- Joined
- Feb 8, 2010
- Messages
- 1,109
A few months ago I decided to treat myself to something nicer than what I usually get(e.g. $50 Cold Steel) so I got myself an MKM Flame for $142. I had never paid as much for a folder before and I got it without much background other than it was a dagger with a blade length that is legal to carry where I live: <3''.
At first I was disappointed with it because of the factory edge and I attempted to return/ exchange it. But I ultimately I decided to keep it and I got a nice discount at the page I got it in return. I carried the knife every day for a few weeks and it grew on me so much I decided to use the discount I got on that page to get a 2nd one of different color.
Eventually I learned that Michael Zieba who designed the MKM knife had his own version of it, probably the original version that the MKM model is based on. I just had to get my hands on one and today was the day. Before pulling the trigger I looked for side to side comparisons of both knives and I couldn't find anything. So, if anyone ever needs it here is how they compare:
These is how they came out of the shipping box. The MKM came with a nice box that came sealed with an MKM sticker. The Zieba came in a ziplock bag:
These is what the Zieba Six comes with: A nice cleaning cloth, a storage cage and certificate of authenticity. Mind you, it is not the nice storage cage with the Zieba butterly emblem that I saw in some videos. Maybe it's because my version is cheaper than those:
The MKM Flame came inside a plastic bag with moisture absorbent, it came with an MKM patch, some instructions and an MKM storage case.
Here are both knives in the closed position. One of the noticeable differences other than the size is the different clips:
Here are the knives with blade deployed. You can see the Zieba had a slighly longer blade with a corresponding longer handle. Despite this, the MKM Flame is noticeably heavier than the Zieba Six. Online it says the MKM is 2.54oz while the Zieba Six is said to be 1.98oz. Both handles are supposed to be made out of titanium so I can't really explain the weight difference.
Maybe the discrepancy is caused by the thinkness of the scales, it seems the MKM Flame scales are slightly thicker:
Here is how the frame lock engages in both knives:
Here are the markings on one side of the blade, you can also see the different style of hardware they use and the steel types. The Zieba uses Magnacut while the MKM uses M390:
Here are the markings on the opposite side. Notice also that the Zieba has some jimping on the "guard". Also notice the fuller of the MKM Flame is broader:
Finally here are the 3 knives side to side. I really love the design. I'm tempted to say I like the MKM Flames a TINY bit more than the original Zieba Six. The heavier weight makes the knife seem sturdier even if that's really not necessarily true. The fact that I had the Flame first might also affect that perception.
At first I was disappointed with it because of the factory edge and I attempted to return/ exchange it. But I ultimately I decided to keep it and I got a nice discount at the page I got it in return. I carried the knife every day for a few weeks and it grew on me so much I decided to use the discount I got on that page to get a 2nd one of different color.
Eventually I learned that Michael Zieba who designed the MKM knife had his own version of it, probably the original version that the MKM model is based on. I just had to get my hands on one and today was the day. Before pulling the trigger I looked for side to side comparisons of both knives and I couldn't find anything. So, if anyone ever needs it here is how they compare:
These is how they came out of the shipping box. The MKM came with a nice box that came sealed with an MKM sticker. The Zieba came in a ziplock bag:
These is what the Zieba Six comes with: A nice cleaning cloth, a storage cage and certificate of authenticity. Mind you, it is not the nice storage cage with the Zieba butterly emblem that I saw in some videos. Maybe it's because my version is cheaper than those:
The MKM Flame came inside a plastic bag with moisture absorbent, it came with an MKM patch, some instructions and an MKM storage case.
Here are both knives in the closed position. One of the noticeable differences other than the size is the different clips:
Here are the knives with blade deployed. You can see the Zieba had a slighly longer blade with a corresponding longer handle. Despite this, the MKM Flame is noticeably heavier than the Zieba Six. Online it says the MKM is 2.54oz while the Zieba Six is said to be 1.98oz. Both handles are supposed to be made out of titanium so I can't really explain the weight difference.
Maybe the discrepancy is caused by the thinkness of the scales, it seems the MKM Flame scales are slightly thicker:
Here is how the frame lock engages in both knives:
Here are the markings on one side of the blade, you can also see the different style of hardware they use and the steel types. The Zieba uses Magnacut while the MKM uses M390:
Here are the markings on the opposite side. Notice also that the Zieba has some jimping on the "guard". Also notice the fuller of the MKM Flame is broader:
Finally here are the 3 knives side to side. I really love the design. I'm tempted to say I like the MKM Flames a TINY bit more than the original Zieba Six. The heavier weight makes the knife seem sturdier even if that's really not necessarily true. The fact that I had the Flame first might also affect that perception.
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