So I have just discovered this brand called "Linder" from Solingen. I had never heard of them before. I stumbled across it because I had cravings for a stag-handled knife. The Randall thread made me want a stag-handled hunting knife, but at the moment I have no Randall-money nor Randall-time. After browsing some European sites, I stumbled across Linder knives from Solingen. I did my research and they seemed ok, so I ordered the Linder Mk. 1 pictured below. It arrived today.
Presentation side:
Other side:
Size comparison with Buck 110:
So haven't really put it to the test yet, but here are my first impressions:
The fit and finish is good. At first I thought there was a very minor gap between the guard and the blade, but on closer inspection it seems to be a bit of grime. (I can't feel it with my fingernail). Otherwise, no gaps where they don't belong (the handle/tang screw has some minor space, but it's a screw, so it's gotta turn). Even the sharpening looks remarkably straight and even to the naked eye. It sliced paper admirably.
THe stag is great and looks great. THere is one minor protrusion that I might file off, but I wouldn't necessarily consider it a defect in a natural material.
The ergonomics are pretty good. The handle is nice and thick and it fills my hand nicely (Size 9/xl gloves). The weight is good and the guard is functional without getting in the way. I'd almost give extra points for the lack of jimping, but that is just a pet peeve of mine. One thing that's weird at first though, is the finger choil. At first I thought it was too small and it felt weird around my finger. But the longer I held it, the better it felt. The jury's still out on this one. Even with the finger choil, the knife felt surprisingly comfy in different grips, too.
The sheath is allright. It is well constructed and they even made sure the button doesn't touch the knife. However, it lacks a drainage hole and the clasp is very very tight. But since it's leather, it'll loosen up over time. And since I'm left handed I gotta fix another sheath anyway (it is righty only).
The Linder company seems like the real deal. I contacted them via their website to ask if they also offered lefty-sheaths and got a polite reply within 10 minutes. They didn't make lefty sheaths but did refer me to a company they are in touch with that makes custom sheaths. That almost made me want to order then and there, but they could not match another deal I found, so I ended up ordering elsewhere.
The company is also apparently very humble, as the box just says: "Linder Solingen - Fine Knives".
The blade steel is 440C and the knife should set you back between €120 - €160 depending on the deal you get. (I lucked out and got one on the lower end of that range). I think that is a very reasonable price for a knife like this and this level of fit and finish. I feel like I got a lot of value for money with this one.
I've been looking at their other offerings and they offer a lot of traditional looking knives as well as some more modern ones. They also offer A LOT of their models in stag or stacked leather.
I haven't really put the knife through its' paces yet, but my first impressions are quite good. If you're looking for an affordable Solingen knife, or a knife with stag or stacked leather, you should definitely check this brand out.
Presentation side:
Other side:
Size comparison with Buck 110:
So haven't really put it to the test yet, but here are my first impressions:
The fit and finish is good. At first I thought there was a very minor gap between the guard and the blade, but on closer inspection it seems to be a bit of grime. (I can't feel it with my fingernail). Otherwise, no gaps where they don't belong (the handle/tang screw has some minor space, but it's a screw, so it's gotta turn). Even the sharpening looks remarkably straight and even to the naked eye. It sliced paper admirably.
THe stag is great and looks great. THere is one minor protrusion that I might file off, but I wouldn't necessarily consider it a defect in a natural material.
The ergonomics are pretty good. The handle is nice and thick and it fills my hand nicely (Size 9/xl gloves). The weight is good and the guard is functional without getting in the way. I'd almost give extra points for the lack of jimping, but that is just a pet peeve of mine. One thing that's weird at first though, is the finger choil. At first I thought it was too small and it felt weird around my finger. But the longer I held it, the better it felt. The jury's still out on this one. Even with the finger choil, the knife felt surprisingly comfy in different grips, too.
The sheath is allright. It is well constructed and they even made sure the button doesn't touch the knife. However, it lacks a drainage hole and the clasp is very very tight. But since it's leather, it'll loosen up over time. And since I'm left handed I gotta fix another sheath anyway (it is righty only).
The Linder company seems like the real deal. I contacted them via their website to ask if they also offered lefty-sheaths and got a polite reply within 10 minutes. They didn't make lefty sheaths but did refer me to a company they are in touch with that makes custom sheaths. That almost made me want to order then and there, but they could not match another deal I found, so I ended up ordering elsewhere.
The company is also apparently very humble, as the box just says: "Linder Solingen - Fine Knives".
The blade steel is 440C and the knife should set you back between €120 - €160 depending on the deal you get. (I lucked out and got one on the lower end of that range). I think that is a very reasonable price for a knife like this and this level of fit and finish. I feel like I got a lot of value for money with this one.
I've been looking at their other offerings and they offer a lot of traditional looking knives as well as some more modern ones. They also offer A LOT of their models in stag or stacked leather.
I haven't really put the knife through its' paces yet, but my first impressions are quite good. If you're looking for an affordable Solingen knife, or a knife with stag or stacked leather, you should definitely check this brand out.
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