Looking for a higher end folder... Bob Lum

[Seanski]

Folks,

I'm looking to purchase a nice folding knife. I've a small selection of working
users from Spyderco and am happy with all.

I was perusing through the internet looking for something a bit different,
and was attracted by the Bob Lum Chinese folding knife in ZDP-189.

Do any of you own this folder and if so how do you like it? Is the fit and
finish top notch and is it as nice a folder as it looks? I use 99 percent of
my knives and this one would be in that same category.
Your thoughts greatly appreciated. :)

Sean

[The Deacon]

From an esthetic standpoint the Lum Chinese Folder, regardless of version, is one of the most attractive knives Spyderco has made. Fit and finish are very good, but all the aluminum handled versions have very minor variations in the width of the un-coated perimeter of the handle, at the butt, which some folks consider an issue. Personally, I prefer any of the other Almite colors over the black Almite on the ZDP version, because it's dull while the others are shiny.

[gull wing]

Agree with Deacon. I have two Regular Lums and the Large.
The Lum is a beautiful knife, it's also a great slicer. I love this knife.
The 3" knives are are Gent's knives and are in Almite, except for the Carbon Fiber version and Titanium version. There is also a "large" Lum Chinese in textured G10 with a 3 3/4" blade.(hardly a Gent's knife but it's thin handle doesn't feel like a large knife)

Good luck!

[dbcad]

I've been having a ball with my Large Lum folder. Grip is really nice, F&F are terrific, solid and versatile. Great for carboard and food alike. I know ZDP is all the rage, but VG-10 is also a very fine steel.

The blade is large at 3-3/4" but the handle is sized to match and the proportions are perfect. I enjoy the Large much more than my original aluminum handled Lum folder. A wonderful all around user :)

[Seanski]

Thank you guys for your input and thoughts. The two that are available to me locally
in store are the zdp-189 version and the G10/VG-10, larger version. I might check
them both out and see which one appeals to me the most. As mentioned about it being
a good slicer is a plus because I find I use my folders to prep meals often.
I know the G10 model is about $50 cheaper than the Almite ZDP-189 knife.

Would anyone happen to have both they could take a snapshot or two for me for
comparison until I make it back into the city? Thanks. :)

[dbcad]

Here you go :) Fresh off of the porch... :)

[dbcad]

Had to get you one of the closed together. Handled the smaller one a little for the first time in a while. I remember how that one was the knife that got me hooked on :spyder: It's a sweet blade, but with slippery handles.

[toomzz]

Agree with Deacon.

I have the lastest CF VG10 version and I think the handle is a little too small.
Great looks, hefty little cutter, but my second issue is that IMHO the blade is too broad. Maybe the larger Lum comes in handier and more 'ergonomic'.

How about a Caly3 or Caly3,5?

[dbcad]

Large Lum has plenty of handle room. Too little handle is why the aluminum Lum doesn't get used as much, though I still love the form.

[Seanski]

Thanks for the effort taken on displaying some pictures for me. :) It
gives a good look between the two. I'll be looking forward to checking
them out in the flesh soon.