So, you're considering a William Henry...

Sonnydaze said:
It's very nice, but you need a small hand to hold onto it well, IMO.
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No smaller than needed on any folder with a handle length of 4" or less. And have you tried an E10 yet? Unless you have a very large hand, I doubt you'd find that WH hard to hold onto.
 
Sonnydaze said:
(...) It's very nice, but you need a small hand to hold onto it well, IMO.
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bld522 said:
No smaller than needed on any folder with a handle length of 4" or less. And have you tried an E10 yet? Unless you have a very large hand, I doubt you'd find that WH hard to hold onto.
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One thing I absolutely love about the B12 frame (with the forward choil considered) is that it offers more room on the handle than a Spyderco Delica 4. Full four finger grip for me plus a bit o' room to spare. The B12 would be a good choice for anyone with big mitts looking for a smallish (3" blade) gent's knife.

For anyone interested, here's some additional general information I got from the William Henry website:

"Limited Lifetime Warranty"

William Henry Studio guarantees all its work to be free of any defects due to materials or workmanship. We further guarantee your initial satisfaction with the performance of each tool we build.

We strive to build the best possible tools, designed for a lifetime of use and more. To that end, we will do everything possible to ensure your initial and continued satisfaction with our work.

Regarding use, we guarantee the lifetime of the knife, or other tool, provided it is used in an appropriate manner. Our knives ARE NOT PRYBARS, CHISELS, OR HAMMERS. They are fine cutting instruments – any use other than cutting will void the warranty. We reserve the right to evaluate each repair with regards to the use/misuse of the item in question.

(Please note: dismantling, adjustment, or modification of your William Henry product by anyone other than our studio will void any warranty)

We will also sharpen any William Henry knife back to its' original factory razor edge - send $10.00 along with the knife to our repair department, with a request for sharpening. Turnaround in our shop for re-sharpening is 1 week.
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-Brett
 
One week TAT would be the envy of most companies. Nobody needs to complain about hard ZDP.
 
brownshoe said:
With William Henry, Matt Conable is the primary designer of the brand. He paid his dues for many years working with David Boye and came up with a new business model for high end knives. David Boye is one of the pioneers of custom knife making and one of the first to turn it into a production business. The William Henry business model is different from all previous knife making business and highly successful which engenders some jealousy. AFAIK, William Henry is the only fully US company to use ZDP steel. AGRussell uses it, but the knives are made by a Japanese owned company in their US plant. That's quite a business coup.

William Henry does not depend upon the "knife collecting crowd" for sales. They do not keep models open for years, runs are in the 100s or less. They keep a basic blade and handle design alive, but the rest changes. From what I've read, he has employees at a shop plus contracts specific artisans for some of more dramatic work. There has been very little press about how the business is actually run. Some "rumors" state that some of the artisans are also custom makers on their own.

To standard collectors, the knives are great, but don't have a "name" of a famous maker attached to them. There is not any "personal" contact involved in the sales, and you cannot order exactly what you want. The knives hold value, but cannot be flipped for extra profit. So for the denizens of the Custom subforum, the personal attention, the money making opportunity and the customized design is not available, thus William Henry is not their "cup of tea."

They are great knives. I can't speak of their customer service, because the two I have don't need it :)
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I'd like to thank brother Brownshoe for his post. Excellent points. :thumbup:

Certainly, Mr.Conable has enough credentials that would legitimise his foray into the premium cutlery world. Other than him studying under David Boye at a relatively young age (19, I believe) and going on to partner in the William Henry enterprise, the rest of his cutlery endeavours are largely a mystery. He's done a few high-end one-offs though (autos included) that I'm aware of, and they seem very reminiscent of what we know as William Henry knives today.

My William Henry is an example of a knife made by someone who definitely understands cutlery, not just a person who knows how to make a knife look pretty. Ergos, steel choice, etc. From my specimen, I have little doubt that WH knives are a 'top drawer' product.

That said, I do have a couple of very nit-picky issues with my specimen: swedge is not symmetrical, and the plunge grind is off, and the sharpening relief is does not quite meet the full run of the secondary bevel. Good centering, maybe just a hair biased to one side, which is amazing considering how tight the tolerances are for such a slim knife (I've not seen closer outside of the CRK brand, to be honest, and don't really think it's even possible without the calibre of equipment Chris Reeve uses in his shop.)

Please note that any of my perceived 'issues' have little to no impact of the performance or function of the knife, and are quite common and more pronounced in several other knives I've owned (looking at you, Benchmade! :p) I guess the more I pay for a knife, the greater expectations I have, and the closer I look for imperfections.

Bottom line: I'm very happy with my purchase of the William Henry B12 Atlas. If someone already owns several of the usual suspect knives in the high-end class, I'd definitely recommend giving a WH a try!

