Forum knife "long term" report

[UW Mitch]

I've been carrying my forum knife pretty much every day since I walked off with it from Ken's shop last December. It's the slim version, and carries very nicely in the pocket. Ken said the coating is really durable, and I wouldn't be able to scratch it. I took that as a dare. Well, so far after 11+ months, it looks just as good as when it left the shop except for scratches on the clip, which I don't believe is coated with the same stuff.

In terms of shape and use, the Bump blade shape has been very useful. Typically I just use a knife to open mail, and boxes with more knives in it. Over the last few months I've been helping the Bybee's at Alpha Knife Supply, so I've been getting to actually use the knife more - mostly cutting cardboard for recycling and for packaging. It's held up pretty well, although somewhere along the line I put some kind of chip in it that Chuck sharpened out.

In terms of the studlock I really like it's ambidextrous nature, I have been choked up with my thumb on the blade reefing down on some cardboard and rolled the stud forward. Fortunately that only happens on a push cut so it's not like the blade is going to close on my fingers or anything. Maybe slightly smaller studs or the blade being higher up could be a little better, but overall the studlock is by far my favorite.

I hope everyone else has been carrying and using their forum knives and can share some stories. Using it to open boxes containing new knives is an acceptable response ;)

~Mitch

[DavidR]

I have been carrying my SL forum Bump on and off since getting it, more on then off lately. I to have the slim version and like the way it fits in my rear pocket.

I to appreciate the stud lock mechanism. With a liner lock I always feel like I have to pay attention a bit when closing it, I have been "bitten" on to many times. The stud lock keeps your hands clear of the blade at all times. The only downside that I have found with the SL mechanism is that it does make some noise when you make any sudden movements or run. I have learned to tune this out over time but it did take some getting used to.

I have found the blade to be very useful. I use it for similar tasks as Mitch, cutting boxes and opening mail. I also use the knife when working in my yard so I have cut a few limbs off with just a few hacks. I have been very surprised at how well the black finish has held up. I haven't even been able to scratch the pocket clip yet.

I sharpened the knife for the first time this weekend. I used an Edge Pro with 1/2" rods. Worked very well!! I bought these rods specifically to sharpen this knife as the regular rods are just to big to sharpen the recurve. This sharpener worked very well for the Bump and it is now as sharp as ever.

[phalanx50]

I can't wait to get one of the next batch!


jake

[Bob Porter]

I carry mine whenever out of the office. I use it for most cutting chores. I was cutting fiberglass insulation with it and my buddy yells `don't use your Onion...get the boxcutter!' but I just kept going. This is my `user'. The finish is doing great!

[mchent]

I can't wait to get one of the next batch!


jake

My sentiments exactly!

-Troy

[commodorewheeler]

Mitch, I agree with you, the forum Bump makes a great carry knife. I've had mine in my EDC rotation ever since I got it. I got the one with the thicker slabs, and the handle contouring on it makes it one of the most comfortable folders to grip that I've ever seen, but it's still slim enough to ride in my pocket comfortably.

The blade profile of the Bump is one of the most versatile that I've ever seen. The recurve in the blade is great for power cuts, and the tip allows you to draw cut as well as you would with a plain wharncliffe. I've used mine at home, in the office, in the yard, and at social gatherings, the knife has excelled in every situation.

I also agree with you about the durability of the DLC coating. It resists wear really, really well. After all the use I've put on the knife, I still can't find a scratch anywhere on it.

[simonp]

I can't wait to get one of the next batch!


jake

Yeah me too, hope its soon :D

[simonp]

I can't wait to get one of the next batch!


jake

same here, any word on when that might be??

[dave43]

Bumping this as I am curious if he will do another run of the bumps. will they be the same? also does anyone know how many forum bumps are in the wild?

[simonp]

Bumping this as I am curious if he will do another run of the bumps. will they be the same? also does anyone know how many forum bumps are in the wild?


Good question, I believe Ken is going to do or is hopefully doing now another run since I missed out on the first run *fingers crossed* as for when and how many are out there - couldnt tell you

[phalanx50]

He has a few from the first ones left to finish.


jake

[simonp]

He has a few from the first ones left to finish.


jake


You sure about that Jake? any idea if Ken is working on them? Was going to call him and ask since I didnt check the forum in time to see I was on the list last year but I hate to bug Ken for that, rather bug him about something custom :D

[Ken Onion]

We are slowly getting the last batch finished . We had to wait on getting the blades laser logo'd and there are some small issues to deal with .Nothing to serious.

[simonp]

We are slowly getting the last batch finished . We had to wait on getting the blades laser logo'd and there are some small issues to deal with .Nothing to serious.

YAY!!!!!! so glad to hear that Ken, can't wait :D

[dave43]

When the full run is finished how many forum knives will there have been made?

