Spyderco Vs. Mcusta Vs. Fallkniven

[J.Mattson]

I don’t like to start threads like this but I could really use some help.

Basically the need has arisen for a small elegant folder. Something with a blade length of 3 inches or less, light enough to be carried in pocket, something of high quality. And something that could be had for under $150, preferably less.

My first thought was to go with something from Spyderco after all they (imo) do “small” knives as good or better then anyone. But I’d like to get something new to me, something that I’ve never had. Spyderco is a known quantity I’ve got lots of them and have had tons of them. So I started looking.

A number of models from Mcusta as well as the Fallkniven P folder with 3G and Cocobolo scales appeal to me.

I really like the Mcusta MC-74D "Take"

The MC-51D

The MC-53D

MC-33D "Take"

And the Fallkniven P folder with 3G

Specs on these knives are hard to find, also some websites seem to contradict each other. One site I visited gave a blade measurement in both centimeters and inches however they didn’t match up…also I’ve been having a hard time finding good pictures of these knives, as we know the standard “stock” photo’s often leave a lot to be desired.

Consequently I would really appreciate it if people who have any of these knives to give me some specifications, like blade length, weight etc. as well as better pictures.

I’m also looking for opinions on them, from searching here on BFC I know that the fit and finish of both brands are good but I really want to know about the lock up (is there any play/wiggle at all?) and the blade centering. Also how is the detent on the knives since I’ll likely be carrying it in my pocket this is rather important.

Lastly how do these knives compare to some other “small knvies I’ve been thinking about namely.

The Spyderco Caly 3 CF

The Spyderco Walker

And the Spyderco Leafstorm

If it was your money what would you choose?


I took the pictures from these sites.
Belisimo .com
Mcustausa .com
Spyderco .com

 

[singularity35]

I'd choose the caly 3 among those but a sage 2 would be my choice for for your given criteria.

 

[J.Mattson]

I'd choose the caly 3 among those but a sage 2 would be my choice for for your given criteria.

I have a sage 2 and a sage 1 for that matter, I’m looking for something else.

 

[StypeCL]

Leafstorm all the way, great little knife!!

 

[GregS]

Mcustas are seriously nice knives, they don't get the attention they deserve. Maybe it's because not many people know how to pronounce "Mcusta"?

 

[J.Mattson]

Maybe it's because not many people know how to pronounce "Mcusta"?

You can add me to that list. In my head it sounds like “M custa“. But I’ve heard it said “Mu Custa”, Mm Custa… I guess it doesn’t really make much of a difference.

 

[puukkoman]

I have a Mcusta Take with ebony handles. It's a great little knife, but I only carry/use it for dressy occasions. I'm sure it's robust enough for most cutting chores, but it's a little on the small side and seems "too pretty."

 

[BJE]

Most people can't pronounce fallkniven either. I will say that the mcusta that I had was an excellant knife with very tight lockup, it felt like quality and had high levels of fit and finish,more attention to detail than any spyderco I have ever owned.
Same can be said for the fallknivens I own, they feel like they are stronger with thicker blades and heavier weight, but they don't feel as finely finished, more in line with spyderco, very good but not flawless. You will get a great knife either way, I would rather own either of the two over another spyderco.

 

[Flashpoint]

If your wanting something different, go with the Mcusta. Great knives, and very well put together. I got one in a trade and have been looking for a deal on another I liked it so much

 

[Jesse B.]

I think the MCUSTA Take (MC-33D) is a popular model, because it does kick a certain amount of ass in its own Japanese way. (P.S. Cutting edge = 2 3/4")
Pros: Aesthetics. IMO it's beautiful and exotic-looking for a production knife. The 'damascus' may be machine-made but they chose an elegant pattern for both the blade and the handle. Build quality and lock-up are both solid.
Cons: Small, slick handle looks nice but is hard to get a grip on -- even with small hands. Best suited for light-to-medium duty tasks. No pocket clip or lanyard hole.

Whatever you do get, kudos for at least venturing outside your comfort zone.

 

[J.Mattson]

I have a Mcusta Take with ebony handles… it's a little on the small side and seems "too pretty."

Small and pretty is good, I’m looking for small, I’m looking for light and I’m looking for something that is nice enough to pass for “folding art” at least within my budget.

Same can be said for the fallknivens I own, they feel like they are stronger with thicker blades and heavier weight

What kind of weight? I cant find accurate information on how much the “P” weighs.

 

[J.Mattson]

I think the MCUSTA Take is a popular model, because it does kick a certain amount of ass in its own Japanese way. (P.S. Cutting edge = 2 3/4")
Pros: Aesthetics. IMO it's beautiful and exotic-looking for a production knife. The 'damascus' may be machine-made but they chose an elegant pattern for both the blade and the handle. Build quality and lock-up are both solid.
Cons: Small, slick handle looks nice but is hard to get a grip on -- even with small hands. Best suited for light-to-medium duty tasks. No pocket clip or lanyard hole.

