Major Kong

Honestly Caster, in my opinion the 777 is a knife built for an enthusiast/collector. You'll get tighter tolerances and better steel/components in general, but it will do the same thing your Spyderco will in most/all day to day situations. I carry a Zero Tolerance 350 every day in my civilian clothes and have been carrying a Spyderco Endura in my flight suit for the last five years. Both get used nearly every day, neither has ever failed to do it's job but the Spyderco looks much worse for the wear.

I saw it at Blade and it was pretty impressive. That said, the $450-500 range buys some pretty impressive folders. I'm not sure I could choose this one over a large insingo Sebenza or a Lionsteel damascus SR1. Also Steve, don't forget about the Busse folder. I saw the prototype at Blade and Jerry said it should be ready in about two weeks...

Damned animals. This world has lost it's compass.

I hate that I missed this one but I had to work all weekend. Hopefully next year...

Glad to help Steve. It was cool to meet and talk with RJ, and that knife is a masterpiece. Next year you are required to NOT be out of the country during Blade.

I use Tuf Glide on all of my knives. It's a dry film lubricant that works really well.

I got one of the first run (#0505). It's a nice knife, very well made like the other ZTs I own. It was worth what I paid for it but I don't think I'd pay a premium on it. That said, if you're willing to pay $350 or so for mine it could be yours...

Congrats Erik!

Sad news, he had a big role in the knife industry. RIP.

I can also probably get you some recent info about SERE at Fairchild. We have one of our new pilots there right now- in fact he's probably in resistance training as we speak...

Very nice, and sounds like a nice price too. Congrats!!!

Also glad to hear it's a fact. I haven't found a reason to venture into Dick's since they quit selling guns and ammo.

Stupidity? Obvious outcome? Interesting, thanks for the insight.

I handled one of them at Blade. I've owned an Umnumzaan and it's the exact same knife except for the scalloping on the lock side. Like all of the Chris Reeve stuff it was well made and worked flawlessly.

Sorry to hear it. Our boxer, Jake, is dumb as a stump but lovable as can be. Prayers for you.

When I saw the thread title I thought it was a new HGTV show based in Memphis. This was a nice surprise.

I'll be there Friday morning. It's going to be an expensive weekend!

It's a custom shop Nuclear Batac. One of my favorites. 10.75" long by .27" thick.

I collect Busse's and Busse-kin primarily, but also have some heavy duty folders (Hinderer, Chris Reeve) and some special knives I've picked up here and there in my travels.

Matt Burns at Saint Tattoo on Broadway is great. Caveman may chip in here too, he did some of his work as well.

Nice group there. I like that Entrek.

Lion Steel is an Italian company with a very good reputation. That particular blade you linked is really nice looking but is really small. When you were describing what you were looking for, the first thing that popped into my mind was a Chris Reeve Mnandi. It fits all of your criteria perfectly except price. They typically run from $350-450 depending on the wood inlay you choose.

I always hope for Rampage getting his ass kicked. He's an arrogant nutjob. Anything after that is gravy.

Try this. Has some good info: Knife Steel FAQ

He does nice work. I'm hoping I can make it past the Busse table without taking out a second mortgage. Then there's Hinderer and RJ Martin and all of the custom makers who are making things that I don't even know I need yet. I'm afraid it's gonna be an expensive weekend.