Szabo/Reif RAD collaboration! (mucho pix)

[Eric Blair]

Part 1 of a 3 part review.

Today, as promised by my good friend Larry@bladeart.com , I received my new RAD folder. Man, this thing is just fiercely wicked.

New RADs have been unavailable for quite some time. Originally Farid made them for Laci, but no longer. Now Dale Reif makes them, and I'm quite proud to have one of his first two (Thanks Larry!!). Laci has the other.
Laci received the first two earlier this week, and Larry managed to talk him out of one in order satiate my big wicked custom folder addiction. As of yesterday Larry received several more, so there are still a few available. They'll probably go pretty quick, but Larry is now taking orders for these. Take a look at this incredible piece of fighting steel.

The blade is ATS34, and the frame/lock is titanium. Here's some specs:

Length open - 12 1/2"
Length closed - 8 3/8"
Blade length - 7"
Blade thickness - .200
Frame/lock thickness - .160
Weight w/out sheath - 11.2 oz
Weight w/sheath - 13.4 oz

Here's a few shots of the RAD in it's closed position:

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Eric - Thanks for the pics and review. This is the third incarnation of this particular knife I can remember. Can't remember - it was either the '99 or '00 Blade Show, but when I met Laci there he showed me a version that was made by Allen Elishewitz. Then I read the TK review of it, one that was made by Farid. And now, Dale Reif is getting in on the act This kind of surprised me, as this isn't a typical Reif knife

 

[Eric Blair]

Laci has this design dialed-in. I can't get over how perfectly well balanced this blade feels in the hand. The action is somewhat stiff, but it's already breaking in smoothly after my first 20 or so times of working the action. This thing locks-up like a vault door and allows ZERO blade movement. You just can't find a folder that feels more like a fixed blade than this one.

Obviously this is a BIG folder, but it's surprising how well it carries. When residing inside of the waistband just forward of my rear right pocket, it rides very comfortably and doesn't seem heavy at all. Laci designed this piece to be carried, and the the kydex rig is top-notch. I acquired this blade with the intent to carry it often, and I really appreciate the quality/ergonomics of the rig.

These two photos of the RAD in kydex are actual size.

 

[Eric Blair]

I didn't realize that Allen Elishewitz ever made the RAD, Dexter. Thanks for the info! I'll have to ask Larry for the exact history.
Larry,....so what's the scoop?

BTW, Dale Reif did an excellent job on this RAD. The craftsmanship of this piece is outstanding, and it's definitely S3 (Scary Scalpel Sharp).

 

[Dexter Ewing]

Originally posted by Eric Blair
I didn't realize that Allen Elishewitz ever made the RAD, Dexter. Thanks for the info! I'll have to ask Larry for the exact history.
Larry,....so what's the scoop?

Eric - there is a good possibility that the Elishewitz made RAD was a prototype, since it was the first one. Just a thought that crossed my mind....

 

[Eric Blair]

Two of my daily carries are the Emerson Commander and the MT LCC. I've always considered both of these to be large folders,...but I may never think of them this way again now that I have a RAD. Let's take a look at how they both compare to the RAD.

Here's my pet Commander being absolutely dwarfed by the RAD:

...and here's a blade thickness comparison between the same two knives:

Now the LCC:

The RAD blade is exactly TWICE as long as that of the LCC:

The LCC blade is .150 thick, while the RAD blade is .200
The LCC linerlock is .065 thick, while the framelock on the RAD is .160!!

Sure, the RAD is total overkill, but that's what makes it so RAD!
This is clearly a piece for guys who dig Striders and Ryans and Emerson Customs.
Laci clearly designed this RAD to be a folding fighter that you can comfortably keep with you at all times. I've experienced two seperate incidents in my life where I've had to use a knife to defend myself, and I did so successfully each time. If I ever have to again,....I want Laci's RAD with me. It's truly that good of a blade.

 

[MrG]

Eric, thanks bro for all those sweet ass pics! That RAD sure is one big MOFO!! It's definitely a helluva lot bigger than I originally thought...

So how sharp is that puppy? Is it smooth enough to flick open, or do you need to thumb it? How secure is the handle in both reverse and regular grip? Is the swedge also sharpened? Is there a trainer available? I want one; can you buy me one?

Damn you man; I've always loved the idea of the RAD; seeing yours makes me want one now. ARRGHHH!!

 

[Eric Blair]

MrG, I'm glad that you like the pics. The RAD is incredibly sharp, and yes, the swedge is equally as sharp as the blade.

The RAD feels very comfortable and secure with both sabre and reverse grip, however the balance of this piece feels most ideal when using sabre. When it arrived yesterday it was too tight to thumb open comfortably, but I backed off the lockside pivot screw 1/4 turn and now it opens nicely via thumbstud. Flicking it open is an absolute breeze, and is much faster than using the thumbstud. You can see a quickie video of Laci doing so here: www.szaboinc.com/rad1mov.html

I don't know if a trainer is currently available or not, but since this is a Szabo design I'd imagine that there will be a trainer available in the near future. Larry@bladeart.com will surely know.
Hey Larry, are there plans for a trainer?

 

[chess]

Well, there are no current plans to offer a trainer for the RAD, but I'm sure Laci would work it out if someone wanted one...

larry

 

[Eric Blair]

Larry informs me that Dale Reif will also be making the UUK Folder for Laci, and they should be available in September. Cool. I can hardly wait.

Here's a pic of the UUK Folder.