Smock Knives reviews/experience?

ArchVV

ArchVV

Joined
Sep 8, 2015
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Hi everyone,

I'm interested in any personal experience you have had with Smock Knives (formerly Bower Bladeworks), particularly the SK23 model. I've been increasingly interested in wharncliffe and sheepsfoot blade profiles and this model looks very appealing, especially with the utilization of either a compression or button-lock.

I came across a video of the designers previewing his spread for Blade Show 2016 and he had an array of unique finishes that all looked very well done and interesting. I do recall following his YouTube channel for a bit and the work always looked top-notch.

Thanks for any input! Enjoy your weekend.
 
I just got my hands on an sk23 about 3 days ago, so far I like it a lot. I can post some more pics later and will be putting together a video review within the week:-)

So far I can tell you that is is rock solid with great flipping action. I really like the button release compression lock. Its a bit on the heavy side for being a 3in blade, but Im not a stickler for weight....I'll post more info later...for now here is a pic:-)

13395085_257574001276576_439547036_n.jpg
 
That is really bad ass looking Rival!! How's the action.......and how's everything else we all usually ask??
Awesome blade profile!
Joe
 
I've heard the knives are great, but I know from personal experience and hearing the experiences of others that dealing with the maker can be a real pain. Money demanded up front, followed by massive delays peppered with excuse upon excuse. Mine was only for mod work (a Spyderco Southard miniaturization job), but it was a pain getting my money back.

But luckily there are two SK23s up at Blade HQ right now (purchased at Blade Show I imagine): http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Smock-Knives--2016. I've heard they're pretty awesome. If you're interested, I'd nab one before their gone if I were you.
 
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brancron said:
I've heard the knives are great, but I know from personal experience and hearing the experiences of others that dealing with the maker can be a real pain. Money demanded up front, followed by massive delays peppered with excuse upon excuse. Mine was only for mod work (a Spyderco Southard miniaturization job), but it was a pain getting my money back.

But luckily there are two SK23s up at Blade Forums right now (purchased at Blade Show I imagine): http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Smock-Knives--2016. I've heard they're pretty awesome. If you're interested, I'd nab one before their gone if I were you.
Click to expand...


That seems to be the going trend; ADV, Turpin, and so many others. Apparently, being good at knifemaking and design doesn't mean you're good with people or business...
 
palonej said:
That is really bad ass looking Rival!! How's the action.......and how's everything else we all usually ask??
Awesome blade profile!
Joe
Click to expand...

the action is amazing, the lock mechanism is really well done. rolls on bearings and when the button is fully engaged it rolls with no resistance. You can actually open the knife just by flicking your wrist with the button engaged:-) I will post a full video review soon...I just got it a few days ago, but so far I love it. Its s30v and nicely sharpened, I think he uses Peters HT, but im not certain. Built like a tank too, feels like it will take a beating. The lockup is very solid...the compression lock is great with this setup.

brancron said:
I've heard the knives are great, but I know from personal experience and hearing the experiences of others that dealing with the maker can be a real pain. Money demanded up front, followed by massive delays peppered with excuse upon excuse. Mine was only for mod work (a Spyderco Southard miniaturization job), but it was a pain getting my money back.

But luckily there are two SK23s up at Blade HQ right now (purchased at Blade Show I imagine): http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Smock-Knives--2016. I've heard they're pretty awesome. If you're interested, I'd nab one before their gone if I were you.
Click to expand...
I got this on the secondary on trade, so I didnt have to endure wait times or deposits but I have also heard some of those concerns. I have spoken with Kevin a few times and he is a great guy. Gave me a few pointers on machining and milling, very open and easy going in my experience.
 
Thanks for the reply! Sounds really cool!!

Seems like another maker to avoid though. Heard some horror stories also.......no comms, looooooooooong delays and money up front.
You got lucky with yours! Really nice work on that bad boy!
Enjoy it!!
Joe


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
They are all generally personable and easy to talk with. However, when you get to the business end of things, a good lot will tell you what you want to hear to string you along. I know, I've had my fair share of bad experiences - Blackwood, Leu, Yuna to name a few. With Kevin, you have to understand he doesn't have a lot of cash flow right now. Most of it is coming from deposits and what he made from Blade. He had to open his books back in January when he moved to pay for things he needed. And he often makes beads and small tools to sell to get quick cash. His Instagram page will tell you the story. So he has a backlog and things always crop up to disrupt the flow. It is what it is.

