Lum Tanto...Yes or No

[dogrunner]

I've got four of them, but I think a VG10 with some type of carbon laminated would be good.

For a special re-run like this, I would greatly prefer a steel upgrade. VG10 is an ok steel and better than most cheaper or comparable economy steels, but by today's standards it is nothing special. There are so many better choices now, whatever your functional objectives are. This thread already mentions a lot of better choices.

[PayneTrain]

There are so many better choices now, whatever your functional objectives are.

Well, not necessarily. VG-10 is a good performer, but it also takes a really nice finish and while I'll of course use this knife, it will be one of the few that I would like to look good while doing it. The finish on my Starmate is just mesmerizing. VG-10 may actually be the best choice for me, but unfortunately I have to share :). Harder steels come with rougher grind lines, and laminates come with more scratches. And I certainly don't want anything non-stainless here! If you put a poll up, I'd actually probably vote VG-10.

[Liquid Cobra]

There are so many better choices now, whatever your functional objectives are.

Well, not necessarily. VG-10 is a good performer, but it also takes a really nice finish and while I'll of course use this knife, it will be one of the few that I would like to look good while doing it. The finish on my Starmate is just mesmerizing. VG-10 may actually be the best choice for me, but unfortunately I have to share :). Harder steels come with rougher grind lines, and laminates come with more scratches. And I certainly don't want anything non-stainless here! If you put a poll up, I'd actually probably vote VG-10.

Yes that would be my main concern with a laminated blade, the scratches. I mean, knives get scratched, it's a fact of life, but the steel used on laminated blades scratch before you get them out of the box!

I'd be willing to suffer the scratches though. I just want the knife! :D :D :D

[PayneTrain]

I'd be willing to suffer the scratches though. I just want the knife! :D :D :D

Oh goodness yes! The only thing that will keep me from buying this knife will be if it comes in too expensive during an unfortunate personal economic period, and even then I may find a way! I can walk to work for a while. :)

[Larry_Mott]

Oh, and Hamon, don't forget the Hamon

[PayneTrain]

Hold on there, thread! Where do you think you're going?

Has a folder ever been done with a hamon? Is it possible? Practical? ...Expensive? :eek:

[Liquid Cobra]

Bless your heart PayneTrain!

So Sal, does anything mentioned so far sound like it could work?

[Brock O Lee]

Is a laminated blade practical in a liner lock configuration? Would you not get different wear rates across the lock face?

If I could choose I would take polished black G10 and solid ZDP please!

[Larry_Mott]

Hold on there, thread! Where do you think you're going?

Has a folder ever been done with a hamon? Is it possible? Practical? ...Expensive? :eek:

1. Yes, can't remember by who though MCusta?
2. Obviously
3. Can't tell if it's redundant with todays steels, just like damascus, more a cosmetic nowadays
4. I wish i knew :)

[Gsg9]

I'd be interested in Lum Tanto folder, I own the burgundy paperstone fixed blade

ZDP would be great, VG10 is OK, please no gray handle, carbon fiber maybe

[PayneTrain]

Is a laminated blade practical in a liner lock configuration? Would you not get different wear rates across the lock face?

You know, that is a fair point. I don't think we've seen anything other than back locks which engage the whole tang. I wonder if that's a real issue or if the layers are proportioned in such a way that any properly functioning liner lock will be doing its real work only on the harder core, and at the very worst there might just be a little bump at the transition before it engages securely. Or maybe the wear just won't even be noticeable over the typical life cycle of a knife. Or...maybe it will.

I don't like how this thread keeps sliding off page 1. Have we really maxed out interest in this idea? I know it's not a conventional user, but I have enough of those already! I've been wanting this model for its style and character, so I can carry something special on big knife days. I bet the tanto blade shape is probably more popular among fans of brands other than Spyderco, but this one hardly the same overstated angular monstrosity that the "tactical" crowd buys. This baby's got class! Let's give it a shot, eh?

[Larry_Mott]

I think it'll be fine. It's not like it is wheelweight alloy + HAP-40 :)

[dogrunner]

Agree - let;s keep the dream alive :)
Personally I don't care one way or another about a hamon. I just like the blade design! Make it in a top-tier steel and I'll buy one!!

[ZrowsN1s]

Bless your heart PayneTrain!

So Sal, does anything mentioned so far sound like it could work?

Ya, are we barking up the right tree here or should we dial it back a bit? :D

[BrandoSpoke]

looks great

[ZrowsN1s]

*Photoshop Bump*

[jabba359]

Hold on there, thread! Where do you think you're going?

Has a folder ever been done with a hamon? Is it possible? Practical? ...Expensive? :eek:

Michael Burch (designer of the Chubby) puts a hamon on a lot of his custom folders, so it's possible and has been done. Now, as to the price that would add to a knife, I have no idea, but I think they look great.

[razrman8]

In hopes to bring my favorite model back in the future, I'm definitely advocating for the return of the Lum Tanto. I remember having a conversation with Sal at SFO and conversing about this being my favorite model. I've been holding onto the hope of bringing it back. I know I'd be in for at least 3.

[JimJones]

The Bob Lum tanto is tied with the Ed Schempp navaja for my favorite Spyderco of all time.

My thoughts
Hap 40 for sure. Anything except s30. Vg10 for sure by a mile over s30 any day of the week. Nishjin handles would be cool as long as it’s not the grey colored ones. When i look at grey Nishjin there is just no life in it compared to blue Nishjin. Don’t know if it is possible but i think it would be really cool if you could do blue Nishjin with the stitching in orange. I think a two tone would be sweet. But from a user standpoint Nishjin is not my favorite. Any light colored g10 or micarta would be cool. Something that pays tribute to the light grey from the original. I like the ideas posted above about polished white or antique ivory

Most importantly Please make the pocket clip reversible for left or right tip up carry this time.

[PayneTrain]

I would take blue nishijin. Blue weave CF as well! Love those looks, but do not have any yet. Still though, I feel like this one might look better in a more conservative handle.