Whatever you do get, kudos for at least venturing outside your comfort zone.

I understand that the Mcusta Damascus is no more then a decorative feature, I don’t mind that. I’m not so sure about the lack of a clip though, I’ve got tons of SAK’s and slip joints and while they would seem strange with a clip having a one handed folder without one may take some getting use to.

 

[Boozoo Chavis]

You can't go wrong with any of those knives but since you used elegant in your post I would say go for the Mcusta. Those are all great knives but every Mcusta I've handled just screamed elegance, and their fit & finish is second to none.

 

[Dagon]

I have the mcusta Take, the spyderco caly 3 and the walker. I examined the fallkniven P.
Of these the caly 3 is the most hard use. But for what you describe I would choose the wonderful Take. It is perfectly sufficient for most lighter to medium use and super elegant. Btw it was my first "serious" knife and it got me in the hobby.
If you like 2 hand opening knives as well, then also check the brand Moki or the classic patterns by Great Eastern Cutlery.
Finally for a bigger and very elegant edc, check the lovy French chambriard le compagnon (around $100 at worldknives).

 

[J.Mattson]

I have the mcusta Take, the spyderco caly 3 and the walker. I examined the fallkniven P.
Of these the caly 3 is the most hard use. But for what you describe I would choose the wonderful Take. It is perfectly sufficient for most lighter to medium use and super elegant. Btw it was my first "serious" knife and it got me in the hobby.
If you like 2 hand opening knives as well, then also check the brand Moki or the classic patterns by Great Eastern Cutlery.
Finally for a bigger and very elegant edc, check the lovy French chambriard le compagnon (around $100 at worldknives).

The CF ZDP Caly is on my list because I had the VG-10 version for a few months and loved it, I agree with you that it may be the most “robust” of my choices but I’m really not concerned about that, the toughest thing I’d ask this to do is open the occasional blister pack.

I’ve had a Moki and have bought (and gifted) a GEC, both good knives but not “quite” what I’m looking for.

You’ve said you’ve handled the P, what were your impressions of it? Do you recall its weight?


On a side note this might be a good lesson for people (like me) who buy/sell/trade a lot, only keeping something for more then 10 or 12 months if it really clicks. Within the last year I’ve had and sold or traded a CRK Mnandi, a small graphic sebenza and a little William Henry Spear point. Each would have fit what I’m looking for now perfectly and sadly since I’ve got nearly all of my knife budget tied up in pre-orders I cant come close to the funds necessary to get one.

 

[Sal Glesser]

Both Mcusta and Fallkniven will be excellent quality.

sal

 

[Dagon]

> You’ve said you’ve handled the P, what were your impressions of it? Do you recall its weight?

I remember that I liked it quite a bit, but even so I id prefer their compact backlocking folders.

What would be really cool for you is a Klotzli. But you won't find them within your budget.

I still think that the Mcusta should please you. FYI I have the Take in a more red/brown kind of hue. Both variants are lovely though.

 

[bammann45]

I have the Caly 3 (non-zdp) and the Fallkniven P1 (same one as in the picture). Both are *very* nice knives. For pure utility sake I would pick the Caly - for more traditional gentlemen's knife w/out a clip, I would pick the Fallkniven. I have large hands and find the Caly more ergonomic. I don't own any Mcusta but I've been looking at them myself.

The P1 is very light. The only concern I've had with it is the scales/metal etc are very smooth, so I am sometimes nervous about it sliding out of my pocket.

 

[J.Mattson]

I have the Caly 3 (non-zdp) and the Fallkniven P1 (same one as in the picture). Both are *very* nice knives. For pure utility sake I would pick the caly - for more traditional gentlemen's knife w/out a clip, I would pick the fallkniven. I don't own any Mcusta.
I will say I have large hands and find the Caly more ergonomic.

What are the odds you could throw up some “at home/in hand” pictures of your knife? And you don’t happen to have a scale do you?

 

[Brisket]

For me it would be the Caly 3.

I'm a big fan of the Fallkniven fixed blades, but the folders just don't excite me as much as available alternatives.

I have never owned a Mcusta unless you count the Browning Ice Storm made by Mcusta but they are certainly elegant looking folders and have an excellent reputation for quality. Realistically though a Mcusta folder in my collection would remain a safe queen as it just seems to pretty to be a user.

The Caly 3 on the other hand may be the perfect EDC knife. While undeniably attractive it doesn't look like it belongs cradled in an exotic wood case lined with velvet inside a room that smells of rich mahogany and congac not that there is anything wrong with that. The ergos are superb and the size and shape is perfect for EDC. The leaf shaped FFG blade of ZDP-189 clad in 420J2 just screams that it is built for show and go. I also have preference for back locks over liner locks.