Chris Reeve Pacific or Dustar Model 1?

[ES1]

Chris Reeve Pacific or Dustar Model 1?

I am considering purchasing a hard use fixed blade combat/ survival knife, and have it narrowed down to a Chris Reeve Pacific in CPM S30V or a Dustar Model 1 (black) in D2. Any suggestions? Which would you choose and why? Thanks.

 

[Buffalohump]

I don't know the Dustar piece you mentioned but I'll vote for the Pacific.

I have one of CRK's one piece fixed blades (Project 1 - 7,5" spearpoint) and it is a cutting machine. The one pieces are made of A2 though, which is a tool steel, so you should get even better performance out of the Pacific's S30V. And the micarta handle looks way comfy. Round it off with that Spec-Ops sheath and you can't go wrong with that baby IMO... otherwise consider one of the one piece knives, but some don't find the round handles all that comfy...

About the only advantage the one piece CRK's have got are the hollow handles. Some might scoff at this feature, but its a right handy place to store matches, or a lighter, or fishing hooks and line, or what have you...

They also might be stronger, but I can't see the Pacific or Green Beret breaking any time soon...

And if you do have any problems with it, or it needs a refurb, you can send it back to CRK and they'll fix it right up.

 

[ES1]

Just for the record the Dustar is made in Tel Aviv, Israel. It is the only combat knife designed and completely made in Israel. It is almost identical to the Randall Made Knives M14 Attack w/ finger groove handles.

Although, I am a firm believer in the use of knives for their intended purpose, ie... primarily cutting, during recent tests by Tactical Knives magazine, one of their testers visited the Dustar shop in Israel, and conducted some tests on the knife.

The knife was placed in a heavy bench vise, and secured by the blade. I believe it took about 3-4 full power blows to the side of the handle with a hand held sledgehammer, before the blade bent or snapped, and moved the work bench about 12 inches in the process.

They tested an identical Model 1 for stabbing and cutting ability by cutting an Israeli Military ammo can, same as U.S. Mil. Spec. completely in half (length wise), and then proceeded to chiesel a hole in a cinder block wall with it.

The test was covered in the magazine in (2006), pictures and all. The tester said, that not only did the knife hold up, the only result was minor scratching to the blade coating. Hard to believe, and definately not something I would ever try, but it is online with pictures and the article, and certainly worth consideration.

As far as the Chris Reeve Pacific, I like the blade and handle design over his Green Beret models, and there is not much question, that he makes exceptionally outstanding knives, that's for sure.

 

[ES1]

I decided on the Dustar, and just received it. Here is a copy and paste of my follow-up, from "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly". The Dustar is one fine combat knife!

:thumbup:

Great Knife and Service at J.T.'s Knife Shop!

I have recently been considering "another" new purchase of a hard use fixed blade combat knife, and had narrowed my choices down to a Chris Reeve Pacific in CPM S30V or an Israeli Dustar Model 1 Arad (black coated) in D2.

To say that both knives are exceptionally well made is an under statement. I decided to go with the Dustar Model 1, and contacted, "Joe" at J.T.'s Knife Shop. Since I am a collector, as well as a user, I choose my dealers very wisely, and customer service is very high on my list of priorities.

I have never purchased from J.T.'s Knife Shop, but have heard good things about "Joe", so I gave them a call. Joe was professional, knowledgable, polite, and friendly. He had the Dustar in-stock, and shipped it out the same day. (That is always a good sign, "in-stock and same day shipping".)

The knife arrived very quickly, was well packed, and is absolutely perfect! For anyone contemplating the purchase of an exceptionally well made, hard use combat knife, take my word for it, and order a Dustar from Joe. You won't be dissappointed. The design, fit, finish, and workmanship, on this knife is exemplary, and the customer service at J.T's Knife Shop was outstanding.

Although, this was my first purchase from Joe, you can be sure that it will not be my last. Two thumbs up to J.T's Knife Shop!

Here is the link:

http://www.jtknives.com/

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: