Challenge: Carry only one for a month

[Shorttime]

The Gemini did a little tape and cardboard today. No photos, because of shameful laziness, but I spent the morning replacing circuit breakers, and Saturday work counts as double the work!

I rotate my pocket knife every 1-3 days, so this "one knife for a month" deal has been a different experience, for me.

As people finish their month, I have a request:

A "what I learned" review.

I will be doing one, and I am interested in hearing other people's thoughts, if others feel differently about their "one knife", by the end of their month. I know I do, and it's barely been two weeks!

Not to say that I like the Gemini less than when I started this, but it does require a little extra thinking, compared to my usual rhinoceros approach to cutting: if it don't move, hit it harder.

 

[Shorttime]

A little backup for the Gemini, today.

 

[Dadpool]

I've enjoyed seeing other folks' take on this challenge -- thanks for making this such an interesting thread! :thumbup:

My collection is small (~15 knives), and if I look back at the past 12 months or so I see 4 knives which each got a consistent month-plus of carry time. The others rotated in occasionally; the longest stint was 3 months straight. So the challenge itself isn't necessarily a challenge for me -- it's more like how I usually carry my knives.

But what struck a chord for me were the idea of learning the ins and outs of a particular knife with intent, rather than just by the happy accident of carrying it, and thinking about how to make a single knife do every non-specialized task I need for a month. I got a new knife around the time I happened across this thread, and I've carried it non-stop as my only knife since August 19th: an Emerson Mini CQC-7BW.

As a do-everything blade, it's been an interesting choice. I've never EDCed a tanto blade before, nor a chisel-ground blade. So far, both the profile and the grind have proven surprisingly useful for daily tasks. The sub-tip is handy for packages, and the overall size is perfect for my typical needs. The ergonomics are stellar, and one of the main reasons I love this knife.

Philosophically, I've enjoyed slowing down and deliberately focusing on a single knife. My Emerson felt like it was mine straight out of the box, and it's only become more mine as I've carried and used it for the past two weeks. In fact, it's making me question whether or not I need some of my other knives -- which makes sense, because with other things, like pens or sunglasses or watches, I tend to just have and use one or two of them.

I'm looking forward to finishing out the challenge.

 

[GatorMedic]

Day 22

Well, I guess I failed the challenge. After over a month of deliberation I bought a Southern Grind Spider Monkey online from Whitt at USA Made Blade today. It'll take over the EDC role if it's everything I hope it to be (still never handled one). If that's the case then I guess I'll start the challenge over with it. We'll see. In the meantime I'm still adhering to my original two.

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[GatorMedic]

Day 23

I'm not counting it a fail until the new knife arrives so I shall continue on

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[Shorttime]

Lol! The bullet hole through the rider on the sign!

Day 23

I'm not counting it a fail until the new knife arrives so I shall continue on

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I don't think I would call it a "fail", anyway.

Dadpool got to the philisophical heart of this challenge: giving yourself time to learn the "personality" (you know what I mean) of a single knife.

But that does not mean that the knife you choose is going to pass the test, so to speak.

Call it trite or preachy if you want, but IMO, any experience that teaches you something is a success, even if you don't accomplish what you set out to do. So what if you start over? Once you find the things about the Spider Monkey that need "fixing", you'll have actual cause (rather than simple want) to buy another knife!

 

[GatorMedic]

Lol! The bullet hole through the rider on the sign!



I don't think I would call it a "fail", anyway.

Dadpool got to the philisophical heart of this challenge: giving yourself time to learn the "personality" (you know what I mean) of a single knife.

But that does not mean that the knife you choose is going to pass the test, so to speak.

Call it trite or preachy if you want, but IMO, any experience that teaches you something is a success, even if you don't accomplish what you set out to do. So what if you start over? Once you find the things about the Spider Monkey that need "fixing", you'll have actual cause (rather than simple want) to buy another knife!

I didn't shoot it for the record lol. It wasn't a result of the Ritter not passing the test for me. Just really wanted to try out a 3.25" blade as that's my personal blade length preference. If the Ritter came in that blade size I'd be done looking at any other knives period. But alas it doesn't so I want to give the Spider Monkey a chance just to see if the grass is any greener on the other side so to speak.

