So I don't see any threads on this new addition to Reate's lineup, the Epoch.
I figured I'd start things off with my own thoughts and impressions but first- pics.
Came in the Reate pouch will all the goodies- pouch, cloth, spare hardware bits.
The action is smooth, there's no blade play, perfect blade centering- all things we've come to expect from Reate.
Super snappy flipping action and, initially, the blade was hesitant to fall shut but after a couple days of flipping it, it seems to be breaking in very well. There's a multi-row caged ceramic (?) bearing system running on polished stainless steel washers that fit into a milled cutout in the scales, resulting in a buttery smooth action.
The ceramic detent ball makes for a great detent and the Todd Begg-style ball bearing in the pocket clip makes it very comfortable to carry. The polished mokuti inlay is gorgeous.
I only have a couple of complaints so far.
1- Not all of the screws in the scales came tightened down. 2 of the screws going into the backspacer were loose enough for me to actually spin out with my finger, because they had backed almost entirely. Not a huge deal because I was able to grab a torx bit and fix it up in a second, but it's worth mentioning.
2- I've had cheaper production knives come sharper than this one. It's not dull by any means, but it's definitely not "scary sharp," and I usually prefer to carry something sharper than this. Being said, it's CTS-204P, so whatever edge it does have- it's gonna hold on to for a long time to come.
All in all, I'm very impressed by the Epoch and although the price is steep- I paid $425 at Blade HQ- I think it's worth every penny.
I figured I'd start things off with my own thoughts and impressions but first- pics.
Came in the Reate pouch will all the goodies- pouch, cloth, spare hardware bits.
The action is smooth, there's no blade play, perfect blade centering- all things we've come to expect from Reate.
Super snappy flipping action and, initially, the blade was hesitant to fall shut but after a couple days of flipping it, it seems to be breaking in very well. There's a multi-row caged ceramic (?) bearing system running on polished stainless steel washers that fit into a milled cutout in the scales, resulting in a buttery smooth action.
The ceramic detent ball makes for a great detent and the Todd Begg-style ball bearing in the pocket clip makes it very comfortable to carry. The polished mokuti inlay is gorgeous.
I only have a couple of complaints so far.
1- Not all of the screws in the scales came tightened down. 2 of the screws going into the backspacer were loose enough for me to actually spin out with my finger, because they had backed almost entirely. Not a huge deal because I was able to grab a torx bit and fix it up in a second, but it's worth mentioning.
2- I've had cheaper production knives come sharper than this one. It's not dull by any means, but it's definitely not "scary sharp," and I usually prefer to carry something sharper than this. Being said, it's CTS-204P, so whatever edge it does have- it's gonna hold on to for a long time to come.
All in all, I'm very impressed by the Epoch and although the price is steep- I paid $425 at Blade HQ- I think it's worth every penny.
