Who Carries a Chinese Folder?

[Clay Kesting]

Since this is my 500th post (not counting all those that didn't register <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>) I thought I'd better start a thread with it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.



The Chinese Folder is my absolute, no contest, up there on a pedestal favourite Spydie. It's the one I have to stop to admire every time I take it out of the knife roll or put it back into my pocket. It's the one I will pick up to fondle while I'm doing something mindless like watching TV. Matter of fact it's in my pocket now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>(that's a parody of a beer commercial for the Aussies here). I can't really put my finger on why I like it so much but it is clearly a case of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts. Certainly all the parts are there, VG-10 steel, flat ground blade, good edge geometry, recessed liner-lock with eccentric pivot and offset arc ramp, Almite scales and excellent ergonomics. Partly I suppose it is because the traditional origins of the design make it so different from the usual run of &quot;tactical&quot; folders (this also applies to the Shabaria). I was attracted to the flowing curves of this knife when I first saw the custom version (about 4 years ago) and it has continued to grow on me ever since. It is a delight to use, the curved handle has evolved over time to be incredibly functional. It can be held in a variety of ways and is particularly suited to what I now know is the Filipino grip (thanks Mike <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>).



So who else feels the same way about their Chinese Folders? I know Blades is pretty smitten and I think Carlos is also a fan but is anyone else prepared to stand up and be counted as a card carrying member of the Chinese Folder Fan Club <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.



Clay



Walk with a fake limp and carry a big stick.<br /><a href="/forums/attachmentarchive/2836-7-chinesefolder-2.jpg" target="_new">View Attachment...</a><br />

[Blades]

Clay if your the #1 Chinese Folder Fan Club card carrier, I'm #2!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> LOL <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
It is just...just right. My brother brought his A.G. Russell catalog home with him and the Chinese Folder is in it. I stopped and admired it for a few minutes. Even though it was riding in my pocket. I just can't put it into words. Great knife.
By the way, I also have a Shabaria. Just something about those old designs. They worked for hundreds if not thousands of years for probably millions of people. How can you not like a design with that type of history, and such fantastic looking knives. Ahhh....


Blades

[Blades]

200 post.
<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Blades

[Bruceter]

Clay,

I don't have a card, but I do carry a Chinese
folder most of the time, It's one of my favorite spydies. Love the looks of the knive and VG-10 is my favorite steel.
One thing I have noticed, is due to the slimness of the handle, if you are not careful when closing the knife one-handed,
the tip of your middle finger might be in danger. I found this out the hard way.

Bruceter

[aero_student]

I love the appearance of the knife. It is the most stylish yet practical spydie available and can't wait to get one.

[sam the man..]

G'day Clay!
Congratulations on the 500th post! The Chinese folder's totally awesome! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Hey blades! Congrats on reaching your 200th! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

[hy]

I'm chinese but i don't like the Chinese folder....don't know why<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>....just don't find it appealing.....Clay, you're raving about it again???!!!....<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[Carlos]

Hi Clay,

Count me in. I think that the Chinese folder is literally a perfect knife. I carry it everyday, everywhere I go.

When I was forced to sell my knife collection (due to a financial emergency), I was polishing up my Chinese folder to put it back into its box. I just couldn't do it -- I put it back into my pocket and liquidated everything else. It is the only pocket knife I have.

[Tightwad]

The Chinese is one knife I'd like to add to my rather large collection.
The history behind the design indicates it will do a great many task's with ease.
The hold back for me is the price and the liner lock. The price I can understand
as it is all premium materials, the linerlock Sal explained to me awhile back.
Maybe someday............

[rico]

I also carry a Lum Chinese Folder - only complaint is the material used on the handle, too prone to scratches or slipping out of hand.

[Clay Kesting]

Hey Blades, I knew you'd jump in here pretty quickly <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Maybe we should share the #1 card, how about #1 and #1V like the collectors club knives or #1USA and #1AUS. I think we both deserve it after our patience in waiting for the design to come to fruition and now waiting for the GMB version.

