Taylor Toolworks seems to be the USA importer for Czech knifemaker Mikov. Their sale prices were insanely good (most 75% off), so I went nuts and got nearly all the Mikovs on my list at once. It's Black Friday after all, isn't it? When funds allow, I'm buying several more, the other half of my list; which is mostly wood, stag, and horn handled offerings (as well as some for Christmas gifts); that in total will be a $75 limit that time. I set a $50 limit, and tried to capitalize on it as much as possible. Mainly, I didn't know they had the real stag Fixirs for $25; double the cost of Delrin, but can you get a real stag knife cheaper? Especially one that is NOT made in China?
Total is $40; plus two knives I forgot in this order, and have asked the seller to add to this order and give me a total on those two--which are about $20 more. I figure seven knives, and a pack of drill bits; and with none of them made in China, $60 was very reasonable.
I love Mikov. Good quality, good prices, AND NOT MADE IN CHINA!
SAK-type.
Mikov 100-NH-8A KP Stovka. Their take on the Super Tinker. The Stovka line uses old Adler tools, which were the same ones Schrade marketed in the 1990s as their Discovery line. This was bought as a pocket tool for messing with model trains. The smaller pliers fit into some tight spaces deep in those locomotives.
Mikov 115-NH-6 AK Orange Praktik Folding Pocket Knife. I already own a version that is just blade and openers. Got this as a sort of a "Beater" for my Victorinox Trekker. Forgot the black handle version had a Phillips in place of the screwdriver; but that one will be added to my next order; since unlike Vic, the Praktik uses a double-hook can opener without a screwdriver tip.
Mikov 101-NH-6P Stovka Folding Pocket Knife; my new Hobo knife. Replacing a Coghlan's I've had since Scouts. And, no spoon on this one. Which I don't mind. I always keep a plastic spoon in my mess kit and dinner bucket. Plus, what you eat with a spoon really makes a mess out of the knife. I carried the Coghlan's in my lunchbox in community college, and had to clean the thing every night when I got home; as I mostly ate soups/stews in microwaveable bowls.
HUNTERS Imitation stag, unfortunately. The real stag ones are double, but still cheap. Those are next purchase options.
I blame Forged in Fire for this one. The episode I watched the other night showed them making a 1890s sawback sword. Had bid on a lot with a M1917 Bolo, a WWII Kabar, and an old Schrade Deerslayer. Got outbid past my limit, and I chose this as a more practical alternative to the Bolo. Actually, I forgot it and asked the seller to add these to the order; so I don't' have to pay extra shipping costs (shipping was free, it seems, just for the first order). I figure this will be a good field bag knife and woods carry for "just one knife" moments when I don't wanna drag the kitchen sink (typically lineman's pliers, SAK, fixed blade, small folder) in the woods.
Mikov 376-NH-1 Z Skaut Dagger. Blade is 5 1/2" long and 425SS. A bit too big (my fixie limit is 5" blade); but should be a workhorse at less than $10 (original price was $40)
Fixir with spear, gutting, and saw blades. This was on my list back when I first discovered Mikov, because most US retailers that carried Mikov had it, and it was about $15 cheaper (the knife is $60 by itself!). Didn't notice the seller had the four-layer option, so got this one before realizing it. I've asked the seller to add the four-layer model to my order. The three-layer will probably end up being someone's Christmas gift.
Fixir with same as above, plus corkscrew and openers. The real stag one, to be bought in a couple days, I'm buying will be a collection knife, but this will be a hunting bag knife. Again, I goofed and forgot to add this to the order, but emailed the seller asking to add these two. B
Both Fixirs come with nice leather sheaths, which the seller didn't show.
The seller, who specializes in woodworking tools, had a large offering of "Free with any order over $35" items. I needed good drill bits badly (all I have is the cheap tat Lowe's sells in big sets) for woodworking; and these would've been $15 by themselves. These are made in France, not China. I figure for most jobs, 1/8" to 1/2" is enough for the holes I typically drill that don't need to drag out the spade bits or hole saws. And, I still use an "egg beater" type drill for most wood drilling; and drill pilot holes and manually drive most screws for small tasks. I grab my 1/2" and 5/8 corded, or borrow my folks' Dewalt or Hitachi cordless for bigger jobs.
Colt & Riss Tools 10701812 Twin Land Brad Point Drill Bit Set 1/8" to 1/2" 7 Pieces in Pouch