Thoughts On the Lava

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
I handled the Lava (my buddy's) today, and I have a few thoughts on this wonderful cutting tool...

1. The blade type and length are about what I like for EDC: small, leaf-shaped, nice steel.
2. The finger choil is another great addition. I wish the Delica had this feature.
3. The pocket clip would suit me better as a four-way clip since I'm left-handed, but it's great as far as retention and size.
4. I hate the stainless handle. there, I said it. It gets slippery when I get sweaty or wet, and I've found that coins and whatnot in my pocket cause the steel to scratch easily. It's such a turn-off that it's keeping me from buying the knife. If the Lava were made with G-10 or even FRN handles, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Anybody have any thoughts on the Lava? I really like Chad Los Banos' designs, but the stainless handle makes me not want to buy this one.
 
I agree with what you say, except that I like the stainless scales. They give the Lava a little heft, and give it a solid feel like a "real" knife. It cuts like a bigger knife, but still will fit in the little pocket on a pair of jeans. Feels great in the hand. Not much to dislike.

:thumbup:
 
I also agree G10 handle would make one of best knives ever made for me. Cant wait to see it. Its such a great design it demands G10. I'm happy to know its in the process.
 
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You can polish scratches out of stainless (well, most of them anyway).

It also offers interesting possibilities for engraving, etc.

Or you could epoxy something to it to give it more grip.

I've always liked the all stainless Spydies. Really want a Scorpius...

Always too many knives and not enough moolah :D
 
catamount123 said:
There's a G-10 version in the works ;)
Click to expand...

We did have a G-10 concept model at Blade, but please be aware, nothing has really been decided at this point. We wanted to get feedback (like we always do), but it's not considered a prototype at this point. Concept models are used in R&D, but it doesn't mean it's in the works yet.

Just want you to be aware.

Kristi
 
I have multiples of the Lava. The design of the blade is such that the slipperiness of stainless steel is not much of an issue especially with its deep deep choils.

In addition to the couple of S/S models of the Lava, I got 2 more pimped up with micarta with full s/s liners and a wire clip. One in Foliage Green micarta, and the other in Burgundy micarta.

I love them all very much. A G10 linerless version is planned soon (by me and my knife pimper :) )

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My advice would be to go handle one if you haven't already. And if you have....you should go ahead and buy (at least) one.
 
I have handled a Lava and I loved it. It's just that I have to pony up the cash to get one. Everytime I go to get one I end up getting something else instead. There are just too many knives that I want. :)
 
tazkristi said:
We did have a G-10 concept model at Blade, but please be aware, nothing has really been decided at this point. We wanted to get feedback (like we always do), but it's not considered a prototype at this point. Concept models are used in R&D, but it doesn't mean it's in the works yet. /QUOTE]

I can help research the concept model by carrying it every day. Let me know. :)
Click to expand...
 
Stainless is under rated. Any scratches can be polished out and slipperyness is more a concern on bigger MBC models. I have a tufram coated Worker and Police which is as slippery as an eel but the Worker is not an issue. It would be even more so with a big choil like the Lava. All it takes to make a less slippy and very scratch proof finish is some 60 or 80 grit sandpaper with a flat back. Every time the scratches get bad re do it.

Another advantage to stainless is they are very very slim knives.
 
JNieporte said:
I handled the Lava (my buddy's) today, and I have a few thoughts on this wonderful cutting tool...

1. The blade type and length are about what I like for EDC: small, leaf-shaped, nice steel.
2. The finger choil is another great addition. I wish the Delica had this feature.
3. The pocket clip would suit me better as a four-way clip since I'm left-handed, but it's great as far as retention and size.
4. I hate the stainless handle. there, I said it. It gets slippery when I get sweaty or wet, and I've found that coins and whatnot in my pocket cause the steel to scratch easily. It's such a turn-off that it's keeping me from buying the knife. If the Lava were made with G-10 or even FRN handles, I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Anybody have any thoughts on the Lava? I really like Chad Los Banos' designs, but the stainless handle makes me not want to buy this one.
Click to expand...

On the slipperyness of the ss handle, agree with some of the other posters it's not as much of an issue because of the jibbing and the choil on this small knife. I'm putting grip tape on mine. Here's a URL on one way to do it, http://www.instructables.com/id/Grip-Tape-For-Folding-Knives/though I don't think the Lava scales come off as easily as the knife he works on. Best.

Tom
 
Once you get over the stainless steel, it really is an awesome knife. I would like an etched stainless version.
 
It's not an improvement. Instead, I think there is a G-10 Dragonfly in the works... with a reversible clip. Kristi??
 
You can buy grip tape to put on the clip...pretty inexpensive and found at your local hardware store. This is too good a knife to pass up, I love the Lava!

Agent Starling
 
I have been carrying the Lava quite extensively lately. My thoughts have changed slightly - I'm more sure now that what it needs is FRN or even G10 scales. The stainless scales remain a bit slippery, but the rest of the knife is totally cool and grippy. FRN would be awesome.
 
I have a Lava and don't have any issue with the stainless scales. The knife is secure in the hand and fills it well due to the deep coils and wide handle. The package doesn't take up more space than a Dragonfly but is much more comfy IMO.
 
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