Bruceter, sounds like we better organise a card for you too along with a suppply of Bandaids <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. BTW it's my little finger that usually gets in the way <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Carlos, I'm sorry to hear of your financial woes, I hope that it's all behind you now. I had noticed that you hadn't been around here for a while. I'd always thought that it was my Military that I wouldn't part with but, like you, I've changed my mind and would keep my Chinese Folder. It is just so useful for EDC, I'm glad you were able to keep yours.

Sam, thanks for the congrats. but I don't think I'm ever going to catch up with you now <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Hy, sorry mate, too many of the red ones. I've gotta cut back on them and take more of the little pink ones, you know how it is with us old blokes <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Glad you made it home safely last night.

Marauder and Tightwad, don't wait, the time to get one is now.

Rico, I agree it is slippery. Mike Janich suggests adding a bit of non-slip shower tape, however I've found the handle shape makes the grip secure enough for my uses. I haven't scratched mine but then I'm probably too careful with it.

Here's a picture of a traditional chinese folder.

Clay

Walk with a fake limp and carry a big stick.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 11/23/2001 4:06:36 PM

[Tightwad]

Clay, Thank's for the thought. Thing is just now there isn't
the cost of a Chinese available to spend. That and I just
can't get by the linerlock. (don't like 'um at all) Only one
I've found trust worthy is on the O.E. Magna. like I said
maybe someday.......maybe.

[Clay Kesting]

Tightwad,

I can understand your mistrust of linerlocks, I actually prefer lockbacks myself. However I've found Spyderco linerlocks to be extremely reliable, particularly the latest versions with the offset arc ramp and eccentric pivot. The ball detents are very secure and the lock up is rock solid. Bottom line is, I wouldn't let the fact that it is a linerlock stop you buying a Chinese Folder.

Clay

Walk with a fake limp and carry a big stick.

[vampyrewolf]

Clay, Congrats on the 500th post!
Carlos is catching up at 497...

Got my Calypso jr lt a month ago and can't put it down... does this mean I'll be ranting about it like you were?

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Carlos]

Hi Clay,

I'm hanging in. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

I'll put in one pro vote for the Almite scales, even though it is very smooth I find that the ergonomic shape gives the knife a very secure grip. The Almite also makes it slide out easily on the draw, without sandpapering my pocket seams like G10. I do dislike the small amount of wear through on the green though, so I've started petitioning Sal for clear Almite.

I guess this is post #499 for me, I'll have to do something special with #500.

[sal]

Congrats on the posts. It really is a help to me that you post and you have a great deal of knowledge to share. I don't think I could maintain these forums without your help....so thanx.

sal

[scolby]

The Chinese is one of the great folders I have ever had my hands on. I carry it regularly on the weekends and always on our frequent picnics, which for us in the Bay Area of Calfornia is pretty much an option year-round.

It is one of the best applications of the grooved liner concept actually providing some slip-resistance.

It has similar hand ergonomics as the Wegner and Harpy designs, the curved handle lets the hand fall naturally into the curve and provides counter-balance on both push and pull motions.

I like mine so much, I have talked with Robert Lum about a custom fixed-blade version.

"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur

[ftkinney]

i love mine i have on me right now. i would love to see a larger one with titanium handles with a compression lock.

FTK

[Clay Kesting]

No, thank you Sal, for providing a forum which is so much fun to hang out in. I really appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and friendly camaraderie here. It reminds me of what it was like on the larger forums in the early days before they got too big and unwieldy.

Clay

"The trouble is that you think you have time."

[thorin hammer]

I must say that the Chinese Folder is my favorite Spyederco. There is something about the old designs because I want the Shabaria and Zowada also.

Some laws permit, what honor dose not.

[gadfly]

My first impression of the Bob Lum Chinese Folder was not very good. I didn't like the color, shape or design.

I learned many years ago, that while first impressions are lasting impressions, it's never a good idea to make it the final one.

Doing so might make you miss something good.

After handling the Bob Lum Tanto, I saw the Chinese Folder in a different light. While my preferences tend to run towards the Military and Starmate, the Chinese Folder is really begining to grow on me.

The adventure begins...

I'll let you know how it goes.

One way or the other, you pay for your tools!