Bill Moran FB01 or (BM) Outbounder 180

JNewell

JNewell

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Nov 18, 2005
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I hope this doesn't turn into one of those heat-not-light discussions...I am interested in a fixed blade...my criteria look like either the Bill Moran or the Outbounder in D2 would be great choices. There are some differences - steel, handle material, etc., but both look like they'd do a fine job for general outdoor and game use. I'm wondering if anyone who's owned or used both has any perspective on anything that would differentiate the two?
 
:D matter of taste i guess...

the spyderco is very lightweight, has a frn-kraton handle and has a kydex-sheath with tek-lok for multi-carry options. the blade is somewhat thinnish/flexible

the benchmade has a traditional wood handle and a traditional vertical carry leather sheath. the blade is somewhat thicker and stiffer than the spyderco

i'd buy the spyderco i guess because of the sheath, but i think the benchmade might be better for tougher chores too, like light chopping and stabbing wood. the benchmade looks better too in my opinion

come to think of it, i'm not sure which i'd pick.....:confused: , well, if the bm came with a teklok-kydex sheath i'd buy that one, or, oh well, dunno, really...

good luck dude
 
Moran!! Hands down!! If you read one of the posts that Sal Glesser made about the late Bill Moran and how he worked, tested and redesigned a knife for many years until before he submitted it to Mr. Glesser. That's how refined that knife is.

I had the priviledge of meeting the late Bill Moran 3 times in the last 4 years before he went to be with his LORD. This guy put more into a knife design than a lot of people put into their entire character.

Yes I am a Spyderco fan but then again I also have some Benchmades in my collection as well. But when I factor all of the forethought and trail & error that went in to the FB-01 and FB-02 models it's truly a no brainer for me personally. I know that Benchmade makes good quality knives.

But the pragmatic design that underwent several years of accumulative design to me is already the winner.
 
I think you will have to handle both, if possible. They are both fine designs and excellent light to medium duty cutters. The handle of the Outbounder is very comfortable in any grip but quite small. The handle of the Moran is larger and fits, at least my hand, very well in some grip positions but feels a little awkward in others.

Regards Jan
 
JD Spydo said:
Moran!! Hands down!! If you read one of the posts that Sal Glesser made about the late Bill Moran and how he worked, tested and redesigned a knife for many years until before he submitted it to Mr. Glesser. That's how refined that knife is.

But the pragmatic design that underwent several years of accumulative design to me is already the winner.
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Well said JD and I agree. The Moran (both versions) is my favorite Spydie fixed blade.

Razz
 
I own both. Can't say I've used both extensively. The Moran is my pick and the one I've used heavily over the last few years for hunting and game dis-assembly tasks.

Reasons for my choice are the sheath design, weight, handle material and thin flat ground blade. Sheath is safe to carry on the belt or thrown in a pack frame. Weather resistant package - sheath, steel and handle. Thin flat ground blade sharpens easily in the field.
 
I own both. I prefer the Moran. The Outbounder handle is a little too small for me.
 
As a follow-up on this, based on the feedback above, I picked up a Moran on that auction site and am very impressed. I got one of the "appleseed" or convex ones with the leather sheath for $50, literally unused, which seems a good buy. The handle and blade feel and look great - looking forward to a chance to use it on some large tasks this fall. Many thanks to all.
 
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