Comfort Knives!

[Madmarco]

The Texas Ranger series was made in China. The very first one, an exception, was U.S. made. Don't recall by whom. My expectations about Chinese quality completely changed with the introduction of this series.

Sorry I answered Iman's question for you Garry, should have just waited for you.

[Quick Steel]

No problemo Marco.

[Ivoryman]

Thanks Quick S and Marco, appreciate it. I must say AGRs have it to a whole other level in quality and blow away others from the same place in my book.

[Madmarco]

Thanks Quick S and Marco, appreciate it. I must say AGRs have it to a whole other level in quality and blow away others from the same place in my book.

If you wanna see their entire line-up Iman, it's at www.agrussell.com . At the bottom of any page is a link to Cutting Edge as well, and their stock is mostly used knives, and they add more every week or every 2nd Wednesday, can't recall for sure. Lots of great knives.

[Ivoryman]

Thanks Quick S and Marco, appreciate it. I must say AGRs have it to a whole other level in quality and blow away others from the same place in my book.

If you wanna see their entire line-up Iman, it's at www.agrussell.com . At the bottom of any page is a link to Cutting Edge as well, and their stock is mostly used knives, and they add more every week or every 2nd Wednesday, can't recall for sure. Lots of great knives.

Thanks a bunch, been to the AGR site, never noticed the Cutting Edge. Appreciate it. Good to know.

[Madmarco]

This is 1 of 2 new autos I got today, and I'll post the other one tomorrow! This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike", and I say counterfeit because the Chinese just couldn't resist stealing the original etch, but if they had, it would only be the more acceptable clone or copy. I've been in love with this knife ever since I first saw one years ago, and when it showed-up on one of the Chinese sites recently, I pulled the trigger. Onsite the etches weren't showing, so I thought it was just a copy, but when it arrived and I examined it I saw the etch. Why oh why could they have not just left the etch off, so that they wouldn't have been counterfeiting the knife only copying it, and I wouldn't have had to do all this explaining! The fact it's a counterfeit doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does others, but I felt I had to be completely honest regarding it's origins. The knife is 8" oal/SS dagger blade, 2-piece black aluminum body, adjustable pivot, and coil-spring BO/BC action. Weighs-in at 2.7 oz.'s, and never having handled an original I don't know how close to the original weight that is. The blade arrived surprisingly sharp, considering this is a stabbing knife, not a cutting knife. As I do with all my knives when they arrive, I applied Q.R. oil to the pivot and button, and the result is a fast, hard firing knife that locks-up solid every time. My collection is definitely growing!

[Papa Bones]

This is 1 of 2 new autos I got today, and I'll post the other one tomorrow! This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike", and I say counterfeit because the Chinese just couldn't resist stealing the original etch, but if they had, it would only be the more acceptable clone or copy. I've been in love with this knife ever since I first saw one years ago, and when it showed-up on one of the Chinese sites recently, I pulled the trigger. Onsite the etches weren't showing, so I thought it was just a copy, but when it arrived and I examined it I saw the etch. Why oh why could they have not just left the etch off, so that they wouldn't have been counterfeiting the knife only copying it, and I wouldn't have had to do all this explaining! The fact it's a counterfeit doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does others, but I felt I had to be completely honest regarding it's origins. The knife is 8" oal/SS dagger blade, 2-piece black aluminum body, adjustable pivot, and coil-spring BO/BC action. Weighs-in at 2.7 oz.'s, and never having handled an original I don't know how close to the original weight that is. The blade arrived surprisingly sharp, considering this is a stabbing knife, not a cutting knife. As I do with all my knives when they arrive, I applied Q.R. oil to the pivot and button, and the result is a fast, hard firing knife that locks-up solid every time. My collection is definitely growing! 8)WIN_20210422_15_04_00_Pro.jpgWIN_20210422_15_03_33_Pro.jpg

Slick looking knife Marc. If it's made as good as a Benchmade, it should be a fast opening auto.

