The Bears' Den--Shirogorov Showcase

[ChazzyP]

ChazzyP , as I'm unfamiliar with the F95T I'm not on top of the different versions. In your photos I noticed that the jimping is directly atop the primary grind without a flat buffer between. Was this standard or perhaps a customization you commissioned?

I got that knife from Vlad back in November of 2016, CPP . As Shiros of older vintage only came with the customs declaration sheet and no COAs, I have no idea if my knife was a current iteration from that time or an earlier model. I had written to Vlad looking for a Turtle, he found that one for me, and the knife now is just as it came to me back then--no custom work or special order. I had actually asked him to find me one in Elmax to save a few bucks, but he found my knife in M390 and gave me a sweet deal on it. Here's a pic of the knife back in the Motherland that Vlad sent me as he was getting ready to box it up to ship.

 

[marchone]

I've learned a great deal about Shiros here. ChazzyP educated me on the One, Two,and Three Bears tiers since I bought my One Bear F3. I have no regrets, though I dread having to disassemble it to clean with free bearings rolling around. He's exactly right that I'm thrilled with this knife. It's the most expensive knife I ever purchased at $695 but as Henry Royce famously said, "The quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten." Its economy finish (?) compared with higher tiered Two and Three Bear models suits my usage just fine. I don't think I would like it to be lighter in weight. It feels like it's meant to be used. I don't hesitate to grab the knife for anything I've yet done with it although I haven't yet really pushed it. I will when the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime it serves light kitchen duty and sundry other tasks.

I've already dulled it and sent it to Josh@REK. I use my Sharpmaker to touch up the edge till I get a WE130 set up (and learn to use it) later this year. Josh may see it once more between now and then. I recommend his sharpening service.

As I'm not a collector per se, I have no safe queens. I doubt I'd want to use a Two or Three Bear model and scuff the hell out of it. Especially at well over a thou a pop. YMMV.

EDIT: I like my F3 enough that I would love to have a fixed blade version of it. The ergonomics are that good. I’d probably be as happy with the knife if the blade was 1095. It just works for me.

 

[Casinostocks]

I received my newly acquired F3R yesterday, so I just whipped out the current Shiro family for a quick intro photo! The F3R has very subtle orange colors in its CF which are more noticeable under certain lighting. My initial impressions are that it is a great addition, although I was surprised that it is actually a bit bulkier than my F95T(R) and slightly heavier (4.5oz vs 4.3oz). Or perhaps I should've actually expected it because of its liner lock mechanism and a backspacer vs the frame lock mechanism of the Ti handles F95T with its stand off arrangement. The 95T remain my most fave among this mix and with the edge which REK has put on it, the sharpest of the 4 but the other 3 with their factory edges are no slouches by any means! The F3R just like my past HatiOn Lite which has now been sold off, is not as freely dropping as my all Ti models. For those interested in extra data, the 111CF weighs at 5.1oz and the NeOn Lite at 3.2oz.

Apart from the 111CF purely being a vanity thing, the other 3 are very functional flipper EDCs, although the NeON Lite being the best suited for that task where I live in So. Cal. The F3R and the F95T are still large folder but nothing as obnoxiously large like the 111CF

Me very happy

 

[TRfromMT]

I'd love the smaller one (F3?) with CF scales on both sides and no pocket clip as a gentleman's carry.

 

[Casinostocks]

I'd love the smaller one (F3?) with CF scales on both sides and no pocket clip as a gentleman's carry.

The F3R is not smaller than the F95T, if that's what you were referring to? It weighs a tad bit more and it's also a bit bulkier. Would you remove the pocket clip and attach a lanyard? Is that what you meant by gentleman's carry?

 

[TRfromMT]

The F3R is not smaller than the F95T, if that's what you were referring to? It weighs a tad bit more and it's also a bit bulkier. Would you remove the pocket clip and attach a lanyard? Is that what you meant by gentleman's carry?

It looks smaller in the photo. What is the bottom one? I'm thinking of something about 80% of the size (length) of my F95T. Love it in all instances except when dressed up in slacks. I don't currently have a dress pocket knife, so just daydreaming.

EDIT - I'm clearly mixed up on which model is the bottom one.

 

[Casinostocks]

It looks smaller in the photo. What is the bottom one? I'm thinking of something about 80% of the size (length) of my F95T. Love it in all instances except when dressed up in slacks. I don't currently have a dress pocket knife, so just daydreaming.

EDIT - I'm clearly mixed up on which model is the bottom one.

The bottom one in the first & the second pics is a NeON Lite

ETA, yes otherwise the pictured size difference as it appears between the F3R & the F95T are because of the photographic angles.