[phalanx50]

IIRC somewhere just under 200ish?

jake

[Ken Onion]

I was going for 200 however looks like we'll be under that by a good bit Jeff knows the true count. Some of the blades are no good . Bad polish before coating and some are twisted a bit and proving to be almost impossible to straighten. Looks like we'll have some handle sets left over unless I cut out some more blades and grind them.

[Ken Onion]

I'm not looking forward to that . Tough grind!

[phalanx50]

Just as long as one of the thicks is left for me. I checked out about 10 of these and love them.

jake

[tmatthews]

Ken,

Just sign your name on the twisted and messed up blades anyway. Anything with an edge and your name on it will still sell.... :) Bend them more and make a "Ken Onion Quark Screw!!!!!!! I'd but one. Travis

[simonp]

Just as long as one of the thicks is left for me. I checked out about 10 of these and love them.

jake


and a thick one for me too please :D

[Maybeso]

If I could afford one of these, I'd say "I'll take one too!".
But I can't. :(

Have there been pics posted of the forum knife anywhere so I can dream properly...?

[Blurry Eyes]

Wow, long time guys...
I got a birthday email from Mitch and came to see what's new, and I see the forum bumps came out. Any chance there are any still available?

[imp]

I will be making some sort of post on this more than likely by the end of next week. If all goes well the next batch of 40 will be ready shortly. The way it's looking these 40 Bumps will be the last 40. So, all told-barring any unforeseen problems-there will be 140 "KO Forum Bumps" out there.

[Jim Smyth]

Jeff, the next 40 going to be Black DLC coated? I remember hearing about potential color changes with the second run. I have been EDCing my forum bump for a few months now. I currently have 4 of the black forum knives. :) One in the collection and one for each of the boys and then my EDC. :D

[imp]

Hey Jim, everything will be the same. Ken had a couple samples done in a "coyote brown" but they were kinda ugly. The blades will be back from logo'ing on Monday so we'll start assembling next week. There is the USN show in vegas in Sept. so we'll be working on them kinda in between doing all the other stuff but hopefully they'll go together without any problems.

[acourvil]

Have there been pics posted of the forum knife anywhere so I can dream properly...?

Check out the Photo Gallery section of the forum; there are several pics of the forum knife there. But here's one just to hold you over:

http://www.courvilles.com/Images/Onion/ForumBump1.jpg

[takedown2]

What are they going for if one wants to pick one up?

[dave43]

How is the logo put on? It kind of looks like the old dot matrix printers pattern.

[phalanx50]

Its put on with a laser.


jake

[simonp]

I will be making some sort of post on this more than likely by the end of next week. If all goes well the next batch of 40 will be ready shortly. The way it's looking these 40 Bumps will be the last 40. So, all told-barring any unforeseen problems-there will be 140 "KO Forum Bumps" out there.

That's great, I can't wait to get mine :D should I send in my money now? :)

[simonp]

Just thought I'd give this a bump, any update? I know Ken has been busy preparing for Vegas but now that it's past ........

[copfish]

I had a blast in Vegas! Ken was a gentleman and we talked about the forum knives. I still want one!

[phalanx50]

I am giddy waiting for mine!

jake

[simonp]

Just a bump up, any update on the next batch of these? I know Ken was sick - hoping he is better now.

[bmstrong]

I was going for 200 however looks like we'll be under that by a good bit Jeff knows the true count. Some of the blades are no good . Bad polish before coating and some are twisted a bit and proving to be almost impossible to straighten. Looks like we'll have some handle sets left over unless I cut out some more blades and grind them.

Ken: Any chance some of those left over handles can be re-used? I'd love to have a bump with a more traditional blade shape.

[Ken Onion]

Lung infection just after the flu had me down for a bit but I'm doing good now.
We are slowly getting the last of the Bumps together. Jeff had to machine some parts and the USN show took all our time up for a while.Plus I'm doing a production run of the Ripples. They are coming along nicely and should be finished very soon. Busy ,busy,busy ,Part of the delay for the Bumps is a slight bow in some of the handles that I can correct. I bought a 20 ton air/hydraulic press ( delivery sometime within the next week or two) and will be building a jig to square them up nicely. So I'm hoping we can get the remaining Bumps finished soon and put smiles on the faces of those of you that have waited patiently for so long . We will keep you posted. Aloha! Ken

[Ken Onion]

Ken: Any chance some of those left over handles can be re-used? I'd love to have a bump with a more traditional blade shape.

I doubt it , I'll probably keep some spare parts for warranty purposes and will more than likely build some more blades for the remaining sets however my plate is so full I can't imagine it will be to soon.Besides I have tried other blades in the Bump handle and haven't found one that looks good or performs as well.

