TNT or Chimera

A

AnklePocket

Joined
May 5, 2001
Messages
919
I think that I may have narrowed down my choices for a personal folder (from the many great ones, of course) to the Mayo TNT or D.C. Munroe Chimera. Any thoughts, guidance or opinions for a clueless freak like myself?
 
Those 2 knives are quite different from each other.

Could you tell us what you see as the use your purchase will be put to? Are you going to use it, or just exhibit it? If use it, how much? Are you going to be doing a lot of cutting with it? Cutting what?

While I think Mr. Mayo's knives are good looking, they're intended as hard use knives. Am sorry I don't know what kind of lock the Chimera has, but sort of assume it has a liner lock, like the Krait. The Mayo has a strong frame lock. I don't know what steels/blade materials the Chimera can be built with. The TNT, of course, is Talonite all teh way. Pretty different from any steel.

A little more detail on the life you expect your knife will live -- no, I do not anthropormorphize inanimate objects, it just sound like it -- would be real helpful for those who own one or both to give you the scoop you need to make a sound choice.
 
I'm definitely eyeing up a TNT. For an EDC with class, it would be my first choice, but first, I need a Hossom Bowie.

Luckily, you can usually find Tom & Jerry in the same places. :)

Steve
 
being a law enforcement officer working around salt water and hurricanes..i have owned BOTH knives and have to say Mayo for my money for several reasons, even though both are talonite and titat...
1. utility..the mayo is a user to end all users..you can use it and months later, it looks good as new...not any wear on body or blade
2. lock design..the mayo is a frame lock and the munroe is a liner lock..a frame lock becomes stronger the harder you grip it.
3. blade design..the mayo has a thicker eaiser to remove scratch blade.. not to mention the re-curve it is not a hand rub, i don't think, but very sheen-like in finish that flitz makes look new.
4. clip..the clip of the munore is VERY stiff and made my knife hang almost sideways in my pocket, like a minnow with lips making it VERY hard to draw, while the mayo sits low and easily comes out of the pocket but, also stays put.
5. handle design..with the holes, open back and the rust-proof material, all one has to do, is spray it down and shake it off to clean it up..

to sum it up..mayo is a user and ART to its owner..the munroe is Art with not much utility..this is ONLY my opinion..i would end by saying
the ONLY knife CLOSE to mayo in design utility, material and finish is the m-16 or m-18 in stellite..by Mr. Carson

psss...Tom, you ain't getting no Mr. in the front of your name til i get my other TNT..: )
 
Mayo for sure! Great knife from a great guy. I second everything that underdog said.
 
My main user has been a TNT, since I first got one at the beginning of the year. Underdog summed it up well. It's a TNT hands down fo' me!
 
So I own a TNT and a Blue/Black G10 Chimera. I've personally met both makers and they are both nice guys and great to deal with...except Tom's dog always has to see what's going on when I'm trying to walk around the shop ;)

I think the people who ask "What are you carrying it for" have it right. I think the Chimera is nice and artsy and something I would use, but really don't - it's one of the knives that sit in my knife case and I look at and enjoy. I think the TNT is well built, tough, something I do carry and do use - it's one of the knives that sit in a pocket sheath in my drawer that I carry and enjoy.

So, if you're of the school that this is a $500 knife and you better as hell be carrying it and using it, go with the TNT. If you're of the school that this is a $500 knife and you want something that looks pretty to show off, but the Chimera. I honestly don't think you'll be dissapointed with either knife or either maker.

~Mitch

Oh yeah, if you wanna see pics, go to my Hobby page.
 
I peeled fifty pounds worth of spuds when my TnT
arrived its been clipped to my pocket 18 hours a day since...
 
Anyone who knows anything about the nature of my relationship with that miserable old surf bum knows I would only carry one of his knives if it was the very best of its kind. It is and I do... :)
 
new to the lineup!

Med_Hawkbill_No.jpg


:):):)
 
Okay, I'll be the freak here.

First, let me say that Tom makes great knives, as everyone knows. My dream TnT would be an XXL Tanto TnT. Since the odds of that ever happening are probably slim to none, I'll probably eventually buy an XXL Recurve.

But right now I've got a rather nice Chimera. I've owned it for several months now, and even though I carry 2-3 knives with me daily, I rotate my daily carries quite often,....with the exception of the Chim. The Chim is ALWAYS with me. It's just that good. It's incredibly light, yet cuts like a much heavier knife. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, and I love the profile/styling of this piece. Is is as strong as a TnT? Probably not. But that's why I'm buying a Strider GB and a Strider AR; for pocket prybars. My Chim does the fine cutting work. It's a wonderfully well crafted knife, and I'd highly recommend one to anyone interested.

So buy the TnT,.....and buy a Chimera. I think you'll find that they're pretty much entirely different animals, and that they're both very worthy of your time and money.

One can never have too many expertly crafted blades. At least I can't. :)
 

Attachments

  • chimsunset.jpg
    chimsunset.jpg
    21.6 KB · Views: 197
I would say buy the Chimera first.... they will not get any cheaper ;)

I had both, sold the TNT (very nice knife but too small) and kept the Chimera. IMO you get bigger knife for the money. The liner lock is not a problem either since it is very thick - almost like the frame lock.

lock.jpg


David
 
I have a Chimera and IMO its the best buy for custom folders.Materials and workmanship are first class.You can't go wrong getting one.I've never handled a TNT but its on my purchase list in the future.I have only heard good things about them.
 
That's IT!!

I cant STAND it anymore!!!

You struck a nerve:eek:

You will have mail later,

Neil
 
The only obvious solution is to get both. My wife will be so excited. Am I correct by saying, "It's only money."? Might as well throw a Mini Maxx into the mix.
Now that I think of it, my wife may stab me with a $2 pair of scissors just to make a point.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top