All About Pocket Knives

bestgear wrote: ↑Tue Apr 07, 2020 8:42 pm I knew I had a contribution to this thread but it was hiding in my fly fishing vest since the last time it was used. I’m thinking circa 2000 but then again, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast Enjoy

I recently got one, but it's nowhere near the condition yours is in. Perfectly usable, but really beat up. It's a strong, and very heavy tool, but strangely, easier to carry and use than my big Leathermans (Super Tool 300 and Surge) as well as a newer SOG too, the PowerLock EOD.

Here's the smaller (just under 4") Micro Toolclip. One of the sturdiest small tools they make. But, I have retired it in favor of the big one, main reason, the clip. The slick Zytel pocket clip also has no bite, meaning it will easily get disengaged. I've lost one because of that.
In addition to the pliers, my favorite tool has to be its serrated blade. It'll go through some insanely thick rope.
SOG recently brought this model back, but instead of trying to make it good, chose it to be a $20 China-made model. It's got a few improvements, but also fails. The pliers have a lock in the frame (as opposed to the Zytel bail of the original, which often broke off--it was already gone on the two I've had) and a strong steel pocket clip. But the pliers were spring action (often meaning, the lock would get disengaged, and it would fire open in your pocket), the steel and buid quality cheap, and no serrated blade. I bought one and it lasted about a month. I bought my first Seki model to replace it, and then lost it about a year later. It was replaced, and while it does see use, I've largely retired it in favor of the full-size model; despite it being heavier and bigger. I may try modding the Chinese one's steel pocket clip into the Seki-made tool.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:13 am Here are a couple of SOG knives I have. The larger one is a SOG Tomcat and the smaller one is a SOG Bluto, both made in Seki Japan. I don’t buy a lot of tactical knives but I make an exception for these. One that’s on my list is a SOG Architect w/ bone handles. I follow everyone of these that goes up on Ebay and have never been able to get one at a price I am willing to pay. I can blame A.G. Russell for getting me interested in SOG. He carried all these in his catalog and I just had to see if his write ups about these were as good as he said or not. They are.

They look awesome! I've been looking at getting an earlier SOG from the '80s (esp. Tomcat), but I've really wanted to try the ARC Lock, as it should be very left-hand friendy like the AXIS from Benchmade.

cody6268 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:52 pm

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:13 am Here are a couple of SOG knives I have. The larger one is a SOG Tomcat and the smaller one is a SOG Bluto, both made in Seki Japan. I don’t buy a lot of tactical knives but I make an exception for these. One that’s on my list is a SOG Architect w/ bone handles. I follow everyone of these that goes up on Ebay and have never been able to get one at a price I am willing to pay. I can blame A.G. Russell for getting me interested in SOG. He carried all these in his catalog and I just had to see if his write ups about these were as good as he said or not. They are.

They look awesome! I've been looking at getting an earlier SOG from the '80s (esp. Tomcat), but I've really wanted to try the ARC Lock, as it should be very left-hand friendy like the AXIS from Benchmade.

Cody, I edited this post from last night. I called the black one a Tomcat, but it’s actually a Vulcan Mini. They are close to the same size but the Vulcan Mini has a more squared shape to it and no metal on the handle whereas the Tomcat has metal and the blade is bit longer.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 6:08 pm

cody6268 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 4:52 pm

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Fri Apr 10, 2020 12:13 am Here are a couple of SOG knives I have. The larger one is a SOG Tomcat and the smaller one is a SOG Bluto, both made in Seki Japan. I don’t buy a lot of tactical knives but I make an exception for these. One that’s on my list is a SOG Architect w/ bone handles. I follow everyone of these that goes up on Ebay and have never been able to get one at a price I am willing to pay. I can blame A.G. Russell for getting me interested in SOG. He carried all these in his catalog and I just had to see if his write ups about these were as good as he said or not. They are.

They look awesome! I've been looking at getting an earlier SOG from the '80s (esp. Tomcat), but I've really wanted to try the ARC Lock, as it should be very left-hand friendy like the AXIS from Benchmade.

Cody, I edited this post from last night. I called the black one a Tomcat, but it’s actually a Vulcan Mini. They are close to the same size but the Vulcan Mini has a more squared shape to it and no metal on the handle whereas the Tomcat has metal and the blade is bit longer.

And you know, I just realized while looking this one up--I'd actually been looking at that one last week when I got an email from SOG about a sale on some of the Japanese models. Think I'll skip a few purchases and pick one up.

Got this one in today and just had to post a picture of it. This is an Aristocrat Medallion w/ beautiful abalone handles. I won’t post the other pics of this in case someone buys it and wants to post it. Just wanted to document this one. Aristocrat had knives made in the same place that A.G. Russell did. I believe the makers of this knife and other knives from that time became the Moki company, at least that is what I have sketched together so far. This knife has all the hallmarks of a Moki knife with a tight run up and great fit and finish and the use of shell for the handles.
This one might end up in my wife’s purse if it isn’t bought right away, she was ready to keep it when I showed it to her. She loves these small knives.

It would indeed be the perfect purse knife. And a true beauty.

Thanks Garry.
I saw this knife while scrolling through the custom knives on the JKD website the other day. This one really caught my eye. The handle is a cactus in resin. Love the colors on this and the high polish on the metal surfaces. I only wish I had seen this while it was available. These custom knives sell out incredibly quickly. I don’t buy a lot of fixed blades, but this might have been the exception.

