Wilson tactical folders???

M

mattr

Joined
Jul 9, 2003
Messages
47
i was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the Wilson Combat folders? to me they look to be similar to a sebenza, but a bit cheaper for the "base" model.

also, does anyone know how the D2 would compare to the S30V in terms of both toughness and edge holding?

i've been having these disturbing urges :eek: to sell whatever i have to so i can afford a really expensive folder(imagine that, wanting to buy another knife i don't need...:rolleyes: ;) ) and the wilson folders look like a neat alternative to the sebenza - but i really don't want to spend that kind of money and be disappointed!!
 
Hello Mattr,


The Wilson Combat series is now called COMBAT ELITE. The knives have never been made in D2- they are done in a special version of 440C called 440C–OS. The OS stands for “Our Spec” per Darrel Ralph and Ryan Wilson.

The steel has been specially heat treated and finished to make it a bit more flexible which is desirable in tactical use. The action is ultra smooth and the lock up is dead tight. The frame is a bit slimmer than you might imagine but this makes for a lighter overall weight and great balance. This special (OS) blade treatment also adds to the durability of the edge and toughness.

These knives are bigger than a large Sebenza and priced very well. In my opinion, these Combat Elite knives are sharper than any knives that I have seen- and they are sharp all the way up & down the edge.

There is a new series coming through in a few months that will be made using CPM S30V steel- but this will cost at least $50.00 more per knife.

Many of our customers of these knives have been law enforcement and fire fighters.

Hope this helps….

Take care, Neil
 
I have one of these and absolutely love it. One of the best tactical folders out there.

My order is in for an S30V version!
 
Mattr

We are on the same page/ same knife- the proto was made in D2, but after much testing they knives were all made in 440C-OS.

Take care, Neil

Edited to add following specs from Combat Elite website.....
Tactical Elite Series
Our Tactical Elite series knives are designed for hard everyday use. We use every bit of our 25 years of experience to select the materials for our handles, blades and hardware. We use only materials that have a proven track record for reliability.

HANDLES
Our Tactical Elite folding knives come with 6AL4V titanium handles. 6AL4V titanium is the ultimate choice for strong light weight handles. We use IBL (Integral Bar Lock) technology for our lock on the blade. This lock is cut right from the frame of the knife. This locking technology has been sported as one of the world’s strongest folding knife locks. Lock failure is not an option in tense situations. You can count on this lock.

COATING
Our coating “Wilson Combat Amour Tuff” has a long track record on Wilson Combat 45 automatic handguns. This coating is durable and long lasting, with a proven track record.

BLADE
Our blade material “440C - OS “ is heat treated to our specifications “OS”. We tested this material and found a standard that will stand up to hard everyday use.

HARDWARE
Our hardware “wear parts” are hardened stainless steel. Long life, strength and reliability are job one at Combat Elite.

TIP UP OR TIP DOWN
Our knife frames are drilled and tapped for tip up or tip down carry. Your Choice.
 
mattr: I just got mine (a Level I) and it is a great knife. It is thinner than you might imagine for its size, which makes it very carryable (like a CUDA Maxx). As many here know, I was very disappointed in the Sebenza (sold it after one week), mostly because it was expensive and too small. The Wilson in a nice, useful size (9-1/4" open) yet, as mentioned, not hard to carry. It opens smoothly, locks up tight and feels good in the hand.

The only hangup is the choice of steel. Many people automatically turn up their nose at 440C (or even ATS-34) as being "old-school". Yet how many of us are going to use our knives hard enough to make a difference? If you're just going to open envelopes and the occasional box, you'll never notice that you're not using the latest and greatest blade steel. In any case, I've been sharpening knives for 25 years or so, and this knife got as sharp as any knife that I've worked on. You can get a little more info in a thread I started a couple of weeks ago: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=276565

Bottom line: no one here has anything negative to say about the knife. If you get one, you won't be disappointed.
 
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