Since I did make it over three weeks I'll sum up my thoughts: My thoughts/feelings/opinions of my Benchmade Auto Presidio have not changed. It's been my work EDC for a few years now, so that part of the challenge wasn't actually a challenge at all. There may be better knives out there but it simply works and has a lot of memories tied into it now. It's not moving from my work pocket until I change professions. Initially my thoughts/feelings/opinions didn't change about the Ritter. I still felt like it was relatively new and we didn't really have a history together yet. That was most likely due to the fact I was working a bajillion hours of overtime so I didn't spend much time with it. Then I finally had a couple days off and was able to take it on adventures the last week or so. I've started to bond with it and feel it starting to become truly mine. When the Spider Monkey came in yesterday I was excited for a new knife but I was also saddened to put the Ritter down. That's telling.

I think I'll start the challenge over again now with the Southern Grind Spider Monkey as my off duty EDC and the Benchmade Auto Presidio as my work EDC still of course. I think 30 days will give the Spider Monkey a fair shake to see if it can take over the role of off duty EDC or if the Ritter keeps its throne. And I should start the new challenge off with pics of course:

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[mlanghornes]

So I haven’t posted here nearly as much as I thought I would when starting the thread, but life sort of derailed everything and took up more time than I thought it would. I’ve carried the Inkosi every day since initially posting, and I’ve come to some interesting conclusions. The purpose of this experiment, for me, was to determine if I could limit carry to one really good knife that meets the majority of my needs, and also, to determine if the quality/cost of the knife can contribute to my long term satisfaction. TLR- the Inkosi is a great knife, but I’m not a one-high-quality knife guy. For me, it comes down to adaptability, hedonic adaptation, and opportunity cost.
What I’ve found carrying the Inkosi for just about 30 days is that, while a knife can be extremely versatile, as I believe the Inkosi is, in any given situation in which I’m carrying or using a knife, a different knife will probably perform slightly better. I think that’s part of the trade off for a jack of all trades knife, but flexing between being socially acceptable at the office and useful in the garden is a tough order. Ultimately, I would prefer something larger and more ergonomic in the garden and something smaller and more discreet in the office.
When I first bought this knife, I was struck by the quality. This thing is so well built, and the smoothness along with the thunk of the lockbar gives you a Mercedes-door impression. But, after having carried it for a while, that kind of fades into the background. I notice more the pointy and uncomfortable thumbstuds than the lockup, or the odd semi-circle movement it requires to deploy. I still appreciate it, but for me the design choices overpower the quality.
I also have to mention opportunity cost. For the $375 this knife costs, I can pick up a Dragonfly 2 and a Paramilitary 2, and have about $200 left to over for other interests that, honestly, I would use and therefore value more than an expensive knife. I did use it several times a day, just like any knife, I just don’t feel that, for me, the price is justified based on my use and on the compromises that come from flexing one knife into multiple roles.
I really don’t want to sound like I’m hating on the Inkosi. To be fair, it’s done an amazing job, and I really feel like any knife would have similar issues after a month. The cutting performance was excellent, maintenance was easy and kept the knife tip-top, and it lived up to its billing as a slightly smaller, slightly tougher sebenza. It’s amazingly well-made, and if you value having a top-quality knife, then I heartily recommend it. It will almost certainly outlast me, and continue to perform well for that time. For me, though, my needs are better suited to edc knives that have specific roles with a lower cost and design features I prefer, even if they admittedly are less well-built with inferior steel.


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[mlanghornes]

A few pictures to go with my thoughts

Opening a bag of sand for the chicken coop

Notching the coop door so the latch can fit tighter

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[Dadpool]

But, after having carried it for a while, that kind of fades into the background. I notice more the pointy and uncomfortable thumbstuds than the lockup, or the odd semi-circle movement it requires to deploy. I still appreciate it, but for me the design choices overpower the quality.

