Gudy Van Poppel framelock folder

Gudy is a famous knifemaker who makes excellent folder, among other things. I saw this one when I first visited him last year, but it was sold pending payment. It kept niggling at me. For one, I didn't have a 'real' folder, and also at the Gembloux show I noticed I was the only one in our group who didn't carry a real knife.

so on 31 dec I asked him how much it would cost to make another. Turns out this one had become available again. I sent him the money and today I went to pick it up and sneak in some shop time while I was there. :)

This beauty is mine now. As with tools, I either make do with cheap or frankensteined things, or I go all in and buy the best I can buy without thinking about the cost. This knife is the latter category. It is high quality stainless, stonewashed. Tactical with rugged yet very clean decoration and grooves. The brass rings you see are cut from actual bullet casings. The liner lock is solid, and the knife pivots on bearings.

The close position is held by an internal little sprung ball bearing. To open it you either open it like a normal folder, or you can 'spring' it open with the lever. This requires quite some force though, and a specific technique. Gudy told me that it is not uncommon for people not to be able to open his knives that way.

Attachment 225769

Attachment 225770

Attachment 225771

Attachment 225772

Attachment 225773

Attachment 225774

Attachment 225775

Really looks like form follows function...seldom see folders that look as good folded as open...Nice.

I am digging the .338 Lapua Magnum pivot. :rock: Gudy make nice stuff.

That is one HANDSOME knife!
:tu

That is a very nice knife Bruno. I'm sure those aren't real primers in the bullet cases. I carry a Zero Tolerance (ZT) knife. I have had this one for about 3-4 years now but they now are making them with ball bearing type opening. I love the Tanto blade on mine. I have another one just like it except it has the serrated edge. It can be opened with the Thumb on the silver button on the blade or with the finger pulling back on the part protruding out opposite the button. I need to sharpen it.

Attachment 226414

Attachment 226415

Attachment 226416

Nothing line your guys knives, but i am REALLY looking at a Al Mar folder

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Nothing line your guys knives, but i am REALLY looking at a Al Mar folder

---

I just checked 'em out shooter & they are nice. Mine is outdated by now but the blade is about 3 7/8 & made of the S30V. It also has a little tool kit for adjusting how tight or loose you want the blade. I like mine to not have slack in it but to open quick.

Nice looking knife! I love the milling on the handles and the bullets!!
This is my favorite framelock, a carbon fiber Sebenza:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d4...psqyi7mxc1.jpg

That's nice Ernie. It looks like yours has the screw pivot to tighten or loosen the blade like mine does. I like the solid black color in case I have to pull it out at night, harder for someone to see. I also took the pocket clip off & I carry it in a sheath so I don't get arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. I've seen it happen too many times & it's ridiculous!

Yes, the pivot is adjustable which is very nice! I carry mine clipped, but I live in the country so no ones even bats an eye at someone carrying a knife:)
Bruno- what are the knife laws like in your country?

Pretty simple actually. Other than a couple of specific exceptions (butterfly knife, stiletto, throwing stars, etc) there is no law against bladed weapons. However, you are not allowed to carry anything with the intent of using as a weapon. I could probably get away with carrying this knife as a daily carry because I am no longer a teenager visiting pubs etc. But this same knife would be regarded as an illegal weapon if you'd take it to a nightclub.

It depends a bit on the context of the situation.

Great looking folder👍

Where are you living Bruno?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Nothing line your guys knives, but i am REALLY looking at a Al Mar folder

---

I've had it for a couple weeks...really liking it more and more. It's been a while since I have had a liner lock, but it's simple and foolproof. New knife falls into companies new blades and weapons rules of a max of 3" blades (cutting edge). Most of my blades are 3.5-4".

What I like about this one is first the vg-10 steel (I love it, one day when I get an electric forge I will mess with it), this is a blade that isn't "scary" looking & meets company rules, and I have always been interested in Al Mar blades. It's a good quality blade.

Attachment 229473

Attachment 229474

That's a beautiful knife! It appears to have the adjustment for the blade tightness which is a plus. I have the Kershaw toolkit for mine.

Scott nice blade, me here did you purchase it. Tc

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Scott nice blade, me here did you purchase it. Tc

---

A collector was selling off some NOS stuff and I got it for right at half msrp at $140, I JUMPED ON IT! The finish and fit are what you would expect from a smaller company like Al Mar, very good.

I have yet to jump into the custom world like Bruno, but you never know. I don't mind paying for a custom as long as the quality is there. IMO, if the quality isn't there...I have no interest. This is how I look at my own blades I make as I expect them to be used, no matter if it's a razor or knife.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shooter74743

A collector was selling off some NOS stuff and I got it for right at half msrp at $140, I JUMPED ON IT! The finish and fit are what you would expect from a smaller company like Al Mar, very good.

I have yet to jump into the custom world like Bruno, but you never know. I don't mind paying for a custom as long as the quality is there. IMO, if the quality isn't there...I have no interest. This is how I look at my own blades I make as I expect them to be used, no matter if it's a razor or knife.

---

You're so right Scott. If the quality is there & for the right price, it's a deal. I'm the kind of person that will pay a little more for quality rather than cheaper price for a lesser quality made product.

My luck. I would have liked to get one at that price. Tc

Very nice Bruno. Gudy makes one hell of a knife. I think I've played around with that one briefly on another day.

I also like his Cran Force slipjoint/Backlock folders from that same "Bullet" line that he does.