Which production knives reach semi-custom levels?

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heekma

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Jul 2, 2010
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Howdy folks,

So-Lo's post got me thinking, which production knives approach--or even almost reach--semi-custom levels of fit and finish?

For the record, this isn't a back-handed way of saying knives like the Sebenza, Ummnumzaan, Strider, etc. aren't worth the money. I know there's an emotional (pride, satisfaction), intellectual (apprecation) and economic investment in these kinds of purchases, I fully understand and agree with them.

I don't have a CRK--want one though--but I do have a Strider along with a varied collection of Benchmades and Kershaws.

On the Benchmade side, I think the Snody Gravitators as well as the Skirmish come about as close to CRK quality as a production knife can come. Not quite all ther way there, but all things considered, pretty damned close.

I don't think all Benchmades reach this point, not by any stretch. I do think the couple I listed do though. Which Spydercos and Kershaws do members think reach this point as well?

This post isn't meant to imply that certain models from manufacturers are the equal of the semi-custom manufacturers, but rather to celebrate the models that production companies really went above and beyond on, the special ones that are the exceptions to their general rules of materials, design, fit and finish.

Best,

Heekma
 
You might want to check out ANZA knives, made just outside of San Diego, Ca.
A former long-time BUCK employee, he makes his knives out of old Nicholson files.
NOT something you see everyday for sure.

Steve
 
Obviously the Gen 3 XM-18s come to mind.
I also think about the new Damascus delica from Spyderco. Fit/finish is excellent, file work on spine and finger choil not something you see everyday on a production knife. Also received a RatManDu lately. I think the production quality on those is at the top too.

Just my 2 cents which is really only worth 1.5
 
The ones I have found that reach a new level in production knives are
Spyderco Gayle Bradley
Spyderco Perrin PPT
Spyderco Sage series
These are just incredible knives for the price. The GB is hands down one of my favorite folders of all time.
 
I agree with your opinion of the Skirmish. I had a limited edition mini with a goldish anodized finish and it was a beautiful knife. Very well made too.

In my limited experience with customs ( I only have one custom made by Brian Tighe) , I would say some of the higher end production knives are too perfect when compared to customs. I have an Ummnumzaan that is absolutely flawless.
 
+1 on these for sure.

And the 630 Skirmish is/was one heck of a BM. No doubt. I had one that came off as custom in quality but alas, it was just too much knife to carry around all the time.

RevDevil said:
The ones I have found that reach a new level in production knives are
Spyderco Gayle Bradley
Spyderco Perrin PPT
Spyderco Sage series
These are just incredible knives for the price. The GB is hands down one of my favorite folders of all time.
Click to expand...
 
The ZT 300 series seems almost semi-custom. titanium framelock with grooves and S30V blade with assisted opening. Its almost like a semi-custom as it is.

I'll also say the Bradley Alias which resembles the Sebbie is like that. Also the Spyderco Mili in Titanium as well as the sage. The leafstorm which I also own feels like a semi-custom in its lockup and quality.

the Buck titanum framelock wimea? and the larger version (toungetied to its name though I own it) feel semi-custom to me.
 
I've always been impressed with Zero Tolerance's offerings.
Particularly the strider/onion 301 and 302, great F&F, high grade materials, and interesting designs.
I had a friend of mine bring his SNG to compare to my 301 a while back and F&F was equal.
I've always considered them a good alternative to Strider for tank folders and fixed blades.
I don't quite understand their latest use of 14C28N over S30V though.
Although I am excited about their Hinderer collaboration.
 
Hogue Elishewitz EX01 has the best fit and finish I have seen on a production knife. I bet it's better than most customs.
 
I'd say the Spyderco street Beat is right up there in quality for a production knife.

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My gold class Benchmades, William Henry folders, and CRK Sebenza all approach the custom knife standards, but some of them cost more than a custom.
 
Don't forget Klötzli. Swiss precision at its best. When it comes to precise finish and refined construction, this brand is the equal of CRK, no exaggeration.

In addition, the awesome Lion Steel SR-1 doesn't have to take lessons from anyone.

Finally, though they were mentioned before, the Taiwan-made Spyderco Sage 1, 2, Gayle Bradley, Chokwe an Bushcraft are incredible.
 
I'd say just about any knife by A G Russell.
AGR sells others' knives of course, but all of the AGR brand knives are top notch.
If you don't think so, their guarantee says you can get your $$ back, any time, no questions asked...best warantee in the business.
 
So far I like the fit and finish on my ZT 0301 and BM 755 MPR. I would also mention my Bob Dozier Buffalo River Hunter, but people call that a custom knife with production prices:thumbup:.
 
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