Wally Hayes knives?

T

TheMartialWay

Joined
Jul 2, 1999
Messages
1,347
Hello all,

It's been a while since I have bought a serious hard use "Tactical" knife. I think I am gonna settle down with a Wally Hayes TAC1. Does anyone have any experience with Mr. Hayes' work? I would assume that the quality is way up there concidering that Wally is a MS but I would like to hear about it. How are the grinds, fit and finish, have you put yours through any abuse, how did it hold up? etc. etc. Thanks a lot.
 
I have several pieces by Wally Hayes, including damascus, O1 and 52100, folder and straight. Some are unique and quite "high end" and some are more basic and meant for heavy use [and one 52100 Camp knife quite high end meant for heavy use]. I don't have the Tac 1, although I am considering a variation of the recurve Dominator which looks pretty awesome.
Wally's work is superb. Nobody's work is perfect, but you definately get a master's level of quality from Wally, who is also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.
If the Tac is forged, hardened and tempered like the O1 pieces I have, they will be outstanding performers. His 52100 Camp Knife stood out for special mention in a big comparison test done by KI a few years ago.
Apparently more than a few LEO and SpecOps types think Wally's tacticals are outstanding. And I wouldn't disagree with those folks :)
I haven't used or even seen his 440V, and the Dominator is being offered in that metal as well, I understand.
I think you'll be very happy with anything you get from Wally Hayes.
He's great. I just wish I could afford more of his work :)
 
HJK,

Thanks for the reply.

Also, does anyone know of any issues of "Blade" magazine or "Tactical Knives" magazine that has Featured an article on Wally Hayes? Thanks.
 
Louis,
I'm sure he's been in both, but i can't remember the dates. They were nice but I don't remember them being very analytical or technical. There have been articles elsewhere. Apparently there is a spread in a japanese mag and a big article on his tacticals in a german book [in English]. If you contact Wally directly I'm sure he can give you more particulars. He's easy to talk to by email or phone. If you can't find his site, let me know.
I know there are lurkers out there with experience and opinions of Hayes knives. But they're probably all out chopping or practising with their tacs :)
 
Larry at BladeArt has some of the Hayes knives on his site.
Here's a pic and des. of one. They do look very nice.

Hayes TAC:
5" O1 tools steel blade comes with G- IO scales with grooves and is full tang and then bead blasted. The blade is hollow ground and the tip is convex ground for a stronger tip.
Ships with a kydex sheath.



BladeArt
 

Attachments

  • hayes_tac1.jpg
    hayes_tac1.jpg
    28 KB · Views: 153
Louis, what have you decided?
Have you checked out BladeArt, Triple Aught and The Edge? They usually have some Hayes on hand or on order if Wally is too backlogged.
I've been playing with some of my Hayes knives today. Love them.
That recurve Dominator is calling my name, but I don't think that one is in the cards for me, at least for now.
If you do decide on the tac, will you post your opinion of it?
 
Hi TMW,

There is an article on Hayes' Tac1 in the May 2001 Tactical Knives...the article is entitled "Special Ops Workshorse: The Hayes Tac1...Wally Hayes Newest Creation Meets the Tough Demands of Canadian Law Enforcement" by Michael Janich...the article paints quite a positive picture of the Tac 1 :)

I met Wally at the last Canadian Knifemaker's Guild show...the next show is coming up on October 14th and I am sure he will be there (I hope to pick up one of his knives :D )

Regards,
RL
 
Thanks for the replies thus far, guys.

I spoke to Wally and he is going to be at the NY custom knife show this November. If he has a TAC1 still available I will probably get it. I don't want to say definitely, because I hate going to a show knowing what I am gonna get, kinda defeats the purpose of a show, but there is a very good chance that I will be getting a TAC1 very soon. I will post a review on it in the reviews section when I get it. This will be my first knife from a MS and I doubt it will be a dissapointment;)

I think I have that issue of Tactical knives, I have to go check. Thanks again, keep 'em comin'.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top