Jani,
It is a nice knife with a useful drop point design. The blade steel is 425M and takes a decent edge, although there is some disagreement regarding the relative merits of this steel. The dealer I bought the knife from thought highly of the steel and he had no reason to lie, as I already had my mind made up. The blade is highly polished and not prone to rust...never had any. I imagine the choice of steel was to aid in manufacture of a knife that requires high tolerances, had a good appearance, and keep the cost down in what was already an expensive knife to make.
The last I looked there was still a picture somewhere on the Gerber/Fiskars site. I believe this knife to be discontinued. A store that sold it for about $140 said they were being made (again?, still?) but they certainly have not had one for quite a while. Mine says final production run 1997.
AG Russell had them. The first and final production runs sold for more. I believe I saw them for $150, although I got mine for less.
I had the earlier model which was lighter, smaller, and had more blade wobble...possibly from my years of carrying it. I bought the newer Paul Series II, Model 2, because I was afraid of losing the one I carried so many years...since 1979 (the Paul Model 2P).
Now that you mention it, I got it out to carry for a while and put the Chris Reeve Knives, Spydercos, and Boye folders away for awhile.
The new knives are tight, to eliminate blade wobble, legal reasons, like the instructions to open with two hands?????? I gave one to my father that opened easily with one hand...only to find that he always uses two...I should have kept it and given him mine. Mine is tighter but if being used and carried does open or close fine with a squeeze on the axial lock and a flick. I saw at least one that was even tighter. You will never find a more convenient lock. I do not know of any failures, but have never really tested it to extremes and do not know anyone who has. I do dimly recall reading of someone else who found the lock OK but I do not know if they pushed it.
The only negative I could mention is that I recall cutting an orange or other juicy fruit that made it difficult to open the knife. Nothing a little rinsing with water did not cure, but thought I should mention it.
Considering that you are not in the U.S.A. and that the knife is probably discontinued, the price is probably fair, but obviously not inexpensive. When I bought my first Gerber Paul knife 20 years ago with my first or second paycheck...I had been eyeing the knife...it was expensive then. I remember in the $70 dollar range, but perhaps I am remembering the decade....suffice it to say it was more than the other knives in the store.
The standard scales on the model you mentioned are carbon fiber and nylon resin. They are tough and mine show no where despite often being carried in a pocket with my keys. Some distributors such as AG Russell had fancier custom scales (handle slabs).
I believe you would be happy with the knife, but cannot say that you would not be as happy or happier with another choice. If you find one for less, that might make up your mind, but it sounds like the one you are considering is conveniently at hand. I am happy with mine...and now that I remember I had it in my desk drawer...whew...what a relief, I'll be carrying it for a while.
A Sharpmaker 204 put a good edge on it. The edges are all thoughtfully rounded when closed so it is easy on your pocket.
Lastly, if anyone knows how to adjust the tension of the lock or the best lubicant, please let me know. I have found that generally, lighter ones work best, but the ultimate solution would probably be adjustment. Fiskars customer service is good..I wonder if they could tell me. Can you check out the knife at issue? Remember when opening it the blade never moves! You squeeze the lock and move the handle.
Good luck in your decision!
I saw someone sent you email, maybe they knew of a better deal. I read that the custom version, by Paul Paul W. Poehlmann, goes for about $1,000. Hmmm...shouldn't the patent on this lock have expired?
By the way here is the link to the Gerber Knives page with the Paul knife.
http://www.fiskars.com/outdoors/knives/paul.html
Donald.
But with this knife, it's pretty much of a "take it or leave it" -situation. The knife is of the Paul Series II, model 2. The seller said the lock is slightly bigger than that of the original. He also said that with this design, more attention has been paid to durability and lock strength. It comes with a black plastic box with red interior.
