Rob Simonich
Big Bear
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 2,294
I would add my two cents worth but I dont have the time as I have a hundred or so Talonite neck knives to make. 
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Where has Talonite gone? Was it just a passing fad with users?
- Thread starter Sid Post
- Start date
I have been able to pick up 3 small Talonite knives made by Trace Rinaldi: two Gambits and a small Wharncliffe or sheepsfoot (I'm not sure what he would call it). These knives are in use all the time.
The Wharncliffe(?) is just about my favorite knife. It sits in the desk drawer and gets used several times daily, especially when I need a precise cut. The edge stays sharp and it slides very nicely on some of the rag papers I use for printing photos. It seems to cut with less drag.
I think I need one for the kitchen too.
So, as folks no longer need their Talonite blades, let me know; I'll probably buy them (especially from Trace or Rob).
Mike
The Wharncliffe(?) is just about my favorite knife. It sits in the desk drawer and gets used several times daily, especially when I need a precise cut. The edge stays sharp and it slides very nicely on some of the rag papers I use for printing photos. It seems to cut with less drag.
I think I need one for the kitchen too.
So, as folks no longer need their Talonite blades, let me know; I'll probably buy them (especially from Trace or Rob).
Mike
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 1,774
So Mike! You getting flooded with E-mails from people selling thier Tal. Blades? Didnt think so!
Glad your Tal. blades are working well for you bud...
Glad your Tal. blades are working well for you bud...
I agree with roshi. It's a money thing. The relatively high cost of the materials dictate that the talonite-bladed knives, like the damascus-bladed knives, will not be made for a mass-market.
Buyers with the means to satisfy their need for a blade with specific properties (e.g., high corrosion resistance and/or longer MTBS-Mean Time Between Sharpening) will continue to be in the market for talonite and continue to pay a premium for the option. There are probably those who also desire talonite for its "exclusivity" (if there's such a word).
The situation seems similar to the market for damascus blade knives which are usually purchased more for their beauty than anything else. I wouldn't consider the damascus blade a passing fad. It continues to be crafted to supply the market of collectors willing to pay extra.
Some knifemakers may limit their use of talonite for economic business reasons: a lower profit margin due to the relatively higher acquisition cost of the material and the relatively higher cost to grind and finish the blade.
I have a Camillus Talon and Mini-Talon, as well as, a David Boye Dendritic Cobalt folder. I've carried and used them all sporadically not because they're unserviceable knives but rather because I want these good knives to last long enough to be passed on to future generations (toothed II, etc.).
Buyers with the means to satisfy their need for a blade with specific properties (e.g., high corrosion resistance and/or longer MTBS-Mean Time Between Sharpening) will continue to be in the market for talonite and continue to pay a premium for the option. There are probably those who also desire talonite for its "exclusivity" (if there's such a word).
The situation seems similar to the market for damascus blade knives which are usually purchased more for their beauty than anything else. I wouldn't consider the damascus blade a passing fad. It continues to be crafted to supply the market of collectors willing to pay extra.
Some knifemakers may limit their use of talonite for economic business reasons: a lower profit margin due to the relatively higher acquisition cost of the material and the relatively higher cost to grind and finish the blade.
I have a Camillus Talon and Mini-Talon, as well as, a David Boye Dendritic Cobalt folder. I've carried and used them all sporadically not because they're unserviceable knives but rather because I want these good knives to last long enough to be passed on to future generations (toothed II, etc.).
- Joined
- May 12, 2001
- Messages
- 2,947
Agree with Gator 97, my talonite fixed blade behaved like a soft steel knife. Maybe the blade geometry was not optimal - full flat grind. The knife lost it's razor edge rather quickly too, but that is something other talonite users have said happens.
I have not given up on Talonite, but prefer steel for now.
I have not given up on Talonite, but prefer steel for now.
Concerning Talonite, we have to give credit where credit is due and that is to our old friend Dr. Walt Welch. Some of you don't even know who he was. Walt was my all time favorite poster on these and the early forums. He was as interesting and provocative, (and could piss one off! ), as he was intelligent. He also was the one who in collaboration with Bald1, (Bob Allman), and the great work of Rob that put Talonite knives into our hands. He acquired some pieces of the material and commissioned Rob to make the first pieces. I miss the ol' generous dude!
Talonite has been discussed to death but it is still one of my all time favorite blade materials. It holds a nice edge for a long time. It is easy to resharpen and as folks above have already mentioned, it's fabulous corrosion resistance. I stroppe mine on a writing tablet back and it seems to cut forever! No, it does not make a good chopper but it does CUT AND CUT!
Everybody wants "new" and sometimes new doesn't mean better. The "new blade material on the block" will always be popular for awhile just like Talonite was and still is.
I'm a stainless fan and I still like AUS-6, AUS-8, ATS-34, 440C and all the rest of the old standby's. They all are inexpensive and good steels. Yes, Talonite IS expensive but I believe it will be around forever and I will always own a Talonite knife!
), as he was intelligent. He also was the one who in collaboration with Bald1, (Bob Allman), and the great work of Rob that put Talonite knives into our hands. He acquired some pieces of the material and commissioned Rob to make the first pieces. I miss the ol' generous dude!Talonite has been discussed to death but it is still one of my all time favorite blade materials. It holds a nice edge for a long time. It is easy to resharpen and as folks above have already mentioned, it's fabulous corrosion resistance. I stroppe mine on a writing tablet back and it seems to cut forever! No, it does not make a good chopper but it does CUT AND CUT!
Everybody wants "new" and sometimes new doesn't mean better. The "new blade material on the block" will always be popular for awhile just like Talonite was and still is.
I'm a stainless fan and I still like AUS-6, AUS-8, ATS-34, 440C and all the rest of the old standby's. They all are inexpensive and good steels. Yes, Talonite IS expensive but I believe it will be around forever and I will always own a Talonite knife!