- Joined
- Jul 22, 2000
- Messages
- 981
I got #12/75 in the stonewash version. The first thing that blew my mind was the sheer size of the folder even when closed. A 5.25 inch blade doesn't sound like that much more than your standard large 4 inch folder.
However, the difference in size becomes obvious when you place it side by side to a regular folder. I pulled out my BM 710 Axis (a large folder in itself) for a comparison, and the Axis looked anorexic...even more so when I opened both knives.
I was a bit disappointed with the lack of designation as a special edition. Sure it has the REKAT symbol and "D-2 Enhanced" written on it. But the other side just says: "SPECIAL EDITION 12/75" in very mundane, "arial" like fonts. Originally, it was suggested that it would say "Blade Forums Special Edition Sifu" or something to that effect. It has no mention of its designer origin on the blade either. It would have been nice if there were stampings of Bob Brothers's, and Mike Turber's signature like the Gerber Applegate/Fairbairn folders.
I do like it's lower mounted sliding lever, over the Benchmade Axis's top mounted sliding disk. The Sifu's lever is much more inconspicuous and blends in aesthetically into the handle. In comparison, the Benchmade's high mounted silver button lever looks like an eyesore.
The Sifu's lever is easier to reach -- at least for me. Unfortunately for you "lefties", it's not ambidextrous as the Axis knives.
The G-10 slabs could be prettier too. If you're anal and look at it closely, you can see machine and grinding marks. But hey, it's G-10. What can you do?
The fit is good: no blade wobble, no rubbing, or chafing on blade openings and closings. Prospective buyers need not worry about those stories you've read about REKAT's dubious fittings. This problem must have affected more of the earlier Sifus.
The blade design -- as on all Sifus -- is a beaut. Is it functional? Depends on your needs, but I'm a traditionalist and I appreciate it's neo-clip point design. However, it isn't traditional in the fact that it has a lot of belly, and a good recurve on it. It looks like a tactical bowie.
The two criticisms about the blade is that, one, it's sharp but not hair-popping sharp out of the box. Now this isn't really a concern since I'm not really using the knife as a daily carry/daily task. But I don't intend on trying to sharpen this D-2 knife either as I don't feel my angle sharper can do a good job. The second dislike is highly subjective: stonewash finish; I don't like it much. I've never seen this finish and went strictly on Sifu pictures. I don't think this finish is very aesthetically pleasing. It looks like raw sheet metal: dull, grey, and full of swirls. It doesn't contrast well against the logo stampings either. Then again, I did learn to get used to bead blast finishes.
The lock is very good in the closed position. Inspite of its big, heavy blade, it is not prone to accidental openings due to its stiff spring which gives it a feel similar to the backspring tension of a lockback. However, the heavy tension makes for a less smoother opening than a BM Axis. Rest assured to those of you who like to show-off by snap opening the blade. Yes, it can be done easily by a thumbstud assisted snap.
The handle. I should really leave this one alone because it's really subjective and some people like "grooves", and some don't. For me, this grooveless model is most comfortable when held at either near the top, or near the bottom. Smack in the middle is a bit constraining and I wish it had more "belly" in the handle there. Once again, merely banal criticism since one is most likely to "choke" up on the handle near the choil when using it for general cutting purposes. From a knife collecting view, it is a very attractive looking handle and will probably have a wider appeal than the grooved handle. Personally -- mind you it's just my own opinion -- the grooved handles kind of make the Sifu look like those "cheesy" knives sold in martial arts magazines alongside nunchakus, and ninja throwing stars. I do understand that the grooves are highly functional but I speak entirely for a design point. The grooveless handles look more modern yet retains good function.
Another feature of the handle is that it, in itself, can be used as a yawara stick for non-lethal self-defense. I hate to imagine the pain that could be inflicted by the pointy butt-end of the Sifu's handle.
To conclude, despite all the various manufacturers making "fighting folders", most of them are probably a figment of marketing. I have to echo Jim March's sentiment in saying that in the Sifu, you have a real fighting folder; arguably the most useful on the market today. It has a strong lock, robust blade, and it's sheer size would overwhelm most manufacturer's so-called fighting folders. Best of all, this special edition model has an up-to-date, sleek design to match its performance.
