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Knife World October 2004 Issue TigerSharp's Classic The term gentleman’s knife is perhaps shopworn and imprecise, with the variations of miniature tactical knives and other choice steel currently marketed as gentleman’s’ knives. But I think a knife that weighs but one ounce and sports a 2.5 inch long blade is probably best described as a gentleman’s knife. As time goes by and my tastes and job description change, I find these smaller knives quite interesting, even charming. Here is one that stands apart from the rest on several features that are unique.Changeable blade knives are nothing new, but the TigerSharp system is. I have used the Kershaw fixed blade system with interchangeable saw blades and the like for field use with excellent results. It is first up in my ready pack for woodland adventure. But folding knives are another problem. I can’t say that I have ever seen a practical system for blade changing that was really durable or simple to use in folder form. The TigerSharp gets around these problems very neatly. In the past, the biggest problem has typically been mating each blade to the locking mechanism of a folder. This knife does not have to mate each blade to the lock. The outer shell or outer blade is a constant in TigerSharp’s system. This shell holds the inner blade by means of a both a nut and bolt lock and a wedge design in the outer blade. In other words, the working edge is actually a separate part of the knife. When you wish to use a serrated blade, or to change to a smooth blade after using the serrated blade, the process is simple. A brief description is all that needed to allow the most fumbly fingers to quickly change the blade. The instructions included with each knife are clearly illustrated and well written. The RES or Replacement Edge System allows not only versatility, but quick and economical replacement of a worn blade. Studying the retail price sheet, it seems that most TigerSharp replacement blades cost about ten to twelve percent of the price of the knife (less than that with more expensive Classic model). This is a relative bargain. After all, it is the blade and little else that becomes unserviceable in hard use. This light tariff is possible because of the unique design of the knife with an inner and outer blade. The inner blade itself is not very expensive to manufacture, compared to the no wear outer blade. A description of the steps necessary to change the inner blade follows: copy of knife instructions and maintenance Ed. I have seen quite a few gimmicks in the outdoor field that did not work. This is a practical innovation that works! I have also seen knives and guns that could not survive because they had but one excellent feature and the rest was simply behind everything else available. TigerSharp has avoided this trap neatly. Without the interchangeable system we would still have a nice little knife, and they also offer larger versions including some large enough to be termed hunters. The Classic I ordered for testing has several desirable features quite apart from the RES system. The knife is small and discreet with only one ounce total weight, thanks to the use of space age titanium. Also, the pocket clip is quite a bit larger than found on most small knives. It extends roughly three quarters the length of the handle. TigerSharp claims this elongated clip can be used as a money clip. It certainly aggressively carries the few bills in my pocket, so that claim holds water. The new finishes on the handles are the product of quite a bit of research and emerging technology. The polychromatic finishes used on the Classic represent the first time this type of finish has been used on cutlery. The titanium frame is titanium powder coated, then pressed into the material under various color causing gases. As a result, while the knife can be ordered in several color schemes, no two will be identical in exact color and hue. I like that. When you look closely at the TigerSharp Classic as I have through a close up camera lens, there is a lot of generate interest. The handles are held together by strong studs that can be tightened as the knife sees use. The thumbstud features a small rubber insert that adds comfort in opening the blade. The pivot pin can be tightened as well and one side is laser engraved. So, we have a highly developed folder with many good features that just happens to be made up on a small scale. As for cutting, the TigerSharp blade is really sharp, one of the factory blades that can truly termed razor sharp. In a small blade intended for delicate strokes and with little weight behind the blade, we need sharp. The Classic has that. A final note on design is that the Classic features a linerlock design. The radio of meat in the lock to the blade is good and the knife lock passes my usual hard knock on the desk test. All in all, I find the TigerSharp Classic a worthy gentleman’s knife. Looks, utility and special features come together in such a nice package.
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