A few questions about the new 5.1 models

[Carbon-]

I've been putting off ordering a GSO 5.1 in 3V for a while now due to the fact that money is tight, but seeing as how they'll be going up for sale in a few weeks and I don't know when they'll be available again I'm thinking I might just grab one now while I still can. But before I do I have a few questions since I know a lot of you guys are huge fans and know everything about these knives.

My first questions is, what's the difference between the "new spec" and "old spec" that I keep seeing mentioned around here? Something about a new treat and finish, is that right?

Secondly, I loved reading chiral.grolim's review/comparison between the GSO, the Ratmandu, and a few others. I currently own a Ratmandu and love the ergonomics. I've read recently that changes have been made to the GSO line to more closely resemble the vertical palm swell of the Swamp Rat knives? Is that true? Also, how comfortable is the 5.1 choil to use? Is it big enough to be usable? Is the metal thicker than that found on the Ratmandu? I find the Ratmandu's choil to be a bit thin, and my ESEE 4's choil is too small to be of use. Just curious how the 5.1's is.

Thirdly, how is the jimping? Is it comfortable to use or very sharp? Is there an option to get a knife without any jimping? And how sharp is the 90 degree spine? Does it shave tinder or strike a ferro rod?

Are the handle scales still adjustable with a flathead screwdriver? This isn't a huge deal but I would like to be able to adjust the scales as necessary or for maintenance.

How's the sheath and mounting system? What MOLLE compatible backings worth with the Survive! sheaths?

Finally, are there any other little details that are worth pointing out? Things that aren't apparent on a spec sheet or in pictures? I'm really interested in grabbing one of these 5.1's but I just want to make sure that all the little details are what I'm looking for before dropping the cash. I know that's a lot of questions but I hope you understand. Thanks!

 

[Silver Needle]

I'll chime in for just a little bit of instant gratification to your questions, but there are plenty (Riz and Chiral come to mind) who really love the 5.1. I've never even handled an old spec, but Riz has held a new one! And I totally get the desire to want to spend smartly, I fully support that.

If nobody beats me too it I will try to find the specs on the new and old and post them here. After this break I have 3 more hours of work and then a date with a pizza, so in the mean time go ahead and look at the website for the new specs and search for GSO 5.1 on the bladehq website for the old specs. Old spec were tumbled or stone washed, but the new has a peened finish. If Google doesn't do it for you I can get pics of that as well. The new heat treat is also increasing corrosion resistance among other things. I know there are some good conversations on Facebook about it.

The jimping on my 5 should be the same as the old spec 5.1's and I like it. Not too aggressive, but definitely keeps my thumb in place. Because of the new finish the edges are sharper all around on the new spec, so I'm sure that applies to the jimping as well. Guy has said the spine is "not like an ice skate", but sharp enough for a ferro rod and I'm sure scraping as well.

The new screws are T25 torx bit compatible. No more flatheads.

Guy and Ellie have both said that that the new line is by far the best they've ever produced. I believe that 100%. The pics and short vids are (at least to me) mind blowing. I didn't think I could be as happy with my GSO 5 as I am, it is absolutely my favorite. Guy has to keep outdoing himself and I'd like to think that you would love the new GSO 5.1.

 

[Hard Knocks]

I'm working too, so just this quick note: Get a 5.1 from this new run if at all possible. If it doesn't suit you, you can sell it immediately for at least what you paid, so there is zero risk in it IMO.

I like the 5.1 choil slightly better than the RMD choil.

Also, check out the sheath attachment thread, there's a bunch of info in there.

And welcome to the forum man.

 

[Texas_toothpick]

Welcome carbon! Nice questions.

The main differences to my knowledge are the heat treat and finish as well as the handle ergos. Each model may have other slight differences but I'm not sure exactly what all of them are.
As far as the choil, I dont own any swamp rat knives but I have had esse knives. The choil on my LS was OK but I always felt as if I was going to have a freak accident and cut my finger off in a way only I could. The 5.1 I have been very comfortable using it, even in long term use. Its large enough I have not been worried about using it in any situation I've put it through.
As for the jimping I prefer not to have , but its not terrible on my 5.1. It is the best jimping I have experienced with any knife I've owned. But after using the wife's 4.1 I wished my 5.1 was available without it.
Just as stated by silver the new screws are changing.
As for the sheath I have not had any issues out of mine, and I love all of them. Very good retention, but not too hard to unsheath when needed. I have used my 5.1 clipped to my maxpedition condor II and it was not hard to get on or off when needed, but I prefer my molle back made by esse.
But I've also heard of people using them on chest plates and not having any problems.

In the end you are the only one who can make that choice to purchase but I don't think you'll be disappointed. I love mine any time I hit the woods mine is on my hip or at least in/on my pack.

P.s. sorry if there's tons of typos my sausage fingers don't do large paragraphs very well on this tiny keypad.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Your setup looks dang good TT. A lot of quality tools and easily accessible :thumbup:

 

[Texas_toothpick]

Love my set up, but it has changed slightly since this photo. The condor is a little small for me but its taught me to pack a little lighter. I was using a medium Alice pack so I had a bit of a learning curve going to something so small.( IMHO) The esse is no longer in my load out I handed it off on this trip to my best friend who only had bear gear.

I'll also add ,to stay on topic a bit, if you do get a S! knife and belt carry a lot. It can ride high with the standard belt clip. Don't fret its not the end of the world. Look into Chiral's UKE (Universal Kydex Extention) it works great. My wife loves hers as much as I love mine.