Snody and Martin (questions, not pics)

J

Jeremy Reynolds

Joined
Jan 7, 2000
Messages
817
Hey folks. I am not looking for a war about which maker is better. I am looking for information on each makers knives. How do the knives from each maker perform? What kind of edge holding is there? What is the fit and finish like for the knives? If some of you folks own more then one, what are the performance differences between the different steels by the same maker? I know Mike uses several different steels, not real sure about RJ on that one. Also, what is the fit and finish like on each makers knives? Also, is the silver menuki worth the extra charge for the knife? Thanks
 
Jeremy,

I don't yet own a knife from either, but I know both have excellent reputations. I do know both have great web sites and would be a good starting point.

RJ Martin

Mike Snody

Jeff

 
I can say this about RJ...... After many Emails and a phone call or two, his attention to detail regarding his heat treat processes is second to none! This is a detail that I consider very important as a maker myself. Anyone that has followed the shop talk area must agree that when RJ talks heat treating PEOPLE LISTEN!!
I look forward to meeting Mike Snody, hopefully at the Blade Show. I find many of his designs very well thought out.

Neil

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Talonite......Stellite
Hand Made Knives..High Tech Materials
blackwoodknives.com

[This message has been edited by Dr.Lathe (edited 03-15-2001).]
 
Jeremy: I have been making knives for nearly 25 years, and have made many styles, from hunters to fighters, bowies, daggers, Japanese, tactical fixed blades and folders.
As for steels, I was one of the first makers to use BG42-I also use CPM3V, CPM440V and CPM420V, A2, D2 and M2, and talonite. Currently playing with 10V and 9V-As was mentioned, heat treating and metallurgy is somewhat of a passion for me.
My Japanese knives are only flat ground, either chisel or double ground, with a "zero edge thickness". As far as I know, I offer the only wood lined, Carbon Fiber sheath with magnets. (I think it's trick).
My Menuki are all handmade by Don Polzien-he has authentic patterns and uses sterling silver. Lately, virtually all my customers want them.

Stay Sharp,
RJ Martin
 
RJ,

I appreciate you taking time to respond to my post. Pardon my ignorance about the steels, I just have seen your Kozukas offered in A2 everywhere i looked lately. If you don't my asking, what is your current lead time on orders? Thanks
 
I have owned knives by both and would have to say that you canot go wrong with either. RJ's knives are just completely off the scale in sharpness, really sharper than anything else out there. Mike's knives are also razor sharp but not quite the same. Both are finished extremely well. Both offer a choice of steels. The Japanese knives I had by both were in A2. RJ's sheath is very unique and easy to carry. Mike's sheaths are the more common kydex but are also easy to use. If I had to choose, I would probably take a Martin based on the fact that they are harder to come by. On the other hand, Snody's are a lot less money. It is a really hard choice. I have sold a good bit of my collection lately and don't currently have any knives by either maker, but I will probably end up with more as my collection evolves/revolves.
 
I've recently added a RJM Kozuka to my collection and am really pleased with it. The A2 blade slices better than any other knife I have in its size class and I had a great time using it until I ran out of stuff that needed cutting...

Mine came without menuki - not my choice as the one with the menuki was already sold to some lucky stiff
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Personally I think it adds extra flair to the knife and am toying with the idea of sending my knife back to get one re-fit. I especially like the custom menuki (skulls and crossbones!) on Mike Snoody's knives.

Red


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"Praise not the day until evening has come;a sword until it is tried; ice until it has been crossed; beer until it has been drunk" - Viking proverb
 
I am waiting for a Mike Snody Kwaiken and will be glad to let you know what it is like when I get it. Mike has been great to deal with and I am really looking forward to the arrival of my knife.

RJ, I noticed in a magazine that you have a new knife called the Odyssey (I think). It sure looked nice, can you tell me anything about it?

Keith.
 
Keith: The Odessy is a knife I make for Les Robertson of Robertson's Custom Cutlery as part of his VANGUARD series. It's CPM3V, Rc60 1/4" stock, double hollow ground with dark green canvas micarta slabs. Blade length is about 6 1/2"-handle is highly contoured, and has oversize hollow tubes for tie-down.
There will bve only 25 made, all serialized.

