102 or 212?

stevekolt

stevekolt

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Jan 9, 2007
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Thinking of picking one of these up in addition to a 105 Pathfinder. The 212 "Ranger" from SKB in D2, or a stock 102. I don't hunt due to my back issues, and for me carrying my 119 would be a bit overkill. In either case I will need to have Makael make me a lefty sheath. Just looking for a shorter knife to carry when the mood strikes. Any opinions regarding D2 vs. 420HC? Thanks!
 
I would suggest that you handle both before making a choice. The handles are of a different size and you may prefer one over the other. I have not had a lot of experience comparing D2 to 420HC, meaning I haven't used one then the other on the same material for the same length of time. I do have both and have used and sharpened both...in my experience they are comparable in edge holding and sharpening ease. D2 is not as rust resistant as 420HC. HTH
 
pjsjr said:
I would suggest that you handle both before making a choice. The handles are of a different size and you may prefer one over the other. I have not had a lot of experience comparing D2 to 420HC, meaning I haven't used one then the other on the same material for the same length of time. I do have both and have used and sharpened both...in my experience they are comparable in edge holding and sharpening ease. D2 is not as rust resistant as 420HC. HTH
Click to expand...
Thanks. In what ways are the handles different? I won't be able to handle them before purchase...
 
As GPryo's fine photo shows the handle on the 212 is larger...fatter and longer. Should make using it more comfy for protracted use over the 102...unless you have small hands.
 
212 handle is pretty much same as other 100 series knives. ie 118, 105, 103......
102 is a bit shorter and smaller in diameter.

Some folks say d2 chips, but I think Buck's Bos heat treat takes any of those concerns away.
If you like carbon steel blades, as I do, the d2 has done well by me. I like the toothy edge you can get on carbon steel blades.
Personally I like the way d2 sharpens compared to 420hc. Not that there's anything wrong with 420hc.
With your bcci discount, the 102 is a better buy for sure.
I like the way the 212 fits my hand.
I think the handle on the 102 is just too small.

You can always pick up a 102.
I think the future/ availability of the 212 is uncertain.
The SK Blades 212 is a nice knife.
I'd be surprised if they were still available.
 
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GPyro said:
212 handle is pretty much same as other 100 series knives. ie 118, 105, 103......
102 is a bit shorter and smaller in diameter.

Some folks say d2 chips, but i thinks Bucks Bos heat treat takes any of those concerns away.
If you like carbon steel blades, as I do, the d2 has done well by me. I like the toothy edge you can get on carbon steel blades.
Personally I like the way d2 sharpens compared to 420hc. Not that there's anything wrong with 420hc.
With your bcci discount, the 102 is a better buy for sure.
I like the way the 212 fits my hand.
I think the handle on the 102 is just too small.

You can always pick up a 102.
I think the future/ availability of the 212 is uncertain.
The SK Blades 212 is a nice knife.
I'd be surprised if they were still available.
Click to expand...
also skblades has it on sale right now.

I dont like the way d2 sharpens. it doesn't do well with high grit edges. seems to function best with a toothy edge. whereas 420hc you can go up to the highest grit. for a harder worker I like d2 and even in the wet hot swamp I dont find it suffers from rust issues. spotting at worst that I've seen and easily wiped off.
 
GPyro said:
212 handle is pretty much same as other 100 series knives. ie 118, 105, 103......
102 is a bit shorter and smaller in diameter.

Some folks say d2 chips, but i thinks Bucks Bos heat treat takes any of those concerns away.

You can always pick up a 102.
I think the future/ availability of the 212 is uncertain.
The SK Blades 212 is a nice knife.
I'd be surprised if they were still available.
Click to expand...

Well these points , and the 20% off from SKB pushed me over the edge. 212 has been ordered :)
 
stevekolt said:
Thanks...still planning to get a 105 though. Aw, who am I kidding, I'll eventually end up with a 102 also.
Click to expand...
....you can blame it on the minimum for free shipping.

Hope you like your 212!
I really like mine.
That micarta handle has a nice feel.
 
Yeah, I have exactly $100 in my cart at Buck with a 102, 105 and 685. Might save a little and drop the 685 and pay the shipping cost though. It was going to be a truck/car knife, but I have a Mora Garberg, and Kansobol that can fill those vacancies.
 
Wow.
I didn't realize SK had either of those knives still in stock.
And on sale?
Those are 2 of my favorites for sure. Great buys if anybody is looking.
 
jbmonkey said:
also skblades has it on sale right now.

I dont like the way d2 sharpens. it doesn't do well with high grit edges. seems to function best with a toothy edge. whereas 420hc you can go up to the highest grit. for a harder worker I like d2 and even in the wet hot swamp I dont find it suffers from rust issues. spotting at worst that I've seen and easily wiped off.
Click to expand...
I'd agree with all that.
 
stevekolt said:
Thanks...still planning to get a 105 though. Aw, who am I kidding, I'll eventually end up with a 102 also.
Click to expand...
It's nice to have options. For years I only carried a 110 and the twin set 103, 118 when I went into the field. Now I try to take different ones to try. I think I'll always be partial to the 110 and 118.
 
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