Shirogorov vs. George Muller/Andre Thorburn

PuddleMonkey

PuddleMonkey

Joined
Oct 26, 2016
Messages
261
For my next EDC (mail opener) I'm thinking either a Shiro Neon or one of the South African makers like Thorburn or Muller (probably moreso George because Andre's knives are like finding unicorns). I've never held any of these and where I'm located it's not likely to happen. Are there any advantages to either? What's the deal with this N690 steel, I don't remember seeing this stuff on the USA blades. Do these S.A. knives with that IKBS system flip well? From what I've seen the Shiro and the Muller models I want would cost nearly identical, which would you choose?
 
Also, is this lockup something to be concerned with?


16kp5xs.jpg
 
Hey PuddleMonkey, here's a link to a youtube vid I did a while back that I think you might find interesting. Hope it helps you to narrow down your search. Best, Scrim https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r-uvvcP1Bg

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PuddleMonkey said:
For my next EDC (mail opener) I'm thinking either a Shiro Neon or one of the South African makers like Thorburn or Muller (probably moreso George because Andre's knives are like finding unicorns). I've never held any of these and where I'm located it's not likely to happen. Are there any advantages to either? What's the deal with this N690 steel, I don't remember seeing this stuff on the USA blades. Do these S.A. knives with that IKBS system flip well? From what I've seen the Shiro and the Muller models I want would cost nearly identical, which would you choose?
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Same place you find unicorns & hen's teeth...and every once in a blue moon, on the forums.;)
 
PuddleMonkey said:
Also, is this lockup something to be concerned with?


16kp5xs.jpg
Click to expand...

I have a couple Thorburns and one of them locks up a little earlier than that pic. André carbidizes his locks, and mine haven't moved a hair since I got them. I'd prefer later than earlier if the lock is well fit.

Thorburns are not that hard to find, I know of over a dozen that are currently for sale. A little Google-Fu will land you one.

Expect the performance of N690 to be something like VG-10. I've used this steel quite a bit and have had no problems with it.
 
Blues Bender said:
I have a couple Thorburns and one of them locks up a little earlier than that pic. André carbidizes his locks, and mine haven't moved a hair since I got them. I'd prefer later than earlier if the lock is well fit.

Thorburns are not that hard to find, I know of over a dozen that are currently for sale. A little Google-Fu will land you one.
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That particular photo is a George Muller, who I just discovered yesterday and know nothing about. I've tried to find Thorburns but they are so much more limited than the other S.A. makers, plus the ones I do find on sites are iffy on the bolster markings.
 
Andre makes one of the finest flippers in the world. You can find several of the A2 models (colab between Andre Thornurn and Andre van Heerden) through a simple google search that have no bolsters if that is your fancy.

Todd Begg also uses N690 if you want to know of a USA maker using that steel.
 
My Thorburns are/have been the most fun of all my knives. I love the smooth and fast flip and solid feel of his knives. They are pretty too.
The IKBS certainly effects the action but I think that Andre's precision in building his knives should take equal share of the credit. I have been very happy with the N690 (I really like VG-10 too). Sharpening and edge retention are as good as I ever need.
 
marthinus said:
Todd Begg also uses N690 if you want to know of a USA maker using that steel.
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I only have a Steelcraft series which I believe is CPM-S35VN, I could be wrong though. As long as 690 isn't anything to steer clear of I'll probably seek out a S.A. made knife and leave the Shiro for another day.
 
PuddleMonkey said:
I only have a Steelcraft series which I believe is CPM-S35VN, I could be wrong though. As long as 690 isn't anything to steer clear of I'll probably seek out a S.A. made knife and leave the Shiro for another day.
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Many Shiros are production knives, and for roughly the same price you can get a Thorburn with a beautifully executed sweeping plunge line, hand engraved (or milled) bolsters, and something much more unique.

I haven't heard much about Mullers, but I'd pick a Thorburn over most of what's "popular" nowadays. You absolutely cannot go wrong with one.
 
Blues Bender said:
Many Shiros are production knives, and for roughly the same price you can get a Thorburn with a beautifully executed sweeping plunge line, hand engraved (or milled) bolsters, and something much more unique.

I haven't heard much about Mullers, but I'd pick a Thorburn over most of what's "popular" nowadays. You absolutely cannot go wrong with one.
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I'm definitely drawn to Thorburns the most, I just don't know anything about the custom knife world. Take this knife for example, how many of each one do they make?

IMG_4101.jpg



I adore how he uses that "lightning strike" carbon fiber.
 
PuddleMonkey said:
I'm definitely drawn to Thorburns the most, I just don't know anything about the custom knife world. Take this knife for example, how many of each one do they make?
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Well, there isn't much to know about the "custom knife world", other than buy what you like.

André typically has several patterns he works off of, and he makes subtle changes between each individual knife. Patterns such as L50, L36, L20 etc. are all the same except for clip shape, materials used, and engraving designs. Sometimes blade steel will be different (M390 or Damasteel).

Not sure how many "identicals" he makes, but if you see one you really like, jump on it. It may be a while before you see something similar, if at all...
 
PuddleMonkey if you are so inclined - send me an email - more Thorburn discussion. dustyjunco AT G mail dot com
 
PuddleMonkey, feel free to contact me directly if you like (pm or email thru BF) re: Thorburns - I may be able to be of additional assistance.;)
 
RayseM said:
PuddleMonkey if you are so inclined - send me an email - more Thorburn discussion. dustyjunco AT G mail dot com
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After going through dozen of classifieds pages I came across the one you have. Looks quite nice, bit small for my paws though.


Scrim said:
PuddleMonkey, feel free to contact me directly if you like (pm or email thru BF) re: Thorburns - I may be able to be of additional assistance.;)
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I haven't figured out how to PM on this site but I did send an email through BF.








Appreciate everyones replies to this thread!
 
Are these places legit and trustworthy to purchase from?


Blade Gallery

Tri-City Custom Knives

Arizona Custom Knives
 
PuddleMonkey said:
After going through dozen of classifieds pages I came across the one you have. Looks quite nice, bit small for my paws though.
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Hah - that too - would be nice to find an eager buyer BUT I was also intending to turn you on to a few good dealers. Didn't want to conflict with BF rules in the thread. You already have indicated some good ones.

And then a word of advice - if you aren't familiar with the knife you are thinking of buying it is a good idea to buy from a dealer who has an easy return/exchange policy. Nothing more aggravating to me than to hold the lusted after knife in my hand only to find that it is not quite for me. Saves a lot of aggravation if you can easily swap out for another model. This buying knife thing does have a learning curve. Good luck with your quest.
 
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