Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Richard L Campbell (Dick) on June 3, 2010 at 9:59

I prefer the natural Abalone and Mother of Pearl.

Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on June 3, 2010 at 16:16

While I appreciate the fact you[like most collectors] like natural Abalone and Mother of Pearl,your reply really does not address my original question at all.
Bob Andrews
http://oldhundredcollectibles.com

Permalink Reply by Morrie Mayfield on June 4, 2010 at 18:32

Hi Bob,
Have you ever heard the old saying "Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen carry (and /or lose) a Natural
Abalone handled knife!!!!!!!!!!!
I have only seen pictures, however I think the idea is GREAT! It looks great, it's cheaper and it's
CHEAPER!!!!!!!!
I can't wait to get one.
Morrie

Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on June 5, 2010 at 10:25

I have two in hand,and they are a good looking knife. GEC just last week also released a 613210 Half Congress with the LVS Abalone handle material.I think the laminate idea is a great idea.Another good innovation from Great Eastern Cutlery.
Bob Andrews

Permalink Reply by Rusty R Halsey on June 6, 2010 at 8:11

At first this sounded like a good idea. Then my concerns about plastic in general kicked in. I have never owned an acrylic handled knife so maybe my fears are unfounded, but I wonder how long the handle will remain clear? How easily does it scratch or become cloudy? The plastic lens of my eyeglasses gets scratched with a paper towel for instance. I used to store my knives in a large plastic lunch box til I heard that all plastics give off fumes that will damage knives. And then the big fear - is acrylic really different from (yech) celluloid? I admit I am not educated about plastics, I am operating off rumour & hearsay. Maybe someday an acrylic knife will tempt me enough to do some actual research, but til then it easier to keep all plastic away from my knives.

Permalink Reply by Bob Andrews on June 6, 2010 at 8:33

I am not an expert on plastics either,from what I have been told,Acrylic has none of the faults of celluloid. I think celluloid might not even be a true plastic as it is made from cellulose.As far as scratching goes,would it not be possible to use a very fine paper to remove scratches and a polish to replace shine?And wouldn't the Acrylic still hold up better than bare Abalone?And we're talking roughly half the price of a Natural Abalone handled knife.I have several Acrylic handled knives and as of yet have seen no ill effects whatsoever.Although I have only had these knives for about 10 months,a couple of them were 2 years old when I got them.
Bob Andrews
http://oldhundredcollectibles.com

Permalink Reply by Rusty R Halsey on June 7, 2010 at 7:26

Thanks, Bob. You are encouraging, but I'll let the brave pioneers such as yourself test the waters for a few more years before I jump in.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 7, 2010 at 19:15

Bob,

I am with you. I have one in my hand and it is gorgous!!!!! I also agree that it is better for the collector and the user. Cost is much more reasonable and the abolne material without the acrylic is too fragile. I want to handle my knives and show them off, even if I dont use that particular one.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on June 21, 2010 at 18:22

Hey Bob and Rusty,

Some information just came on TSA knives on this subject. Answers some of the comparisions on the newer products VS the older products...
http://blog.tsaknives.com/
read this article, posted today
Perylic, acrylic and celluloid questions

Hope this helps