The Bears' Den--Shirogorov Showcase

[ChazzyP]

On serials, The 2-3 character alphanumeric are the CNC id stamped onto the insides of the handles to mark which one goes with the other as a pair.

Bearing indication is stamped usually on the top of one side as a symbol. Except MRBS which are printed in these letters "MRBS" and depending on which model-- some are stamped on the lower side of the handle on the lockside, like the 111.

Other markings on the insides are usually the CDs and Collaborations. But not always inside as was with the earlier models in these tiers. Especially these days with all the internal hollow milling or due to use of CF.. can't have all that much engraving inside or on the material to still be aesthetically pleasing.. For these they usually go on the outside or the blade itself.

I figured you'd know and show up here with the correct answer, a_d. Guess I got lucky with my second guess which I posted over on another thread where tuica posed the same question.

 

[tuica]

Thanks Chazzy and anvil den for this important information. Have a great week.

 

[anvil_den]

That was the thing with that RDD I passed on. It would have sent me into another price range--which would have been ok on its own--but I needed to figure out if I could make myself carry and use it. I've been trying to avoid drawer queens and in the end didn't want to tie up that much in a knife just for fondling. Looking back, I probably should have grabbed it, made the the carry decision, and proceeded accordingly. Oh well...

I would rate the CF RDD to be more "carry-able".. finishing on blade and CF would make it less susceptible to scratches and wear. Only theclip side is still the same ti as the full ti RDD. It's a little more casual and sporty as well and pricing wise -- tend to be lower than its ti sibling. The vanax37 edge is just as pretty straight out of the box but I honestly cant tell how it fares against the S90 version on the ti. If you ask me-- it's really hard pressed to tell which I really like better but push comes to shove.. I'm definitely breaking out the CF for use first.

 

[alude904]

So I’m confused. I’ve tried to do as much research online, read through this thread and even on Shirogorov’s own translated forums but I still don’t know if my recent pruchase is a three bears. I read a post saying it depended on the materials used and even gave the full breakdown on such materials (which would peg my recent purchase as a three bears). But then I was told by recon1 that mine was not and that three bears are between a custom division and a full custom (not production) and generally run about $1500+

Mine is the F3R with orange carbon fiber scales, MRBS and M390 blade (new style clip and blade grind)

Thanks for the assistance!

 

[Ajack60]

So I’m confused. I’ve tried to do as much research online, read through this thread and even on Shirogorov’s own translated forums but I still don’t know if my recent pruchase is a three bears. I read a post saying it depended on the materials used and even gave the full breakdown on such materials (which would peg my recent purchase as a three bears). But then I was told by recon1 that mine was not and that three bears are between a custom division and a full custom (not production) and generally run about $1500+

Mine is the F3R with orange carbon fiber scales, MRBS and M390 blade (new style clip and blade grind)

Thanks for the assistance!

My 3 bears F95 was 1100.00. From my understanding, the three bears means there are more little features that are just under the CD division. And that they are the best production knives they offer. I've got a ME frag 95 and a T95 that have the newer milling on the slabs and newer COA cards. I don't know if the cards have been changed to exclude the bears rating.
My F3R from Recon1 is the same as yours and no it is not a 3 bears rated knife. It is lacking some details. I don't think I've seen a Neon with a 3 bears rating.

 

[Qbert_72]

3 Bears = Premium Steel M390, Vanax 37/MRBS/Internal milled frames

 

[alude904]

Lol. Two conflicting responses so far. Thanks for the input so far.

 

[ScooterG]

I sometimes wonder where these terms like “3-Bears” come from.

Here’s one...tell me what “Connoisseur” means in the Shirogorov world (in reference to F95 Connoisseur).

 

[ChazzyP]

My understanding is that, starting at the "low" end, the hierarchy progresses from the serial production knives to Three Bears (like the serials with more detailing), on to Custom Division knives, and ending , at the top, with full customs.

 

[anvil_den]

My 3 bears F95 was 1100.00. From my understanding, the three bears means there are more little features that are just under the CD division. And that they are the best production knives they offer. I've got a ME frag 95 and a T95 that have the newer milling on the slabs and newer COA cards. I don't know if the cards have been changed to exclude the bears rating.
My F3R from Recon1 is the same as yours and no it is not a 3 bears rated knife. It is lacking some details. I don't think I've seen a Neon with a 3 bears rating.

Some one else asked and the official response (given elsewhere which I put down here)
NeOn Ultra Lite - 1 bear
NeOn Lite - 2 bears
HatiOn - 2 bears
F3R - 3 bears

But frankly if you ask me-- this latest marketing tier with no. of bears just isn't as clear as differentiation in a Custom division, Collaborations etc...
honestly I haven't tried going after any of these new ones so far ever since they came out with this classification.

 

[anvil_den]

Got picked by Shiro to be the first in their first ever pass around knife (at lest for international fans, there is another piece going around within Russia). Their new micarta in lay F95 NL

I noticed their edge straight out of factory has improved a lot in the past 2 years at the Collab and CD level but haven't really handled a new production recently. Seems they are applying the same with the prodo as well.

in all honesty I didn't think much of the green micarta in lay when this knife first appeared but am really liking the texture and hand feel when using it now.

 

[knoefz]

Great shots A anvil_den !
Be gentle with it, It should arrive at my door after a few stops on various continents too
Can you compare it's action to some others out of your amazing Shiro collection?

 

[ponykid]

simple beauty. form following function very nice. I like the micarta inlays .

pcs are exquisite. wherever you are living your life looks like a dream

 

[ChazzyP]

All of a sudden we have 3 of these new F95NLs on this page with those belonging to @CPP and @toal299 along with A anvil_den 's pics of his turn with the international pass-around knife. Like a_d, I was kinda meh when I first saw the Micarta-inlayed slabs, but the little I read and the more I looked at the knife the more I thought it was pretty cool. I'm a big fan of Micarta--it feels just great and warm in hand, and the rougher canvas finish affords a great grip. Like CPP said above, when it gets too dirty and slick, a little soap and water wash with a brush restores it to almost brand-new condition. I've washed my Python more than once to great effect.

