AR or GB...which and why?

G

Geoff in Philly

Joined
Mar 7, 2000
Messages
458
I think I prefer the length of the straight portion of the blade on the GB for the field use/camp/ utility chores I anticipate, rather than the sweeping belly of the AR. That straight portion of the GB could almost be used as a draw knife. Also, nothing pierces like a "tanto" point if I ever needed to stab or make a whole in some material. OTOH, perhaps slicing is compromised a bit on the GB. BUT...for push cutting the GB may not suffer b/c of the lack of belly...what do you gents think?
PS dont say to buy both!
 
Sounds like you want the GB. I think if I could afford one, I would probably buy the GB as well. While the AR is awesome too, I prefer the aesthetics of the tanto design. Some might decry it as useless without the belly, but I certainly know if you had to put a slice in something the GB would be more than capable.

On the same hand, I'm certain the AR would penetrate something ugly if the need be.
 
Geoff-

One thing I'll add, is that the new flat ground GB's seem to have more "everyday abilities" to offer over the old hollow ground blades.
I say this, as the leading edge is much like the main edge as far as it's cutting ability. The grind seems to be narrower to allow for that thinner "useable" edge geometry. From pics of the hollow ground GB's, it seems that the leading or secondary edge on them, is much chunkier with more meat which would mean a thicker edge. Boy, after all of that typing, I'm not sure if I even conveyed what I had hoped.
Bottom line is, the leading "tanto" portion will easily cut, suffering only slightly at the cost of more reinforcement (just like a tanto point should be). I think it's quite a utilitarian design overall.
 
Geoff,
I had some of those same thoughts before I bought my GB. I have one of the newer flat ground GBs and love it. The front section does provide a nice utility edge, IF you reprofile it to a slightly thinner edge. This is not the edge that Mick designed it to have, BUT, for my everyday mundane chores having the front leading edge the same angle as the rest of the blade worked better. You will love it if you get one. They are a solid tank of a knife. If you do get one, use it. Do not store it aside as a thing to be looked at. The Striders real beauty is in the ability to take a real licking and hang tough the whole while. So, buy it, and use it. You will not regret it! Rick
 
Most knowledgable knife people will concur that a "tanto" will not penetrate with the ease of a spearpoint, however, the "tanto" may be more resistant to damage from that penetration. "Tantos" as in the GB are pretty but lack the usefullness of the AR. Go with the AR.
 
It might be nice to think of having a combination of blades. If perhaps you are thinking of carrying a tanto for your main fixed blade, then you might want to consider carrying an AR so as to have the availability of both blade types for field chores. And likewise look to the GB if you are carrying a non-tanto main blade. Just some stuff to chew on.:)
 
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