Click on the picture to see a larger imageFROM: Balisongcollector #1
TO: Balisongcollector HQ
RE: Bladeshow 2001 Report
PRIORITY: First
SECURITY: Top Secret
TIME STAMP: 11:33:12 EDT
TEXT:
Tachyon has arrived.
Mr. Turber removed it from its protective sheath, but then passed it to me so that I could be the first person outside of the project to handle it.
Oh my... this is good.
First, let me say that Tachyon is not a "me-to" balisong. Some people aren't going to like it. That's a good thing. If you're pleasing everyone, then you're not pushing the edge.
The handles are a modern version of the so-called "sandwich" construction sometimes used by Filipino makers. In Sandwhich construction, the handles are assembed from multiple different parts held with pins or, in this case, screws. Filipino makers use this technique to make handles almost as strong as one-piece milled-out handles without milling and other complex and expensive machining. Microtech has taken this construction style to a whole new level. By applying their outstanding understanding of and skill at machining. The result is parts that fit perfectly. The handles are very light and yet very strong without extensive skeletonizing.
Instead of removing excess material, and, therefore, weight, from the sides of the handles by skeleton holes, they've removed it from the back. This allows whatever skeletonizing they do to be more decoration than weight reduction. If you're tired of round holes, then rejoice because Tachyon sports a handle pattern unlike any balisong you've ever seen.
Click on the picture to see a larger image
This picture also nicely shows the screws used to hold the handle (each of which is assembled from three pieces, together.
Click on the picture to see a larger image
Here you can see a comparison of Tachyon and a Benchmade 42. Notice that Tachyon is just a bit shorter than the 42. If you were a fan of the old 30-series, you'll probably like Tachyon's size.
Tachyon's handles are made of Titanium and are very light, lighter than a 42. The handles on this prototype have a bead-blasted finish tht appears very dull and grey.
Notice the nice choil at the base of the edge for easy sharpening and the fuller grove that strengthens the blade.
While the prototype doesn't include it, production Tachyon's may, I repeat may, have an additional feature milled out of the "inside" of the two Ti pieces that form the sides of the handles. This feature would accept a thin piece of some insert material. The insert would be visible through the skeleton holes. This would protect the insert but would also be visually quite dramatic.
Tachyon's latch works very well. Tachyon locks up solid both open and closed. Notice that the latch can be installed in either the Manila or Batangas configurations.
Unfortunately, the latchgate feature is just slightly off in this prototype and the blade does just barely touch the latch if closed wrong. This is a prototype and, thanks to Tachyon's construction, this can be easily corrected for production.
Click on the picture to see a larger image
We tried out the adjustable pivot screws immediately since it came out of the box just a bit tight on one handle. Fortunately, I carry Torx drivers with me. With a little tweak, Tachyon became quite easy to manipulate. I was up to most of my usual tricks in just a few minutes.
We also tried out the reversible latch. While I'm comfortable either way, most balisong artists will assume a Batangas latch whenever they pick up a balisong. So, for safety, Mike reversed the prototype pretty quickly.
The risk of sandwhich construction is that the parts will not fit and the handles will not be strong or that, over time, they'll come apart. If you've ever had the pleasure of using one of Microtech's out-the-front autos, then you know that there's no fear of poor fit or anything "rattling around" on Tachyon. As to long-term durablility, well, only time will tell. But, Ti is a very strong material and things that are made will and fit together properly initially tend to say together in the long run.
Tachyon's desing and quality look and feel great to me. I have every confidence that it'll prove to be a great and durable knife.
Of course, the real question is: Would The Balisong Collector Himself by one?
Well, I was the first person to place an order.
Tachyon is expected to ship in October or November. The retail price should be $199.99
Click on the picture to see a larger image
They're still planning customer-replaceable blades. Among those planned is a double-edged dagger based on the Microtech Nemesis!
In conclusion, I think there's a major new name coming to the Balisong Game.
<stop> <end of transmission>
