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Savant in Three Blade Styles

K

Knife Outlet

Joined
Jan 4, 1999
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reksavant.jpg

This shows the new REKAT Savant with your choice of clip, upswept or tanto blades. It features the bomb proof rolling lock and feels very smooth and well fit. Good job, REKAT!
 
Yeah, it's a pretty cool little knife.

Here's a picture of the colored handled ones I did for REKAT ...

You can see a larger version of it here http://www.1sks.com/store/rekat-savant.html
by clicking on the small image. There's no word as of this moment on when colored handled models are coming out, but hopefully it will be soon.

Kevin
 
Forgot the picture
 
Could you handle several of them and tell us if they are all smooth? If so, maybe REKAT has solved some of its QC issues. Do you know the intended purpose of this knife (the name and CF scales point directly to a gentleman's folder, but it looks to be built like a tank)?
 
Everything REKAT makes is made for utility - they don't have Gentleman's knives. The Savant is designed to be the next generation of Pioneer - with 6061 T6 Aircraft Aluminum handles and G10 (or Carbon Fiber / G10 Laminate) scales, adding grip and aesthetic appeal.

I'll be honest, I haven't handled many of them. The aluminum handles on the ones I've handled make for a much smoother ride for the rolling lock mechanism, with less wear in the long run. Plus, since it's milled out, then hard anodized, the aluminum can probably be machined to tighter tolerances than the previous G10 handles.

Regardless, this is a hell of a knife. I personally can't wait for a Aluminum / G10 Sifu!

Kevin
 
I've had a couple of Savants since the SHOT Show (blue anodized w/G-10) and like them a lot. Action is smooth, knife is lighter than the Pioneers it is replacing, and the ergonomics are improved. The icing on the cake is that you have the stout workability of the Pioneer in a better looking package that costs less. Gentleman's folder? Could be, but it's still a REKAT, and that means it'll stand up to hard use. I see people talking about QC problems, but I have never experienced any, and have been using their products for years. I still have one of the very first Pioneers produced, with the lever lock and breakaway sheath. Replaced the sheath with one of my own, but the knife is still going strong. You'll like the Savants!!!

Mike
 
Am a little confused, Mike. From just checking a couple places -- not an exhaustive search by any means -- the Savant is going for $10 more than the Pioneer II has been selling for.

From my own experience and those reported in various forums here -- hence the question about handling several -- the action on many REKATs would best be described as a sandbox action. They feel like there is a ton of sand in the action, scraping and scratching almost every inch of the way, opening and closing the blade.

Add the company's now non-existant participation in their forum, and I'll be buying knives from other companies, thank you. I'm glad you've been more fortunate in the examples you have. Given the heavy duty nature of the Pioneer, it would make one whale of a knife if it didn't work like a gravel grinder.
 
Originally posted by Bugs3x
Am a little confused, Mike. From just checking a couple places -- not an exhaustive search by any means -- the Savant is going for $10 more than the Pioneer II has been selling for.

From my own experience and those reported in various forums here -- hence the question about handling several -- the action on many REKATs would best be described as a sandbox action. They feel like there is a ton of sand in the action, scraping and scratching almost every inch of the way, opening and closing the blade.
Click to expand...

I haven't compared prices, but I think the difference people are talking about refers to MSRP, not mail order/Internet prices. As far as that goes, I got my Pioneer II for half of what the Savant costs.

Regarding smoothness, they are rough knives, but they smoothen up dramatically after a few months of use. It's never going to be a "flicker", but it's the best hard user I've ever found. If I ever wear out or lose my Pioneer, I'll probably replace it with a Savant.
I wish REKAT would make a 2/3 size Savant/Pioneer, something with a 2.8" or so blade and correspondingly shorter handle.

Chris
 
I really like the fact they put a decent clip on there, instead of the pos they had on the Pioneer. My best friend's Pioneer (only Rolling Lock I've fooled with) has incredible lockup, and an overall feeling of incredible strength and solidity. Looks like they've really cleaned it up.
Question: Fred's pic shows what appears to be CF overlays, while the 1sks pics have G-10? Is it available with both, or is one version prototypes vs. production on the other???
The CF looks much better.
 
Bugs, FWIW, I've never had a serious QC problem with any of my REKATs. (Something I can't say about most of the major "name" brands.) Both my Sifu & Pocket Hobbit were as smooth as anyone could ask for right out of the tubes. My Carnivour was a little rough at first but quickly smoothed out by loosening/retightening the spacer screws & applying a little Sentry BP2000 powder to the action. All three open with just a thumb flick -- no wrist action req'd -- and are among the smoothest operating folders I own. I think it's just human nature for folks to voice complaints quicker than satisfaction.

I do share your frustration, however, about REKAT's lack of participation on their forum. Nevertheless, I think we should bear in mind that they are a small company & cut them some slack. Look what happened with Cold Steel. Was their forum even open for a week before they realized they couldn't support it?.

Anyway, I know I'm looking forward to the Savants in color. I'm also planning to pick up a Pygmy Warrior & a lightweight Carnivour once they are released.
 
For the record, I too am very happy with my BF SE D2 Sifu! Smooth from the start, and handles great. But even I am a bit hesitant to buy more from all the QC comments I've read about. No, it won't stop me from buying another one (when I can afford to), but it needs to be addressed, although I've also read that such problems are taken care of quickly.

LOVE the look of the new Savants! And a lightweight Carnie? Yummm!

Karl
 
Price I was referring to was the MSRP. Most recent batch of Pioneers sold was at closeout prices - less than half MSRP - because the Savants were coming on line. Those that got 'em received a lot of bang for the buck! Glad others are having the same observations on REKATs as myself 'cause I've had great luck with them and I know I don't get "pick of the litter". My wife uses a knife at work and has gone from a Delica, to a Native, to a clip point Pioneer II. I'm not letting her handle my Savants - those are mine.

Mike
 
I've got the Pioneer 2 in a lefty model. No QC problems, mine is very nice. Does anyone know if REKAT will be doing more lefties or ambidexterous models?
 
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