Results 1 to 2 of 2

Thread: KvK Locking folders

Threaded View

Previous Post Previous Post   Next Post Next Post
  1. #1

    KvK Locking folders

    As its Sunday I've done a spot of testing for a selection of locking folders. The lineup as it stands.



    Lets get to it!
    Knife: jar o knives generic folder
    Blade material: metal
    Overall length:
    Blade thickness: 0.2
    Blade length: 5.5
    Blade shape: Drop point (semi serrated)
    Cutting edge: 5
    Grind: Hollow
    Handle Material: Aluminium+rubber
    Lock type: Liner
    Product Weight: 105
    £1.99

    We've all owned them, the little beater knives for in the shed, cost us a few quid and its just there. Well this offering is exactly that. Fit and finish as you may imagine are... Well... If you can't say anything nice! The sharpest thing about this our of the box (it actually came from a jar) is the pocket clip, and it isn't sprung so will not hold too securely if and when it takes a set. So you're going to need to sharpen it. That being said it'll do the job. The liner lock locks up very late and does rattle a little bit. The blade material is marketed just as stainless, my best guess is 440c or something along those lines and not the best quality 440c at that. The handle is surprisingly comfortable, and actually feels quite secure in the hand. The semi serrated edge will do your average folding tasks such as opening boxes and cutting cord quite well, although edge retention isn't brilliant. The thumb stud actually makes one handed opening really easy and the lock isn't too bad to disengage either. Its your average generic folder and to be quite honest isn't bad, especially if you want to practice sharpening or are prone to losing or damaging knives. Blade alignment isn't something I usually comment on as generally speaking knives I own are of a quality where its a given, but this one is off to one side quite severely. Price point, for change out of £2 it can be forgiven its shortcomings, if you find yourself without a knife for less than the price of a cuppa you're good to go. Would I carry it every day? No I wouldn't, but id keep it in the shed drawer or in the bottom of my bag for when I can't find anything else, and for 2 quid you can't complain, a capable little blade for a youngster maybe and not one you're going to care about using or losing.


    Knife:Spyderco paramilitary 2
    Blade Material:CPM S30V
    Blade Length (cm):8.7
    Blade Thickness (cm):0.35
    Closed Length (cm):12.20
    Overall Length (cm):21.0
    Blade Shaperop Point
    Cutting Edge (cm):7.8
    Grind:Flat
    Handle Material:G10
    Lock Type:Compression
    Product Weight (g):111
    £114.95

    How can I start with the PM2, first off, its absolutely brilliant. The materials, construction and design are very good and to me its just the right size and weight for a locker. As spyderco tend to be, its incredibly sharp and very slicy. The action is smooth and running on bronze washer bearings, and once you get the thumb flick or finger flick dialled its easy to deploy one handed due to the spydie hole. Closing the knife is equally as easy due to the unusual compression lock, your index finger finds it quickly and a quick flick closes it even in gloved hands. Jumping on the spine and choil let you choke the knife up with a very secure grip and the pocket clip sits nicely in the hollow of your palm. In the pocket its spot on, light and thin enough to not take up too much space but just heavy enough to feel robust, and the sure click from the lock helps with that feeling. Lockup is solid with no movement. As a skinner it actually performs very well, the blade shape lets you get right in to whatever you're peeling, be that an apple or an animal, my only concern is the tip is a bit stabby so you have to be careful not to pierce too far. The cons, the lock while brilliant has one problem, it bites! If you flick the knife open (and you won't be able to resist) it can sometimes nip your finger, and it nips it hard enough to make you yelp (yes I'm speaking from experience) and it looks a little utilitarian, bordering on aggressive. other than that I can't say anything negative about it. Price point is spot on at £116.95, if you have the money to spare or you're looking for a first mid range folder, I can't recommend one enough. Would I carry it every day If lockers where UK EDC legal? Absolutely! Without a doubt.