[Madmarco]

This is 1 of 2 new autos I got today, and I'll post the other one tomorrow! This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike", and I say counterfeit because the Chinese just couldn't resist stealing the original etch, but if they had, it would only be the more acceptable clone or copy. I've been in love with this knife ever since I first saw one years ago, and when it showed-up on one of the Chinese sites recently, I pulled the trigger. Onsite the etches weren't showing, so I thought it was just a copy, but when it arrived and I examined it I saw the etch. Why oh why could they have not just left the etch off, so that they wouldn't have been counterfeiting the knife only copying it, and I wouldn't have had to do all this explaining! The fact it's a counterfeit doesn't bother me nearly as much as it does others, but I felt I had to be completely honest regarding it's origins. The knife is 8" oal/SS dagger blade, 2-piece black aluminum body, adjustable pivot, and coil-spring BO/BC action. Weighs-in at 2.7 oz.'s, and never having handled an original I don't know how close to the original weight that is. The blade arrived surprisingly sharp, considering this is a stabbing knife, not a cutting knife. As I do with all my knives when they arrive, I applied Q.R. oil to the pivot and button, and the result is a fast, hard firing knife that locks-up solid every time. My collection is definitely growing! 8)WIN_20210422_15_04_00_Pro.jpgWIN_20210422_15_03_33_Pro.jpg

Thanks Smitty. Having never handled the original Benchmade I can't comment on it's quality, but whoever built my copy sure did a fine job, and yes, it fires like a Howitzer! If they'd only left the etch off!!!

[Madmarco]

As promised, this is the 2nd of 2 knives I received recently! This one is a counterfeited 8" Pro-Tech "Don", that looks suspiciously like the Ganzo G707, in fact, it'd be interesting to find out who made their model first. It has a SS dagger blade, black aluminum 2-piece body with carbon fiber inserts, screw construction, adjustable pivot, coil-spring fired BO/BC action, and pocket-clip. Even lighter than the above "Spike" at only 2.5 oz.'s, and both edges came sharp. Unfortunately marked with Pro-Tech logo and wording. Onsite description claimed the knife is 10 1/4", which is the size I wanted because I already own an 8" Ganzo that looks very much like this knife, but when it arrived it was only 8". Pretty much par for the course for a blatant counterfeiter. At least I have another model for my collection. I included a pic with the Ganzo for comparison purposes!

[Papa Bones]

As promised, this is the 2nd of 2 knives I received recently! This one is a counterfeited 8" Pro-Tech "Don", that looks suspiciously like the Ganzo G707, in fact, it'd be interesting to find out who made their model first. It has a SS dagger blade, black aluminum 2-piece body with carbon fiber inserts, screw construction, adjustable pivot, coil-spring fired BO/BC action, and pocket-clip. Even lighter than the above "Spike" at only 2.5 oz.'s, and both edges came sharp. Unfortunately marked with Pro-Tech logo and wording. Onsite description claimed the knife is 10 1/4", which is the size I wanted because I already own an 8" Ganzo that looks very much like this knife, but when it arrived it was only 8". Pretty much par for the course for a blatant counterfeiter. At least I have another model for my collection. I included a pic with the Ganzo for comparison purposes! 8)WIN_20210422_15_05_01_Pro.jpgWIN_20210422_15_04_43_Pro.jpgWIN_20210423_13_57_55_Pro.jpg

Cool looking auto Marc. I actually like the looks of the black one better than the Ganzo. Well all except for the guards. I have just never been a fan of such large guards on such a slim looking knife. I know they kinda sorta serve a function, and were a part of the original stiletto designs, but I'm not a fan. To me they interrupt the smooth lines. Except for that, it's a great looking knife.

[toomanyknives]

This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike"

So Marco, if you cut someone with a "counterfeit knife, do they still bleed?

Hope all is well, buddy. Those are cool knives even if they won't make you bleed!

[toomanyknives]

"This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike""

So Marco, if you cut someone with a "counterfeit knife, do they still bleed?

Hope all is well, buddy. Those are cool knives even if they won't make you bleed!

[Madmarco]

As promised, this is the 2nd of 2 knives I received recently! This one is a counterfeited 8" Pro-Tech "Don", that looks suspiciously like the Ganzo G707, in fact, it'd be interesting to find out who made their model first. It has a SS dagger blade, black aluminum 2-piece body with carbon fiber inserts, screw construction, adjustable pivot, coil-spring fired BO/BC action, and pocket-clip. Even lighter than the above "Spike" at only 2.5 oz.'s, and both edges came sharp. Unfortunately marked with Pro-Tech logo and wording. Onsite description claimed the knife is 10 1/4", which is the size I wanted because I already own an 8" Ganzo that looks very much like this knife, but when it arrived it was only 8". Pretty much par for the course for a blatant counterfeiter. At least I have another model for my collection. I included a pic with the Ganzo for comparison purposes! 8)WIN_20210422_15_05_01_Pro.jpgWIN_20210422_15_04_43_Pro.jpgWIN_20210423_13_57_55_Pro.jpg

Cool looking auto Marc. I actually like the looks of the black one better than the Ganzo. Well all except for the guards. I have just never been a fan of such large guards on such a slim looking knife. I know they kinda sorta serve a function, and were a part of the original stiletto designs, but I'm not a fan. To me they interrupt the smooth lines. Except for that, it's a great looking knife.

