Anyone have a Surefire Charlie?

[Scurvy092]

I got a Surefire Dart for a song a little while ago. I have grown to really really like the knife. That and the Skyline are my two main EDCs.

I'm happy to see the prices are slowly coming down to reality. The Charlie has really caught my eye. No super fancy steel (just 154cm) but it is a Ti framelock.

The price seems to be approaching what other Ti Framelocks go for (~$260) these days and if it drops a bit more I'd be interested in picking it up.

Does anyone have one? It seems like Surefire priced themselves so far out of the market that there is very little real world discussions about their knives (no reviews, videos, threads etc). They are also nigh impossible to find anywhere but on the internet. I love the dart and all but I don't know if I'm ready to drop that kind of coin on a knife no one has really played with and I can't play with myself. I'd be much more apt to buy a ZT 0550 and the like.

Has anyone even fondled one? The Dart is very well designed, simple to use and worth every penny I paid for it (<$100), I just think Surefire was crazy in thinking people would pay $180 for them.

 

[Scurvy092]

70 views but no replies?

 

[jakeyjake4528]

I've got one. When I first saw it featured as a prototype but upcoming model it was called the jackal and looked slightly different. And I knew I would get one when it came out.

You're right about the price. Its a tad high when compared to the normal offerings in that price range. But what can you do? Not buy it or go for it.

Its a very nicely made put together tactical knife. Lots of handle room and great ergonomics.
Very deep stonewash on the frame and blade. I'm not a huge fan of aluminum on knives, but given its what they use in their flashlights, you know its tough stuff.

The blade is thick, not uber thick, and overall the knife is actually slim. You don't feel it in the pocket and its balanced well in the hand. If you're a fan of over built super frame locks, you may find it doesn't exactly fit that mold. You mentioned the ZT 550, I have that as well.
They are two very different knives.

 

[Scurvy092]

The reason I mentioned the 550 is because it's been well vetted by the community, I can find several videos online, comparisons and such. I'd be much more confident buying a knife like that off the internet than the Charlie which doesn't have any of the above.

What do you mean by two different knives?

 

[jakeyjake4528]

The ZT is a bit more stout. No surprise considering the design behind it. Its noticeably heavier then the Charlie, but is a bit smaller in size. Not by much. Its also thicker overall. And of course their is the steel differences, the ZT has g 10 .

It goes without saying ZT is way more popular with the knife community. I felt confident buying the Charlie without any feedback due to me owning a surefire flashlight, and I really loved the design.

I wouldn't call the Charlie heavy duty the same way ZT is. Its by no means a light duty knife.