Anyway, I sold my beautiful Tabargan drawer queen the other day and put a thread in WTB looking for an F95R 3 Bears in Vanax 37 and blue-over-bonze ano. I got a message the same day from someone who had two to sell--one like I mentioned and another in M390. I originally wanted just a plain grey Ti to better match my NeOn UltraLite, but fell in love with the blue/bronze looking at the SB website. The knife he offered had been sharpened and had a very light blade scratch so the price was super attractive. I pulled the trigger yesterday, the seller shipped UPS Overnight, and I got it this afternoon. The sharpening job is excellent--mirror polish at factory angle and the scratch is negligible. The blade is also the 3.5 mm stock, so the knife is sure to be wicked slicey. Here's the new kid on the block....

I don't know the Russian word for standoff, but using Google at the SB website it comes out in English as "bonka".

Super serious and intricate interior milling--the knife looks good inside and out.

Just gotta love a Shiro blade...

 

[anvil_den]

knoefz, I could have shown it to you couple weeks back when I was in Amsterdam
Nah..I thought about it but didn't want to risk carrying it on that trip in case something should happen to the NL.

action wise-- light detent, very snappy and drops like a guillotine. Like most of the newer Shiros, couldn't see much differences externally if comparing to their 3rd gen prod (from around 2014 onwards). Older prodo imo tend to have stiffer/ harder detents-- not a bad thing because I actual prefer those for daily carry/ use EDC.
Maybe this one was meant for the NL World Tour, so they gave it a little extra special edge treatment? -- overall it is comparable with the sharpness they have been giving to the newer collabs, less the polished shine (I haven't bought a prodo last couple years so cannot compare directly with those). You have the USN111 -- The edge on this NL with the Elmax is keener than that and I would say the sharpness on the M390 of that 111 wasn't too shabby to start with.

But what I really like was the micarta. Expecting a certain level of roughness as I am used to the cf in lay on my F95 edc.. the sensation was quite different and pleasant. It's smooth but doesn't slip. Lock up is early and like many Shiro now-- you can push it in a little more. I seen some comments and feedback on that but I think it is intended rather than an issue owing to how they grind the lock face and set it.


ponykid,
Pics can be so deceiving -- especially now I have matstered the art of photo editing. Reality - this is one of the few spot where I can find respite on this little overdeveloped island I am living that is almost devoid of sufficient natural growth... hopefully they leave the place alone for the next few years and I can make use of the watery background for a few more knife pics.

Last 2 pics and now its of to the second tester also here in SG and should be on it's way to other countries soon...

 

[ChazzyP]

knoefz, I could have shown it to you couple weeks back when I was in Amsterdam
Nah..I thought about it but didn't want to risk carrying it on that trip in case something should happen to the NL.

But what I really like was the micarta. Expecting a certain level of roughness as I am used to the cf in lay on my F95 edc.. the sensation was quite different and pleasant. It's smooth but doesn't slip. Lock up is early and like many Shiro now-- you can push it in a little more. I seen some comments and feedback on that but I think it is intended rather than an issue owing to how they grind the lock face and set it.

Nice pics and info, a_d. I posted this morning and Tom has very kindly included me in the pass-around. I really like the two-sided Micarta on my F3 Python and am looking forward to seeing what the inlays feel like on an F95.

Being likely the easternmost US participant in the pass-around, I have a feeling I'll be getting stuck with the international shipping charge to send the knife to knoefz . No worries, though, glad just to have a chance to check it out, and I'll make sure it's in tip-top shape if I end up shipping to you, Jeroen.

As far as being able to push the lock-bar over, a_d, I've notice the same thing in my NeOn UL as well as my more recent F95R. My older knives are not like that. I too, think it's intentional, perhaps as an extra bit of safety on knives that generally feature very early lock-up. The 95R has an over-travel stop in the positive direction, so I can't push the lock-bar in so far that unlocking is a problem. The NeOn doesn't, but I can't push it farther than about half way. I read some where that the optimal angle for the tang on frame- and liner-locks is 7 degrees, but the angle on both those Shiros would appear, by eye, to be somewhat less than that.

 

[knoefz]

...
Being likely the easternmost US participant in the pass-around, I have a feeling I'll be getting stuck with the international shipping charge to send the knife to knoefz . No worries, though, glad just to have a chance to check it out, and I'll make sure it's in tip-top shape if I end up shipping to you, Jeroen.
...

Nice that you're in too Chazzy!
I'd be happy to trade my import tax and customs handling bill for you int shipping bill if I'm the first EU member te receive the package
That should ease the pain for you

 

[ChazzyP]

Nice that you're in too Chazzy!
I'd be happy to trade my import tax and customs handling bill for you int shipping bill if I'm the first EU member te receive the package
That should ease the pain for you

I'd forgotten about all the duties, taxes, etc that you guys pay over there, knoefz, so I should just stop my whining. Whenever I buy something from your side of the pond the amount of discount I get by not having to pay the VAT just amazes me. Us Yanks complain about our taxes but Euros invented them and got us beat by a mile.

It's cool watching the NL travel around the globe and seeing it show up on its second continent now. Its progress dovetails nicely with your signature quote.

 

[alude904]

what is the difference between..
a F95R

and

a F95 with milled handles, m390 blade with “new blade grind”, mrbs, new clip

Besides the time that they were manufactured

 

[tuica]

Grateful for all of the great Shirogorov information posted here. I thank thee.