Sharpnshinyknives wrote: ↑Wed Apr 15, 2020 7:23 pm Thanks Garry.
I saw this knife while scrolling through the custom knives on the JKD website the other day. This one really caught my eye. The handle is a cactus in resin. Love the colors on this and the high polish on the metal surfaces. I only wish I had seen this while it was available. These custom knives sell out incredibly quickly. I don’t buy a lot of fixed blades, but this might have been the exception.

This sure is a cool knife.

Sleek, sleek, sleek!

Here is an Ichiro Hattori knife that I was waiting for the price to come down on, and someone got to it first. I really like the design, so I asked John Young to make me one out of blackwood and CPM 154. John is one of the best knifemakers in the world and a good friend. Should be done this summer.
Here is a nice one by Ichiro that I am currently waiting for the price to come down. Cowry X core and cocobolo.

Montanaman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 17, 2020 4:01 pm Here is an Ichiro Hattori knife that I was waiting for the price to come down on, and someone got to it first. I really like the design, so I asked John Young to make me one out of blackwood and CPM 154. John is one of the best knifemakers in the world and a good friend. Should be done this summer.

aapkhattori.jpg

Here is a nice one by Ichiro that I am currently waiting for the price to come down. Cowry X core and cocobolo.

aapkIchiro.jpg

I only have one of Master Hattori’s knives. I have been restraining myself to not collect his knives, because of the price on them only. They fetch a pretty penny and just didn’t want to commit myself to that much money. But some day I may change my mind on that and just go for it.
Those are two remarkable knives, you always have the best taste in knives.
Be sure you post that one you are having made after you get it, please Kris.

Here is another A.G. Russell from the 1990’s. Chinese Quince Burlwood handles with a San Mai blade that was either made of ATS-34 Damascus or the core is ATS-34. Most likely made by Moki but not certain. Love the run up on this, it’s not seamless but pretty close. A very impressive knife.

Another A.G. Russell lockback. Design by Master Tak Fukuta. I included a picture of a Marbles knife made by Benchmade and it was definitely designed by Master Fukuta. This locks up nice and tight. The wooden handles are just amazing. Some kind of Burl. The seller said it was maple but the box has a WB on it. The B is for Burl but the W has me stymied, it doesn’t look like walnut so I am on the fence about what it is. Just have to keep researching. The blade is ATS-34 stainless.
I did buy this to resell but after I handled it, I don’t want to sell it. I love these Japanese made knives.

Years ago I had either that knife from AGR or one almost identical to it. The wood was Quince burl as I remember it. But that doesn't fit with WB of course. Good looking in any event.

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Sun May 17, 2020 3:10 am Years ago I had either that knife from AGR or one almost identical to it. The wood was Quince burl as I remember it. But that doesn't fit with WB of course. Good looking in any event.

Thanks Garry, Quince is what I thought when I saw it and it’s what one is made from that sold on “The Cutting Edge” not long ago. But they might have made it from more than one material. This isn’t as dark as other Quince handled knives I have but I’m sure there are variations in the coloring of Quince and of course stain. The box is one of those generic A.G. Russell boxes w/a sticker on one end. It could be from a different knife. I’ve received the wrong box quite a few times over the years. Your confirmation is enough to convince me that it’s not maple but most likely Quince.

Hi Mark! Mark in Winnipeg/Canada here! I recently registered and wanted to just say "Hi"! Please keep your pics com'in, I absolutely love your Japanese pieces!

Well Mark I am glad to talk to you hear as well as through emails like we have been. Please post some pictures of your knives when you get a chance to.
Welcome

Thanks for the warm welcome Mark! I will definitely post some pics when time permits! Thx again!

Got in these knives recently. One is an A.G. Russell that I now have 4 of. I love this design and I especially love the black Micarta w/ the red spacer. This is one of the best knives that A.G. produced in Japan.
The other one is a Paragon by Tommy Lee or Blackie Collins folding hunter. I am over the top about Paragon knives. I now have 4, 3 fixed blades and now a folder. I hope I have dozens of these when I die. This one is all stainless construction on everything except the Cocobolo wooden handles. The run up on this is as tight as it get’s folks. It has a delicious snap to it. No other word to describe the snap but delicious, it’s very satisfying. I don’t call many knives “scary sharp” but this is one that is. Just touch it and you will cut yourself. I shaved off a big patch on my arm testing it and was hardly moving it. To say the least, I am excited about this one.


Edit to post: This Paragon knife might have been a Blackie Collins design or possibly one that both Tommy Lee and Blackie Collins designed together.

Gorgeous knives Mark, although, I'm not a fan of knives that have holes in the blade, never have been, never will be! Very nice just the same!

Madmarco wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 9:11 pm Gorgeous knives Mark, although, I'm not a fan of knives that have holes in the blade, never have been, never will be! Very nice just the same!

Interesting. I am not a fan of that either, one reason I don’t like Spyderco knives. If you handled this one, I assure you it would be the exception to that rule. Thanks Mark

Me too, I have never cared for Spydercos. I have a feeling you're correct regarding handling that one though, because the more I look at it, the more I like it! You're a really bad influence on me my friend! lol!

Mark, I can't seem to find you on ebay, would you tell me what to search please? Also, is the Paragon for sale, and if so, how much?

Madmarco wrote: ↑Thu May 21, 2020 9:29 pm Mark, I can't seem to find you on ebay, would you tell me what to search please? Also, is the Paragon for sale, and if so, how much?

I’ll send you an email Mark.

Mark the Paragon is Bad To The Bone I've owned a few if it had a pocket clip I would probably care one