ( old-russan name of wurtz, damassk)
http://www.knifestudio.ru/

Good steel to, prices from 20$ to 100$ and higher.

This three has best cost/benefit ratio. There are many damask steel knives available, prices are from 100$. At 10-14 April will be a knife expo, i'l post photos if you want. ( Nikon 775 - cool small camera )

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

Yes, all prices are converted to US dollars from roubles.

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

I saw copy of russian AK bayonet, weaked so it will brake at heavy conditions, priced... hm... something about 20-30, maybe 50$.

 

[Charlie Mike]

That last knife at the bottom looks very cool. Almost like a Buck Intrepid (sp?).

 

[Dmitry Platonov]

Autos and butterflys are legal only with blade < 9 cm. There are some bigger knives of such types at kiosks, mainly from china with veeery bad steel, but they can be confiscated or even worse.

 

[Cosmic Superchunk]

Originally posted by Dmitry Platonov
Yes, all prices are converted to US dollars from roubles.

Thanks Dmitry. The prices are very affordable. It's too bad that the prices will probably triple once a market is found outside of Russia.