Three Sisters Forge: TSF Tactical

D

DavidTGM

Joined
Feb 28, 2010
Messages
18
Alright, here's the knife!
This is a Three Sister's Forge Tactical.
The specs are as follows:
7" OAL
3" blade, CPM S35NV, .120 thick
Hollow ground
False top edge
Bead Blasted and then Stone Washed
.120 thick Titanium handles with Water Jet grip
Titanium clip
IKBS bearings
img1845sh.jpg

img1848f.jpg

img1823st.jpg

img1849y.jpg

img1812k.jpg


Review:
This particular model is left handed and features a jet black custom finish (both are options that cost a little extra).

The construction is exceptional, the lockup is extremely stiff and has no blade play whatsoever even with a lot of force applied. Also, since the blade stop has an off-centered hole, you can adjust your lock up for an even stiffer one (or looser but jeeze...).
The IKBS bearings are extremely smooth and make the knife a contender with most automatic knives when it comes to opening speed.
The clip is very stiff (thank god since it stops the framelock from over bending) and it can be damaging to pants like the benchmade clips.
The longer thumb stud is very nice for an easy opening when you're outdoors wearing thick gloves.
The knife came with a mirror polished edge, hair popping sharp.



In function, the knife is perfect. When it comes to looks, it has very minor inconsistencies unlike the sebenza. Let's keep in mind that every one of these knives are hand made (blade is hand forged) by one man and that the MINOR imperfections just add to the rugged character of the knife.

Also, keeping in mind that Three Sisters Forge has enough knowledge to make and sell forges, the quality control of the heat treating is exceptional.

If you want a knife that can out perform a sebenza and has a better blade steel for 100$ cheaper, this is the knife for you.

http://threesistersforge.com/folder.php?fmPage=61

Don't forget to check out the BEAST as well! If you want a Strider without the shitty customer service.
Oh speaking of service. Lets just say that this guy responds to emails very quickly, is very helpful and has an extremely good warranty (like you'll ever need it...........)
 
I've been very interested in these Three Sisters folders. This is the first one I've seen with a G10 scale, any idea as to the weight? Thanks, and great review!
 
The scale is still in titanium but I opted for a finish that would give the impression that it's G10.
The paint is done at a gun paint shop.

The weight is about the same as the Benchmade 940. so 2.9oz give or take 0.5 oz.
It's not heavy or light but it's very light considering its overbuilt size!

Cheers!
 
Can you explain changing the lock up tension changing more?

And that is a beauty...I might have to add TSF to my short list of "to get" knifes.

Oh, and I'm a lefty too, but I'm used to using righty frame locks. Is having a dedicated lefty worth the extra money?
 
Can you explain changing the lock up tension changing more?
Click to expand...
I believe what DavidTGM meant was the stop pin is'nt perfectly round so if the lock bar has moved too much to the opposite side then a slight turn of the stop pin would bring the lock bar back to an earlier lock up. It would'nt effect the tension of the lock.
I think the Sebenza also has this feature,( an eppiliptical stop pin).
 
DavidTGM, love your tactical. I am the proud owner of a BEAST. Since you mentioned it in your post I hope you don't mind if I add a couple pics of mine. These really are great knives. I can't say enough about the customer service either. Seriously, the best I have experienced.

Here's my BEAST:
DSC01586.jpg

DSC01587.jpg
 
ROBB said:
I believe what DavidTGM meant was the stop pin is'nt perfectly round so if the lock bar has moved too much to the opposite side then a slight turn of the stop pin would bring the lock bar back to an earlier lock up. It would'nt effect the tension of the lock.
I think the Sebenza also has this feature,( an eppiliptical stop pin).
Click to expand...

The stop pin is perfectly round but the hole in which the screws enter the pin are off centered.
The way you adjust the tightness of the lock-up (from what has worked best for me) is to fully tighten one of the two screws and keeping the other one very loose. Once you run out of thread, it will end up pivoting the lock pin. Once you've reached the required lock-up, tighten the opposing screw, locking the pin in place.

Let me know if that makes sense!

To answer your second question, owning a left hand committed framelock is definitely a treat! I much prefer pushing down the framelock than pulling it up. Of course it's not a hassle to do so but I do believe if you really like knives (like all of us), you should really consider getting a knife dedicated to your southpaw needs!

Also, I can't put into words how amazing the service is. it's much more satisfying to purchase from TSF directly than it is to buy any knife from a store/website.

Edit: Thanks for posting the beast! How does it hold up to daily tasks with that huge blade?
 
Last edited:
lklemz said:
Oh, and I'm a lefty too, but I'm used to using righty frame locks. Is having a dedicated lefty worth the extra money?
Click to expand...

In my view, yes. There's a reason righty knives are configured the way they are for right hand use. You get the same benefits in left hand with a dedicated knife.
 
DavidTGM said:
Edit: Thanks for posting the beast! How does it hold up to daily tasks with that huge blade?
Click to expand...

To be honest I haven't really carried it around too much. I kind of wish the clip was a little tighter. I gotta figure out a way to tighten it up some. I'm going to thin up the edge a little bit more as well. Then I think it will get some more pocket time.

I've got several folders but for some reason I always end up with a Vic Farmer in my pocket. Not a dig on any of the other knives, just seems to be what I reach for the most :)
 
smcclown05 said:
To be honest I haven't really carried it around too much. I kind of wish the clip was a little tighter. I gotta figure out a way to tighten it up some. I'm going to thin up the edge a little bit more as well. Then I think it will get some more pocket time.

I've got several folders but for some reason I always end up with a Vic Farmer in my pocket. Not a dig on any of the other knives, just seems to be what I reach for the most :)
Click to expand...


Send me an email direct and I'll tell you how to tighten. Those were made to fit on the straps of the vest for Mil & LE, a bit wide. You can also send it back to me and I'll put a tighter different clip on for you.
 
if this is 35v forged it must be a 1st in the industry since i do'nt recall any forging of it;s less involved sister, s30. not a ctiticism but a question. i hardly know of any that forge the cpm alloys.---dennis
 
My tactical came in today and I love it. Can't put it down.

Dealing with Jim has been a real pleasure.

Later: I still can't put it down. I read recently in a thread about either a Seb or a 'Zaan that the person was having trouble opening it and it was suggested, with the design of the knife, one should push forward on the stud rather than up.

I have a 'Zaan, tried it out, and they were correct. I find with my new TSF Tac that the opening goes better if the push is forward rather than vertical.

Am I imagining things?

IMG_0196.JPG


IMG_0194.JPG
 
Last edited:
DavidTGM said:
The scale is still in titanium but I opted for a finish that would give the impression that it's G10.
The paint is done at a gun paint shop.

The weight is about the same as the Benchmade 940. so 2.9oz give or take 0.5 oz.
It's not heavy or light but it's very light considering its overbuilt size!
Cheers!
Click to expand...


Mine weighs 107g/3.75oz, which feels just right.:D
 
These are very robust & "raw" looking folders that have an "all business" look to them.
Thanks for posting the pics.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top