From the standpoint of a non-Inkosi owner, this kind of feedback is pure gold. More generally, that's the kind of thing I only ever learn about a knife by carrying it for a good long while. If I love the knife enough, its warts and failings will be what fades into the background; if I don't, they'll be what comes into the foreground, and makes me move on to another knife.

I'm sorry the Inkosi didn't fill your one-knife-for-everything hopes, but I'm glad you shared your thoughts about it -- both positive and negative.

 

[GatorMedic]

So I haven’t posted here nearly as much as I thought I would when starting the thread, but life sort of derailed everything and took up more time than I thought it would. I’ve carried the Inkosi every day since initially posting, and I’ve come to some interesting conclusions. The purpose of this experiment, for me, was to determine if I could limit carry to one really good knife that meets the majority of my needs, and also, to determine if the quality/cost of the knife can contribute to my long term satisfaction. TLR- the Inkosi is a great knife, but I’m not a one-high-quality knife guy. For me, it comes down to adaptability, hedonic adaptation, and opportunity cost.
What I’ve found carrying the Inkosi for just about 30 days is that, while a knife can be extremely versatile, as I believe the Inkosi is, in any given situation in which I’m carrying or using a knife, a different knife will probably perform slightly better. I think that’s part of the trade off for a jack of all trades knife, but flexing between being socially acceptable at the office and useful in the garden is a tough order. Ultimately, I would prefer something larger and more ergonomic in the garden and something smaller and more discreet in the office.
When I first bought this knife, I was struck by the quality. This thing is so well built, and the smoothness along with the thunk of the lockbar gives you a Mercedes-door impression. But, after having carried it for a while, that kind of fades into the background. I notice more the pointy and uncomfortable thumbstuds than the lockup, or the odd semi-circle movement it requires to deploy. I still appreciate it, but for me the design choices overpower the quality.
I also have to mention opportunity cost. For the $375 this knife costs, I can pick up a Dragonfly 2 and a Paramilitary 2, and have about $200 left to over for other interests that, honestly, I would use and therefore value more than an expensive knife. I did use it several times a day, just like any knife, I just don’t feel that, for me, the price is justified based on my use and on the compromises that come from flexing one knife into multiple roles.
I really don’t want to sound like I’m hating on the Inkosi. To be fair, it’s done an amazing job, and I really feel like any knife would have similar issues after a month. The cutting performance was excellent, maintenance was easy and kept the knife tip-top, and it lived up to its billing as a slightly smaller, slightly tougher sebenza. It’s amazingly well-made, and if you value having a top-quality knife, then I heartily recommend it. It will almost certainly outlast me, and continue to perform well for that time. For me, though, my needs are better suited to edc knives that have specific roles with a lower cost and design features I prefer, even if they admittedly are less well-built with inferior steel.


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Why don't you retry the thirty day challenge with the PM2 for off work and Dragonfly for at work? I'd be interested in your thoughts with that experiment as well


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[GatorMedic]

Challenge 2, Day 2

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[mlanghornes]

Why don't you retry the thirty day challenge with the PM2 for off work and Dragonfly for at work? I'd be interested in your thoughts with that experiment as well


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I was actually thinking I might do that. The PM2 was just an example, but I might do an Endura or something large like that. A dedicated office knife and a dedicated outdoors/work knife, both at a much lower price, and see if I still would rather have multiple inexpensive knives after using only those for 30 days. I'll post when I officially start the second challenge, I think I have a few days left with the Inkosi

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[GatorMedic]

I was actually thinking I might do that. The PM2 was just an example, but I might do an Endura or something large like that. A dedicated office knife and a dedicated outdoors/work knife, both at a much lower price, and see if I still would rather have multiple inexpensive knives after using only those for 30 days. I'll post when I officially start the second challenge, I think I have a few days left with the Inkosi

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Sweet, looking forward to it

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

I've been living with a Delica, which is basically the same size as the Inkosi, for the same period of time and LOVE IT!

I completely agree with your issues with the Inkosi howevwr. Size is definitely a factor, but not the only one. I love the Delica but didn't like the small sebbie or the Inkosi. In that knife, in my hand, it just doesn't work.

