I generally like to collect damascus folders or somewhat larger liner/frame locks, along with the annual Case knives. However, I got the chance to get one of these discontinued knives from eBay. I am probably just going to say what has been said about it ages ago.
At first, I was put-off by the small size of the blade and the thinness of the ATS34. However, after popping a few hairs (really too sharp for shaving since it took skin, too) and testing the blade on other items, I came to appreciate the steel, size and quality of this knife. Having worked drywall at times over the years, this knife's size, sharp spear point and serrations would be perfect at that job; along with any number of other's which come to mind.
The knife appears quite often as a real bargain on eBay and a picture of one with micarta handles and not the G-10 of my model can be seen here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2192652226&category=43335
(I have no interest in this knife, I would like to add.)
While doing my probably insignificant 'tests,' I noticed something that interested me. Normally, I am not a fan of serrated blades, but when I attempted to use the unserrated portion of the knife (undoubtedly razor sharp) to cut a filter from a cigarette, it took perhaps 8-10 slices at increasing pressure to cut the filter; often leaving it 'hanging.' With the serrated portion of the blade, using the same initial pressure, it required 2-3 gentle slices, and more likely than not cut the filter completely free. Perfect for rope, carpet and other fiber jobs and drywall, as I mentioned.
Nice bargain for sure, in my opinion.
At first, I was put-off by the small size of the blade and the thinness of the ATS34. However, after popping a few hairs (really too sharp for shaving since it took skin, too) and testing the blade on other items, I came to appreciate the steel, size and quality of this knife. Having worked drywall at times over the years, this knife's size, sharp spear point and serrations would be perfect at that job; along with any number of other's which come to mind.
The knife appears quite often as a real bargain on eBay and a picture of one with micarta handles and not the G-10 of my model can be seen here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2192652226&category=43335
(I have no interest in this knife, I would like to add.)
While doing my probably insignificant 'tests,' I noticed something that interested me. Normally, I am not a fan of serrated blades, but when I attempted to use the unserrated portion of the knife (undoubtedly razor sharp) to cut a filter from a cigarette, it took perhaps 8-10 slices at increasing pressure to cut the filter; often leaving it 'hanging.' With the serrated portion of the blade, using the same initial pressure, it required 2-3 gentle slices, and more likely than not cut the filter completely free. Perfect for rope, carpet and other fiber jobs and drywall, as I mentioned.
Nice bargain for sure, in my opinion.