He does good work. If you want to get on his list, he'll probably work with you. However, whatever time frame he gives should be doubled at a minimum.

Anyway, my own personal advice would be to try and score one on the secondary market. You should start to see some of these floating around soon.

Lev
 
I just cant seem to leave my knives stock....its a problem:-) On the plus side, I can also confirm that all the hardware on this knife, with exception to the stop pins, are full titanium. Makes for some great contrast when anodizing. Looks alot better imho.

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Thanks for the info, Rival and others! I'll be looking forward to your review, Rival. I'm that close to grabbing one of BHQ, as it sounds best to get one on the secondary market.
 
I absolutely love my SK23 - Timascus inlay - Smoothest knife I've owned to date and the fit/finish is excellent. I wish it was a half inch or full inch larger but it's now my favorite. (Subject to change with my next purchase)
 
This guy is legit,,, I just received my sk23 two days ago. Great knife ! Did it take a while ? Yes. Did he tell me that upfront ? Yes. Frustrating ? Yes. Anytime I contacted him, he responded within a day.... He's one guy, making a lot of knives..... When you get your knife, you'll be a happy !!! Look at wait times with othe guys !!
 
I love mine. Yes there were delays, 6 months approximate time turned into almost 11 by the time I got it, but he was excellent with communication. I usually got an email response within minutes. The big delay was him moving shop but it looks like he's really rolling now! He required a reasonable deposit but demanded no more. I grabbed an investor spot when one opened up, had to pay the rest up front but saved $100. I'll admit it made me a bit nervous especially when things got delayed but again the excellent communication was reassuring. Mine is his first lefty and he did an outstanding job on the customizing I requested. Fit and finish are top notch and the action is great. The design allows the flip to work without a detent, so the detent is just enough to hold her closed giving a very unique feel to the flip. I've got some pics posted on the Spyderco forums under the same username. The knife is indeed heavy for its size, but it is perfectly balanced and carries very nicely. It's smallish overall size and no protruding flipper tab combined with just the right clip for the knife lets it sit and ride nice in pocket even with keys or other stuff in there. Don't know what else to add right now other than my experience with both the maker and the knife has been very positive.
 
Figured that I would add my $.02 in here for anyone looking for info:

Just got an SK23 on trade. I like it a lot, but there is vertical play. I figured it is a month old $700 custom so we should be good: nope. He basically tells me that I'm out of luck unless I want to pay, but he doesn't know how much. Pretty unfortunate as the knife is really clean and I like it a lot. On to the next one. I won't deal with him again.

Mike.
 
I've owned several Mini Southards. These are Spyderco Southards that Kevin Smock cuts down and pimps.

It earned 19 out of a possible 20 points in an Everydaycommentary.com review:

http://www.everydaycommentary.com/2015/03/smock-knives-mini-southard-review.htm

I prefer the size and simplicity of Kevin's Mini Southard design to his beautiful $650 SK23 model.

But when I wrote Kevin to ask if he'd do another Mini for me, I got the standard response -- pay in full, in advance and wait a minimum of six months or more.

Well, OK, he knows his needs better than I do. But I'm not comfortable with such a business model: Someone I know only online would have both my knife and my cash for who knows how long?

In contrast, when I asked Dave Curtiss for a tune-up of one of his customs, he said I had already spent enough on his product and offered to pay all my costs of returning the knife for servicing.

I declined, since I want to help keep Dave in business.

I want Kevin to stay in business, too. He's a talented guy whose designs bear watching. I hope he learns a thing or two from Dave Curtiss about how to treat his customers.
 
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Interesting knife. I like how having the button lock instead of the liner or frame lock lets you put the flipper tab wherever you want. Is the bottom lock a Smock specific design or a "generic" system?
 
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