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Six High-End Production Titanium Folders in Six Weeks

J

Jacobkg

Joined
Apr 26, 2020
Messages
67
After years on the sidelines, I decided to take the opportunity to really explore the higher-end production market. In the past six weeks I picked up these six knives

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Chris Reeve Mnandi (Bog Oak)
Zieba Mini S5 (G10/Ti)
Rick Hinderer Half Track (Battle Blue)
Koenig Mini Goblin (DLC)
Shirogorov Neon Zero
Les George VECP Folder (Morph)

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I tried to keep them mostly under 3” for easier carry (4/6). I also wanted to try out flipper mechanisms (5/6). I predominantly went with USA designers (5/6).

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They are all different but so far I love them all. Not positive they will all end up as keepers (I assumed some would get flipped) but I’m very happy with the selection.
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I’ll be happy to answer any questions.

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I'm thinking about taking a trip down the Shiro rabbit hole. How does the neon compare to these other beauties? Is the fit and finish on par? better? How about the flip?
 
I have a Neon Zero, a wharncliffe Half Track, and Mini-goblin (and a few others). Great minds think alike. Or so they say......
 
soulsurf said:
I'm thinking about taking a trip down the Shiro rabbit hole. How does the neon compare to these other beauties? Is the fit and finish on par? better? How about the flip?
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The fit and finish of the Neon Zero is as good as any of the others. The closest rival in my opinion is the Koenig. Between the two I think it’s too close to call.

The Shiro also flips as good or better than any of the others. Probably the best. The action is subtly different in a way I have trouble describing yet I now feel I understand the statement “nothing flips like a Shiro”. After some wear-in and practice the drop shut is nearly perfect as well.

The Neon Zero is not without flaws and it is the priciest knife I own. I would suggest checking out Nick Shabazz’s video for a good overview of the pros and cons
 
Very cool! I too, after a very long break from knives, have tumbled down the high end production rabbit hole. However I've been forcing myself to only grab one every 3-4 weeks or so, so that I'll have money for rent and food. >_>

2 crks, an Olamic, and a Hinderer. I plan on grabbing a Shirogorov f95 next. It has been decided.

But not for awhile. Im going to hold out as long as possible until it drives me mad
 
Awesome! How do you like the Olamic? That was definitely under consideration but no current plans to pick one up. I’m open to having my mind changed though =)
 
I also wanted to highlight the Les George VECP flipper. They are currently available on his website and it’s basically his custom Rockeye knife with a machine ground blade for half the price. It’s simple but rock solid. The Morph patterns as you can see from the photos is gorgeous and the flip and drop shut are both on point.

Highly recommended
 
I don’t know if I’ll ever be willing to put up Shiro money for a knife, unless I decide to score my own custom JG Scout. At least nice to know that those who say “ nothing flips like a Shiro”, have reason and are still of sound mind.
 
Great thread. I did something similar but I took longer than six weeks. My learning curve was explosive buying and using all of these terrific folders. But my metric is food handling, butchering and the like. Not cutting cardboard all day. Any of these knives will do that well. The Shiro NeOn variant, HatiOn Lite, was my hands down favorite until I picked up a custom Laconico EZC. I just wish the Shiro had a tad thicker handle because I generally prefer an 85mm to 90mm blade length than the Laconico's 80mm. That half inch is the difference between a parer and a utility blade. The Anso Neo has better ergos and the blade profile is unique and makes for a great push cut and skinner. The CRK is way overbuilt for its size and I'd like the Trevor Burger better in a larger size spear point. But if I had to choose only two, it would be the Laconico and the Shirogorov.

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That's awesome. I also looked at the Hation Zero, though without the chance to try them out in a store I had to shoot in the dark a bit. Curious for information on why you prefer the Hation to the Neon. Also there are a number of blades in your photo I don't recognize, mainly the ones with the vertical indend along the scales. Can you do a rundown?
 
I got the HatiOn Lite because I wanted to mix it up a bit with carbon fiber and lighter weight for carry. A search indicated the handle widths are the same in all NeOn variants.

From top left clockwise:

Knife Arts CRK Small CF Inkosi Insingo
TBC EXK CFL Sheepsfoot
Laconico EZC
Massdrop Laconico Keen
Cherburkov Small Strizh
Shirogorov HatiOn Lite
Jens Anso Neo
MBK Laconico XLC
Shirogorov F3
MBK Laconico EZC
MBK Laconico EWC
 
marchone said:
Great thread. I did something similar but I took longer than six weeks. My learning curve was explosive buying and using all of these terrific folders. But my metric is food handling, butchering and the like. Not cutting cardboard all day. Any of these knives will do that well. The Shiro NeOn variant, HatiOn Lite, was my hands down favorite until I picked up a custom Laconico EZC. I just wish the Shiro had a tad thicker handle because I generally prefer an 85mm to 90mm blade length than the Laconico's 80mm. That half inch is the difference between a parer and a utility blade. The Anso Neo has better ergos and the blade profile is unique and makes for a great push cut and skinner. The CRK is way overbuilt for its size and I'd like the Trevor Burger better in a larger size spear point. But if I had to choose only two, it would be the Laconico and the Shirogorov.

AfK2ONFl.jpg
Click to expand...

Stellar lineup, but you didn't mention the most appealing one (to me), the Cheburkov.
 
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