Thanks to reading all the posts from knife guru's like Mr. Subal Das& Rajat, I was bitten by the knife bug. Now that my collection for air guns is complete i could actively pursue my passion for all sharp and shiny objects.
I dont prefer the fixed blades as except for collecting I wont get the oppurrtunity to carry and use it much except the yearly trip to the mountains. And for that i have a tried and trusted Gerber LMF II.
After a few discussions with a couple of members the hunt began . The first folder that caught my eye was the Extreme Ratio Rao simply due to the sales gimmick videos on youtube. But pretty soon realised that the city life doesnt throw in the oppurtunities to put it to the extreme use it was constructed for. And was also told that the coating on the extreme ration knife tends to wear out pretty soon.
The research went on for a few days and the brand shorlisted were benchmade and boker. on further annalysis I felt the the Axis locking system ,though however smooth & slick, operated due to the small spring tension was surely not strong enuff . It was more for the asthetics then functionality. Beside after 10 years of manufacturing experience one thing was very clear the quality control of mass produced goods can never meet the quality of small batch production.
So a little more research on the small batch/semi custom built folder 3 knifes were shortlisted priority wise.
1) Rick Hinderer XM-18
2) Chris Reeve Umnumzaan
3) Lion steel Sr-1
On my hunt for buying the XM-18 i was shocked to realsise that there is actually a huge waiting and the used knives sell at twice the price of brand new one simply due to the huge demand. And with my level of impatience waiting endlessly was out of question.
So sincce the firts love was making me wait so much i chose the Umnumzaan from chris reeves. This is the newer and slightly improved upon version of the famous Sebenza ( as told by a fellow member and all other forums, sebenza is the yardstick by which all folders are measured). Paying that kind of dollars seemed like a crazy idea but just couldnt stop myself and after a lot of hunting finally ordered the Umnumzaan ( under transit). the ordering itself took a few days and the very next day of ordering I got a mail from Rick Hinderer that the XM-24 (the big daddy of xm-18)would be available in 10 days. MAN!!!
Now i have to spend twice the amount and get my hands on the firts love also before it vanishes and reaches the used market.
And to retire my 15 years old EDC swiss army knife completely from active duty, i needed a a companion for the Umnumzaan. That wasn't a tuff decision so just one day of research ordered the Phirana from PocketToolX.
Eagerly awaiting for the Fed EX guy to come knocking at my doorstop.
