Album link: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm1fsqAo
(video still uploading as of thread post)
Untitled by dplafoll, on FlickrThoughts:
I will admit I was not excited about this one on paper. But it's definitely more impressive in-person. It's very nicely made, as you'd expect from Taichung. The blade is super sharp, and looks very different with the near-zero grind. I like the extra touch of having a tiny hint of a swedge on the spine. I don't necessarily care for the writing on the blade, but I can certainly understand and excuse it on something like this, and I have seen much, much worse on other brands' knives. Part of the problem is that the blade is just so small so any writing stands out more. As you might be able to see in the comparison pics, the knife is roughly the same size as a Dragonfly but has a nearly-identical cutting edge to a Chaparral.
The handles are very nice in the hand. I was surprised at how well the simple handle shape filled my hand. I would certainly have to get used to not having any sort of guard up front, and by get used to I mean keep a (larger) stash of bandages handy. But I can certainly see the utility of having the edge be right there as far back and down as it can get. The cutout for the opening hole and liner lock is nicely done. The action is good, and opens up nicely. The lockup is good, at maybe 40% or so (apologies, forgot to take a lockup pic). There is a little bit of squeak between the lockbar and lock face, but that may be due to stray lubricant, and there was no lock stick or disengagement issues at all.
Buy it? I don't see why not. The price seems very reasonable for what you're getting, especially when considering the rarity of it. Of course, if you haven't bought one by now, you may already be out of luck...
Untitled by dplafoll, on FlickrBonus picture; carried the Chaparral CF today, and I thought this was a good opportunity. :D
Untitled by dplafoll, on Flickr
