The Talon

[dete]

what do you guys think of this?

http://www.raptorknives.com

I like how the blade provides a nice hand guard.

I wonder how much it runs for...

[J Smith]

what do you guys think of this?

http://www.raptorknives.com

I like how the blade provides a nice hand guard.

I wonder how much it runs for...

I don't care for it.To fantasy knife for me.I would also think that going just by its looks it may add time to a jail sentence if you ever had to defend yourself with it.

[KaliGman]

I would actually like to see (and handle one) in person. It looks interesting, particulary the way that it should align the blade point in a hammer grip. I would want to test the lock strength prior to picking one up.

I'll bet it is expensive, probably expensive enough that you could pay full retail for a P'kal and still have more than "dinner and a movie" cash left in your pocket compared to buying one of these.

[Fred Sanford]

Looks like a fantasy knife to me. I wouldn't have any interest in it at all.

[Sharpy_swe]

Looks something out of a fantasy film, but maybe it’s good against Trolls and Orcs

[Jordan]

That would go perfectly with my ninja outfit... :p

[KaliGman]

I am not quite sure about the fantasy/Mall Ninja references on this one. To me, it looks like it would be weak in the pivot area and might snap under heavy use. As for the overall look of the thing, I think it kind of looks like a waved, reground Spyderco Shabaria blade crossed with a humpbacked version of the Kabar TDI fixed blade handle.

I could see some utility in trapping drills while using this thing in a hammer grip, especially if the top swedge is sharpened. Overall, it looks funky. To the uninitiated, so does the Spyderco Karambit (which I can make sing and dance pretty well), the Shabaria and the P'kal. I won't tell you how many people who should know better have likened my Yojimbo and Ronin to box cutter/utility blades. In person, this thing might work very well. I tend to doubt it, but, hey, you never know. In the martial arts world, I have seen and used some strange looking weapons that actually worked well.

[steeltiger]

Nobody posted this? Well now I can get in my typing practice.
There was an write-up of this knife in Tactical Knives,
Theres a defence system desinged for this knife the ''talon defence system'' you're supossed to hold it in reverse grip with your off hand wrapped around the first, arms forming a triangle, covering the face.
the blade is presented at a drastic angle, not too sure how this is better, but its ''suposed'' to be.....
anyway, its in the Tactical Knives magizine- september 07 The article focused on the SD system more than the knife though'

I do try not to judge a book by its cover, but I, personaly, am not too flattered

I hope this helps,( I am a self proffesed idiot, my opinion is unfounded, and I now very little about SD, so my thoughts shouldent be taken to heart )

[KaliGman]

Nobody posted this? Well now I can get in my typing practice.
There was an write-up of this knife in Tactical Knives,
Theres a defence system desinged for this knife the ''talon defence system'' you're supossed to hold it in reverse grip with your off hand wrapped around the first, arms forming a triangle, covering the face.
the blade is presented at a drastic angle, not too sure how this is better, but its ''suposed'' to be.....
anyway, its in the Tactical Knives magizine- september 07 The article focused on the SD system more than the knife though'

I do try not to judge a book by its cover, but I, personaly, am not too flattered

I hope this helps,( I am a self proffesed idiot, my opinion is unfounded, and I now very little about SD, so my thoughts shouldent be taken to heart )

The triangle and/or elbow shield is used a lot in silat. You will see this kind of entry used a lot in basic karambit work. But..not another you-have-to-have-this-tool-based-ultimate-warrior-ninja-mutilator-survival-and-reality-based-because-I-used-it-when-I-was-mugged-by-two-old-ladies-in-a-mall-combat-system. The horror, the horror :eek: .

In all seriousness, I haven't seen the system, so it might have some, maybe even a lot of, value. After all, outside of my "circle," very few have heard of Albo Kali Silat, which is the main system I have practiced and taught in recent years. I rarely read the knife magazines. Maybe I'll have to pick up a back issue and check it out.

[dete]

I really like unique attempts like this, whether it works or not,
it's like... thanx for trying type thing. :D

I don't really see the mall ninja part other than its perhaps too small
to be really be effective????

And I seriously do not like the linerlock.

but the handle is kind of neat...

I'd love to play with one hehehe

[224477]

Interesting design. The prototype has a four way clip that allows you to wave the blade open if the clip is in tip up carry. From what I have read at another forum, in future it will be probably a licensee of Emerson Wave patent.

[stonyman]

I read that article. I will hold off my .02 on the effectiveness of the design. It definately does not seem to cater to the fantasy ninja. It put me in the mind of a model that W.Thomas makes, the rhino. Gman I love the spydy karambit, I gave one to a dear friend and former student. I have yet to replace it with another.( I Miss It! ) I will also side with you in obtaining a p'kal and dash to the movie and dinner! :D

[Hannibal Lecter]

My Dear Friends,

I would also like to handle this knife; I expect that the cost would probably make it a prohibitive piece to own for me regardless, but it would be interesting to review and play with.

I also am wary of anyone professing a "new and improved" fighting system revolving around the use of a single concept tool. Bram did it right (and did it well) with the Gunting family of tools. Consequently, I will withhold judgment on this piece until I am better informed.

I will mention, however, that unless that little edged toy ends up a reasonably-priced production piece I have serious question in my mind as to how many people will jump on the bandwagon to purchase one and learn the system.

--------
Hannibal

[ghostrider]

I was intrigued by the desing. I like it, but it does look a little too purpose built. When the article came out I checked the website and it said the price was $250.

[Dr. Snubnose]

I would have to hold it in hand and play around with it to make any reasonable comments that would be of any value....from pure looks...I think it is an interesting design....Doc :D

[Agent Starling]

I dunno, I think it looks cool! BTW...what is a fantasy knife? The only knives I see in my fantasies are hawkbills and tantos, is that what u all meant?

The first thing that struck me is it looks like a reverse hawkbill blade shape, I wondered if it was made for pikal grip, and I liked that it almost has symmetry...what I mean by this is a point of symmetry where the left half is like a mirror image of the right half, only flipped 180 degrees...uh, am I making myself clear...didn't think so! :p :D

I'd be curious to try such a knife...it's so wierd (cool?) looking, let's see what it can do... :D

Ex Officer Starling

[zenheretic]

According the add copy it is the "world's most practical tactical knives"

One could debate what practical tactical means, but IMO if you have to have knowledge of some Filipino knife fighting system to correctly use it; it isn't practical/tactical.

A standard folder like an Endura, or a classic blade pattern like a Shiva:
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4983

are far more in the lines of "practical/tactical" in my mind. No special training required, you can gut fish or perps.

[untamed]

As an FMA and blade student, I cold definitely see some influences or even design "attempts" if you will, to maximize techniques and attributes which the knife is based on.

But as has been already mentioned, proof is in the handling and I'd very much like to hold and play with one.

[smcfalls13]

Guys, I don't think that's a fantasy knife. Looks more like a purpose designed self defense knife.

When was the last time a cheap fantasy knife utilized decent steel. That blade is S30V.

[Agent Starling]

The September issue of Tactical Knives (pretty sure that was the one) has an article on the Talon.

Starling