Post by Lobster on Sept 5, 2016 16:01:56 GMT 3
I had been watching this particular knife for quite a while but the relatively high prices always kept me from buying one. When a shop on DHgate started selling G10 versions for around 50$ I gave in and pulled the trigger.
This knife has the Marfione Custom blade in 2 tone on a G10 handle, a combo that doesn’t exist in any original Microtech knife. It also has no logo, marklings or lettering at all.
The G10 is very nicely fabricated with a slightly rough surface that provides an excellent grip, wet or dry. The ergonomics are not the best but OK. In a normal grip it is comfortable but in reverse grip the position of the flipper tab makes it awkward to hold, particularly when you want to stab down and pull the blade towards you like when opening boxes and similar motions.
The back spacer is a solid machined piece of what seems blue anodized titanium, the proprietary screws and pivot are made of steel. The sub frame lock is made of titanium and has a steel insert. Much to my surprise the handle has the same steel inserts like the original for the stop pins to rest against in open and closed position, quite impressive! All in all the handle is well built, everything lines up perfectly and the finish is flawless. The titanium clip is very strong and combined with the textured surface of the G10 it holds the knife securely in place, i only wish they made it for deeper carry, the clipped Whaleshark protrudes about 35mm from the seam.
The completely unmarked blade is advertised as D2, I have no way to confirm this but it arrived shaving sharp and it retains the edge incredibly well. The blade is hollow ground and satin polished with a bead blasted fuller. The intricately milled thumb studs are actually the stop pins that rest against the handle when open or closed. The action is incredibly smooth and quick, the lockup is solid and there is no play in any direction. Closed the blade is a tiny fraction off center. The knife cuts very well with that pronounced belly, the very acute tip makes it a great stabber and in my opinion it simply looks amazing! Despite its size, at 143 grams the knife isn't too heavy and well balanced.
In my very personal opinion, the Whaleshark is a knife that is primarily a showcase. While it does most things you need a knife to do it doesn’t excel in any except in its design. Further, the fake one’s roller bearings are not made of stainless steel and tend to rust quickly if not cleaned and lubed regularly and the edges of the fuller are incredibly sharp. But none of this can tarnish the joy it brings me with that stunning design, beautiful curves and badass look. I am very happy that I chose the cheapest version seeing that it was made to a very high standard nonetheless. I would buy it again for sure!
This knife has the Marfione Custom blade in 2 tone on a G10 handle, a combo that doesn’t exist in any original Microtech knife. It also has no logo, marklings or lettering at all.
The G10 is very nicely fabricated with a slightly rough surface that provides an excellent grip, wet or dry. The ergonomics are not the best but OK. In a normal grip it is comfortable but in reverse grip the position of the flipper tab makes it awkward to hold, particularly when you want to stab down and pull the blade towards you like when opening boxes and similar motions.
The back spacer is a solid machined piece of what seems blue anodized titanium, the proprietary screws and pivot are made of steel. The sub frame lock is made of titanium and has a steel insert. Much to my surprise the handle has the same steel inserts like the original for the stop pins to rest against in open and closed position, quite impressive! All in all the handle is well built, everything lines up perfectly and the finish is flawless. The titanium clip is very strong and combined with the textured surface of the G10 it holds the knife securely in place, i only wish they made it for deeper carry, the clipped Whaleshark protrudes about 35mm from the seam.
The completely unmarked blade is advertised as D2, I have no way to confirm this but it arrived shaving sharp and it retains the edge incredibly well. The blade is hollow ground and satin polished with a bead blasted fuller. The intricately milled thumb studs are actually the stop pins that rest against the handle when open or closed. The action is incredibly smooth and quick, the lockup is solid and there is no play in any direction. Closed the blade is a tiny fraction off center. The knife cuts very well with that pronounced belly, the very acute tip makes it a great stabber and in my opinion it simply looks amazing! Despite its size, at 143 grams the knife isn't too heavy and well balanced.
In my very personal opinion, the Whaleshark is a knife that is primarily a showcase. While it does most things you need a knife to do it doesn’t excel in any except in its design. Further, the fake one’s roller bearings are not made of stainless steel and tend to rust quickly if not cleaned and lubed regularly and the edges of the fuller are incredibly sharp. But none of this can tarnish the joy it brings me with that stunning design, beautiful curves and badass look. I am very happy that I chose the cheapest version seeing that it was made to a very high standard nonetheless. I would buy it again for sure!