T-Mag: There's not much excitement about!

[Mr Blonde]

I based my opinion on the T-mag after handling it last year in Golden and the Amsterdam meet this year. I like the blade shape, but the magnets were to weak for me. I prefer the resistance in the UKPK, for keeping the blade open. Yet the magnets were also immensely strong when picking thing up. It had no problem 'lifting' an SS Ladubug 3 proto off the table. I also think that the magnets could damage any memorysticks or my mobile (smart)phone, when carried in the same pocket.

I'm also not a big fan of that brushed CF, I prefer shiny CF. :D

Wouter

[kbuzbee]

I think it's a really great looking knife. But... I usually sit with my laptop on my lap and while it may not cause any issues, why risk it?

Doubt I'll get one (but some inner part just "wants" one, ya know?)

Ken

[Left Hand Path]

Ever since I heard about the T-mag I thought it sounded cool, but I did not plan to buy one. This thread, however, has got me thinking about it more and more! While I prefer a locking folder, and although the T-mag is more expensive than any of my current knives, it has me interested. I really like the size, blade shape, wire clip, CF (since I don't own any), and I think the magnet is a really cool idea.

With the Caly 3 CF/ZDP, maybe a T-mag, and upcoming Stretch II, this year may be my intro to carbon fiber and high-end.

Looking forward to hearing reviews from those who get the T-mag!

[The Deacon]

Well, mine arrived today. Here are some pictures of it...

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...and a couple comparison shots of it and the CF Caly 3...

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Very well made with an extremely smooth action. Same style matte finish Carbon Fiber used on the ZDP-189 Caly 3, but with a couple differences. It is both thicker, and a bit more tactile. Slightly bumpy, but smooth bumps, not rough, if that makes any sense. The extra thickness, plus a very slightly thicker blade, makes it the total package considerably thicker than the Caly 3.

Contrary to what some said regarding the prototype, at least on mine, the blade does not "swing closed like a garden gate" when released. Rather, it requires either pressure on spine, guidance via the Spyderhole, or a strong flick of the wrist to close it. However, since that appears to be a function of side pressure from the washers, it is probably a factor of the relative tightness of the pivot pin. If so, no guarantee it would remain the way it is if the knife were carried and used. It does flick, both open and closed with enough ease to make it's safe arrival at a destination in Canada problematic, assuming they object to non-locking knives that can be flicked open.

The magnet does release the blade a LOT easier than the slipjoint/notchjoint action of the UKPK, a good bit too easily for my tastes. It does want to grab hold of any other metal object near it, again a bit disconcerting, at least at first. Place it down an inch a way from your keys, and you'll hear a clink as they snap together. In this day and age of credit cards, card keys, USB drives, I-Pods, cell phones, etc. the wisdom of carrying a magnet in your pocket could be argued.

Bottom line, if "cool factor" is your major reason for buying a knife - grab one! The chances of anyone you show it to having ever seen anything like it are pretty remote.. Otherwise, give some serious thoughts to the potential magnet related issues.

For me, if I were unfortunate enough to need to travel to a place where locking knives were verboten, I'd grab my UKPK. For anywhere else, the Caly 3 would be my choice in a knife this size.

[jaislandboy]

thanx for the pics /review Paul.... :)
I'm gonna haveto wait for NGK to get them in stock again....
I keep my belongings in a JimiX plastic wallet to prevent mishaps with my credit cards and my magnetic bracelet.....I'm not skeered of some Magnet-Power... :p

[The Deacon]

[quote="jaislandboy"]thanx for the pics /review Paul.... :)
I'm gonna haveto wait for NGK to get them in stock again....
I keep my belongings in a JimiX plastic wallet to prevent mishaps with my credit cards and my magnetic bracelet.....I'm not skeered of some Magnet-Power... ]Ok Brian, glad to hear you're better organized than I am. :o Just remember that if you're using it to cut your steak in a restaurant, don't rest it down too close to the spoons and forks. :D

[fellyjr]

I don't think it would be a good idea to try and cut "steelhead" with it either. You might have a tough time with it. :eek: :rolleyes: :p :D

OK, I know, not my best material. :o :o

[Harry White]

nice pics, paul! i didn't see your pics before i saw the ones felly posted. the more i see this knife, the more i want one!

[The Deacon]

nice pics, paul! i didn't see your pics before i saw the ones felly posted. the more i see this knife, the more i want one!

Thanks Harry, You're not alone I'd imagine, guess I should have started a new thread instead of resurrecting this one.

At any rate, if you're looking to see the magnet, it's the rectangular block mounted in the frame that serves as a blade stop. 6ht picture down, and the top view comparison shot of the T-Mag and Caly III show it off pretty well. It does, of course, make all the steel parts of the knife slightly magnetic. As an example, a staple will stick to the clip.