Tighe or Smith Tactical...Need Help Fast!!!

Megalobyte · Sep 19, 2002

Hi all. Im entering into a trade where i can have my choice of either a Tighe-Pan or a JW Smith tactical. Which is the better knife, which is more like the proverbial "bank vault"? Are fit and finish comparable? I need answers quick as the trade is very imminent. Thanks.

rdangerer · Sep 19, 2002

Both very high quality. My preference (backed up with my own dollars) is for JW Smith, based on a slight quality preference and a design preference. But if you like the Tighe design better, then go for the design as Brian's work over past couple years is top flight.

ARtsig1 · Sep 19, 2002

I've never had a Brian Tighe knife but have heard a LOT of good things about him. On the other hand I've got a JW Smith large RC Tactical that is the "cats meow" This is a bigger built knife than what Brian builds in the Tighe-Pan. Big, yet slim and graceful, just the way I like my wom..........uh, knives!

I also have a 2nd Smith on the way, a framelock. Mr. Smith's work has really impressed me!

Megalobyte · Sep 19, 2002

Hi Art. I know youre very outspoken WRT your knives, and so i know you really, REALLY like your Obenauf, how would you say the Smith compares to your Obenauf? Is a Smith built like a Sebenza? (Your other favorite knife)

ARtsig1 · Sep 19, 2002

If I understand this correctly Kit Carson taught both Mike Obenauf and JW Smith the art of building folders. Now while they all three have their own definate style, and I love all three, the fit and finish on each is near identical----meaning about PERFECT! Mike builds a big and wide bladed knife, while the examples I've seen from JW Smith are a bit more slender. Slender in width only though as the thickness is about 5/32". I, like rdangerer, have put my money where my mouth is in regards to JW Smith! If you like Kit's work, you'll like JW's work.

Jeremy Reynolds · Sep 20, 2002

Kit told me he and JW have talked about folders at shows, but never actually gave JW any hands on in-shop instruction on how to build folders. More like friendly tips at shows.

JR

penguinva · Sep 20, 2002

Nothing wrong with Tighe if you like the design better - quality first rate BUT JWS is IMHO as good as any folder maker bar none - Les R. believes he is in the top five and after getting one of his I would agree completely. Whether tactical, presentation or 'ART' knife the execution is near perfection. 20 years from now you'll still be admiring the JWS - the Tighe would be long gone probably!
My humble opinion only!

Bill

ARtsig1 · Sep 20, 2002

for the heads up on the relationship between JW and Kit. I had heard somewhere that Kit had taught JW, but didn't know for sure. JW sure did pay attention to those tips though as holding one of his knives is akin to holding a Carson!