Greetings,
We all know the advantages of G-10, (lighter, nonmarring, no anodizing to wear, etc.) Some prefer aluminum or other metal scales for the heft and added strength. I never gave it much thought and lean towards G-10.
I have been conducting an experiment. I received a new bm735. Noticed a slight off center in the blade tip while folded. The blade is straight. Squeezed the handle and the blade tip moved all the way over to the other side. Applied slight stress to the handle and centered the blade perfectly. Opened and closed smoother. I then opened the blade and applied slight sideways stress to the blade edge, slightly more than I would while sharpening. Again the blade tip was misaligned in the handle. With the knife closed, it is very easy to flex the handle to the point the blade touches the steel liner. When the handle is flexed, the steel liners keep the flexed shape, resulting in a misaligned blade.
I also conducted this test with a 710sbt. I observed it was even easier to flex the handle and off center the blade (due to the longer handle and blade length). The skeletonized liners easily bend and keep their stressed shape, while the G-10 has no memory and goes along for the ride.
I will add that both the Ares and the 710 tested showed a little daylight between the G-10 scale and the steel liner on one side of the handle at the blade pivot end. There are no handle screws at this end and the pivot screw is the only thing holding the two together.
Tested also a bm910 Stryker. This knife has solid titanium liners. It would only slightly flex when pressured and returned to center.
My little bm722 with solid G-10 handles, a solid back, and steel inserts.....took considerable pressure to note tip movement and returned to dead center when released. Same for my bm 551 Grip.....solid and sturdy, little flex and return to center.
I suspect the 805 and 806 may stress and hold the stressed shape as well. I have not tried it with these models.
So, alas, this may be another consideration for hard users out there. Aluminum may scuff and scratch if dropped, but the 520 and 720 ain't gonna bend easy.
I always felt that a knife with full steel liners and G-10 slabs on top would be tougher than all G-10 or aluminum. My little experiment may indicate otherwise.
If you folks have free time, do the little flex test with your Ares, 710, 805, or 806. See what happens.
Thanks,
We all know the advantages of G-10, (lighter, nonmarring, no anodizing to wear, etc.) Some prefer aluminum or other metal scales for the heft and added strength. I never gave it much thought and lean towards G-10.
I have been conducting an experiment. I received a new bm735. Noticed a slight off center in the blade tip while folded. The blade is straight. Squeezed the handle and the blade tip moved all the way over to the other side. Applied slight stress to the handle and centered the blade perfectly. Opened and closed smoother. I then opened the blade and applied slight sideways stress to the blade edge, slightly more than I would while sharpening. Again the blade tip was misaligned in the handle. With the knife closed, it is very easy to flex the handle to the point the blade touches the steel liner. When the handle is flexed, the steel liners keep the flexed shape, resulting in a misaligned blade.
I also conducted this test with a 710sbt. I observed it was even easier to flex the handle and off center the blade (due to the longer handle and blade length). The skeletonized liners easily bend and keep their stressed shape, while the G-10 has no memory and goes along for the ride.
I will add that both the Ares and the 710 tested showed a little daylight between the G-10 scale and the steel liner on one side of the handle at the blade pivot end. There are no handle screws at this end and the pivot screw is the only thing holding the two together.
Tested also a bm910 Stryker. This knife has solid titanium liners. It would only slightly flex when pressured and returned to center.
My little bm722 with solid G-10 handles, a solid back, and steel inserts.....took considerable pressure to note tip movement and returned to dead center when released. Same for my bm 551 Grip.....solid and sturdy, little flex and return to center.
I suspect the 805 and 806 may stress and hold the stressed shape as well. I have not tried it with these models.
So, alas, this may be another consideration for hard users out there. Aluminum may scuff and scratch if dropped, but the 520 and 720 ain't gonna bend easy.
I always felt that a knife with full steel liners and G-10 slabs on top would be tougher than all G-10 or aluminum. My little experiment may indicate otherwise.
If you folks have free time, do the little flex test with your Ares, 710, 805, or 806. See what happens.
Thanks,