RJ
 
I own knives from both of these talented makers and they each have their own qualities - it is not to say who is better it is more of what you plan to use the knife for and your budget.

RJ's knives are indeed razor sharp it makes my palms sweat just looking at them.. his magnet sheaths are TRIPP as well.. really cool. And the Kangaroo leather laminated kydex sheath that came with my 3V wasabi fighter has excellent fit and finish that would make JSP blue in the face (but I still want a full size mahogany magnet sheath
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pooh. Get better soon Sir RJ). RJ's knives are a bit expensive though for the average user (I don't use my wasabi but I sometimes do use my kozuka) I think an RJ is an *integral* part of any Japn Tac collection.

Mike Snody on the other hand I have talked to personally and cannot stop praising and buying his knives. I have a ronin kwaiken, a karma kozuka, and a narita with matching kwaiken on order.. and I am sure that I will get mroe before my order is filled
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Snody is a **Genius** - he started making knves in '98-99 and has skill most knifemakers need 10 years to cultivate.

I would say buy his knives now cause you and I probably cant afford them in 3 years
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he's definitely a talented maker going places.. and I regard him as a prodigee in the Japn Tac knife indstry.

yes Snody's knives are not as sharp but hey it is because he doens't use a zero edge. That will all change when I get my Narita and Kwaiken in hopefully. But make no mistake that his edges are not sharp. they're scary and hair splitting.

One of his best traits is being a maker who has one - if not the BEST cost to quality ratio out there. I think his knives are reasonably priced that you wont feel bad to use them..

RJ heat treats his own knives and I hear he is reknown for it.. SNody uses Paul Bos.. one of the best out there too and hired by the best custom makers. THis part I cannot comment on cause I do not think I want to put my RJ in a vice.
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The fit and finish of the cord wraping of the two makers are identical. that is.. the best I have seen in a Japn Tactical. I also like the specled Rayskin that Snody uses.. and wh owoudlnt fall for the sly BLOOD same
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The menuki is ofcourse up to you.. it depends how I am feeling that day that decides if I want to add the extra 40-50.00 for one.. but it adds a lot of character to the knife. I find that RJ's menuki's are elegant, crafted by the talented Mr. Polzien. Snody's Menuki's, like his attitude and knives are tough, gruff and alternative.

I guess I really haven't answered your question on the subject really but I tried my best to express my thoughts..

I do carry my small RJ kozuka but not my wasabi.. that is a showpiece. I dunno when I will get my next RJ though (speedy recovery to you sir), but I just got informed that the deal for me to buy a kwaiken fell thru with another forumite
frown.gif


On the other hand I carry all my Snody knives -shh don't tell anyone, the authoutrities especially- and plan to carry my narita when I get it on special occations
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an RJ kozuka (3 to 4 inch blade) is around 300 without menuki.. a Snody equivalent would be 180. An RJ 5 inch kwaiken would be 550.00 with menuki. A equivalent Snody bushido would be 375.00 or was it 425

WHen I started collecitng Japn Tacs, I was faced with the same dillema as you.. I chose the Snody because there was less risk and less cost.. I am proud to say that I have no regrets and eventhoguh I have 'moved up' to RJ (well I bought 2 pieces but can't bear to breathe too hard on them) I still frantically amass Snody's till this day.

