Thinking about buying a Chaves 228. Need input from owners

Heartland_edc

Heartland_edc

Joined
May 4, 2015
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Im moving on to my next midtech. The Chaves 228 has been on my radar for quite a while. For those who own/have owned this knife, were you happy with it? How was the fit and finish? Did it come centered? Any lock up issues? Any issues down the road after carrying it for a while? Just want to make sure ill be happy with it if I pull the trigger. The other knife im considering is a Medford 187 dp, but ive noticed they suffer a little on resale value here on the forums. Thats always something I consider before buying new, so its a little tough for me currently. Any input is appreciated!
 
I ended up picking one up recently and I love it. Fit and finish on my sample is near flawless as far as I can tell. The blade is perfectly centered and the grind appears dead even. Mine has a solid lock up and I've experienced no issues in the few weeks that I've had it.
It takes a bit of getting used to as the detent and lock up are some of the strongest I've experienced so far but that just adds to the appeal for me. I've seen complaints of lock stick come up from time to time but I haven't experienced any issues. I don't mind and often prefer a bit of stick so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
It fills my hand well and the beveled edges add to the comfort while holding and using it. The blade is sharp and the tip works well for piercing. The clip hold well and looks pretty cool. Mine did work loose a bit but I just tightened it down and no issues since.
I've no experience with the 187 but I have an Arktika and I love it. I don't think you could go wrong either way but the 228 would be my pick.
 
This is exactly what I was hoping to hear! I think Ive made my decision. Thanks for the input! Cant wait to have it in hand.
 
I've owned 5 228's total.

Beware of Ti scales that do not match. It's happened to me twice with these knives. Very disappointing for a knife that costs $500 ($450 now).

And the blade has next to no point at the tip. But if you're cool with that then there ya go.

But the beefiness of the knife is great. I like a hefty folder. And this one is a brick and a half.
 
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Here is a comparison to some similar knives, 228 is in the middle. The 228 has as good of fit and finish, lock up, and centering as any of the others.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
Got a gen 2 and I'll just say 3 words:
Best.Knife. Ever.
It's absolutely subjective tho, but the looks and the quality of the built just make me vibe.

There is tight, and there is tighter...

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I personally love Ramon's work, I am positive you will love the 228 if a "beefier" knife is your thing. I owned one of the original 228's and liked it but they were too small for my tastes so I just stick with the full framed Redencions. Now here is some almost mandatory Chaves porn

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I just got one as well, also been wanting one for a while. I really liked it at first, although I did immediately question if this could be an EDC for me considering its weight and girth. Woke up the next day and for some reason knew this was THE knife. Been a few days now and I love it just as much. It did develop a little lock stick and very, very slight grit but I've never owned a tight tolerance knife that didn't become a bit bratty a few days in. Cleared up after a day or so of use. My scales are slightly off in color/intensity of the bead blast but I can totally deal with it and most might not even notice- I have a ridiculously high attention to detail.
 
I own a 228 v1 and a dp187, love both knives. Quality is outstanding with both knives. The 187 is obviously longer and needs a little wrist action to flick out. Both are great in the pocket, zero complaints but if you go either route go chaves without question. 187s are more obtainable so you could get one down the road as i did. Enjoy.
 
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