modern knives

[.32]

they do have cheaper one SK-5 High Carbon, still $180
but blade length of both 12" so it cant be imported

Here's a link, the site is showing custom charges too.

http://www.20north.com/Cold-Steel-Kukri ... src=search

[Subal das]

they do have cheaper one SK-5 High Carbon, still $180
but blade length of both 12" so it cant be imported

Here's a link, the site is showing custom charges too.

http://www.20north.com/Cold-Steel-Kukri ... src=search

if you will order it from 20north.com they will return your money and refuse to ship. Also attempt to import a knife with blade longer then 9" can land you in a lot of trouble, up to criminal prosecution. So for better just enjoy and watch it on youtube

[Rajat]

.32 the custom charges that you see are just the result of an automatic calculator on this website. It cannot distinguish the prohibited and non prohibited items and will give you a fixed customs duty calculation on almost everything you see here. Whether or not it can be imported is a different story.

Customs examinations are generally speaking random but in certain cases they go by the description when shortlisting packages for examination. Certain descriptions are more likely to draw attention or attract an examination than others.

Do not try to import it or anything with similar specifications from 20north or any other website. It is likely to be confiscated and a show cause letter will be issued to you. Needless to say you will not be able to justify the import looking at the 12" blade etc. and then this will draw further fire in your direction.

-- Tue Oct 19, 2010 7:12 pm --

Here is more for you from 20north:

Are there any items prohibited / restricted for import into India?

Yes, the following categories of products are restricted /prohibited for import into India. Orders for such products will not be fulfilled by 20North. To avoid delays in processing your order, please ensure that your purchase does not include such products.

Air Guns (.177 and .22 caliber), Riflescopes, Gas Powered Airsoft guns,CO2 cartridges,Crossbows, Arrows,Airgun pellets, Weapons, Swords , Knives (blades above 10")
2-way Radio Sets (Walkie-Talkies)
Jewelry
Sex Toys / Adult toys
Perishable Food and Pet food
Prescription drugs
Regarding the sale of .177 caliber guns through 20North, we are currently in the process of acquiring certain rights for us to ship such products to India. We will be unable to process orders of these products until we acquire rights for the same. Do watch this space for updates!

[.32]

Ok that's bad news!
The 4th restriction item is even worse!

Suppose if one were to buy just one knife, be it from India/abroad(keeping import restrictions in mind), what would be the best choice? Please mention in 2 categories:

-Economy: 2-8k
-Premium: 8-20k.

[Subal das]

Ok that's bad news!
The 4th restriction item is even worse!

Suppose if one were to buy just one knife, be it from India/abroad(keeping import restrictions in mind), what would be the best choice? Please mention in 2 categories:

-Economy: 2-8k
-Premium: 8-20k.

check this thread
http://www.indiansforguns.com/viewtopic ... 2&start=90
Gerber LMF II perhaps the best knife I have seen sold in India

in Economy: 2-8k you can get exceptional Muela knife from Basecamp

[.32]

Thanks, saw that knife. Is it available for online purchase in Indis?

[Rajat]

.32 It is not available for online purchase in India however it is available at Adventure 18 stores here. For more details see topic Wanted good survival / hunter knife page 7.
Talk to them and they might courier it to you. They are quite helpful.
Your first question regarding the price is much more complicated.

[.32]

Thanks Rajat, would it be fine importing the Gerber LMF II from abroad, any customs hassles?

[abhrankash]

Extrema Ratio's 185° RAO

[ Image ]

In June of 2006, the Italian military’s RAO (185° Rgt. Ricognizione ed Acquisizione Obietivi) (English translation: Target Acquisition Regiment) commissioned Extrema Ratio to design and build a compact field survival knife. The RAO is the only unit in the Italian Armed Forces tasked with long-range recons for the purpose of locating targets to be engaged by artillery, helicopters, aircraft and warships. This regiment operates in all possible theatres including Interforce and multinational operations such as Iraq and Afghanistan, with each soldier completing two years of hard training for survival in hostile surroundings. Simply put, their knife had to match the conditions and environment they work in. In other words, they wanted something that wouldn’t break under the ever-changing world of combat operations, as well as a tool that could be used to improvise when nothing else was available.

