Speed-Tech, Ti-Knives, or William Henry?

J

JH225

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 7, 1999
Messages
1,136
I am trying to decide which of these knives to go with as a fancy semi-production folder.

The knife will most likely not see heavy duty use (that is after all what they make Commander's, Carnivour's, & AFCK's for), but instead see light use.

What I am mostly looking for is the quality of Fit & Finish, Lock type, Handle comfort, Action, overall feel, etc.

I am only interested in the full size models, as I tend to like the feel of a large knife.

Any opinions and/or reviews would be appreciated and considered.

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C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
If you want a “full sized” knife then the only one of the William Henry line is the T-12 Spearpoint. The advantages to it are the variety of materials available, from simple Oak and CF scales to full blown MOP with Sterling Silver bolsters. The finish is excellent, real attention to detail right down to the good, solid liner lock. Good action, smooth, with a comfortable handle that swallows the blade for a friendly folded profile that is easy to slip into a pant or coat pocket. Definitely light duty, but a very people friendly pocket knife.

The Speedtech is not a pocket knife, but an extremely well crafted tool. A good jump up in size from the T-12, the design of the handle also extends the blade farther out for extra reach. The stonewashed finish is also a big plus for a working knife. The action is smooth and the lockup is very solid with virtually no play, demonstrating the overall fine fit and finish of the knife. Simply the most comfortable knife to handle that I own, a real joy to use. A more robust knife, I would not shirk from heavy utility use with this knife, but definitely an attractive piece on its own merits.



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James Segura
San Francisco, CA


 
Based on price and quality I would suggest going with a Speedtech. Very smooth and very appealing to the eye.


Regards,

Tom Carey
 
You can't go wrong with either the Speedtech or WH Spearpoint.Can't comment on TiNives as I've never owned or handled one.The WH is definately more traditional looking(read sheeple friendly)of the three.Although the Spearpoint is the largest in the WH line I don't really consider it to be a full sized knife.I always have a second knife for heavy duty stuff just in case when I carey one of my WH's.Both Speedtech and WH have beautiful practicaly flawless fit and finish.Both have silky smooth actions.The Speedtech has a very solid lockup and probably the most comfortable handle around plus I wouldn't hesitate to use it for heavy duty chores if needed.So there you have it.Its a tough choice but bottom line I'd probably go with the Speedtech.

Ray
 
Hmmmm, the wheels in my head are spinning now!!

I have always been impressed with the looks of the Speed-Tech and now that I hear these comments about it locking up nice and tight and feeling so good in hand makes me think about it even more...

But, I also like the looks of the WH T12A. The only thing that concerns me about the WH is the liner lock. Is it a concern I should have?(not whether or not to get a liner lock, but if it is thick enough and locks up tight enough).

P.S.- What is the difference between the Synergy and the Slim Synergy?

Thanks for the help so far.

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C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
Jalihack,

You shouldn't base your purchase solely on the opinions stated here. You need to go to a knife show or a dealer and handle the knives, then your decision should become much easier.

I've handled both the WH and Speed-Tech knives and were very impressed with both. But they both make very different knives, which comes down to personal preference. Never handled the Ti-Knives.

The slim synergy is thinner than the regular synergy. Also, your choice of handle colors is more limited with the slim.

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Johnny
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JoHnYKwST,

I appreciate your comments about going to a show or a dealer, but in this case that won't work because I AM a small dealer(mostly production knives), but do not stock any of these knives due to the fact that around my area they just wouldn't sell.

I also have not seen a dealer at any shows that have them either. This will be my personal knife and like the rest of the people here I pay for my knives (maybe just a little less money)and I want to get as many opinions as possible before I plunk down my hard earned money.

Sure, I could just buy one of each, but then I would have to sell the others.

Thanks for the thoughts.

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C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
The WH liner locks are excellent, nice and thick. On the T12 it is over half the thickness of the blade itself.

The Synergy slim is not only thinner, but has no clip or lanyard hole as well. A sleek and comfortable knife, I am going to get a second when Jim and the folks offer the slim in one of the "Eddie Van Halen" color designs.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA


 
I don't want to give the impression that the T12A won't stand up to work, it is just that I do tend to baby a hand rubbed finish. The knife is a real jewel, and just as tough when you get down to it.