I admire both of these fine artists and respect each of their specialty.. Usually price determines it but if not and you woudl liek to talk about them further in private do email me
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Gentlemen,
Great thread, I would like to thank all who have posted. Sniperboy you have out done yourself with this last post, very eloquent indeed. I have worked very hard for the last couple of years to produce high quality knives and build a reputation as a maker who offers performance oriented cutlery at a reasonable price. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the help that a few world class makers have offered me. Edmund Davidson taught me how to make knives. He has given me literally hundreds of hours of instruction both in his shop and on the telephone covering all aspects of knifemaking. Edmund knew that I had an interest in Japanese style tactical knives and suggested that I contact RJ Martin. Edmund informed me that RJ Martin was the best Japanese style tactical knifemaker in the world and that if it was guidance I was seeking that I might as well solicit it from the best. I contacted Mr Martin via telephone some 18 months ago. RJ spent several hours explaining to me the process of making a Japanese style knife. He walked me step by step through the procedure of handle wrapping and described his methods of grinding and sharpening to me. The knowledge that I gained from that phone conversation would ultimately prove invaluable, for not only did he tell me what to do, more importantly he told me what NOT to do. RJ Martins instruction helped me avoid many of the pitfalls that otherwise would have been inevitable for a new maker. I have built custom big game shark fishing rods for the last 18 years and had a very good understanding of various wrapping techniques as well as which epoxies and resins worked and which ones did not. This experience coupled with RJs instruction provided a good foundation for me to build upon. I have also spent a considerable amount of time in the shop of J P Elliot receiving instruction on various aspects of knifemaking including bolsters, various blade finishing techniques and exotic handle materials. I have received solid advice from many other makers and individuals including but not limited to Barry and Phillip Jones, Wayne Hendrix, D Holder, Mr O Dell, Josh Lee, Patrick York, Frank Sigman,Paul Bos,
Michael Janich and Les Robertson. Anyway enough rambling. Thanks to all that have purchased and shown interest in my knives and thanks to all of you that have unselfishly helped me. I appreciate it.
Mike Snody
www.snodyknives.com
 
I appreciate the time that both RJ and Mike have taken from their busy schedules to reply on this thread. That shows me they care about their customers. There are some makers around that I had saved my money to purchase knives from, and sent them 3 or 4 e-mails that go unanswered. I took my money elsewhere and refuse to buy knives from those folks. Part of buying a custom knife is working and talking with the maker via phone, e-mail, or even face to face at a show. I plan on owning knives from both of these gentlemen. Now, my only problem is deciding which model I want. That will be the toughest decision of all.
 
Thanks RJ, I will contact Les to get more information. I really do think that the Vanguard Odyssey is a great looking knife.

Keith.
 
Hello Mr. Snody.. I am glad you chimed in. Albeit being a big fan of your knives I tried my best to be objective I am glad you thought my review of yrou knives was fair.

Jeremy, I concur with you.. a large part of a custom knife is interaction with the maker. Not only is it good to find a talented maker who has the skills to put your ideas from thought to steel, it is also important to find one who you can interact with on a more than superficial over the sales counter level. SOMeone who can put somethign of himself in his art, otherwise you woudl just be ordering from a hired gun who blindy does a knife to your specs without regard to function and art, likewise it is a let down to find a custom maker who definitely disregards your ideas and just makes pieces liek a factory.. To me a custom knife is art not just steel you buy.

Whichever maker you chose I feel that you would not go wrong. I am happy that both makers chimed in too and both are of great character to help each other out to grow and improve the Japanese tactical scene. *sigh* this is a wonderful forum.

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URBAN.LEGENDS.(BalisongGARBAGE)
ENGEL.DESIGN.ROOM
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Knives.I.Want
If you play with love you will be heartbroken; if you play with knives you will [bleed]
 
Ron: A "zero edge thickness" refers to the fact that there is no secondary bevel-which is the true way to grind a chisel ground blade. This type of grind, if done correctly, will produce the sharpest edge, and provide the lowest friction cut. It is not the strongest edge-which is not an issue for a tactical Japanese knife-but, I wouldn't use it on a camp knife unless the bevel angle of the grind was increased to provide even more material behind the edge.
From the perspective of the Japanese style-it is a good way to form an edge, although most Japanese knives/swords were double ground, with a convex "appleseed" edge. My point is that I havn't seen many swords with a secondary edge bevel.

BTW, grinding a true chisel edge, contrary to what some may tell you-is quite challenging. The entire edge must be brought to EXACTLY the same thickness all along the entire edge. If not, either the edge will have a flat spot which is not sharp, or it will have an area which is over ground, changing the shape of the blade.

If a secondary edge bevel is used, the main bevel may vary considerably along the length of the blade.

I hope that is not more info than you wanted..

Stay Sharp,

RJ Martin
 
Nowhere will you find such upstanding gentlemen as in the knife trade. And both Snody and RJ illustrate it perfectly.

I am interested in both these makers and will definitely eventually have knives made by both of them.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with all of us here at the BF.

BTW: "I am not looking for a war about which maker is better" - if anything this has been a war on who respects his peer more.


[This message has been edited by Blilious (edited 04-06-2001).]
 
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