Behind the curve with an Ikuchi

[ChrisinHove]

I was keen to try another Paul Alexander design, and the dust seems to have settled around the Ikuchi, now, so I thought I would give it a try.

Well it has just arrived, via Finland (!) retailer Lamnia, and so far I am impressed - and not just with the usual Taichung f&f, either.

To my mind, this really has the spirit of many traditional European blades like the Laguoile or Resolza, but with 21st century materials & engineering, and a beautifully spare design.

I can work the flipper wheel, too, even with my big hands!

It’s looking good....

[curlyhairedboy]

The ikuchi is a great model!

[Lucabrasi]

I considered returning mine at first as it was near impossible to deploy, and the wheel was tearing up my finger trying. But, after a few dozen forced flips it really loosened up and is now a great action.

It’s one of my favorite knives, and one of my most carried. So light and thin, yet no flex to it at all. Totally confidence inspiring in use. It’s a great knife.

[odomandr]

I too had an ikuchi blister. It's smooth now though and a bit different than others in the rotation. I enjoy it more everytime I carry it. Same with some others that just became a bit better over time as they either broke in or have become familiar in my hand

[nerdlock]

I love the Ikuchi though like many of us here, the lighter-inspired deployment mechanism is so tight as to almost tear off the fingerprints on my index finger. :D

[Mako109]

About two or three weeks ago a few retailers received a fresh batch of Ikuchi's. I decided to take the chance and placed an order. Very happy with this iteration as it's much better than the first that I bought. Excellent detent, flips wonderfully, drops shut, centered blade, and blade tip well recessed into handle when closed so as not to present a hazard. I also added custom CF scales that really elevates the Ikuchi. Full CF, contoured, eliminates the hole in the handle, and adds a feel of sturdiness. This is the way it was meant to be from the beginning. Loving the knife now. Here's a quick pic next to the original.

[Dazen]

About two or three weeks ago a few retailers received a fresh batch of Ikuchi's. I decided to take the chance and placed an order. Very happy with this iteration as it's much better than the first that I bought. Excellent detent, flips wonderfully, drops shut, centered blade, and blade tip well recessed into handle when closed so as not to present a hazard. I also added custom CF scales that really elevates the Ikuchi. Full CF, contoured, eliminates the hole in the handle, and adds a feel of sturdiness. This is the way it was meant to be from the beginning. Loving the knife now. Here's a quick pic next to the original.

Where did you get those contoured cf scales from?! That is the way the Ikuchi should have come factory!

[RadioactiveSpyder]

Copycat

[Mako109]

Where did you get those contoured cf scales from?! That is the way the Ikuchi should have come factory!

Karbadize

[archangel]

Solid CF is a win, I agree. But crazy me would actually be missing the hole :eek: from an aesthetic perspective.

I hope there will be sprints with more rare steels. :rolleyes: I *love* my Ikuchi the way it is, but an "upgrade" is always welcome.

[Dazen]

Where did you get those contoured cf scales from?! That is the way the Ikuchi should have come factory!

Karbadize

Thanks, I will hit him up when he is taking orders again.

[ChrisinHove]

Wow! Those solid cf scales are just gorgeous!