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA


 
I own two SpeedTechs, a hand-ground (by Allen Elishewitz) "IPO" stone-wash Tanto in green, and a regular production swept blade satin finish in black. I'm also thinking of getting a Synergy Slim, but I'm hoping for one with the "corporate" finish (purple, with yellow streaks).

Spyderco comprises most of the rest of my collection. The clip on the Synergy is the best I've seen. It's mounted as high up as it possibly could be, and lets the knife ride low. It is wider than other clips, and feels very good in the hand. There's a bump - opposite the lock button - which also helps secure the knife.

That said, I'm thinking of giving myself a Tinives knife for Christmas. I'm just now exploring the world of auto knives....

I'm surprised stjames didn't mention the Chris Reeve Sebenza.
wink.gif
That's usually what one thinks of as a full-size fancy semi-production folder....

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Protect your Right to Keep and Bear Arms!
 
Ewok, looks like you and I are waiting for the same handle to be offered
smile.gif


I was hoping that someone would give some direct input about the Tiknives, I am intrigued as well. But being a California civilian, it is not that high on my list.

Do I really have that much of a reputation as a fanatic?



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James Segura
San Francisco, CA


 
I also wondered why StJames did not say anything about the Sebenza.
smile.gif
I didn't mention them because they really don't "float my boat".

I have actually handled a Ti-Knives "Stars & Stripes, and while it was very ergonomic and lightweight, there were two pretty good size flaws in the pattern. I asked about them because I figured it was just an oversight of the QC dept.(maybe), and thought I could find someone who actually has one.

BTW, what is the Van Halen pattern?

------------------
C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
Jailhack, I was wondering why you didn't even consider the Sebenza. What is not to like about the Sebenza? Could it be the handle? The steel?
 
Jailhack, go to this page http://www.speed-techknives.com/build.html and look at the Liberty and Nandina handle colors options. They remind me of the patterns used on the bodies of the guitars Eddie Van Halen of the Los Angeles Rock and Roll Band Van Halen plays. A kind of splatter art pattern.

And if the Sebenza don’t do it for ya, it is a good thing there are so many great options out there for you
smile.gif
You didn't ask me to chew your ear off about the Sebenza, so I didn't feel obliged to
wink.gif


I think I see a Synergy in your future…

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James Segura
San Francisco, CA




[This message has been edited by stjames (edited 25 October 1999).]
 
I am not saying the Sebenza is not a nice knife, it is. It locks up great and feels nice in the hand. I personally think of it as a very nice user knife, not as a nice looking sort of classy looking knife (that doesn't exactly sound right, but you get the idea).

I have however seen a few decorated Sebenza's that were nice looking
smile.gif


stjames,
That's what I thought you meant, and I would really like to see one in a Purple/Black design.
------------------
C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "


[This message has been edited by Jailhack (edited 25 October 1999).]
 
stjames,

Pretty nice design. The one that really impressed me was the one that Jackyl posted pictures of a while back.

P.S.- Come on guy's, someone must own a Ti-Knives product.

------------------
C.O.'s-"It takes balls to work behind the walls "
 
For light use only -- like a gentleman's knife -- I'd lean towards the William Henry. It's a liner lock, but for light use, who cares? Besides, it's got that gents' folder look to it.

The Speedtechs are awesome, but thicker-edged and handled, for use beyond a gents' folder. If you like them, they seem excellent.

The TiKnives are pretty damn cool, but cost, what, $1000 more than any of those other knives? You sure you're looking to spend that much?

Another knife to consider strongly is the Steve Mullin Pack River folder, there's a bad pic at his site at www.packriver.com I wrote an old review about it, and Cliff re-posted the link in the very recent Pack River thread on this forum. In summary: it performs astoundingly well, great fit & finish, great aesthetics, very sound lockback, 440V flat-ground blade. This may be the knife you should have looked at first! If you get the purple or blue anodized frame, it's absolutely gorgeous.
 
Go with the SpeedTech!!
Fit, form, function, and options. What more can you ask for?
I also own two SpeedTechs, and I use my standard swept point every day. It works hard, stays sharp and will take anything you can feed it!!

You can not go wrong with SpeedTech!!
Just talk to Jim.
 
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