Southard Tolk 2nd version

[miso2]

hhmoore,

After sharpening and some use, mine got little more friction than new.
I will clean it up and see if I can do it without the wrist flick.


Miso

 

[hhmoore]

You've gone from needing to use both thumbstuds, to being able to get it with one + a flick: that's progress. Needing the flick is probably more reflective of a technique issue than a problem with the knife. Take some time with it...get a feel for the direction in which you need to apply pressure to move the blade. Then, instead of just pushing against it, put your thumb in position, apply a little pressure, then thrust/flick with your thumb. You'll get it :thumbup:

 

[miso2]

hhmoore,

I was able to do it for the first time! But just once in 20 tries......
I will keep practicing.
Thanks for encouragement.


Miso

 

[miso2]

OK. I think I am getting it. I learned two things.

(1) Put my thumb on the stud with enough bent.

(2) Do not hold the lock spring tight.


Now I can make the blade fly 50% of time.



Miso

 

[miso2]

The edge of Tolk sharpened at 13.5DPS to #2,000, then at 15DPS with #2,000, and stropped.

As a comparison, the edge of Victorinox Hunter sharpened to #400 at 15DPS.

Pictured using a stereomicroscope at 40X and an iPhone.



Miso

 

[hhmoore]

(2) Do not hold the lock spring tight

That's a fairly common problem with framelocks, until you realize you're doing it. (I did mention that earlier in the thread) You're used to flippers, and the hands tends to fall into a different position when using thumbstuds. Now that you're aware of it; you'll start to adjust your grip - if you use them regularly, it becomes second nature.

 

[flash900]

I got the new CF Tolk and wasn't sure at first whether or not I would keep it -- I'm much more comfortable with the size of, say, the ZT 0770.

Plus, I almost always prefer an all-Ti framelock to Ti and CF.

But I AM keeping it and here's why:

It's not only a great flipper but it opens quickly and easily with the thumb studs.

The CF version doesn't feel anywhere near its large size because of its incredibly light weight.

It's too damn beautiful to give up!

Thanks for the review and photos.

 

[miso2]

hhmoore,

I am now able to flick it open with the thumbstud. But I have to stop doing it, as my thumb is so sore after repetitive use!
Probably I still put a lot more pressure than I actually need.


Miso

 

[miso2]

flash900,

I too don't like the look of CF-Ti combo normally, but that Tolk looks damn good......
Have you weighed yours yourself?
Mine was lighter than the listed weight (4.3 vs 4.7 oz).


Miso

 

[RamZar]

I've had my Southard Tolk for a few weeks now and it keeps getting smoother. Opening with authority using the flipper or slowly with the thumb studs. Solid lockup.

Very useful blade shape. Even with the 3.89 inches blade it weighs just 4.32 ounces.

I really like the looks of mine since it's a fairly unique Bronze Anodized Monkey Edge Frag Pattern edition.

Very nice packaging.

 

[miso2]

I've had my Southard Tolk for a few weeks now and it keeps getting smoother. Opening with authority using the flipper or slowly with the thumb studs. Solid lockup.

Very useful blade shape. Even with the 3.89 inches blade it weighs just 4.32 ounces.

I really like the looks of mine since it's a fairly unique Bronze Anodized Monkey Edge Frag Pattern edition.

Very nice packaging.

Picture please!

 

[miso2]

Lunch time!

I cut up some vegie with my Tolk.
The angle of the primary grind of Tolk (left, from the 3.5 mm spine down 21 mm to the edge) is not shallow as compared to Manix 2 LW (right, from the 3 mm spine down 30 mm to the edge).

So my concern was that Tolk would not work well for food prep.

Surprisingly, it worked fine.

Miso

 

[RamZar]

My Southard Tolk Bronze Anodized Monkey Edge Frag Pattern edition.

 

[miso2]

Gorgeous Tolk, RamZar!
Thanks for the pics.


Miso

 

[miso2]

This is my first knife on bearings. I cut my thumb due to my ignorance to its smoothness.....

I realized that I need to use the flipper tab as safeguard when closing the knife.

Otherwise, the blade could just close very quickly and attack my thumb!

Miso

 

[miso2]

You've gone from needing to use both thumbstuds, to being able to get it with one + a flick: that's progress. Needing the flick is probably more reflective of a technique issue than a problem with the knife. Take some time with it...get a feel for the direction in which you need to apply pressure to move the blade. Then, instead of just pushing against it, put your thumb in position, apply a little pressure, then thrust/flick with your thumb. You'll get it :thumbup:

Somehow it is much easier to open the blade using the thumbstud with my left hand, while right-hand opening is still lousy.
I can flick it open every time.
Quite useful sometimes.


Miso

 

[miso2]

That's a fairly common problem with framelocks, until you realize you're doing it. (I did mention that earlier in the thread) You're used to flippers, and the hands tends to fall into a different position when using thumbstuds. Now that you're aware of it; you'll start to adjust your grip - if you use them regularly, it becomes second nature.

I can do it now!
Thank you, hhmoore!

[youtube]LrAwulR-xJI[/youtube]



Miso

 

[miso2]

Tolk cutting test.
Sorry about the poor quality.

[Youtube]C4k95YVOjdc[/Youtube]



Miso

 

[rogerxd45]

i have a zt0770cf in m390 as well and am currently saving up to buy a southard tolk. i cant wait! i just bought a southard positron a couple weeks ago and i love it! except its a little on the small side, but the design and blade shape are awesome, its what finally made me decide to buy a real southard. im going to get the all ti version as i like both sides of the knife to match. i either want it all cf like the 0770 or southard positron or all Ti like my zt0801
i just cant decide between the blue and the plain ti. im leaning more towards the plain but who knows what ill decide when i have my finger on the "order" button
just when i think this site can cost me more money i end up planning on dropping 500 on a knife! two years ago i wouldnt have ever thought about spending more then $100 on a knife.

i thought about maybe selling my 0770 to help pay for the tolk but decided against it and im very glad i didnt after seeing the size comparison between the two. however i think my manix in s110v is going to looking for a new home. i just dont carry it much at all. i prefer flippers overwhelmingly. i bought the manix for the steel. its a great knife and it deserves an owner that will use it. its not meant to be a collectors item, its supposed to be a work horse. i keep trying to like it but it never lasts long in my pocket before i swap it out for my ZTs/kershaws or lately my positron

 

[miso2]

rogerxd45,

I've run the same path from a $100 knife to the $500 piece fairly quickly over this past year and am now even considering to buy a Rockstead Higo!
Maybe I should check this site much less frequently......

I noticed that you started a new thread about the size of Tolk.
I do not own a ZT801 and cannot speak of a direct comparison, but think that it is comparable to Spyderco GB in terms of size and weight.
Due to Tolk's slimness and light weight, GB feels a lot more bulkier than Tolk.
Hope this helps to some extent.



Miso