Chris Reeve Hollow Handle Destruction

N

NickZac

Joined
Mar 26, 2006
Messages
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So everyone has been showing how tough fixed blades are by beating on them to an unimaginable extent and while they may not be practical tests, they sure are impressive and fun to watch as it shows just how well engineered these blades are. I went through a lot of fixed blades before going strictly to Reeve and I have never had an issue, even when hacking like a madman. I am very curious to see how a Hollow Handle Reeve like the Jeroboam would stack up...honestly I think it would not just hold its own, but likely show itself to be the toughest because of the one piece design and thick spine, combined with highly impact resistant tool steel hardened to a perfect medium. It seems people get the idea that Reeve is more cosmetic than functional, where as this is not the case at all.

Anyone else agree that the Hollow Handle could survive a ridiculous amount of abuse?
 
I think Cliff Stamp would have some dissenting words on this particular issue.

Personally I agree that the hollow handles are tough beyond measure.
 
Even if Cliff starting making his own indestructable knives I'd likely stick with Chris Reeve. They have never let me down before and I don't suspect they ever will. Design - Fit - Finish - Cutting ability always top notch. Never saw a CRK that wasn't a quality looking piece.
 
JohnnyO said:
Even if Cliff starting making his own indestructable knives I'd likely stick with Chris Reeve. They have never let me down before and I don't suspect they ever will. Design - Fit - Finish - Cutting ability always top notch. Never saw a CRK that wasn't a quality looking piece.
Click to expand...

There is no such thing as an indestructible knife. If you use a tool improperly, it will break. The only question is to how long it will take to break. Any knife review will (at least to some degree) be opinionated. Cliff seems to prefer flat grinds; I prefer hollow for everything except certain woodworking and metal cutting. He reported edge chipping on his Hollow Handle. I am most curious as to what type of wood was chopped.

Overall, I still feel the Hollow Handle will take the most abuse of fixed blades before fully failing. Could I be wrong? Absolutely.
 
I've a review from a British mag in the 80's and the reviewer tested a South African 7" Tanto and either a Jereboam or MkIV (can't remember which without finding the article). He ended up cutting breeze blocks, and I think house bricks, in half with the Tanto but couldn't break it.

I've still got the article (alas no scanner) so I'll check what he put the knives through. The same reviewer managed to completely demolish a Cold Steel Master Tanto but he went flat out at that one.

Mark
 
Just for completeness, the test was in 'Guns and Weapon User', Winter 1986.

The reviewer, Alan Carr, tested a Jereboam and a Tanto [both billed as being D2 which might be right for SA models of that period].

The Jereboam was used to cut both corrugated steel sheeting and a metal dustbin lid and was used for extensive cutting, digging hammering and prising. It was also used to stab car doors, bonnets and tyres.

The tanto was tested as above but was also used to chop through bricks and breeze blocks. It was dulled and looking worse for wear but resharpened no problem.

Mark
 
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