Thanks for the compliments Smitty. I am in total agreement with you regarding the guards. I much prefer the "Icepick" profile on my knives. The guards on this knife or any other interrupt those smooth, clean line you spoke of, and as far as them serving as "flippers", well, since this is an auto "flippers" are next to useless. Since stilettos are stabbing knives and not cutting knives, I can understand the design in terms of protecting your fingers from sliding forward as the knife is being thrust forward in a stabbing motion, but regardless of that I just don't like em', and probably never will. Here's pics of a true "Icepick", also a Pro-Tech build, but designed without the silly guards/flippers.

[Papa Bones]

Thanks for the compliments Smitty. I am in total agreement with you regarding the guards. I much prefer the "Icepick" profile on my knives. The guards on this knife or any other interrupt those smooth, clean line you spoke of, and as far as them serving as "flippers", well, since this is an auto "flippers" are next to useless. Since stilettos are stabbing knives and not cutting knives, I can understand the design in terms of protecting your fingers from sliding forward as the knife is being thrust forward in a stabbing motion, but regardless of that I just don't like em', and probably never will. Here's pics of a true "Icepick", also a Pro-Tech build, but designed without the silly guards/flippers. 8)WIN_20210424_13_49_30_Pro.jpgWIN_20210424_13_49_10_Pro.jpg

Yes, much better!!

[Madmarco]

This knife is a counterfeit copy of the Benchmade "Spike"

So Marco, if you cut someone with a "counterfeit knife, do they still bleed?

Hope all is well, buddy. Those are cool knives even if they won't make you bleed!

With the way that knife arrived Kerry, I'd have to say that it would DEFINITELY make you bleed, since the blade came razor-sharp, although, it was designed for stabbing, not cutting. I think there was a clause included in the contract to build these knives that stated they MUST cut someone if cutting was attempted, even though they were designed to stab! LOL! All IS well, and hope the same for you, and thanks for the comments!

[Madmarco]

Thanks for the compliments Smitty. I am in total agreement with you regarding the guards. I much prefer the "Icepick" profile on my knives. The guards on this knife or any other interrupt those smooth, clean line you spoke of, and as far as them serving as "flippers", well, since this is an auto "flippers" are next to useless. Since stilettos are stabbing knives and not cutting knives, I can understand the design in terms of protecting your fingers from sliding forward as the knife is being thrust forward in a stabbing motion, but regardless of that I just don't like em', and probably never will. Here's pics of a true "Icepick", also a Pro-Tech build, but designed without the silly guards/flippers. 8)WIN_20210424_13_49_30_Pro.jpgWIN_20210424_13_49_10_Pro.jpg

Yes, much better!!

Amazing how they could get it so right on one knife, and so wrong on another, at least so wrong to you and me. This one is my pride and joy, BUT, even the small lockback release close to the butt-end sticking up how it does, DRIVES ME CRAZY! Why did it need to stick up from the spine so much, it very easily could have been a lot more flush with the spine. It's crossed my mind to grind it down more flush, but I don't want to risk making it worse and ruining my knife. As much as this bugs me, I still love this knife and would NEVER part with it!

[Dan In MI]

Such a huge back lock would probably drive me crazy, too. Otherwise, it's a great-looking knife.

[Madmarco]

Such a huge back lock would probably drive me crazy, too. Otherwise, it's a great-looking knife.

Thanks Dan. I've seen lockbacks where the lever is completely flush or level with the spine, for the life of me I can't figure out why my knife wasn't built like that. See pictures.

[Ivoryman]

Interesting takes on how some use knives for comfort, like a worry stone or something. I first thought I didn't have any comfort knives because I don't use any particular knives for that in my mind. However, I do rub, coon finger, chicken eye, admire, examine, go over in detail etc. and enjoy ALL the knives I carry daily at this stage of life. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't admire the design and craftsmanship, the beauty and elegance, the materials or satisfying workings that are engineered into a good pocket knife. I used to carry SAKs and Kershaw Chills and cheap, inexpensive knives for utility only. I did not really ever coon finger, rub, admire, fawn over, drool on them. Wasn't what it was about to me. A plain black SAK or Chill is nice, but it's not pretty like jewelry or a nice watch or an accessory. It was only when Q got me dabbling and pursuing, then lusting after and eventually addicted to old traditionals and GECs that it all changed. Then I was no longer content to carry a SAK or a Chill because while those are great knives and did everything I ever wanted or needed, they did not strike me or my eye or make me take a second look and really admire like a piece of jewelry. Guess I'm a knife snob now because I still have the old SAKs and will keep them for nostalgia. But I don't carry them because GEC, Northwoods, vintage Case red bone etc. have spoiled me and ruined me and now I only carry knives that to me are great to look at too. They don't cut any better, but they dang sure look a whole lot better and I like it when someone notices my knives and comments about the good looks. They never did about my SAKs or Chills. My 2 cents anyway.