    Knife:Spyderco Domino
    Blade Material:CTS XHP
    Blade Length (cm):8.0
    Blade Thickness (cm):0.3
    Closed Length (cm):11.60
    Overall Length (cm):19.9
    Blade Shape:Spear Point
    Cutting Edge (cm):7.3
    Grind:Flat
    Handle Material:G10
    Lock Type:Frame Lock
    Product Weight (g):119
    £216.95

    The domino from spyderco, a full flat flipper knife aimed at the American EDC market. This particular knife has G10 scales but is also available with domino pattern carbon fiber for the same price, overall its a very good knife. The flipper is running on single row ball bearings and is silky smooth, flippers take a little getting used to at first but eventually you'll find them convenient and quick to open, although it does have a spydie hole for traditional one handed opening. Jimping on the spine and choil (just like the PM2) is well cut and makes this knife equally comfortable when holding the knife in a regular grip or choking the blade for finer work. Weight and balance are superb and it really does handle well. The titanium framelock locks solid and there's no movement in any plane, although its a little tricky to close one handed. On to the cons. The blade for me is a little broad and can struggle with tasks such as carving, that being said how often would you use a folder for carving? Its a little thin for my hands but its unobtrusive in the pocket and has just enough weight to remind you its there, with a good secure clip that's adjustable on the original scales. Fine but not outstanding as a skinner, pretty forgettable but certainly does the job on woodies. Price point, at £216.95 for me its a little expensive, its a solid knife and you're getting alot for your money but spyderco all have the same problem for me. They're technically brilliant, made from the highest quality materials and very well put together. But they lack something, the best way I can explain it, think of that set of brand new chisels you have, the steel is amazing, they're razor sharp and they do the job well. Now think of that old wood chisel that was your dads, its spotted with rust and beat up, the handle mushroomed years ago and the bevel is almost round, but you would be gutted if you lost it. Would I carry it every day if i could? No I wouldn't, but it would find its way into my pocket now and again. If you want something technically brilliant and have £217 spare, then you could do much worse.



    Knife:Medford Preatorian GT
    Blade Material2 Tool Steel
    Blade Length (cm):10.3
    Blade Thickness (cm):0.4
    Closed Length (cm):13.20
    Overall Length (cm):22.6
    Blade Shape:Tanto
    Cutting Edge (cm):9.5
    Grind:Hollow/Flat
    Handle Material:G10
    Lock Type:Frame Lock
    Product Weight (g):234
    £610.95

    First off, this thing is a BEAST. Everything about it screams heavy duty, go anywhere, do anything. Locked door in your way? No problem, just stab it in an pry out the lock! It really is that sturdy. The blade may only be 4mm thick, but its broad, and I mean very broad. Handling wise, as you may imagine its a tad wild, to me I think of this knife as a fixed blade replacement option and fine work with this is like playing piano wearing boxing gloves. The jimping in honesty does very little as its very large and I feel mainly an aesthetic choice. The titanium framelock is beefy and massively strong, this lock won't ever fail on you short of doing pull ups with it, and even then I would doubt it. Its D2 steel and unusual grinds, hollow on the belly and flat at the tip, are hair popping sharp and hold an edge forever, its had some pretty heavy use and some outright abuse and is still very sharp. Size wise, as I mentioned its enormous, and as for weight, you're basically carrying a boat anchor around but its more a knife for in a bag than in a pocket. Cons. It has 2 major and very much linked cons for me, 1 is the look of the thing. Your average bobby on the beat won't take kindly to this knife, its aggressive and tactical and ultimately designed as a weapon. Its blade boasts 2 "grooves for one handed opening"... No... They're fullers, blood grooves for anyone not in the know. And the glass breaker pommel is quite obviously designed as a skull crusher. Its going to be hard to argue good reason to carry the Medford. The second con supports the combat knife argument, in a normal grip this knife is quite uncomfortable for un gloved hands . Flip it around and hold it in any fighting grip (icepick, Filipino, eskrima etc) and the shape makes much more sense and is more comfortable Price point, £610 and you're honestly getting your moneys worth, but its a very expensive knife for occasional use. Would I carry this every day? No I wouldn't, in fact id rarely carry it. But if I was going to be stranded with nothing but a folder, or in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, the Medford is the only knife I would be reaching for.
    6
    Last edited by mick91; 25-09-2016 at 04:16 PM.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •