Shirogorov Tabargan?

[JONVHERBERT]

I have some questions.,.

A friend of mine is trying to make some improvements at his hunting camp and has offered up a knife he previously wouldn’t sell. It’s an older Shiro, in phenomenal condition, but I’m not clear about some of it. Everything is in Russian, but regardless - it is clearly a Benchmade style locking mechanism, which I’m told is why they seized production of them. I have NO idea what this things worth; I see prices ranging wildly. Can’t find that much on them.

Questions/Concerns:
-Are they that rare?
-Any locking issues?
-Is it better to have Russian docs?
-Is there anything I should be weary or concerned about?
-value?
-Bearing system?

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[Ajack60]

Thread 'The Bears' Den--Shirogorov Showcase'
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-bears-den-shirogorov-showcase.1432744/

ChazzyP can probably answer your questions.

 

[el gigantor]

Looks like a Ta-Bargain to me!

(I'll show myself out...)

 

[ChazzyP]

JONVHERBERT , that knife is definitely a Tarbargan, specifically a 100NS (blade length in mm's, New Series). That one seems to be the same as mine and like the one that Edgeoflife has. The 100NS is the second iteration of the model, as the name would imply. A number of early Shiro's, as well as Cheburkov's, featured the sliding bar lock, like BMK's licensed AXIS.

Built between 2010 and 2013/14 there were two iterations of that model, the "lesser" like mine featuring more modest materials--2D G10, 440C steel, open back construction--with the "better" ones having 3D CF or other scales, steels like M390, and full backspacers. The 100NS featured the iconic PacMan screws while the older models, which seem to be rarer, had Torx with some being wood-handled. I earlier had the more upscale version of the knife which I stupidly sold/traded away, but in many ways prefer my "lesser" knife's ergos, access to the lock buttons, and open back construction. Shiro does a great job with all their steels, and I'm fine with the 440C.

To answer your questions:
--No idea how many were made, but the 100NS is fairly rare. They do pop up on the secondary market here and there.
--No locking issues with my current Tabargan. The 2D scales with "extracts" make the button much more accessible and the sliding bar works smoothly and solidly.
--The "docs" in your pic are the standard customs certification that come with any Russian knife, verifying that it's not a "cold steel weapon" for export. COA's have only been issued in more recent years.
--I have no issues with my knife, and while I miss my other Tabargan and would take it back in a minute, I kinda prefer my current model for use.
--Bearings are phosphor bronze washers, much like the BMK AXIS knives it evokes. Action on mine is free and easy with solid lock-up and no stick.
--Value? I got mine in a trade plus cash--approximate value $450 which seemed about right to me.

 

[ChazzyP]

JONVHERBERT , I'm puzzled by this phrase in your OP, "- it is clearly a Benchmade style locking mechanism, which I’m told is why they seized production of them." Would you kindly elaborate?

 

[JONVHERBERT]

JONVHERBERT , I'm puzzled by this phrase in your OP, "- it is clearly a Benchmade style locking mechanism, which I’m told is why they seized production of them." Would you kindly elaborate?

I was told that what makes them “so rare and valuable” is that at this time, Shirogorov was copying benchmade’s protected locking design. It was stopped, and they weren’t allowed to continue with making them. Thus making them rare and expensive. But I didn’t totally buy it so that’s what prompted my post. My buddy is asking for $700 and making it seem to be a great deal but maybe it means more to him than the market. Thank you so much for putting all of the effort time and details in your response - it was incredibly helpful and educational!

 

[JONVHERBERT]

I’m a CRK fan mostly, but have had a few shiro’s just nothing that I kept. So my knowledge is mostly in CRK’s so I really appreciate the advice!

 

[ChazzyP]

JONVHERBERT , my understanding of the "benchmade's protected locking design", is that the patent (somewhat recently expired) was held by McHenry and Williams, the lock's designers. It was licensed to Benchmade, who trademarked their iteration as the AXIS lock. Patents are specific to countries and only apply therein. Countries can have patent treaties to honor each others', but I don't think Russia and the US ever did, therefore Russian makers were free to produce such locks. I don't recall Shirogorov or Cheburkov ever using the trademarked term AXIS either.

What could be controlled on this side of the pond would be the sale of knives that violated US patent or trademark regulations. This would largely extend to dealers or legal importation as the secondary market is essentially unregulatable. I also don't recall that either maker had US dealers at the time of manufacture, so I've always assumed that they stopped making knives utilizing that lock as they began to officially market their knives here. I suspect the design evolution of both makers had something to do with that too.

As to price, your buddy's estimation seems high to me, but of course what anyone might be willing to pay is the "market value" of any piece. If you could get him to let it go for around 500 bucks, that would seem fair to me. For what it's worth, I found a rare knife I've wanted for a long time available for a couple hundred more than what I think the market should be, but it's hard to say as there aren't many ever available. So far I'm doing a good job of resisting....

You are most welcome for any little bit of knowledge (or supposition) that I might be able to share. Good luck negotiating--it's really a knife worth having and using (as I do mine) if you can get it for a fair price.