Opinion on Bob Lum Chinese folder.....

[SpyderNut]

Today I went down to my nearest Spyderco dealer, [40 mi.] and I looked at the Chinese folder by Bob Lum. The model he had was in PE. He had a sticker price on it for $175.00.

Yes, I know it can be had for a LOT less than that. I have seen them go for $104 or less. I was just wondering if somebody out there has one of these gems, and what they think of them. I am thinking about one of those, or the Starmate.





-Five Days 'Till Christmas!-



"Here comes Spydercos, Here comes Spydercos, right down Serrated Lane....."



Sorry. I get caught up in the spirit of the season.....





Spydernut

[Kahz]

Cla-aaay!!! Where are you???

SpyderNut here wants to hear about your love of Chinese Folders. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Kahz

[aero_student]

The chinese folder is one of the spydies I have been drooling over for a long time.

[Clay Kesting]

Here I am Kahz *waving frantically* <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Spydernut, I started a thread a while back for lovers of the Chinese Folder to stand up and be counted. You'd probably find the comments there informative. For my part, the Chinese Folder is my favourite knife, so much so that I've just bought my second, a gunmetal blue version. I really like the curves and the way the handle flows into the blade. The blade and handle shape make it extremely useful for utilitarian tasks as one would expect from a highly evolved traditional design. Add to that all the Spyderco bells and whistles like VG10 steel, eccentric pivot and offset arc ramp, and nested liner lock and you have a exceptional knife. Do you get the impression I like it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Clay

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

[Carlos]

Hi Spydernut,

Ditto everything Clay said. It is a perfect knife. Its pattern was refined by centuries of use by people who had knives not as toys, but as everyday tools of survival.

When I had to sell my collection several months ago, the Lum Chinese folder was the only one I kept.

[rico]

SpyderNut - The Lum Chinese is one of my favorite knives. The feel in my hand is great. As for the price!! My feeling is that if a knife dealer spends quality time with me discussing knives i will spend $$$ with them. But, paying full retail is tough. If this shop has spent time with you make a reasonable offer. If they blow you off most of the time, take care of yourself. rr

[nomaded]

I LOVE my Lum Chinese Folder. When I first saw one, I knew I had to get it. I just find the lines to be extremely asthetically pleasing. I had almost bought another green Lum Folder, but I was able to get my hands on one of the blue gunmetal Lum Folders. Of the EDCs I rotate through, I carry the Lum Folder the most. I don't know if I'll be carrying the blue one as much, though, mostly for collector reasons.

I would suggest ordering one through newgraham.com, if you plan on getting one (and you really should).

[Jeff/1911]

OK, I guess I &quot;need&quot; one too. Yeesh!

Jeff/1911.

[Clay Kesting]

Haven't I already told you that Jeff <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

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

[TheWolf]

Count me in as a Lum Chinese Folder convert. It's my new EDC, high marks from me.

[Kahz]

Oh, geez, not again... sheesh... my subconscious is being fickle and contradictory... now I _need_ a Chinese folder...

Why wasn't I born a millionaire??!!

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

Kahz

[SpyderNut]

Whoa, baby!
Give me a sec, I think I'm suffering from Spydie overload!
*********************************************
OK, I think I'm better. I mean, stable.

Well, you guys did it again. You have gone and twisted my arm and persuaded me to get a Lum. Ahh, I must say I enjoyed it, though! :-)

Thank you all for putting in a good word about the Lum. I SO appreciate everyone's input. I have bought 4 Spyderco's since I joined the forum. I wonder why.......hehe

My pink cricket should be in soon, as well as my &quot;Q&quot;. And then my Meerkat and my brother's Dragonfly. Yes Kurtis, its SE.
This one I can't trade though.

A Moment Of Weakness:

I must confess to you all that I did a bad thing yesterday. I was in a local knife shop at the mall and I saw this cute little neck knife by CRK&amp;T. Since the Dragonfly for my brother hadn't come in yet, I went ahead and bought the Carson designed knife for my brother. I will say that I felt guilty when I bought it as all those Spyderco's in the case seemed to be calling my name.....
ARGH! Anyway, please forgive me. I will do better next time. I promise.


Spydernut

Now all I have to do is save my dimes for the Lum...........Spyderco.....Spyderco......

[Jeff/1911]

Yes Clay, you told me alright. It just has taken some time to sink in...funny, that doesn't usually occur.

Jeff/1911.