It's a shame you didn't go for a large 21. Might have been the same result, but I think you'd have been a lot happier with it. Especially with opening the blade.

 

[Shorttime]

I have also decided that three weeks is enough. So, a little mini-review of the Kizer Gemini is in order.

It's still recognizably a Jasmine. This, above all else, is what makes me love it. Antoine de Saint-Exupery was right about perfection, and Ray gets very close.

The subtle contour of the scales makes for a comfortable cutting experience. No hot spots, anywhere.

But that tip.....

I'm a bit of a goon, and I get a little nervous around very pointy blades with high bevels. As much as I love the whole package, going back to some beefier blades will be.... a relief.

I like the blue on the backspacer. Again, it's a subtle touch. The cobalt blue screws though. IMO, one of the distinctions of Mr. Laconico's work is understatement, and the blue of the screws and pivot pin work against this.

More than anything I like or dislike about this knife, is the simple fact that I enjoy variety in my knife carry choices. I'll still carry the Gemini, but I'll enjoy making that choice in the morning.

 

[Wowbagger]

Grail nearing fruition . . .
got the sheath. Cost a whopping $18 AND they threw in a free KNIFE ! What a deal !



I must say to start I have hardly glanced at it but the Peace Maker knife is surprisingly good. For some reason I thought the inexpensive Peace Maker came with a hard plastic handle. Nope . . . it is a really decent grippy Krey-Ex ? ? ? rubber like handle. When I have the focus I need to . . . well . . . focus on it I’ll check it out.

Why not just use the Peace Maker some may ask. Reason is I wanted the better steel, 3V or similar, and I wanted the sculpted handle; the Peace Maker handle is more flat sided with more squarish corners for boot carry etc. Although I must say it is some what sculpted and much better than I had thought judging by the catalog photos.

For now though things are REALY coming together for THE GRAIL(ish) One-Month-Carry-Special ! I can’t stop using exclamation marks. That isn’t like me . . . I like to . . . pause . . . and reflect and take things slow and . . . use lots of “ . . . “ but I rarely get very excited about most of the things I run across these days . . . enough to actually bussss out the exclamation point but . . . with this latest combo . . . GLORIA . . . I’m kinda like this :

!

If you remember from a past post the name that came as if by magic was G-L-O-R-I-A which is the Pendleton Hunter (with the thinned blade). It fits well enough in the Peace Maker sheath that I carried it for two days with no mod. Sweet ! (see there’s another exclamation point) . . . very unlike me.



The blade is held away from the areas of the sheath that could dull the edge by internal longitudinal ribs, a plus over the old sheath and there is a drain hole on the very bottom of the sheath drilled vertically up from the bottom like I had already done to mine before I saw this latest one. Great minds and all like that.

Like I said the blade was rattling around in the original Pendleton sheath and dulling the edge . . . though I got that worked out with the old sheath by heating the hell out of the thing (it’s DEFINITELY NOT just cheep plastic with a fancy name as some one had told me) . . . while it was hot I then put an intentional, strategically placed, dimple (dimples; one on each side to center the blade) by pressing on it with the rounded end of a wooden file handle (uncoated wood) right where it would grip the blade and keep the edge from swinging over against the sheath taking advantage of the wedge shape of the blade. Works great !

Still . . . there is no clip on this sheath though and I have to use that sheath leash, say that three times fast while you are deploying your EDC . . . (note . . . no exclamation any where in this ).

Oh wait . . . I’ll go take a photo of that / I had intended to . . . just be a sec ( five minutes ) . . .

. . . and we’rrrr back !





For the gear heads I used a Milwaukee heat gun with dial-able temp control dial labeled 1 to 6 with an added round heat focusing tip.


In the second photo you can just see, on the spine, where setting 4 caused the plastic to get a wet look in pretty short order. 3.5 though is very controllable and there was never a problem with over heating in fact it took some little time to get’er warm enough to move. On setting 1 and 2 after heating a significant amount of time I pressed pretty darned hard on the sheath with the file handle and heard a “cracking” sound both times. THAT is what makes me say it is stout material and not just plastic. I mean . . . it was seriously HOT and wouldn’t move.

