Al Mar Eagle & Eagle Talon Ultralight Folders Discussions | Drop

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Al Mar Eagle & Eagle Talon Ultralight Folders

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Al Mar Eagle & Eagle Talon Ultralight Folders

Seelen

323

Jul 12, 2017

I came in here because I really like subtle and reserved folders...I was a bit surprised to find it was AUS-8 though, and moreso at the price.
Is there a particular reason that steel would be used on a blade like this? I had assumed it would be VG-10 for a thinner blade like this, something very sharp and decently strong, but not so strong as a tool steel.
Anyways, if anybody knows that rationale behind the steel choice, I'm interested in why they went that route. It seems to be a good steel, I've purchased a RAT with the same as a gift. That blade wasn't quite so elegant in design... however, it was also 1/4th the price. What justifies this one being so high?
Side question, what is the false edge specifically for? My assumption would be that it makes it better for piercing due to the thinner spine. I can always just Google it, but I'm being lazy and since I'm already asking a question, I figured why not?

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F.Que

Jul 12, 2017

SeelenI believe these are made in the same Seki factory that a lot of the Japan made Sprint run Spydercos and that adds a lot to the cost.
These have been made in the same steel for a long time and Al Mar ends to emphasize quality over steel choice.

Keep in mind that these weigh under 2oz and need to have fairly high tolorences for a tight lock up. This is a good price for what you get.

pedarius

Jul 12, 2017

SeelenI have the Eagle in full flat grind. It's a superb knife. I picked it up on impulse, used, but it's definitely become a permanent keeper for me. While in terms of pure chemical composition AUS-8 generally doesn't hold an edge as well as VG-10, Al Mar's heat treatment and grind on these knives is so well done that I can't tell any practical difference in edge holding between this knife and other knives I own with steels that are typically thought to be one step better in edge retention--VG-10, N690Co, 14c28n (debatable, that one)--though it is definitely a notch below the powdered steels like S30V.
As for whether the excellent fit & finish and overall aesthetics of these knives justifies the cost--that's in the eye of the beholder. For myself, if I didn't already have one but did have the knowledge of how much I like this knife in actual use, I'd definitely consider it fair.

LazarusLong

210

Jul 12, 2017

SeelenI think I read somewhere that the false edge version is considered tactical, so yeah killing, flesh slicing and all that.
Personally I wouldn't carry it, even with a false edge cops may interpret it differently unless double edge knives are legal where you live. Maybe as a collection.

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BravoHotel

Jul 12, 2017

SeelenI agree as I was expecting something like S30V for this price point. Kudos on the design though.

jcoffman55

Jul 12, 2017

SeelenThe false edge is for aesthetics, to enhance the piercing capability, lighten the blade further. Of course you don't get something for nothing, it can slightly weaken the blades lateral strength. Then again, you'd never pry anything with a knife like this. Al Mar's Aus 8, while being a low end steel, is much, much better heat treated than your run of the mill Aus 8. Theirs is more along the lines of SOG's aus 8 or cold steel's old aus 8. Still not a premium steel but a slight notch up from what you are used to on the rat 1. Hope that helps. Whether it's worth the price you'll have to decide. I have an Al Mar knife and love it. I've never seen a bad review on their knives.

Axeguy

1372

Jul 13, 2017

SeelenI agree with F.Que... I think they haven't moved past AUS8 because they don't think they have to. A good, attentive heat treat? Subzero quench? At any rate these are nicely made and effective. And you're right about that false top edge...it assists in piercing and also in slightly reducing the weight of the tip--which reduces weight and puts the centre of balance back toward the handle for better control--sacrificing little, if any, strength at the tip.

Seelen

323

Jul 13, 2017

AxeguyThanks for the replies everybody. That makes sense. To be honest, I have the boker s35vn, and I've Neve used it on ANYTHING but paper and tape. I bought it for the design and the look of the blade, and of course the reputation of the steel.
It's really easy to get caught up in whether it's this or that steel, especially because I'm one of those people who wants the absolute best...but I'm starting to come to the conclusion that for a guy like me, there's good steel and there's bad steel, and that's about it. After what you've all shared, I would definitely pick up this blade, and will remember it if I ever need another.

emptym

Jul 15, 2017

SeelenThe "false edge" is for piercing and can be sharpened, though that's not legal in a lot of places. For answers to why they're so expensive despite using AUS-8, check out reviews by people like Tony Sculimbrene, like this one: http://www.alloutdoor.com/2016/11/09/al-mar-falcon-review/
I have the eagle HD in ZDP-189 and a falcon in AUS-8. I use the falcon way more because it's so much easier to sharpen. You can use the bottom of a ceramic mug or bowl, whereas the ZDP eagle needs a diamond stone.

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emptym

Jul 15, 2017

jcoffman55On these blades, I don't think it weakens the blade's lateral strength. Al Mar's "false edge" or "swedge" is not made simply by grinding down a normal blade. The middle of the blade is thicker on the "talon" models than it is on the regular full flag grind ones.

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chathamharrison

Jul 16, 2017

SeelenAs far as I know, the contracted manufacturer of at least most of the Al Mar bird folders (Eagle, Falcon, Hawk, Osprey) is Moki Knife Co. I carry their Blakiston's Fish Owl daily (the name is better in Japanese, trust me.) It's a very similar knife, about the same size as the Falcon. It's also AUS-8, and the attention to detail is very impressive for its price point: about $80-90, with nylon belt sheath. Not sure the Eagle is worth the premium, but I'm itching to find out. Here's some shots of the Owl, so you can see how finely fitted the knife is. The Al Mar knives are, as far as I know, at least equally well-assembled.

As to the blade performance, it won't retain a razor edge like a powdered steel, but they're thin enough that they cut nicely long after when you'd think they'd be finished. My little Lansky pocket sharpener is more than enough to restore the edge in a pinch, but it doesn't need regular attention like a Swiss Army knife. I've never had it chip or fold after a couple years' medium use (cutting cardboard, cord, yardwork,occassional food prep when hiking.)

Seelen

323

Jul 16, 2017

chathamharrisonVery cool. Yeah, I like it and will ultimately probably buy one. The reason I don't need powder steel is the same reason I'm not buying another blade: I just don't have a use for it yet. Aesthetically though, it's great and is a hell of a lot more durable and heavier duty than my boker trapper.
Oh, and by the way, i actually speak Japanese, the name is definitely better! It's written using the kanji for Island and Owl. 島梟（しまフクロウ）(shimafukurou)

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