[hy]

Sal and co should be paying Clay a commission for every Chinese folder sold<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.....I'm even beginning to wonder why i disliked it in the first place, especially since Clay told me that the gunmetal blue looks way better than the green one.

[Blades]

If the gunmetal is &quot;way better&quot; looking then the green, then I'll be in knife heaven. I haven't seen my gunmetal one yet. I know where its at, just can't get it yet. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> But soon, very soon. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Blades

[Brian]

Whether gun metal grey or imperial green I think it's a way cool knife, anyway I like Chinese stuff, art, history, music, eggrolls...

&quot;Where were you when the world stopped turning...&quot;

[Jeff/1911]

Where can I find a high resolution image of one, either green or &quot;gunmetal&quot;...particularly one in plain edge? Anybody?

Jeff.

Edited by - Jeff/1911 on 12/22/2001 11:29:21 PM

[Rookie]

I can't find it in blue<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

In the land of knives, Spyderco is king.

[rico]

SpyderNut - The next time you want to wear a knife on your neck go to BladeArt.com. They have neck sheaths for most Spyderco knives. I have one for my Wenger Mouse and the Cricket. rr

[SpyderNut]

Now I have a new problem:

*A Green Lum
OR
*A Blue Lum

Does any kind soul know where a blue Lum SE can be had? I have seen them a while ago, but lost track of them. I know of a place where I can pick up a green Lum for $104 or so. Thank you!

Spydernut

&quot;When in doubt, buy faster.&quot;

[Clay Kesting]

Spydernut, try http://www.newgraham.com/index.html.

Jeff, these are the best photos I have.

Clay

&quot;The trouble is that you think you have time.&quot;

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 12/23/2001 12:59:14 PM

[SpyderNut]

Thanks Clay!

Those are great pics, BTW. :-)

Also, do you prefer the Lum in SE or PE?
If so, why? Sorry about all the questions, I'm just curious.

Thanks!

Spydernut

&quot;When in doubt, get out of it.&quot;

[chinook]

I tried a couple bigger scans of my green one. Maybe I'll add the blue next week, maybe &gt;&lt;g&gt;

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ddc_jr/vwp?.dir=/toys&amp;.dnm=Chinese.jpg&amp;.src=ph&amp;.view=t&amp;.hires=t

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/ddc_jr/vwp?.dir=/toys&amp;.dnm=Chinese2.jpg&amp;.src=ph&amp;.view=t&amp;.hires=t

Disguised as a responsible adult

[SpyderNut]

Chinook,

You mean you have a green AND a blue Lum?
Wow! I sure wish I would have bought that blue one when I had the chance.....

Say, does the Chinese Folder come in 50/50 by any chance? I have not seen one, so I wasn't sure.....


Spydernut

[chinook]

It's on on order. &gt;&lt;g&gt;
The green one I traded for.

Disguised as a responsible adult

[Blades]

The gunmetal Chinese is plain edge only. The green Chinese is plain edge or serrated. If you can get a blue, get one soon. They are a limited run.


Blades

[gadfly]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my first impression of the Chinese Folder was poor.

In fact, I thought it was uglier than sin.

However, a couple of factors caused me to re-evaluate my point of view:

o the loyalty shown by Clay and others
o the Lil Temperance

I fell in love with the Lil Temperance and realized that the blade had the same shape as the Chinese Folder.

While the folder appears to be a small knife, I was surprised to find the blade was actually longer than the Lil Temperace (even though the Lil Temperance seems to be a larger knife).

None the less, I'm very pleased with the Bob Lum Chinese Folder.

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

[Jeff/1911]

Thank you Clay and Chinook, for taking time to post those pictures. Chinook, I can see your fingerprints on the clip of the Lum in image number two. What excellent resolution!
I'm really dreaming now, thanks to you guys.
I wonder if it's too late to send a message to Santa? Hmmm...

Jeff/1911.

[chinook]

Jeff...
That is one thing wrong with the Lum Chinese. I am forever wiping and polishing it. I wish it would hurry up and get that inevitable first scratch so I can bear to actually use it.

Its very hard to get everything to come out right when scanning an object like a highly polished knife. The color is not nearly as rich and even in the pic as it is in my hand, and this knife is actually a numbered one #539 which you can't make out in the picture.

Now don't you guys use my fingerprint to cash a check or nuthin' &gt;&lt;g&gt;

Merry Christmas to All

[SpyderNut]

Now there's an idea......