[simonp]

Lung infection just after the flu had me down for a bit but I'm doing good now.
We are slowly getting the last of the Bumps together. Jeff had to machine some parts and the USN show took all our time up for a while.Plus I'm doing a production run of the Ripples. They are coming along nicely and should be finished very soon. Busy ,busy,busy ,Part of the delay for the Bumps is a slight bow in some of the handles that I can correct. I bought a 20 ton air/hydraulic press ( delivery sometime within the next week or two) and will be building a jig to square them up nicely. So I'm hoping we can get the remaining Bumps finished soon and put smiles on the faces of those of you that have waited patiently for so long . We will keep you posted. Aloha! Ken

Where do I sign up for the Ripple?????

[SharpNJ]

Where do I sign up for the Ripple?????


Yeah, tell us more about this "production run".

[bmstrong]

Anyone have a picture of the Ripple?

[Ken Onion]

I will let you all know more about the Ripple run as soon as I get concrete timeframes and pricing . I hope I have learned a little since the forum Bump and that is that anything that can go wrong,will. I never dreamed the forum bump project would have been such an ordeal nor that it would have taken so long. Hopefully the education I got on that project will make this Ripple project much smoother.

[phalanx50]

The finished product is so well worth it. The Forum Bump is IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE!


jake

[acourvil]

Anyone have a picture of the Ripple?

Of course :)

This is a prototype, not sure if Ken has made any changes for the production version.

http://www.courvilles.com/Images/Onion/OnionRipple.JPG

http://www.courvilles.com/Images/Onion/OnionRipple2.JPG

[simonp]

The finished product is so well worth it. The Forum Bump is IN-FREAKING-CREDIBLE!


jake

you got yours Jake?? damn you lucky sob :D

[simonp]

I will let you all know more about the Ripple run as soon as I get concrete timeframes and pricing . I hope I have learned a little since the forum Bump and that is that anything that can go wrong,will. I never dreamed the forum bump project would have been such an ordeal nor that it would have taken so long. Hopefully the education I got on that project will make this Ripple project much smoother.


Ken is the ripple a full production or mid-tech knife again?

[UW Mitch]

Simon,

I don't know what it's going to be, but I'm pretty sure he's making them in his shop right now.

~Mitch

[acourvil]

Hmmm . . . I think there should be a KO shopcam
:)

[Charles M]

If you get a chance to see the latest Seagal DVD "Keeper", there is a scene about 15 minutes in where he flips open a Forum Bump while cleaning his guns :)

[mchent]

Sign me up for a Ripple as well, I love the knife and I'm so glad there will be a large run of them. I was bouncing around and found this:

http://www.onionknives.com/

I assume this is what the midtech version is going to look like. If so, count me in! Hopefully, Christmas will come early this year for me if these come out.

-Troy

[Ken Onion]

That knife is a custom. The Production/ Mid-tech version will be almost identical. I really like this knife as an everyday user. The handles will be 6al4v titanium, blade cpm-154cm and all are IKBS not speed safe. We are doing a run of 500 pcs. They should be finished soon. I will let you know more soon, I don't want to jump the gun.

[simonp]

That knife is a custom. The Production/ Mid-tech version will be almost identical. I really like this knife as an everyday user. The handles will be 6al4v titanium, blade cpm-154cm and all are IKBS not speed safe. We are doing a run of 500 pcs. They should be finished soon. I will let you know more soon, I don't want to jump the gun.

whenever they are done put me down for one please :D

[rejcpa]

Can I get in line for a Production Ripple? Or has the line not formed yet? I missed out on the Forum Bump; don't want to miss this one, too.

[cas]

How does one go about getting one of these works of art?

[imp]

Be patient I guess. There'll be an announcement when they're ready. Hopefully soon.

On another note, we have a few more forum bumps available and I guess we'll start taking order at this point so if someone wants one they can PM me or Ken and we'll get back to you.


Jeff

[rejcpa]

I thought I missed out on the Forum Bump! You just made my day!! You guys are the best!! THANKS!!

[mchent]

I hope you do at least some of the run of the mid-tech Ripples with the same DLC coating as the forum Bumps, especially on the handle. It is such a nice and unique finish. On the blade, I probably like just the normal polished, tumbled or satin/rubbed finish.

-Troy

[phalanx50]

with a freaking camera phone!

[simonp]

with a freaking camera phone!

said it before & will say it again, you suck :D

[simonp]

My forum knife arrived today :D

I just have to say how awesome it is, I know that there have been a couple of posts in the thread where Ken was discussing whether or not he should start a company discussing pricing of midtechs, suggesting the pricing is too high & all I can say to that is you need to go out and buy one of Ken's midtech's, one of his forum knives - this is my 3rd midtech Onion & sure the materials may not be as fancy as Ken's full custom knives but that is the only difference, the workmanship, quality, fit & finish on this and his other midtechs are simply off the charts. This knife is going to be seeing a lot of pocket time, thank you Ken. Now that the midtech ripple is just about done how about a midtech dead sexy in 2010 for me :D