You (or I) can only choose one...Help

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Oct 6, 2015
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I'm looking at a few knives:

FFKW Stinger XL or possible another FFKW that pops up on The Exchange (Masterblaster, Fortis)
Southard Tolk
Todd Begg Bodega Steelcraft Series (Reate)

I know that any type of warranty items are going to be much easier through FFKW or Southard Knives, but damn those Steelcrafts look nice.

Really interested in feedback from owners of any of these knives. Also open to suggestions to other knives in this same general category. Help me out guys.
 
Out of those three, I'd definitely go with the Tolk. But that's just all personal taste. I've owned three Tolks and have wound up selling them, but it's a fantastic knife. Very interested in the new Mini Tolks he's working on.
 
Out of those three, I'd definitely go with the Tolk. But that's just all personal taste. I've owned three Tolks and have wound up selling them, but it's a fantastic knife. Very interested in the new Mini Tolks he's working on.
Why have you sold them?
Your reasonings may directly relate to the OP. If he can save himself the trouble, why not?
 
Why have you sold them?
Your reasonings may directly relate to the OP. If he can save himself the trouble, why not?

Just felt like getting other things. And it's a bit of a big blade for EDC for me. But obviously I kept going back and forth on it because it's super compelling in many ways as well. Definitely a great knife.
 
I have a Tolk and a SteelCraft Bodega. I have yet to find a Ferrum Forge model that I found appealing enough to purchase.
Between the Tolk and the Bodega, it isn't even close...I prefer the Tolk by a large margin.
 
I don't own any of those knives but if it was up to me I would choose the Tolk. It appeals to me the most.

Who manufactures the Tolk anyway?
 
Tolk is great in the action, F&F, and robustness. If you want a hefty flipper, it is a good option.
But the blade is little thick, and the edge as well. If you want a slicer, mini Tolk seems to be a better choice.
 
I carried a Southard AVO for a full two years...a smaller brother of the Tolk.
It was(is) a great knife.
 
Between those three, you are not gonna be disappointed with any of them. My personal favorite is Ferrum Forge for EDC. If you are planning on using it, that would be my choice, but the other two knives are great as well. No a bad choice whichever way you go. I personally like the Fortis, the 2015 Gavko/FFKW mako ferko, or the Mordax, they have have the best fitting handle for my hands. The more recent ones don't fit my hands as well, a little too small of handle, but they still feel good.
After that would be the Tolk, then the Bodega.
 
Looking at the OAL and blade length, the knives would appear to be similarly sized (which, from that perspective, they are)...but the Bodega's handle is longer, wider, and thicker; and the blade is wider. As a result, the Bodega carries and feels like a larger knife. The jimping on the lockbar is coarse, and - with the cutout on the presentation side - it is rather uncomfortable (IMO). I also prefer the blade shape of the Tolk.

Give me a bit, and I'll post up a few side by side shots
*edited to add images
View attachment 746080 View attachment 746081 View attachment 746082 View attachment 746083 View attachment 746084
 
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Some good feedback here. I do wish the the Tolk had a lockbar insert, but there are many who think that little piece of steel is overrated.

I'm also quite interested in the Olamic Swish.
 
Olamic makes great knives! There is a 247 on the exchange right now for 300. Good deal imo
 
I've heard lots of good things about the Olamic 24/7.

That said if you are looking at the Bodega then you should check out the Bodega Kwaiken by steelcraft. That thing is straight rude.

The knives that are impressing me the most right now are the elusive Gareth Bull front flippers. I must get one someday.
 
My above post(s) notwithstanding, since I took it out for pictures last night the Bodega is in my pocket today. I prefer the Tolk; but I still want to like the Bodega.
 
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Good taste brother, I can't see how you'd go wrong with any of them, but I also don't own any of them. However, looking at specs, I like the Tolk. What are you using it for, just adding to the collection?
 
I'd probably lean toward the Tolk, just because it has a more, true mid-tech feel...but I have a Steelcraft Mini Bodega and Kwaiken and I have to say the performance, fit and finish are impeccable. The Bodega can be a little odd feeling in hand. If you're leaning that way, you might try to handle one and make sure it works for you.

I'm not selling FF short, I can't comment because I've never handled one. That'll soon change as I have a FF Falcon inbound!

I highly recommend Olamic too!

Good luck and have fun.
 
Good taste brother, I can't see how you'd go wrong with any of them, but I also don't own any of them. However, looking at specs, I like the Tolk. What are you using it for, just adding to the collection?


Honestly, this will probably be somewhat of a show piece for me. Along the lines of yes it will get plenty of pocket time and casual use, but I will have something else on me in case I need to do anything that may disturb the aesthetics.

All of my other pricey knives are users (a Hinderer, Slysz Bowie and a Freeman 451 BLF), so I'm looking to get something a little more refined that may not get the same use but is beautifully crafted and capable of serious work while it may not see it.
 
That's good stuff. I'm in a similar situation for my next purchase. I like the looks of the CRK Inkosi, but also dig the cheaper ZT 0450. I've been in the market for <$200 knives for so long, that it's simply my comfort zone, since I would still be willing to actually use them. I'll probably just continue to live through you on this one though. :) It seems that you can't go wrong in your choices above!
 
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