[tonyccw]

I got my Blue Lum from Bob Lum himself, and Michael Dye at NewGraham. Last I heard Michael is waiting on more to fill backorders.

Regardless, they are great knives. They closely mimic the actions and functions of the medium custom Lum Chinese Folders at a significantly lower cost.

Edited by - tonyccw on 12/25/2001 11:56:30 AM

[Hoosierdaddy]

Well thanks to you guys and gals I ordered my Lum Chinese Folder (Fri.) from NewGraham in P/E! I ordered it on line and put under comments I would like a Blue one if they had one. Mike from N/G e-mailed back that a Blue one was sent out Mon. Thanks Mike for sending the Blue one AND Forumites for passing on that the Blues are more rare<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>!
I anxiously wait for the Lum!

[nomaded]

I took a few quick pics of both the green and the gunmetal blue Lum Chinese. I stuck a dollar bill in there to give an idea of their size.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/baynomad/lst?&amp;.dir=/lum+chinese&amp;.src=ph&amp;.view=t&amp;start=1

I think this pic looks the best (warning, the image is rather large):

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/baynomad/vwp?.dir=/lum+chinese&amp;.dnm=IMG_0618.jpg&amp;.src=ph&amp;.view=t&amp;.hir es=t

[golem]

Wow! Great photo! It's now my desktop wallpaper. Though...it could make a more perfect wallpaper if you put the knives on a better background... <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Thanks man!

[Jeff/1911]

nomaded,

Thank you for those great pictures. Now, along with the one's from Clay and Chinook I really have some good &quot;drool material&quot;.

Man, do I ever like that gunmetal blue one...

Cheers, Jeff/1911.

[Jeff/1911]

Chinook,

I look forward to the image of your new Blue Lum Chinese, once you receive it.

What I meant about my previous fingerprint comment was that it displayed the very good resolution in your posted picture. Your scans are some of the best I've seen of knives.

Jeff.

[The Cool]

Can anyone post a pic of traditional chinese knives that look like the Bob Lum folder?

I'd love to see the &quot;original source&quot; so to speak and how Lum transformed them into a Spyderco.

[Carlos]

Ask and you shall receive...


Non-stainless carbon steel, brass, and buffalo horn.

[The Cool]

Wow. Thanks Carlos.

It makes me appreciate the design even more.

How old are those knives?

[bell]

Wow, the real thing. Nice image Carlos. I like the clean simple sweep of the Lum. The only negative aspect of this folder is the lack of any hint of a hilt. The users index finger is totally unprotected and way too close to that sharp blade in the event of a forward thrust.

[mundele]

Hey Guys...

Well, I'll probably be excommunicated or kicked off the forums or something equally bad for saying this, but the Lum Chinese isnt my favorite spydie. First, I love the blade and the blade steel, but I can't quite get over the way it feels in the hand. It just doesnt fit me like my Mil or Calypso Jr. does. Both of those knives feel like they're supposed to be in your hand. Like they hold you instead of you holding them. The lum just doesnt have that... um... flow (in the hand, that is. It does have that flow if you look at the lines of it when it's open). It is a beautiful and elegant knife though (and that can't be said about the military.)

The other thing that bothers me is how the top of it sticks up above the edge of my pocket when I carry it tip-down.

So maybe I'm nitpicky. Maybe I just haven't carried it enough. I don't know. Anyone else out there in SpydieLand agree with me???

--Matt

[Carlos]

I'm not sure, but I think these may be 30 or 40 years old.

[Jeff/1911]

Matt,

Like you, I have some reservations about the &quot;feel&quot; of the Lum Chinese in my hand. I notice the clip quite a bit against my palm while grasping the knife, and the handles slim curve would (will?) take some getting used to...at least for me.

I adore the graceful beauty of this knife, particularly the blue one in pictures I've seen. The one I handled was green, and the quality was top notch. I think that I shall not be able to resist forever the urge to buy one, but it still is not perfectly comfortable for me in the hand.

I wonder if this is due to the mounting position of the clip on the one I handled...and I can't recall whether it was setup for tip-up or tip-down carry at the time. Any Lum Chinese owners care to comment on this?

Jeff/1911.

[SpyderNut]

Jeff,

Most of the Lum Chinese Folders I've seen come with the clip positioned for tip up carry. This type of carry would seem most comfortable to me.
Like you said, when I first saw the Folder I thouhght, &quot;Man, that is one knife I will never buy.&quot;
However, once bitten by a Spydie Virus, you know what happens....

