TAD Gear FRH Fellhoelter review w/Pics

chadridv

Gold Member
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Dec 7, 2009
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I love the design. It's simple but so far from boring. I love the very slight contrast between the green G10 and the tumbled Ti, both in color and texture. At first glance i thought the G10 was gray, but quickly realized if it were gray I wouldn't like it as much. That slight angle that connects the G10 to Ti is brilliant. I thought at first the decision to dovetail the bolster might be functional, but i asked Mr. Fellhoelter and he told me it was just aesthetics. Brilliant!

I also love the fact that he managed to make a bolstered handle that maintains the perfect thickness and proportion to the entire knife. I've always liked the look of bolstered frame/liner lock knives, but always hated how robust the handle becomes. This handle shape and overall knife size is perfect. It handles like a big knife, while having the comfort and practicality of a reasonably sized EDC, it's a perfect balance IMO.

The blade shape is awesome. it is yet another really great example of perfect balance. It seems like a hybrid spear point/warncliff. which makes it extremely useful and practical IMO. The blade is also centered with no play in any direction. The tolerances are also extremely tight, which as we all know is a clear sign of high quality craftsmanship!

Lastly the pocket clip is perfect. I love that it's deep carry, and i love that it keeps a relatively low profile. Almost all deep carry clips i've seen have that big round fold over that makes it stick out almost half an inch (i hate that). This one is the perfect size and holds perfect form for my 4 finger grip. The two hole openings are obviously there to access the screws, however i happen to think it looks very cool too.

My only criticism is truly bittersweet! It might take a little more carrying time to really articulate this well, but i'll try. The detent on this knife is awesome. It's one of the best i've seen. I really like a strong detent because not only is it safe, but to me, it is an example of a strong and secure tool. However, it's not that easy to traditionally 1 hand open this knife. Thumb flicking on the other hand is a dream. With such a strong detent, this knife flies open and it is super smooth!

related to this topic, the trit TAD thumb studs are awesome for many reasons... but they might be part of what makes this knife difficult to open. Right off the bat they are kind of sharp to the touch, luckily my thumb is already caliced from being a knife addict. anyway, i strongly suspect this sole criticism may disappear with a little bit of time, we'll see.

Overall, this is definitely a new favorite. It succeeds where many others have almost... or outright failed. I really look forward to seeing what else Brian Fellhoelter will produce.

Ok on to the pics... Enjoy!
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Lokks like a really elegant design beautifully detailed and produced! Enjoy!!
 
Nice knife and a good detailed review. Who is the maker? I am not familiar with the "TAD Gear" moniker.

Roger
 
Nice knife and a good detailed review. Who is the maker? I am not familiar with the "TAD Gear" moniker.

Roger

Hey thanks Roger.

The knife maker is Brian Fellhoelter. TAD Gear is the name of a tactical/outdoors company that commissioned this particular knife. I beleive Fellhoelter made 8-10 of this particular "TAD Gear" special edition.

I don't think there are many out there, but something that makes this particular knife different than others is the TAD logo etched on the blade, and the TAD tritium thumb studs.

Thanks!
 
Thanks for the review, much appreciated...

hey you're very welcome. I was in a jam a couple weeks back and actually had to sell the knife to a good local friend of mine. I thought it would be the best of both worlds, pay my bills and still see/handle a knife that i love.

Turns out it's pretty tough to see that knife on a regular basis and know it's not mine! ;)

I already offered to buy it back... he said no!

Anyway thanks for making a sick knife bro!
 
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