Chris Reeve Knives Nyala

[fastcamo]

Thoughts or Opinions on the
Chris Reeve Knives Nyala

# Blade Material: CPM S35VN stainless steel
# Hardness: 58-59 RC
# Blade Length: 3.75"
# Blade Thickness: Full Tang 0.180

Looking to pick one up. and need some impressions or thoughts about it

 

[lunde]

I love mine:

It's size and balance are excellent from a utilitarian point of view.

 

[JNewell]

Thoughts or Opinions on the
Chris Reeve Knives Nyala

# Blade Material: CPM S35VN stainless steel
# Hardness: 58-59 RC
# Blade Length: 3.75"
# Blade Thickness: Full Tang 0.180

Looking to pick one up. and need some impressions or thoughts about it

I think this knife is, as I've posted elsewhere, an instant classic. It's a really great knife.

In the hand, the oval-ish grooved micarta feels great. I like the way the filework on the underside of the tang matches the diagonal grooves in the micarta. The handle is IMO a better length than the 4" One-Piece knives, which were a little short. The shape of the handle and the lack of an upper guard with very effective filework or jimping on the blade spine allows a secure grip in a lot of positions. It's slightly handle-heavy so the blade is very lively, which may or may not suit everybody, but I like it.

I haven't done any testing with this blade but I have an S35VN Mule, which has been doing really well. It holds an edge quite well but sharpens up better than S30V. I think the new steel is a reasonable improvement over S30V. How you feel about stainless versus tool steel (A2) is an individual call - I don't think you can say "better," just "I prefer" or "better for my uses."

In a nutshell, the ergonomics, the visuals, the metallurgy on this knife are just outstanding. For $230, I think it's almost a bargain. I would have done the sheath more like the 4" Mountaineer (snap loop rather than fixed loop) but that's not a huge point.

BTW, if you compare a MT-06 at current street prices to the Nyala, after you've added a sheath and some basic grips, you come up quite close to the price of the Nyala! :thumbup:

 

[Amslerknives]

I've got one showing up on monday. I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'll get some comparison pics up when it shows.

 

[PiterM]

Nyala - my thoughts & pics

Nyala is simply awesome. I like EVERYTHING about it. Shape, size, handle, steel, sheath. It's probably the ultimate "fixed EDC", at least for me. Some would say that it's "fixed Sebenza", but it's MUCH more than that. Nyala's blade is slightly bigger, grind is higher. And it's CONSIDERABLY thicker & stronger. But still the blade tappers to a very fine point... I really dig the design! Handle is very comfortable and secure in any hold. Well done Chris!

Time for some pics...

And let's compare it to Sebenza. Sebenza's blade is smaller. Not just shorter (slightly, but still) - Sebenza is overall smaller / thinner / more delicate knife. Compared to Prof. Soldier it's again bigger than PS, thicker, stronger. But the very tip of PS seems to be not as precise instrument as Nyala's point. For tactical knife (prying) I'd prefer PS. But for my EDC & outdoor needs - of course Nyala wins in every aspect here. And the last picture shows clearly that the blade of Nyala is much thicker & stronger than Seb or PS.

And last comparison... what about Green Beret 5.5"? Could Nyala be a substitute for a bigger field knife? I'd be glad to say "yes" but I really can't say that... NO, Nyala is nowhere as big, strong, solid, heavy duty or combat oriented as Green Beret 5.5", let alone 7" version. Nyala is a personal cutting tool. GB is a field machine!

My final conclusion: Nyala is something new in CRK line. Not only new design, but also new class of a fixed blade. It sits nicely between Inyoni / Prof Soldier ultralite fixeds and much stronger Green Beret (and other Harsey's field & combat designs). I'm sooooo glad Chris introduced this knife. It solves the "fixed EDC" dillema for me

 

[marthinus]

Great photos as always Piter!

 

[molly's survival]

one of the best feeling small to mid sized fixed blades i've held

 

[bell]

Thank You Piter.

Great stuff as always.

JBB

 

[JNewell]

Great pics!

Don't forget to post Nyala dates on this thread!

 

[Greaves]

Damnit!

I want one! I seriously can't decide which CRK to make my first.

 

[arden.ferris]

I need one of these!

 

[RICKSTER]

Fantastic pictures Piter as always Rick

 

[PiterM]

soooo... what about an alternative sheath? I even used screws that matches Nyala's handle

 

[hero5211314]

Wow, excellent quality photos :thumbup:

I will have to snap one of this gentleman's blade later on

 

[ipm]

i like the spine shots. it looks like its a very strong fixed blade.

 

[Geode]

Great words and photos guys! Wasn't sure I wanted one, but now I am sure I do.

 

[softrockrenegade]

I handled one at a local shop and it seemed wonderful !! I really enjoyed the thick blade stock too !!

 

[guns_and_labs]

soooo... what about an alternative sheath? I even used screws that matches Nyala's handle

I do like the idea of the alternative sheath. The stock sheath is great leather, but it feels like I'm slicing up the inside everytime I sheath it, and the blade is sharp enough that I'm afraid it might slice right through if I sheath it at all at an angle.

 

[Output]

Damnit!

I want one! I seriously can't decide which CRK to make my first.

Go with whatever you feel you need/want the most. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed. I have purchased some pretty high-end folders from other makes that I will not mention and been a little disappointed. I can honestly say that I have never felt that with a Chris Reeve Knife…dollar for dollar, I haven’t seen anything that is close to touching them.

Nice pictures guys, thanks!

 

[giant1]

Nice photo's and the knife looks like a winner. Can't wait to get one.