Recommendation? BRK Avispa Auto for use around saltwater and on my farm in Texas? M390 or 14C28N?

S

Sid Post

Joined
Oct 14, 1998
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I am thinking about getting one for EDC in Texas on my farm in rural Texas.

Does it work well as an auto? Is it serviceable in a rural farm environment for common farm tasks needing a knife? It looks like an Axis lock so, it should be reasonably safe in real world farm use.

$128 for M-390 or $103 for 14C28N. Why should I choose one blade steel over the other? I am thinking 14C28N for better toughness and easier sharpening though M390 would be more stain/rust resistant surf fishing but risks microchipping on hard fishing line and farm chores. 14C28N being 20~25% cheaper doesn't hurt either! Thoughts?

Stay Sharp,
Sid
 
I'd personally choose a fixed blade in 14C28N for farm life so you'll never have to worry about it getting dirty or any part or parts deciding it doesn't want to work anymore. But if it has to be an auto then go for 14C28N, i guess.
 
Sid Post said:
I am thinking about getting one for EDC in Texas on my farm in rural Texas.

Does it work well as an auto? Is it serviceable in a rural farm environment for common farm tasks needing a knife? It looks like an Axis lock so, it should be reasonably safe in real world farm use.

$128 for M-390 or $103 for 14C28N. Why should I choose one blade steel over the other? I am thinking 14C28N for better toughness and easier sharpening though M390 would be more stain/rust resistant surf fishing but risks microchipping on hard fishing line and farm chores. 14C28N being 20~25% cheaper doesn't hurt either! Thoughts?

Stay Sharp,
Sid
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M390 has significantly better edge edge retention, but its toughness is a lot lower than 14C28N.
14C28N has edge retention similar to AUS 8.
Both have very good corrosion resistance.

If you are going to do straight cutting, M390 will keep an edge longer. 14C28N has very high toughness and would handle things which would cause M390 to chip.

I'm not aware of the ESEE Avispa being available in M390, though.
The non-auto versions are available in AUS8 and D2.
The the only auto version I've seen is in 14C28N.

D2 typically has greater edge retention than either AUS 8 or 14C28N, depending on the hardness. But D2 has lower toughness than either of the other alloys and has markedly lower corrosion resistance.
 
ShaiHulud said:
I'd personally choose a fixed blade in 14C28N for farm life so you'll never have to worry about it getting dirty or any part or parts deciding it doesn't want to work anymore. But if it has to be an auto then go for 14C28N, i guess.
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I really need a pocket knife. I have other fixed blades. Flushing grit and stuff out isn't really an issue for me with basic maintenance.
 
knarfeng said:
M390 has significantly better edge edge retention, but its toughness is a lot lower than 14C28N.
14C28N has edge retention similar to AUS 8.
Both have very good corrosion resistance.

If you are going to do straight cutting, M390 will keep an edge longer. 14C28N has very high toughness and would handle things which would cause M390 to chip.

I'm not aware of the ESEE Avispa being available in M390, though.
The non-auto versions are available in AUS8 and D2.
The the only auto version I've seen is in 14C28N.

D2 typically has greater edge retention than either AUS 8 or 14C28N, depending on the hardness. But D2 has lower toughness than either of the other alloys and has markedly lower corrosion resistance.
Click to expand...

D2 has a nice toothy edge which I find good for cutting rope and similar things.

Chicago Knife Works has the M390 version which I believe was a limited run.
 
StuntDouble said:
Just a heads up for those it may matter to, a rep on the ESEE forums confirmed that these are being made by Bear and Sons.
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Dang, whenever I see that Bear and Son has OEM'd something, it gives pause, at least with their traditional slipjoint knives.

I haven't handled too many modern Bear and Son knives, so could be a different story!
 
jeffsenpai said:
Dang, whenever I see that Bear and Son has OEM'd something, it gives pause, at least with their traditional slipjoint knives.

I haven't handled too many modern Bear and Son knives, so could be a different story!
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We can only Hope!!! 🤔
John 😁
 
Sid Post said:
14C28N for better toughness
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Of the two ^^^ . Tougher , cheaper .
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I'd rather grab a Cold Steel AD-10 . Tanto can be found , now on sale for ~$70 .

Hard to beat that for a nearly bulletproof folder . ;)
 
Buck 110. 420HC. A pocket or sheath carry. Bos Heat treat. Buck warranty. It's within your budget.

Just another option, not trying to derail the thread.

I would never use an auto on a farm or ranch. I used a fixie. You wanted a folder, I offered an option.
 
I'd be good with either steel. its a small premium in cost for the m390, I went and looked it up. although im not sure how great bear and sons heat treat on m390 would be? could be great, might not be. so in that regard id pocket the difference and go with the sandvik steel choice.
 
Delgadonine said:
Consider a shoulder holster.

Lots of handgun configurations offer this. Many knife options offer them too. I'm guessing.

Don't know your actual one and done budget.
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I work in brush and trees frequently so, along with seatbelts, shoulder holsters don't really work for me doing farm chores.
 
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