[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 03-31-2001).]
However, the difference in size becomes obvious when you place it side by side to a regular folder. I pulled out my BM 710 Axis (a large folder in itself) for a comparison, and the Axis looked anorexic...even more so when I opened both knives.
I was a bit disappointed with the lack of designation as a special edition. Sure it has the REKAT symbol and "D-2 Enhanced" written on it. But the other side just says: "SPECIAL EDITION 12/75" in very mundane, "arial" like fonts. Originally, it was suggested that it would say "Blade Forums Special Edition Sifu" or something to that effect. It has no mention of its designer origin on the blade either. It would have been nice if there were stampings of Bob Brothers's, and Mike Turber's signature like the Gerber Applegate/Fairbairn folders.
I do like it's lower mounted sliding lever, over the Benchmade Axis's top mounted sliding disk. The Sifu's lever is much more inconspicuous and blends in aesthetically into the handle. In comparison, the Benchmade's high mounted silver button lever looks like an eyesore.
The Sifu's lever is easier to reach -- at least for me. Unfortunately for you "lefties", it's not ambidextrous as the Axis knives.
The G-10 slabs could be prettier too. If you're anal and look at it closely, you can see machine and grinding marks. But hey, it's G-10. What can you do?
The fit is good: no blade wobble, no rubbing, or chafing on blade openings and closings. Prospective buyers need not worry about those stories you've read about REKAT's dubious fittings. This problem must have affected more of the earlier Sifus.
The blade design -- as on all Sifus -- is a beaut. Is it functional? Depends on your needs, but I'm a traditionalist and I appreciate it's neo-clip point design. However, it isn't traditional in the fact that it has a lot of belly, and a good recurve on it. It looks like a tactical bowie.
The two criticisms about the blade is that, one, it's sharp but not hair-popping sharp out of the box. Now this isn't really a concern since I'm not really using the knife as a daily carry/daily task. But I don't intend on trying to sharpen this D-2 knife either as I don't feel my angle sharper can do a good job. The second dislike is highly subjective: stonewash finish; I don't like it much. I've never seen this finish and went strictly on Sifu pictures. I don't think this finish is very aesthetically pleasing. It looks like raw sheet metal: dull, grey, and full of swirls. It doesn't contrast well against the logo stampings either. Then again, I did learn to get used to bead blast finishes.
The lock is very good in the closed position. Inspite of its big, heavy blade, it is not prone to accidental openings due to its stiff spring which gives it a feel similar to the backspring tension of a lockback. However, the heavy tension makes for a less smoother opening than a BM Axis. Rest assured to those of you who like to show-off by snap opening the blade. Yes, it can be done easily by a thumbstud assisted snap.
The handle. I should really leave this one alone because it's really subjective and some people like "grooves", and some don't. For me, this grooveless model is most comfortable when held at either near the top, or near the bottom. Smack in the middle is a bit constraining and I wish it had more "belly" in the handle there. Once again, merely banal criticism since one is most likely to "choke" up on the handle near the choil when using it for general cutting purposes. From a knife collecting view, it is a very attractive looking handle and will probably have a wider appeal than the grooved handle. Personally -- mind you it's just my own opinion -- the grooved handles kind of make the Sifu look like those "cheesy" knives sold in martial arts magazines alongside nunchakus, and ninja throwing stars. I do understand that the grooves are highly functional but I speak entirely for a design point. The grooveless handles look more modern yet retains good function.
Another feature of the handle is that it, in itself, can be used as a yawara stick for non-lethal self-defense. I hate to imagine the pain that could be inflicted by the pointy butt-end of the Sifu's handle.
To conclude, despite all the various manufacturers making "fighting folders", most of them are probably a figment of marketing. I have to echo Jim March's sentiment in saying that in the Sifu, you have a real fighting folder; arguably the most useful on the market today. It has a strong lock, robust blade, and it's sheer size would overwhelm most manufacturer's so-called fighting folders. Best of all, this special edition model has an up-to-date, sleek design to match its performance.
[This message has been edited by Full Tang Clan (edited 03-31-2001).]