[Madmarco]

Interesting takes on how some use knives for comfort, like a worry stone or something. I first thought I didn't have any comfort knives because I don't use any particular knives for that in my mind. However, I do rub, coon finger, chicken eye, admire, examine, go over in detail etc. and enjoy ALL the knives I carry daily at this stage of life. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't admire the design and craftsmanship, the beauty and elegance, the materials or satisfying workings that are engineered into a good pocket knife. I used to carry SAKs and Kershaw Chills and cheap, inexpensive knives for utility only. I did not really ever coon finger, rub, admire, fawn over, drool on them. Wasn't what it was about to me. A plain black SAK or Chill is nice, but it's not pretty like jewelry or a nice watch or an accessory. It was only when Q got me dabbling and pursuing, then lusting after and eventually addicted to old traditionals and GECs that it all changed. Then I was no longer content to carry a SAK or a Chill because while those are great knives and did everything I ever wanted or needed, they did not strike me or my eye or make me take a second look and really admire like a piece of jewelry. Guess I'm a knife snob now because I still have the old SAKs and will keep them for nostalgia. But I don't carry them because GEC, Northwoods, vintage Case red bone etc. have spoiled me and ruined me and now I only carry knives that to me are great to look at too. They don't cut any better, but they dang sure look a whole lot better and I like it when someone notices my knives and comments about the good looks. They never did about my SAKs or Chills. My 2 cents anyway.

And a fine 2 cents it was Iman! Very well stated. The only actual difference between my original thinking when I started this thread and how you stated things above is, I don't get out too much anymore so I wanted a knife or knives close by me on the table to handle, admire, fondle, etc. many times during the day while I'm at home, and you actually carry your knives out with you to use, handle, admire, fondle, etc. many times during the day while you're on the go.. Same thinking, different locations. I don't find anything wrong with being spoiled about which knives you will carry, it's a fact that not all knives are as good lookin' as others, so if one can afford the higher priced models I say "Go for it!" There's no better feeling than to have someone comment on or compliment a knife I post, it's nice knowing others find the same qualities I like in a knife just as pleasant or desirable as I do. The same as happened to me Iman, some knives I've posted received NO comments or compliments, yet others have been coveted by folks viewing them. It's very simply, some knives are FAR better looking than others, and that will never change!

[Ivoryman]

Agreed Marco, absolutely. But I don't think it takes high dollar or expensive knives to be beautiful. Years ago I wouldn't pay more than about $75 for a knife, and bought many in the $30-60 range that I still have today because they are beauties and some of them are prettier than knives I have twice, three times, or four times the price. Back then I bought many GEC in the $60-70 range too, but obviously those days are gone. There has been an increase in popularity of the traditionals, especially GEC, old Case red bone and Schrade peach seed and old Rogers bone etc, I know, and realize those knives go for much more than $30-60. Increased demand for short, shrinking supply makes prices soar. It's happening. But a lot of my inexpensive knives that I carry, you might be surprised how little I paid. Maybe those days are gone, your results may vary. Thanks again and good thread.

[Madmarco]

You're right, the price of a knife has little to do with how good it looks, I should have stated that a bit differently. Some of my cheaper models are and always will be much more attractive than models I've paid-up for. Case in point, my Ganzo F707 is a $25. knife, and it looks and feels as good if not better than my Pro-Tech "Don", which, if I'd had to pay retail would have run me $300. This raises an interesting point, who designed and marketed their knife first, Ganzo, or Pro-Tech? I'll have to do some research to see if I can find out!

[Samb]

I'd bet on Pro-Tec.

[Madmarco]

I'd bet on Pro-Tec.

Using Google Search Sam, the only info I could find states that Pro-Tech has been producing knives since 1999, and all Ganzo stated was "sometime during the 1990's", so at this point it's still a toss-up who built their model first.

[Samb]

I don't think the Chinese invented anything but opium.