The requirements the RAO placed on Extrema Ratio demanded that the folding knife have an extremely strong blade designed for chopping, prying and cutting. Most importantly, the knife had to have the ability to be used as a folder or fixed blade, so a weak locking system was out of the question. The end result of this project is a unique knife design appropriately named the 185° RAO.

[ Image ]

Length Opened: mm 261 (10.28 inches)

Length Closed: mm 142 (5.59 inches)

Blade Length: mm 120 (4.72 inches)

Weight: g 340 (11.99 ounces)

Weight with Sheath: g 505 (17.81 ounces)

Blade Thickness: mm 6 (0.24 inch)

Blade Steel: N690 cobalt stainless steel*

Blade Hardness: Rockwell 58 HRC

Grinding: Flat

Serrations: No

Handle: Anticorodal aluminum**

Clip: No

Sheath: Nylon

MOLLY Compatible Sheath: Yes

Diamond Sharpener: Yes

cost from Europe euro 290
from USA usd 295

dear sir,
No, doubt its a good knife but the cost whooping up to 13074 INR if its $295 as you have mentioned earlier.but its good own a one its owner's pride.

[Rajat]

.32 with reference to your classification of knives in the premium and economy categories: This classification is not really justified as the cost of the knife may have nothing to do with the performance or your selection of the knife. What I think is that since you say "if one were to buy just one knife what would be the choice" then this knife has to fit in a lot of different categories all at the same time: it should be one that you like, should be able to adapt itself to a lot of different uses, strength, build, way you want to carry or wear it, most suitable knife material, fixed or folder etc. etc. therefore a different classification should be considered.

Ok, now coming to the knives. Starting with availability in India, as Subal has pointed out you can get a Muela from any of the Base camp stores here somewhere inyour Economy range but I do not feel that this will be a good option as most of the Muela knives that I have seen here are of very poor quality and build. I do own two Muelas and these are fairly good but this was when the products were launched in India for the first time after which there was a steady deterioration in the quality to the extent that I advise against these since you are talking about buying just one good knife.

Of course you can buy a good Swiss Army knife (Victorinox) here and take my word for it you will be using this more than any other knife that you may buy. This is because of its utility.

Coming to the Gerber LMF II: It is available at Adventure 18 stores and roughly for about Rs. 8000-9000. You can call them and check the price. It is no doubt a good knife but there are better options available (but maybe not in India). The mail address that they gave me is [email protected] (yes adventurers). If you want to get it from India and not get into the import thing then you can buy it.

The price point: Most of the knives that I personally like approx. cost $125 – 300. Add to this shipping by Fed Ex Ecomomy $ 60 – 70 and the conclusion is that we have reached your Premium range. But this does not in any way imply that you cannot get good knives below this price.

Shipping is a very expensive affair and I strongly advice that you get it shipped by Fed Ex or DHL or UPS or equivalent. Do not get it shipped via USPS as their counterpart in Indian is our India postal service and the package is likely to get opened on the way, misplaced, lost, delayed or indefinitely stuck in customs and there will be no tracking number. The customs will also require you to go to the nearest FPO to get it released. Whereas the other private courier companies will get it custom cleared for you and call you to confirm and collect the customs duty etc. on delivery.

Ensure that you buy something which has a blade less than 9”. If you look at it practically you do not even need 9” blade.

My recommendation is that you buy one good mid sized fixed blade knife and one small sized folder. This will be a great combination as you can EDC the folder and a fixed blade knife is something which you cannot do without when you need something reliable.

Take some time out search the internet regarding the blade styles, steels used, handle material, sheaths and construction styles, types of locks in folders and then make your choice so you get what you want.

