What is the smoothest action on a custom folder you have seen?

While my Chris Reeve Small Sebenza is smooth, my William Henry T-10CF is smoother and faster, but someone in this thread mentioned a J.W. Smith folder and if that's John W. Smith I'd offer up the following opinion:

Oh My God! I held a small John W. Smith folder at Southcoast Cutlery and while it was WAY (I mean WAY) out of my price range I was awestruck looking at the overall construction. This knife was way into the realm of great art on an absolute basis, nevermind knifeart.

Just my opinion (I'd hope to be John W. Smith's apprentice, but will never be worthy)

jmx
 
WOW, Those Chews are amazing, that's just what I need, a covert spitfire (or other hidden release DA) want to let one go, Please???
mmtmatrix
 
1. Larry Chew and his disciples-Davidson,
Duncan, and Vagnino

2. Stan Fujisaka.

3. George Gibo

4. Ken Onion

5. Pat Crawford

In no particular order after #1. All of these guys are SMOOTH!

Daniel
 
Larry Chew is simply in a class by himself. Kudos to the guys smart enough to license his mechanism...

bakcaspitfire.jpg
 
A Mel Pardue button lock (original design of which 12 were made).
Heads above any other folder that I own. Larry's are smooth (I own three but this particular knife is even smoother.)
 
1. Simonich Talonite Carnivour(only 33/34 made)
2. Larry Chew(all)
3. DDR Stilleto & Talonite EDC(w/Rob S.)
3. Ken Onion Boa
3. Carson(all)
3. Mayo TNT

:D :D :D

Bill
P.S. Have handled Phil B., Duncan & Davidson - all very good too!
 
I'll have to agree also on the Boguszewski Cobra, i still cant belive on how smooth and quick this knife actually is... with just flick of the flipper the blade comes swinging out with authority...great lock up and just as important the knife stays closed with no fear of it opening up in your pocket
 
No contest for me....a J.P. Moss stag handled buckeye folder. It is a traditional lockback...no thumb stud...just a nail nick...but it is like drawing a silk scarf across a teflon pan...no drag or pulling at all!!! This knife walks and talks with the best of em and locks up tigh as a drum.

I can't figure why more people don't talk about his knives...his work is second to no other knifemaker. You will not find a flatter surface on his blades from anyone else. His grinding is absolutely Flawless!!! It's wortha looky-see guys...I own six of his knives and am awaiting number 7.

Bpman
 
1. JW Smith's stuff is always very smooth. Only own one but have handle quite a few at shows.
2. Kit Carson's stuff (3)
3. My Wm Henry folders are also (2)
4. Lightfoot folders (2)

I haven't had the pleasure of handling any of the "bearing" setups, like Chew and Duncan, but would sure think they would have to beat a bushing setup once broken in.
 
I have a number of very smooth folders that I think are the absolute smoothest and softest that I have seen with perfect tight lockup in all directions.

But the one that comes to mind is made by Art Washburn:

washburn_gents_ivory.jpg



I love it..
 
well,
i am back..just amazed that the cobra is not in EVERYONE'S top 2..here is a pic..most of the knives posted here are smooth..but, they requite constant pressure, ever so light to get them open or a hard flick..if you want to define smoooooooooooth..still no one nowhere can beat this knife..one tap and the blade flies open...with no offense to anyone NO flipper can touch it..and i have had all of the current custom makers of the flipper and NONE come close!
 

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I've had extra-smooth, one-hand folders from Kit Carson, Shane Taylor and Darrel Ralph. Smoothest I've ever handled was a Dunkerley.

-w
 
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