-Brett
 
Very Good Review....Many Thanks.....!!! I too am a HUGE CRK fan and feel nothing can beat them. I have 1 William Henry and have another on the way. I had the EDC Aluminum version and for me, it was far too light. Nice knife, but was just not for me. I have looked at the Atlas several times over the years, but for $35 more I can get another super tough large sebenza, so always head that way. I much prefer the older liner lock William Henry, and the larger B12 & T12's to boot. Anything smaller and its just not useful for me.
 
They have larger models, just not as many. I guess people who like pocket jewelry are not as into big knives :)

I have the Tracker which comes in at about 3" which is generally my shortest blade I like to use.

I also have a larger Evolution (Moki did the blade, WH did handle and assembly) which is more like 3 1/2" blade. With my Evolution, it looks very similar to the Fallkniven P3 which is supposedly totally built by Moki, but the WH design came first. Just shows you the "swedish" design of the Fallkniven P3 is actually mostly a US design totally executed by the Japanese. The Evolution has a little Tanto character in the last 1 1/2" of the blade tip, kind of gentleman's tactical. They did not sell well, so I got it on closeout in about 2009 from a brick and mortar store. Not many inventory reduction sales for WH :)
 
If I remember correctly, William Henry and Chris Reeve's knives have been trading off the Blade Show Quality awards since WH made it onto the scene. That speaks volumes.

My only WH is a Gentac in Ironwood, which I bought about 7 years ago. It's an excellent knife, and exceeds all my previous and more recent purchases by > $200. I've not yet regretted spending that money.

It really is designed to be used. I've put it through things some folks might cringe at, but it took it all quite well. I've had to polish out many scratches, but no dings. It should be noted that the 420 layer on the outside of the ZDP-189 blades will show wear quite quickly.

I do have a minor complaint. The blade is a bit off-centered. It may be due to the pocket sheath I used to carry it in, as it put a bit of pressure on the single thumb-stud. I've not decided to send it back, yet, as it doesn't affect function. Maybe I will, someday.

If you have the ability to get one, go for it. The E10, and other "Every Day Carry" knife would be a great entry-level WH.
 
Just for clarification's sake CRK had been the sole winner of the manufacturing quality award since 2000 with the exceptions of 2002 going to TiNives, and 2014 going to Lionsteel.
 
brownshoe said:
(...) I also have a larger Evolution (Moki did the blade, WH did handle and assembly) which is more like 3 1/2" blade. (...)
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Very interesting! I did not know that William Henry had an 'International' line at one point. Seems that the engraved blade logo on OEM made models is the same as their inhouse made pieces except that the circle is made to look like a desk globe. Nifty little bit of trivia...

Not surprised WH chose Moki. I really like how Moki blends traditional and modern styles in many of their knives (I really want to pick up a Kronos some time.) My Atlas kind of looks like something Moki might make; perhaps that's why I like it so much. I prefer simple elegance, so the B12 Atlas really stood out for me.

Just an update on my B12: the anodised pocket clip is already showing wear with very little carry time and I suspect the colour will not survive for long. No matter. It's a user and it's never going to look as pretty as this again:

atlas02_zpsswb2q2cl.jpg


-Brett
 
Yesterday, I ran into a co-worker as I was leaving work. Fella seems like a classy chap, well-educated/spoken/travelled, always dressed to the nines, etc. Thought he'd appreciate a fine piece of gentleman's swag so I showed him my William Henry knife. He thought it was very nice and asked how much I paid for it, so I told him...

...he recommended that I check in at the local hospital for a CAT scan. :eek:

*sigh* Same reaction every time. Why do I always fall into this trap with non-knife people?? They'll never understand. :rolleyes:

-Brett
 
I've also been looking at purchasing an Atlas but am torn between it and a small CRK 21 with inlay. I already own a large 21 and WH E10. Love 'em both. I really like the clean lines of the Atlas. It's a beautiful knife. But I struggle with spending that much on ZDP-189. I've got Spydercos in the same steel for <$100.

Still not sure what I'm going to do but this has been an interesting read. Thanks for posting.
 
addylo said:
I've also been looking at purchasing an Atlas but am torn between it and a small CRK 21 with inlay. I already own a large 21 and WH E10. Love 'em both. I really like the clean lines of the Atlas. It's a beautiful knife. But I struggle with spending that much on ZDP-189. I've got Spydercos in the same steel for <$100.

Still not sure what I'm going to do but this has been an interesting read. Thanks for posting.
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Tough choice. Both are absolutely excellent knives.

In my mind, a CRK is a marvel of machined precision; a William Henry is a wonder of human artistry. Consider each knife as a complex architectural drawing: the Sebenza is a very precise computer rendering, and the B-12 is a blueprint expertly created with mechanical drafting instruments. Both are equally functional as schematics, are representative and faithful to the original design idea, and both would look fantastic as a framed piece of art. Best analogy I can think of... :o

I suspect there may be thousands of Sebenzas out there, but the B-12 is limited (as all WH models are) and there will only be 888 pieces made.