I haven't yet seen a Folder that was positioned for tip down carry, so I really can't comment on that method. Maybe the &quot;Folder King&quot; could better answer that one. <img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> [ Yes, Clay, I'm looking at you. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> ]

One heck of a knife, I will admit.

~Spydernut

[Blades]

Matt,
I think everyone is allowed to dislike a Spyderco or two. It's okay. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> Myself, I do not like the Native. Don't know why, just don't. But I love my 2 Chinese folders. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


Blades

[vlf_11]

the chinees folder is a great knife i have not had one but i have a friend that has one and he uses it great he had had it for a while now not sure how long but it is been a while. that is a great knife just had to say that, ooooh nice!

[mundele]

I'm allowed to dislike one spydie. Uh-oh. That's not good. I really dont like the Native. It's at the bottom of my list. The blade shape just doesn't do it for me. I'm sure to be excommunicated now...

--Matt

[SpyderNut]

Hmmmm. Since some of you have bravely &quot;stuck out your neck&quot; on mentioning some Spydies that you don't care for, allow me to add to the list: [Afterward, you can throw the tomatos!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>]

I'll admit it, the Native is one Spydie that hasn't managed to 'turn me on' so to speak. I like the &quot;web&quot; disign in the handle and the S/S models look smooth, but the feel of that knife in my hand just doesn't seem to match. I remember holding it and thinking, &quot;Man, this is one knife I will have to wait on.&quot;

~Ok, now you can tear me apart and feed my flesh to the birds and other little beasties.<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

To each his own! This is something I aways try to remember....<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


~Spydernut

[The Cool]

Re: the leaf shape of the Chinese folders

I wonder if the leaf shape used by the Chinese was more for aesthetic/spiritual/superstious reasons rather than purely practical ones.

The reason I ask is:

1. Chinese are traditionally very superstious - spiritual meaning permutate all their art, furntiure, architecture.

2. The Leaf Shape - is it really all that practical? After all, in a Chinese kitchen you'll find many shaped knives and cleavers but rarely a leaf shaped blade. That makes me think it was designed for other reasons.
Also many other practical cultures developed more conventional 'practical' blade designs.

What do you all think?

This isn't a criticism of the Lum Folder, I desperately want one. I am just fascinated by the history of the design.

[Hoosierdaddy]

SpyderNut and Mundele,

You guys are both &quot;OFF&quot; my christmas list. The Native is a great knife (Sharp1-help me out here) the way it fits your hand is one of it's selling points! I have large hands and it fits me perfect. I think the blade size and shape is awesome. I don't know if you have a Native Mundele, I'm guessing you don't for the lack of enthusiasm. I'm not trying to convert you guys, only defending a great &quot;little&quot; knife.

Too get back on topic... the Lum Chinese is a bitchen knife <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[SpyderNut]

**Wiping eyes**

Hoosierdaddy,

Oh pleaseeee don't take me off your Christmas list!<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> I will be a good boy. I promise! I will recant all my babblings and begin to look out for a decently priced Native. I think I would like the stainless steel model over the LTW model.

I will be over here crying, man, until I am forgiven.....<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>


~Spydernut<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[Hoosierdaddy]

SpyderNut,

Dry your eyes you wuss! You may be able to redeem yourself. This may help... check out the Natives here.

http://www.ndsproducts.com/spyderco.html

Buy five of them in every variation and I'll think about reinstating you!!!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[hy]

I'm Chinese and I must say that I've never seen the leaf shape before in any Chinese kichen, and I've been in hundreds, if not thousands. Most of the Chinese style cooking and chores that I've seen involve standard shaped blades and cleavers. Just an observation...<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[SpyderNut]

Holy Cripes! That would be a TON of Natives!

Hoosierdaddy,

Redemption has a heavy price, no? I see now the seriousness of my crime......<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
Would maybe one S/S model Native suffice for my pardon? I know that this is a far cry from the requirements you listed:
*Gasp* Five of EACH color. Yikes!<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
I can foresee that my wallet is going to be on a diet soon.....<img src="tongue.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

The &quot;Wuss&quot;,

~Spydernut


Edited by - Spydernut on 1/27/2002 10:54:32 AM

[Sword and Shield]

I like the SS Native, except for the sharp corners on the grips. Mine is definitely going to have to meet some sandpaper in the near future!

I would have bought the FRN version, but the store didn't stock them.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.