 

[TRfromMT]

AH. OK. Thanks, Mat.

So what am I looking or that is that knife, but CF slabs?

 

[Officer's Match]

It looks smaller in the photo. What is the bottom one? I'm thinking of something about 80% of the size (length) of my F95T. Love it in all instances except when dressed up in slacks. I don't currently have a dress pocket knife, so just daydreaming.

EDIT - I'm clearly mixed up on which model is the bottom one.

^^^ Sounds like the HatiOn is your answer.

 

[Casinostocks]

AH. OK. Thanks, Mat.

So what am I looking or that is that knife, but CF slabs?

^^^ Sounds like the HatiOn is your answer.

I'm not aware of any current Shiro models which fit in-between their 95 millimeter BL and the smaller NeOn Lite/Ultra Lite and the HatiOn Lite models. I used to have a HatiOn Lite but be aware that is is still a Hati, half CF and half Ti. I also found it to be way too light for me (2.2oz?) and it was not as freely dropping as my NeOn Lite.

Another big factor for me since size and weight were irrelevant was the ability to find a much more "value" oriented deal on the secondary market for the F3R as opposed to the HatiOn Lite. The latter seems to go for more than Recon1 retail and the latter for a much more adjusted price as compared to the full retail price. I am sure that supply/demand is very crucial when it comes to bucking the Shiro prices in the secondary market, but I'm essentially a value shopper. I have always been a value shopper

 

[Officer's Match]

Anybody care to chime in on the 111? I'd like to hear about any carry and usage of one of those big bears. I love my G10 Socom Delta and am actually considering an unusual variant of the 111 (in G10 instead of CF).

 

[Casinostocks]

Anybody care to chime in on the 111? I'd like to hear about any carry and usage of one of those big bears. I love my G10 Socom Delta and am actually considering an unusual variant of the 111 (in G10 instead of CF).

I carry my 111CF (my first ever Shiro which I had snagged from esteemed member CCP) but I don't really use it per se! I had bought that model for a very specific reason other than the "vanity" factor which I had mentioned in a post earlier on. My GSD and I walk off the beaten path on hiking trails in my locale and there are critters around here that I'd feel better if my 111CF was on me during those hikes in addition to my walking stick and my GSD's jaws (please note that I live in a very strict gun-laws State so we shall leave that subject matter at that!). I would never anticipate "using" my 111CF for such manner but as the old adage goes, I rather have it and not need it than needing it and not having it. with the CF handle scales, the 111CF carries at a nimble 5.1oz which is a full oz lighter than say a Millie with full Ti scales!

As far as usages go, I am most comfortable with my much less aggressive NeOn Lite which is the perfect folding EDC for my usage purposes but knowing something about the second hand Shiro market, I won't fault you for prospecting a G10 111 with say Elmax steel which you can snag for less than a NeOn. I'd say that there's lot of value in that 111 as long as it serves a purpose for you.

Here are some older photos for your size comparison purpose:

 

[Officer's Match]

Thank you Casinostocks, actually the one I'm looking at is the other end of the bladesteel spectum - it is Vanex 37, in a grind that looks like the typical 3D fuller groove but without the fuller groove, not the more typical FFG of the Elmax variant. And white G10 - very subtle looking as compared to what I see in the 111's. I do carry on occasion a CKF Kadat, which is also ginormous (see below with a Large Inkosi), so huge is less a turnoff to me than most.

 

[Casinostocks]

I'd say go for it since you also have a penchant for larger folders plus the Vanax 37 steel option is fantastic for that 111

 

[Officer's Match]

I'd say go for it since you also have a penchant for larger folders plus the Vanax 37 steel option is fantastic for that 111

Whatcha' think? (seller's pic)

 

[marchone]

Suave.

 

[ChazzyP]

Whatcha' think? (seller's pic)

I haven't seen one like that--great variation and very appealing. I'd go for it if the price is right for you.

I carry my 111 some and do use it, though not for work as it's a bit big for carpentry. I usually back it up with a more modestly sized second carry in the the bottom of my left front.

 

[CPP]

Whatcha' think? (seller's pic)

Is that a custom or custom division? I've never seen flats like that

 

[Megalobyte]

 

[Curl of the Burl]

Really been liking the Neon UL for EDC. So much so I tried selling it to acquire the Lite version. Seems to be tough selling now without losing a bunch of dollars which is to be expected when buying brand new. I don’t mind a bit since this is an excellent folder and sure’s up my inclination for shiros. It carries so well. I almost forget it’s in my pocket.