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PapaEmeritus
91
Jun 1, 2017
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So why is no one talking about this or buying it? It's a good brand, and it's AUS 8 for only 25 dollars. Am I missing something, or are people dumb?
Jun 1, 2017
Presumed_Lost
27
Jun 1, 2017
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PapaEmeritusCan't speak for anyone else, and I haven't checked the reviews since this model came out, but I might make a guess or two.
The competition at this end of the price range is overwhelming. There are at least hundreds of models, seemingly everybody sells them, dozens of brand names pour out of the same factories, so buyers have gotten picky... and bored.
This model was a LONG time coming, and now it just feels behind the curve. Classic thumb-stud opening when so many have moved on to flippers and/or assisted opening. Decent but unexceptional budget steel, molded "polymer" scale. Steel frame-locks tend to be heavy for their size, of course, and I'm seeing more folks becoming generally reluctant to buy knives made overseas.
Also, the blade is 2.9". It's a very common blade length for historical reasons that have changed a bit. Three inches is still a pretty common legal limit, but many places are easing or removing restrictions while other cities and sites under Federal control have gone to 2.5" (creating an under-served market that the industry largely hasn't responded to). Either way, there aren't as many people living or working under a 3" blade limit as there used to be. Given the freedom to choose, for every-day use many people will pick something easier to spread peanut butter with. ;) It really doesn't make them a threat to the security of the homeland.
As for the brand rather than this model, there might be a little Esee fatigue showing. The whole RAT/Ontario hassle, their reluctance to use stainless (or anything but 1095) and fondness for blade coatings (glorified paint), bunches of tiny knives named for bugs and larger ones that are okay in use but WAY heavy. Anyone can make a sturdy knife if you don't care what it weighs.
I haven't heard that there's anything wrong with this one, but how many drawers full of similar cheap folders does anyone really want or need? I know I have way too many, and I'm not seeing anything exceptional here that would make me want to pick this one to carry in the morning over a dozen that I already own.
Jun 1, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 3, 2017
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PapaEmeritusBecause it's less from other online knife retailers, and can be had with D2 steel blade for $32.... Otherwise it's a hell of a knife at it's price point. I have one in D2 and it's in edc rotation even though I usually carry knives at the $150-300 price point. That said I don't have any experience with the AUS-8 version.
Jun 3, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 3, 2017
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Presumed_LostGreat comment about 2.5" blades, I have been looking for a folder as a gift for a friend who works in a city with such a restriction. Haven't found anything really in that size in the $100-175 range.
Jun 3, 2017
Presumed_Lost
27
Jun 3, 2017
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ElvisThanks for the kind words.
That market segment is not only ignored but almost insulted- when you start looking at smaller folders it's amazing how many turn out to have blades of 2.6" inches. In some circumstances that extra tenth of an inch, especially in the published specification, could mean the difference between being harassed and likely having the knife confiscated on the one hand, and actually being convicted and going to jail on the other. That's a huge difference.
When I was working under that restriction one of my pet gripes was (and is) that I have sort-of large hands, and, curiously, they don't get smaller depending on the local laws . Pretty much every manufacturer assumes that the handle MUST also be scaled down when the blade is shorter, though there really isn't any reason for it, and the shorter handle completely unnecessarily reduces the usefulness of the knife. One of the rare exceptions, and the one I ended up going with, is the Spiderco Kahr Arms Delica, and it worked for me about as well as I can imagine a blade that short working.
It's off the low end of your price range, but it's basically a cut-down Delica (4), which means that if your friend spends time out from under that restriction (as many commuters do) you can match it with a "normal" Delica and have a pair with identical carry characteristics and ergonomics but different blade lengths to choose from depending on where they're going to be carried. There are also a lot of aftermarket G10 and other scales for the Delica, so you could bump the Kahr upscale a bit, or even create a semi-custom pair with matched handles.
Another possible option, if it appeals to you more (or you think it will appeal to you friend more), is the more expensive DPx HEAT folder, which comes in several variations. That was also a contender when I was looking , despite the shorter handle. I never actually got to see one in person, though.
There's also the Spyderco Burch Chubby, which has recently been discontinued, but the vendors still seem to have some. Last I heard it was being discounted to get rid of them.
In dealing with these "modern" problems, the SOG Powerlock Traveler is also a little-known godsend for those who really want a multi-tool but live or work in one of these liberty-deprived areas. It is the ONLY full-sized multi-tool on the market that has no blade, no saw, and claims to even be accepted by the TSA in airports. For those like me who always carry a knife anyway (where legal) the blade on a multi-tool is mostly redundant, and not having it means I can carry the tool pretty much anywhere along with the best knife option (if any) that the local laws permit.
Hope this helps.
Jun 3, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 3, 2017
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Presumed_LostI handled the dpx heat titanium, it is actually in the running... But it's just very heavy and the blade is super thick. I actually am considering buying it just because a local cutlery shop has one for a great clearance price. What I'm looking for for my friends (who's one on those guys who can buy whatever he wants) is a 2.5" blade gentleman's folder with one hand opening and pocket clip (right side, tip up) for a 6' tall downtown office executive who can dress upscale business casual (C.T.O. for a multinational Corp). I just know the dpx will be too heavy...
Jun 3, 2017
neoaeon
17
Jun 4, 2017
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ElvisIf you step outside of that price range, there are options around $180-200. My place of business has such a restriction, I carry: DPx H.E.A.T. Spyderco Dice
My next piece: Spyderco Dragonfly (Nishijin or Red Coral)
Spyderco recently announced a 2.5" version of the Native 5 called either the Lil Shaman or Lil Native, should be available by year end. We should also see the Spyderco One-Eyed Jack this summer.
There's also the Benchmade Megumi, no clip.
Jun 4, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 4, 2017
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neoaeonThanks for the suggestions, I'd love to see a lil' Native! Good thing is my friends birthday is in October so I have plenty of time to get him something. Also the dice maybe an option, if it's not to heavy...
Jun 4, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 4, 2017
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neoaeonI've also considered the Lil' lum
Jun 4, 2017
neoaeon
17
Jun 4, 2017
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ElvisThe Dice is beefy, it's right there with the DPx (DPx Ti at 4.2oz vs Dice 3.6oz).
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Jun 4, 2017
Elvis
7
Jun 4, 2017
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neoaeonWow! I've never seen one with the skull on the scale like that. Also thank you for going through the trouble of taking a picture and posting it up here. That's very nice of you. You or presumedlost are not possibly in northern Illinois or southeast Wisconsin are you?
Jun 4, 2017
neoaeon
17
Jun 4, 2017
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ElvisNorthern Virginia myself.
Jun 4, 2017
Presumed_Lost
27
Jun 5, 2017
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ElvisSounds like a William Henry guy, except I don't think I've ever seen one for less than $300. More jewelry than anything, not my personal style (I'm a form-follows-function sort), but I've never heard that the fancy stuff actually detracted from their usefulness... if you could persuade yourself to actually use it.
Maybe the Benchmade 482? Street is probably close to $200.
The Spyderco Cat has a blade listed at 2.44", and is listed at 2.4 oz. Unfortunately, while the original Cat had better steel and carbon scales, they downgraded both for the current Taiwan version, which goes for about $50.
Jun 5, 2017
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