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Showing 1 of 16 conversations about:
Maserin AM4 Liner Lock M390 Folding Knife
DukeJockey
81
Apr 15, 2019
Scale it down to a blade length of about 3.25", fix the liners where they're rounded off on the wrong side, and I would find this knife irresistible.
I don't own any Tantos because they're ugly and useless (unless you count my Benchmade 940's "reverse Tanto" which I find very attractive and useful), but this knife makes me seriously reconsider my unjustified opinion of the attractiveness of Tantos. Utility would have to be assessed directly.
So bring on a smaller one with fixed liner finishing, and I'll be happy to challenge my sense of esthetics.
Damn_True
40
Aug 10, 2019
DukeJockey Totally agree. I’ve bought a number of knives recently from the Maniago manufacturers group and the quality has been wonderful. But the design on this, while great looking, is just too big. 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 inches at most would be great. It’s pretty knife, just too big.
sheffieldsg
72
Aug 15, 2019
DukeJockeyNot sure how your opinion on the usefulness of tantos was developed but I find them extremely useful and far prefer them for functionality over other blade shapes.
DukeJockey
81
Jun 6, 2020
sheffieldsgI just filled in two holes in my collection: missing manufacturer and blade shape. I got a Cold Steel Code 4 Tanto.
It’s been fun getting used to the Tanto. I’m finding the secondary “point” quite useful as a precision cutter. The Code 4 is a complete bargain blaster. For about $70 you get a large knife with choice of 3 blade shapes, a slim profile, aluminum handles, and S35vn steel. Plus it has the CS Triad back lock which they tout as the strongest design available. It compensates for wear with a trick pivot that lets it float fore/aft and always jam tight between the stop pin and blade notch. It is VERY solid.
The Code 4 gets 4.5 stars from me. Back locks are one of my least favorite types because they’re not as close-flicky as a Benchmade Axis or Spyderco compression lock, or as convenient-closey as a liner or frame lock. I can usually close back lockers one handed by turning them over, depressing the lock with my thumb, and swinging the blade partially closed with either my index finger or a small flick. The Buck 110 is an exception due to the location of the release at the butt of the handle, but the 110 is an exceptional knife so we make allowance for it’s special place in history and cultural significance.
The Code 4 lock has a VERY (correct spelling is always capitalized, right?) strong spring, requiring most of my thumb strength to depress it. Fortunately the Code 4’s conventional pivot with bronze washers is silky smooth and simply falls closed once the lock is released. Unfortunately I didn’t know this initially, so the first close was also first blood as the blade swung smoothly across the back of my index finger, testifying to the fine out-of-the-box grind and sharpness.
So, bring on the Tantos! I’m a new fan.
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