Some great knife brands are: Stryder, Benchmade, Kershaw, Chris Reeves, Esee knives (RAT Cutlery), Spyderco, Ontario knife company, Fallkniven and many more.

I hope Subal will not mind our discussing these details under this topic !

-- Wed Oct 20, 2010 5:26 pm --

.32 Please make your next post on the knife you would like to buy under the topic: Want to buy a good survival/hunter knife-help needed

We do not want Subal to get mad at both of us. Do we?

Feel free to put up more posts if you have any questions or need any opinion or advice and we will all try to help you out.

[Subal das]

Thanks Rajat, would it be fine importing the Gerber LMF II from abroad, any customs hassles?

check this thread,

http://www.indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=8002

I think mods should make it sticky as it contain comprehensive information regarding import of knives and people asking similar questions all the time.

[Rajat]

Thanks Rajat, would it be fine importing the Gerber LMF II from abroad, any customs hassles?

check this thread,

http://www.indiansforguns.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=8002

Yes more or less you have it all here. A small correction is that the freight of Fed Ex Economy from USA to India is now approx. $ 60-80 (for an average knife) depending on the weight and exact destination etc. and they handle the custom clearance too. Good news for you!

[Subal das]

why I should get mad, as long as it is about knives please feel at home.

I totally agree with your advice, Rajat, you should like the knife and choose it yourself, look at it as you choosing your life partner for years.
Good knife is great feel good factor!! One folder and one fixed blade - perfect advise too.

personally I EDC 5.11 master karambit folder S30V steel, sharpened it about one year ago, cutting with it everything daily and it stay same razor sharp. Karambit is extremely fast, stealthy and deadly knife, almost impossible to defend against and disarm. Not sure if any other folder can be near as good for urban self defense.

My fixed blade is KA-BAR #5556 FIN Straight Edge D2 Fixed Blade Tanto, when I got this knife and open box near post office my jaw drops and I was unable to do anything just looking on it. it is not big knife blade 4 7/8" , but it is build like a tank and cutting ability of D2 steel absolutely outstanding great sheath too, also belt clip available. cost about $63.

Been once in situation near to use it, but only I moved my hand to get it, my opponents retired ... smart guys, what a hell of a feel good factor

[Rajat]

why I should get mad, as long as it is about knives please feel at home.

Thanks buddy!

I totally agree with your advice, Rajat, you should like the knife and choose it yourself, look at it as you choosing your life partner for years.
Good knife is great feel good factor!! One folder and one fixed blade - perfect advise too.

We sort of feel the same way about these things !!

[.32]

@Rajat, thanks for the detailed info. Indeed that classification suggested by me was far from perfect but I was just looking for plain, simple low down on 2 basic categories for a relative noob!
Personally I have 2 Victorinox kirpans, one with ~ 4"blade & other with an 8". Can go in for one more knife but want that knife to adapt into many roles. Should be tough, good build, great strength, fixed blade & carryble.

The knives which I already have are Victorinox/Muela. Now, want something different. Budget is not fixed & you rightly said, choice in India is limited.

I will try & locate Gerber knife in India through the address you mentioned. The price of the knife though on a higher side, suits me.

Very useful tips on shipping, yes this is an expensive process. What if I ask someone coming from abroad to bring a knife along, can knife be brought in baggage from abroad? If yes, this can pass customs without duty.

I tried finding suitable products on net but its really confusing & I can judge these things in flesh, net has its limitations.

Subal has been sporty enough to allow us take his topic OT, thanks to him & his patience!

Subal, also thanks for the thread pointer, that was helpful. Though the knife in that thread must be great but I somehow did not like the designing. Like traditional shapes more & a fan of fixed blades. Also, the videos seem to be marketing gimmicks, the wood they are using looks poor in quality.

Btw, your KA-BAR looks great. On a lighter note, do you know what Kabar literally means in hindi/punjabi? For this reason I won't be getting a Kabar knife! Did not buy Laura(car) for the same reasons!