It's here!!!!

[Clay Kesting]

Well, my Chinese Folder finally arrived <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> plain edge #628 (Thanks Michael). After wanting one for so long I was concerned that I might be disappointed but I needn't have worried, if anything the knife is even better than I had imagined. It is a superbly executed marriage of a traditional design with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. When I first saw the custom version over 2 years ago, it was the flowing curves and the way the handle expands to blend in with the large, leaf shaped blade that made such an impression on me. These elements combine to make a very practical knife with great ergonomics and a very distinctive appearance. I particularly like the way in which the edges of the scales have been polished and contrast with the black spacer. The knife is smaller than I had expected but this makes it more useful for everyday carry and will encourage me to agitate for the production of the larger model <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.



I think the clip is worthy of special mention. It must be a real pain in the butt to have to design specific clips for individual models and Sal and the R&D crew should be congratulated for making the extra effort to come up with a different clip for this knife. In tip-down mode there is less of the knife protruding above the pocket than there would be with a normal clip, given that the latter would have to be mounted below the pivot. However where it shines is when it is moved to the other end of the knife. I changed to tip-up partly because I have a slight preference for it, but mainly because it makes the knife look more like the custom version. The clip fits around the hole very nicely and even less of the knife is visible above the pocket.



One minor point of irritation is that, when I removed the clip, there appears to be some dried adhesive (Loctite?) around the holes. I would like to try to remove it with some solvent but I'm afraid of damaging the Almite. Can anybody suggest a safe solvent or polish. Also would it be wise to use Loctite to reinstall the clip screws and, if so, what colour (i.e. blue or red)?



Is it a keeper? Whadda ya reckon <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.



Clay



Living your life is a task so difficult, it has never been attempted before.

[sam the man..]

Congratulations Mate!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies
will travel...

[Carlos]

Congrats Clay.

Perhaps we should start a "Large Lum Chinese Folder Coalition" now. I don't want to wait two years for the sequel. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[tbarahon]

I agree completely. I would not resist two years. Sign me up at the "Large Lum Chinese Folder Coalition"
Teo

[Blades]

I was wondering what that glue was! Who cares!!
Isn't it a great knife!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Someday there may be a large one, but this one fits me fine!!
I'm glad you finally received yours Clay!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Everyone should have one.


Blades

[Clay Kesting]

Thanks fellas. It was worth the wait wasn't it Blades <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

I agreee that everyone should have one, but I'll be interested to see how it goes in the marketplace. I have a feeling that it will appeal to the aficianados but, like the Calypso, may be too sphisticated for the general buyer. Time will tell.

Clay

Living your life is a task so difficult, it has never been attempted before.

[sal]

Hi Clay. glad you like it. Sorry for the wait, it took a great deal to make that knife. More than one might imagine.

The loctite is a non permanent type. a light solvent should remove it without hurting the almite.

As far as carry goes, my wife Gail carries a Lum Chinese and a Centofante Vesuvius proto. She's very fussy so that's a good sign. I dont let it hurt my feelings that she isn't carrying one of my designs. I don't do very well with pretty.

sal

[Clay Kesting]

Thanks for the reply Sal. It has been well worth the wait, and the enjoyment greater as a result. As far as you not doing "pretty" very well, "handsome is as handsome does". The Chinese Folder may be in my pocket at the weekend but it will still be my Calypso Ltwt that goes to work every day.

Clay

Living your life is a task so difficult, it has never been attempted before.

[Blades]

It was worth the wait!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Blades