To negotiate the best possible price for our customers, we agree to hide prices prior to logging in.
103 requests
Product Description
Stout and chunky, the Raidops Aquilo is fit for strenuous work. The blade, done in a clip-point shape, is machined from a thick chunk of S30V stainless steel for impressive edge retention and resistance to the elements Read More
So my question;
What's the handle colour choice?
I mean, I can certainly use the serrated version in and out of the barn, but I can't decide if the handle colour ends up being black if one chooses serrated or what?
I really like the titanium coloured handle, visually.
No remarks about the colour of the scales.
I agree, the lock bar insert is a means of simplifying the production and waranty service for mass produced frame locks. When done right, a carburized Ti lock face against the hardened steel blade does not wear much after an initial break in period. I’ve read terzolas book on designing proper liner locks and while lock bar inserts came later and seem like an added manufacturing step, I think they really serve the main purpose of addressing the main points discovered by Michael walker and taught to terzola: 1. The angle of the blade / lock inerface is critical, 2. The blade and ti lock faces need to be finished properly: the blade must be polished to 300-600grit to avoid grindinag away the softer Ti with repeated opening, and ti can be brought closer to the hardness of the steel by selecting the right alloy and carburizing the surface. If the angles are correct then the end result is that with repeated cycle, the Ti gets compressed and work hardened while avoiding lock stick. lock bar inserts allow the manufacturer to spend less time carburizing, grinding the correct angles into the tI face, and lessen the number of knives sent back for the issue of lock stick.
lobsterThank you very much for that well-worded explanation (and for another book to read)! It seems the proper explanations get watered down and passed around until the lockbar insert becomes a sign of quality, whereas it is just one way of solving a problem and not necessarily a criticism of makers not doing it. We hear it all the time...”for that kind of money, i’d need a lockbar insert, etc.” We have to look closely at each design and know something of the work a maker is putting into a piece before being critical. I remember all the flak Spyderco, for one, was taking for not doing it. Thanks again @lobster.
I ordered the last raidops offering...waited months and they finally refunded my money...so hopefully this one will happen. Seems a very reasonable price for a very durable knife. What I can't see from the photos is whether the g10 side has Ti frame in it, or if it is like Strider and just g10
wbillHi I just field tested this knife and the the frame is basically thick Titanium (Grade 5) on one side and the equivalent thickness G10 on the other. I have to say it's a pretty sturdy knife as i kind of abused it a bit and it didn't fail at all.
Unless things have changed, RaidOps was basically a sole individual, Mr. Kim, who basically made small batches of custom made knives in the $200-$300 dollar range comparable to Striders. If made in Taiwan it may show he personally could not make this large amount of knives especially at this price point and if made in Korea by the designer...this would be a steal. Interesting!
My favorite Spyderco, the Vallotton is made in Taiwan! Great price for a knife made in Taiwan, though I’m expecting that these will be on washers based on the description that it will start out tight then loosen up.
massdrop01Not sure I'm following the logic here?
Sure, those are all nice knives....but completely different knives. I wouldn't look at this and any of those as a direct comparison to fit the same needs
massdrop01These are different knives.
Honestly, to find a 3" s30V titanium flipper with steel lockbar inserts for under $100 is rare. I have search this many times on both BladeHQ and Knifecenter, this is a great deal no matter how you spin it.
I have a couple of Taiwan made knives and the quality is good, so that doesn't bother me. Wish the RaidOps logo was a bit smaller, or they had a special Mass Drop edition with a more subtle logo instead of the big text.
The discount is nice, though... might jump on this.
http://shop2.visualg.cafe24.com/product/aquilo/313/?cate_no=87&display_group=1
gchanI think the logo is big enough and textured enough to add to the grip on those G10 scales. And that’s pretty much all I care about in a serrated work knife. This knife is not a collector; it’s a worker!
I've looked at several Raidops models but they were too pricey directly from the manufacturer.
I like the looks, size and shape of this one.
But some key information is lacking -- does the Aquilo use bearings or washers? And does it have a steel insert?
I just got this on the last drop. It does not disappoint if you are into overbuilt thick handled folders. This is strider knives thick. Nothing by benchmade or spyderco in my collection is this overbuilt.
How does one sharpen successfull a double beveled knife? Especially, one with a partial serated edge? The knife looks great and I want one, but I have some concerns. Please advise, thanks.