Why I like these 3 so much (not U.S. made)

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BrotherJim

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Inexpensive has nothing to do, what so ever, with why I like these knives made in France, Germany and China
If someone made these patterns in premium material ... I'm all over it. But why bother I guess
It ain't broke don't fix it

Slim, light weight and in spite of being A LOT of knife, they disappear in the pocket ... and then there is usefulness
These aren't specialized knives with specific purpose or narrow range of use as SOME smaller knives or patterns MIGHT be

Is there or has there ever been any U.S. equivalent to these type knives ??

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Isn't the Cold Steel Kudu made in South Africa?
Great knife, I have three of the Kudu and two or three of its big brother, the Eland.
 
What's not to like?

Like most European items, they are plain, no frills, serviceable tools for real world use. Great concept and execution. We all could take a lesson from them. The Mercator has a long history of military service, as does the Douk-Douk. The original German made Okapi was a stable time on the frontiers of African colonial service. Once production shifted to South Africa, it became a standard item of carry for the working class. Plain knives that got the job done, no matter how dirty the job got. On either side of the law. :eek:
 
Explain what all is going on with the Kudu. I've not see one and don't know how it works.
 
The KUDU is made in China for Cold Steel. It has an external blade lock. The key ring (some remove the key ring and replace with paracord) serves as a lock/blade release. The external metal covering the spine, serves as the spring. Of the three pictured, the KUDU is the one I carry most often, is the least expensive at only $6.00 and MAY like best. Fit and finish is great on the KUDU and lubrication is not required. The knife can just be rinsed off with no worries, in my experience. Maybe 4116 isn't the best of steel but for $6.00 !!! ... can't complain.

I prefer leaving the keyring on instead of replacing with paracord, because it helps stabilize the knife in an always upright position in my pocket. The blade faces the inside of my pocket and the keyring is to the outside and at the bottom of the pocket. The knife rides vertical all.day.long.
 
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glocktenman said:
Explain what all is going on with the Kudu. I've not see one and don't know how it works.
Click to expand...

The Kudu is a copy of the Okapi knives made in South Africa. The action is quite simple; to unlock the knife pull up on the ring.
I have no experience with Kudu, but the Okapi knives are worth at least as much as their low, low price. :thumbup:
 
BrotherJim said:
Is there or has there ever been any U.S. equivalent to these type knives ??
Click to expand...

To my knowledge there has never been an American-made Okapi-style knife.
The metal handled knives on the other hand... way back when slim metal-handled knives were quite common in the USA. Most were very, very inexpensive and were given away by stores and businesses as advertising knives.
 
All three look like good designs but the top one is calling to me. Might have to do a little shopping...

Jim
 
... I like that all three are pinch to open types too. Nail nick is a nice touch (folding knives are supposed to have them, right?) but seldom used.
 
Good post Jim :thumbup: Three no-frills designs which have stood the test of time :thumbup:

A friend brought me this South African-made Okapi back from France a few weeks ago.

 
The ring on many/most Okapis allows (with practice) the knife to be opened with one hand, by using the middle digit to raise the ring, while flicking the blade open. Some may be familiar with a certain hand gesture common in the West Indies, (where the knife is also commonly carried), and among people with ancestry there, which mimics this movement.

"Walking down the road, With your ratchet in your waist, Johnny you're too bad"

-Johnny Too Bad, The Slickers
Click to expand...

NB My Okapi simply has a half-stop, rather than a ratchet.
 
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Beautiful Okapi and good points Jack !!!

I would not open the KUDU one handed or desire to become proficient doing it. I've read of too many "horror stories" and "accidents" while "playing" with the KUDU LOL.

Here's a (rather long) video of ways to open the KUDU one handed. The technique differs from opening the Okapi one handed and he explains that in the video as well ...

[video=youtube;kLnW0a1ZtcU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLnW0a1ZtcU[/video]
 
That's an interesting video Jim. I think the overhand way of opening the Okapi, as seen in the Caribbean (also seen it the Middle East), is perhaps more about flourish, if you know what I mean! :D :thumbup:
 
I gave Cold Steel Kudu's as gifts to friends and have a couple about the house. They are very rugged and one of the best buys in the knife world.
 
3 classic folders. One would be all one needs.
Thanks for the thread.
oh, you need a Sodbuster.
rolf
 
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