Trade secret : one can wipe the plastic with lacquer thinner and a rag to blend the surface and take the shine off. I just haven’t taken the time due to the arrival of the Peace Maker. Jeezzz sounds like the second coming doesn’t it ? I’m having fun never the less.

Oh and there is the drain hole visible at the tip of the sheath. I was originally going to drill perpendicular (which I did) and leave it at that but turns out that close to the tip I needed to then “tunnel” upward to get enough flow to flush out the sheath quickly (used for trash break down at work and food prep at home )(one knife for a month right?) (not just for letting rain out) so that is why the questionable aesthetics. I don’t really mind it. Probably won’t get much carry time now that I have the sleeker Peace Maker sheath.

As far as How’s it Going? I was trimming hard rubber products yesterday and smiling and smiling; feels really good in the cut and is still sharp as hell ! ! ! ! Unlike that other super knife that I am no longer allowed to mention until I get written permission from on high
:thumbup: !

Like all great drama there is a back story filled with intrigue and promiscuity . . . but that is another post. Translation I have to go hang some laundry ; work aprons you know.

 

[Wowbagger]

So tell me . . .

For instance you know how there is the Santa clause ? And the Escape clause ?
Is there a Ceramiclause ? Or a Zirconium clause ?
You know . . . if the blade isn’t made of steel it doesn’t come under the heading of EDC. I mean who in their right mind would EDC, as a work knife etc., a knife with a vulnerable (?) and unsharpenable (?) blade ? And so if said knife, or knives, happen to get bought or, heaven for bid, carried around one or two days (or a week or two here or there) that doesn’t really cause a forfeit (or sin, as it were) . . . right ?

I mean the original pledge knife is ALWAYS at the point; ready to do the job. The Ti handled Zirconium wonder is just there for the occasional, non critical, even unnecessary, cut just to test out the ceramic . . . the degree of sharpness from the factory . . . the degree of sharpness after the first sharpening on the Si C. Ad infinitem . . . not REAL cutting jobs you understand . . . purely investigative research . . . for some FUTURE strategic maintenance . . . for some FUTURE EDC after the one month pledge is fulfilled.

I am beginning to realize I may have a “problem”.

Next question . . . what knives do you suppose Sybil carried ? I mean she wouldn’t be aware of who all was carrying what when would she ? If you see what I mean. Perhaps there is the Split-Personality-Clause ? ? ? ? Would one be good carrying say a highly performance modified Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter part of the day and then be seen later with a Ceramic / Zirconium Boker folder and as long as “The Other One “ was in possession/split personality, as it were, then . . .

Any attorneys out there that want to get involved with the proper wording for our bylaws for an innocent and untreatable condition such as described above for which I hope to have “proof” as soon as I can work up the bribe, errrrr . . . that is to say . . . fee, for a professional diagnosis ?

I am open to input just don’t . . . as has been described here as . . . over think this.

In fact the less thinking the better, I think.

 

[Wowbagger]

Shorttime,

Gemini : That is a gorgeous knife ! Like you said (near?) perfection.
I really like the screws.

Some one said recently hear that Ti was soulless or some such. Just look at that knife !
Other worldly. And I love the way Ti feels and sounds. It has a "tension" to it.

Thanks for making me aware of it.

 

[Wowbagger]

At work I was cutting up pretty heavy boxes to fit in the dumpster and just as I was ABOUT to finish cutting one side I saw a row of staples ! I stopped but was pretty sure I didn't stop in time because the slit went RIGHT TO the staple.
Enter favorite expletive here ______ !

DANG ! And I had just got the edge the way I wanted it. :grumpy:

To night I went to make dinner and since it is one knife I busssed out the Pendleton and washed it and the sheath. Then I put on the jeweler's visor to get a good look at how stupid I had been today.

There was . . .
nothing . . . ! The edge was perfect. And it seriously bit into my thumb nail all along the edge.

I dreamed life could be this way but . . . heaven incarnate ? ? ?
Oh Yah Baby !
Nothin', no chip, no ding just sharp
I made dinner.

PS: 3V