Al Mar Shiva- fighting knife and more, or limited role ?

J

jonbutcheraxis

Joined
Oct 27, 2005
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177
Years agon a buddy of mine carried an Al Mar Shiva as a part of his emergency field kit, used in both the utility and potential defensive knife roles. At the time it seemed an odd choice to me given it's [ slippery] Micarta handle but he swore by it and swore by it's capability as a tough, effective and lightweight cutter.
Recently I saw one at of all places on a flea market table, I foolishly passed it by[ it was tagged $100] but now am kind of kicking myself- is anyone presently using an Al Mar Shiva ? If not the Shiva what sub-6" utility/fighting style blade are you using ?

 
I don't use knives much, but have always admired the Shiva. I would have probably tried to talk the seller down a little just out of excitement.
 
I remember absolutely lusting after that knife until I passed by the Al Mar booth at the Blade Show some years ago and held one. Absolutely beautiful and wonderfully finished, of course, but SO much smaller and lighter and...daintier than I'd expected; the handle is tiny! There are several knives that I'd choose over it for almost any role--most of what I buy now are customs but if you're looking for a similarly sized production knife, also beautifully finished and with a meatier geometry, more robust steel and more of a handle to hold onto, the Spyderco Gayle Bradley Bowie would be on my list.
 
Hmm, dainty is not a word normally associated with a robust field knife ! I didn't pick up the one I saw at the flea market so missed checking out the handle, that said a small handled utility knife wouldn't be my first choice, having hands like Grizzly Adams! Am glad you posted this t1mpani, thanks for the heads up..

t1mpani said:
I remember absolutely lusting after that knife until I passed by the Al Mar booth at the Blade Show some years ago and held one. Absolutely beautiful and wonderfully finished, of course, but SO much smaller and lighter and...daintier than I'd expected; the handle is tiny!
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You bet. Pretty much any ESEE, Becker, Fallknivem, BRKT (and the list goes on and on) would be a more solid outdoor knife than this---I just mentioned the Spyderco for having an impeccable level of fit and finish.
 
I forgot about Fallknivem!! I once had an Odin [ is that the 7" balde ?] absolutely one of the finest knives, and sharpest blade edges I've ever encountered.
 
This is both my current daily carry and my work knife. It's a Wilson Tactical model 25 (long discontinued). I used it for several years working a shipping dock, and for awhile now I've been using it for construction.

I wanted a full-tang knife, 5" blade, 3/16" thick, good steel, micarta or g10 handle, pronounced guard, a well-tapered blade, and I wanted a high-quality kydex sheath.

I considered the Shiva, but the price was more than I was willing to spend. Also, I wanted to be able to use the knife for prying open wooden shipping crates and the blade of the Shiva seemed too thin.

The model 25 was advertised as 3/16" thick, but it turned out to be close to 1/4" (D2 steel). As a result it's heavier than I would prefer and it took a bit of work to thin out the edge to my satisfaction, but the thickness has proven itself good for prying. I wrap the handle with a strip of bicycle innertube for greater grip.

It came with a great kydex sheath and has served me well ever since I received it. I own several fixed-blades, but this is my #1.

P1000953750x563_zps6974cd30.jpg
 
That has one of the best blade shapes I've seen, aesthetically. If one wanted a similar, easier to find knife, do you have any recommendations?
 
That Wilson is cool. And yes, the Odin is the "mid-sized" NL Bowie, and probably the handsomest of the group.
OP---given the style/size and price bracket you were looking at, I'd take a look at Bob Dozier's tactical line, and specifically the KM-1 Ranger. Your big hands will appreciate that handle. :)
 
RedLynx said:
That has one of the best blade shapes I've seen, aesthetically. If one wanted a similar, easier to find knife, do you have any recommendations?
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I'm not sure if you were talking to me, but in terms of blade shape I think the Spartan Harsey Difensa looks rather similar (just the shape though, not the grind or fullers). I'd buy a Difensa, but I consider the price to be too high for a knife I have no actual need for.

I know I've seen a knife that looks very similar to my model 25 here on this forum. Similar blade shape, grind, and fullers, but I can't remember the maker.

Although I bought the model 25 as a user, how it looks/looked was also a factor in my purchase. I have several requirements in a knife, one of them is- I have to like the way it looks. I'm funny that way ;).
 
killgar said:
I'm not sure if you were talking to me, but in terms of blade shape I think the Spartan Harsey Difensa looks rather similar (just the shape though, not the grind or fullers). I'd buy a Difensa, but I consider the price to be too high for a knife I have no actual need for.

I know I've seen a knife that looks very similar to my model 25 here on this forum. Similar blade shape, grind, and fullers, but I can't remember the maker.

Although I bought the model 25 as a user, how it looks/looked was also a factor in my purchase. I have several requirements in a knife, one of them is- I have to like the way it looks. I'm funny that way ;).
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Yep, just wondered what sort of similar knives you could recommend. Although I value function over form and will happily use an ugly knife, I prefer users that merge both . I like knives that are effective but also look "good", if not necessarily pretty. [emoji6]
 
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