What production knives have the nicest finish?

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I just got a Spyderco Caly3 with CF scales and the laminated ZDP blade and some Rosarms knives and I am quite impressed with the finish on both companies products. I especially like the mirror finish on the Rosarms. They have a mirror finish on the flats and a nice satin on the bevels. Neither were quite up to the level of a fine custom but both far exceeded what I am used to.

The mirror finish on the Rosarms is something I have not seen on a knife for a long time. I know some Pumas used to have a nice mirrored finish but I have not seen anything like the Rosarms finish on any other production knife.
Pasrtly I am sure it is style ,for a long time black blades were the in thing but I have really taken a liking to shiny so I am wondering what other production knives have a great mirrored finish and also above average fit and finish?

Here is a poor pic of some of my new Rosarms. They don't really do the finish justice though.
P7050056.jpg


I have also noticed most companies are doing the satin finish across the blade rather than end to end which is much nicer and hides scratches better. Even the Spyderco does it that way. I would also b interested in any production knives finished lengthwise?
 
:thumbup: Those are some really nice fixed blades Unsub! For me the most well finished production knives are Spydercos for modern high tech knives and Queen Cutlery for traditional knives.
 
I have been wanting a classic slippie so I will check out Queen cutlery.
Here is the Caly3
Caly3CFZDP.jpg


Of course Chris Reeve should get a mention about fit and finish and the very tight tolerances but the actual finish on the only CR knife I have is a stonewash that is nice but not shiny. I must have been a raven in a past life or something because shiny cars ,knives or bits of metal all are totally fascinating.
 
A good mirror polishing should give a non-distorted reflection.
It should also reflect a sharp image in true black tones.
Most production knives no longer care for mirror finishes as it is an expensive finishing, which also shows up all the flaws of an uneven grounded blade surface.
I recall the old Buck Knives Custom department did quite a good job at this.
 
Considering just the brands that I've owned, I've found that Spyderco and Al-Mar seem to be most consistently at the top of the F&F group for smooth and even fitting of parts, nicely brushed stainless parts, evenly ground bevels, and O-O-B sharpness.

CRK seems to me to have the #1 spot for tight tolerances, a very nice and even working finish on scales and blade, and ease of d/a & r/a by the average Sebenza user.
 
That's a sweet CF Calypso Jr. Unsub! I work with some Ravens they are our high speed guys! The one Al Mar I have does have a nicely finished blade as well. Al Mars seem to be well above average compared to other knives coming out of Japan!
 
Bark River has some pretty impressive F&F- they are gorgeous. Shiny blades, and perfect, scary sharp grinds.
 
The nicest finished knife I've held, and I've held Spydies, CR's, BM's and the like, is the Kershaw Rainbow leek...
 
For fixed blades I like Randalls and folders I have to go with Wm Henry
 
Spyderco Volpe made by Fox Cutlery,Italy
Spyderco Kopas and Schempps made by Moki.
Spyderco UKPK, Golden CO.
 
I am not surprised to see a lot of Japanese and US made knives in the mix.
Girlyman I totaly agree with what you say about a nice mirror polish. The ones on my Rosarms are perfect. I have actually used one as a mirror and their is no distortion at all.
I can't wait for the big 15 inch bladed Kukuris.

I want to check out one of the Klotzi's as well in person.
 
GIRLYmann said:
A good mirror polishing should give a non-distorted reflection.
It should also reflect a sharp image in true black tones.
Most production knives no longer care for mirror finishes as it is an expensive finishing, which also shows up all the flaws of an uneven grounded blade surface.
I recall the old Buck Knives Custom department did quite a good job at this.
Click to expand...

yes buck did do well on satin finishes, joe houser of buck satin finished my strider/buck 880 tanto (cost $20 IIRC, shipping and all) and it looks good, still have that knife too, also satined the pocket clip.
 
The satin finish on my William Henry knives are among the best that I own.

Jeff
 
William Henry hands down has the nicest finish I've ever seen on a production knife. You definately pay the premium for it too.
 
Canal Street Cutlery D'Holder Bowie with a great mirror finish and excellent buffalo horn handle. Of course, I guess this is really a semi-custom knife.

Otherwise, Fallkniven.
 
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