- Joined
- Oct 10, 2009
- Messages
- 545
So I decided to finally get around to reviewing what is one of my favourite knives. The Tim Galyean Pro Series Turbulence. I think what drew me to it was the fact that it was different. I had a sebenza and I had an SnG. So I was familiar with some of the de facto standards in the mid tech world. The Turbulence allowed me to branch out in to the world of mid techs a little more. So let's get on with the review shall we?
Handle Design
The handle choice for this blade was organic and ergonomic. The curves are smooth and designed to fit into the palm of your hand. Your hand naturally goes into a saber grip with this blade. The CNC texturing on the handle is aggressively cut. Not abrasive, but aggressive. So there is some traction when holding a metal handle. It is thin, there is no deniying, but that fits the saber grip well. Hammer fist grip, probably not. Other handle types are suited better for that (like the Para 2). Balance point is at the finger choil, a feature I greatly appreciate in my larger knives. I can't fault this handle, since it was designed with a specific purpose in mind and it executes is very well.
Blade Design
This is probably the most amazing part about the knife for me, but also one of the most understated. Most won't pay the blade shape much attention because it does look a little unique. A modified wharncliffe shape is not necessarily the most popular blade shape on the market. It is however executed flawlessly on this knife; making it comparable if not superior to spyderco's cutting geometry. The FFG is moderate. It's not so thin that it becomes fragile, but it's still lean enough to cut like hell. The edge geometry is fantastic as well; it's backed up enough and polished, providing the ability to cleanly slice. This was a better slicer out of box than my paramilitary 2, and my paramilitary 2 was goddamn crazy out of box. There is subtle jimping on the blade, but it works. The tip is thin, but this is a slicing knife; it pierces like nobody's business. Absolutely fantastic blade.
Flipper Action
Oh yeah this blade has IKBS, and is a mad flipper. Comes out fast with authority. This is a crowd pleasing function, and even those not fond of the knife's aesthetics still appreciate the bad assery of the flipping action. It holds its own against some other famous flippers made by some other very bad ass knifemakers.
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish is superb. Perfectly centered blade, high quality screws, excellent blade grind and heat treat. Things like the detailing on the stop pins as well as the floating spacers really add a level of class to this knife. It is up there with any other mid tech on fit and finish. Only flaw is the little bit of up and down give on the detent (NOT THE LOCKUP). Pocket clip is kinda funky. Lockup is one of the tightest I have EVER handled.
Overall
Overall this is a great mid tech folder in terms of execution. I love the design, the way it's built and the little details. I think it's a fantastic blade. There is one problem however, and it is noticeable. The customer service might be a little dodgy from what I've heard. Tim Galyean has not produced any Pro Series knives since late 2010. While he's assured the line will continue in the future it has been put on hold until his new position at Kershaw settles down. Communication from him can be sparse, he has dropped off from time to time. Again he's assured an improvement.
Apart from that I love this blade. I truly hope he is able to restart the Pro Series line again. I look forward to seeing some of his other designs come to the mid tech market.
[video=youtube;utw6e7qra4Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utw6e7qra4Y&lc=5kPfpQE0GoMJRJZHOIv_Zt1cbbZXyliPDECqm9fwJFI&feature=inbox[/video]
Handle Design
The handle choice for this blade was organic and ergonomic. The curves are smooth and designed to fit into the palm of your hand. Your hand naturally goes into a saber grip with this blade. The CNC texturing on the handle is aggressively cut. Not abrasive, but aggressive. So there is some traction when holding a metal handle. It is thin, there is no deniying, but that fits the saber grip well. Hammer fist grip, probably not. Other handle types are suited better for that (like the Para 2). Balance point is at the finger choil, a feature I greatly appreciate in my larger knives. I can't fault this handle, since it was designed with a specific purpose in mind and it executes is very well.
Blade Design
This is probably the most amazing part about the knife for me, but also one of the most understated. Most won't pay the blade shape much attention because it does look a little unique. A modified wharncliffe shape is not necessarily the most popular blade shape on the market. It is however executed flawlessly on this knife; making it comparable if not superior to spyderco's cutting geometry. The FFG is moderate. It's not so thin that it becomes fragile, but it's still lean enough to cut like hell. The edge geometry is fantastic as well; it's backed up enough and polished, providing the ability to cleanly slice. This was a better slicer out of box than my paramilitary 2, and my paramilitary 2 was goddamn crazy out of box. There is subtle jimping on the blade, but it works. The tip is thin, but this is a slicing knife; it pierces like nobody's business. Absolutely fantastic blade.
Flipper Action
Oh yeah this blade has IKBS, and is a mad flipper. Comes out fast with authority. This is a crowd pleasing function, and even those not fond of the knife's aesthetics still appreciate the bad assery of the flipping action. It holds its own against some other famous flippers made by some other very bad ass knifemakers.
Fit and Finish
The fit and finish is superb. Perfectly centered blade, high quality screws, excellent blade grind and heat treat. Things like the detailing on the stop pins as well as the floating spacers really add a level of class to this knife. It is up there with any other mid tech on fit and finish. Only flaw is the little bit of up and down give on the detent (NOT THE LOCKUP). Pocket clip is kinda funky. Lockup is one of the tightest I have EVER handled.
Overall
Overall this is a great mid tech folder in terms of execution. I love the design, the way it's built and the little details. I think it's a fantastic blade. There is one problem however, and it is noticeable. The customer service might be a little dodgy from what I've heard. Tim Galyean has not produced any Pro Series knives since late 2010. While he's assured the line will continue in the future it has been put on hold until his new position at Kershaw settles down. Communication from him can be sparse, he has dropped off from time to time. Again he's assured an improvement.
Apart from that I love this blade. I truly hope he is able to restart the Pro Series line again. I look forward to seeing some of his other designs come to the mid tech market.
[video=youtube;utw6e7qra4Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utw6e7qra4Y&lc=5kPfpQE0GoMJRJZHOIv_Zt1cbbZXyliPDECqm9fwJFI&feature=inbox[/video]