Good luck, addylo! If I can help answer any specific questions you may have, feel free to drop me a VM. :)

-Brett
 
timberweasel said:
Speaking of 'luxury flair', check out the packaging... :eek:


Holy smokes! Comes in a textured cardboard box with a metallic embossed logo, lined with some kind of light fabric. Inside that is a very nice hinged wooden box, locking of course, that has an embossed logo set in leather inside the lid and another inlayed into the outside top. The knife sits on a little leather 'couch' that is removable. Warranty card is on printed paper and folded neatly beneath the couch. Very classy presentation. No idea what I'm gonna do with it... :D

-Brett
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No offense meant but when I look at the first post, the knife doesn't "sing' to me because it obviously is what most everyone said -- gentlemen's bling. it's not for me.

But I look at the box and, yeah, I like storage things. That box definitely sings to me! It certainly puts to shame the boxes you can find in jewelry stores. That box is calling for a high-end watch. Very nice.
 
This ^^^^is some colorful praise.

Guessing on your descriptions with a couple of knife design, I don't think you have dealing with machining trade as a whole.

Simply put, CRK's tolerance are basic machining tolerances enable blade to open & close with minimum looseness and without binds. No less with Spyderco, with its greater offering and spread of choice in selection.

I own both CRK and William & Henry:

DSCN2010_zpsfb6198d4.jpg


Comparing the two, CRK has a better/robust design, along with stronger bronze pivot bushings but relative soft S35 blade at 58-58 RC. While W&H choose weaker teflon on my GenTec. But GenTec has better Hitachi ZDP-189 @ claimed 67HRC.

IMO, they are equally a so so knife, nothing what I would call spectacular in any area.

I wonder how you would paint and what kind of colorful description if you have a Rockstead from Japan.

I ordered this and it is coming - for me, it is self explanatory:

http://www.rocksteadshop.jp/content/rockstead-shin-zdp

But then, Rockstead Shin-ZDP can not be appreciated or pleased by everyone!
 
victorf said:
This ^^^^is some colorful praise.

Guessing on your descriptions with a couple of knife design, I don't think you have dealing with machining trade as a whole.

Simply put, CRK's tolerance are basic machining tolerances enable blade to open & close with minimum looseness and without binds. No less with Spyderco, with its greater offering and spread of choice in selection.

I own both CRK and William & Henry:

(...)

Comparing the two, CRK has a better/robust design, along with stronger bronze pivot bushings but relative soft S35 blade at 58-58 RC. While W&H choose weaker teflon on my GenTec. But GenTec has better Hitachi ZDP-189 @ claimed 67HRC.

IMO, they are equally a so so knife, nothing what I would call spectacular in any area.

I wonder how you would paint and what kind of colorful description if you have a Rockstead from Japan.

I ordered this and it is coming - for me, it is self explanatory:

http://www.rocksteadshop.jp/content/rockstead-shin-zdp

But then, Rockstead Shin-ZDP can not be appreciated or pleased by everyone!
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You are not impressed by the build quality of William Henry or CRK as production knives? I am. For the volume they produce and the very high level of quality they consistently achieve, I think their efforts are quite remarkable. I do believe WH more typically farms work out to artisans depending on the work they need (ie. jewelers, engravers, etc.)

Never handled a Rockstead before. Maybe someday. From all accounts, they are exquisite knives. High dollar, high quality, low production. Gorgeous. Just don't take your Shin apart or you will void your warranty.

-Brett
 
For a time, I was addicted to the William Henry T10 models, had quite the collection;

attachment.php


But my fav was the B15 Tom Brown Tracker model

cutup.jpg


I do miss that one quite a bit...
G2
 
My EDC is a Tom Brown Tracker. I added a pocket clip, Damascus clad blade, jeweled stud and button, and Gold plated screws and stand offs. This knife is a good looking work horse. I would post a picture, but B/F is queering all my attempts to post pix.
 
I have the tracker as well, plus a small sebenza. As weasal says, there will always be sebenzas, but a WH pattern lives for awhile, never to be made exactly the same again. Buy the atlas, you won't regret it.
 
timberweasel said:
You are not impressed by the build quality of William Henry or CRK as production knives? I am. For the volume they produce and the very high level of quality they consistently achieve, I think their efforts are quite remarkable. I do believe WH more typically farms work out to artisans depending on the work they need (ie. jewelers, engravers, etc.)

Never handled a Rockstead before. Maybe someday. From all accounts, they are exquisite knives. High dollar, high quality, low production. Gorgeous. Just don't take your Shin apart or you will void your warranty.

-Brett
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Brett, yea, not very impressed. But that is just I am into fairly extreme, in dealing with anything precision. Which is not the norm and I do understand that.

I am fairly capable and certainly will take full responsibilities if I take apart any knife.

I just received my Rockstead today and it is as claimed and quality is self explanatory, here is my post:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1278369-Rockstead-Shin-ZDP
 
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