Chris Reeve question...

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Feb 1, 2004
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Hey all, I am kinda new to the fixed blades. I would like to get it right the first time (if that's possible) so I don't have to buy a bunch of them & then try to sell of the ones I don't like as much.

Anyway, I am really interested in buying the Chris Reeve Green Beret 5.5" version.
My question is just how durable is this knife? Can this knife really stand up to really hard use if I needed it to?
Any problems with blade breaking/chipping?
Does the black coating scuff up easily or rub off at all? I don't prefer the coating on knives, but it this one will hold up, then cool.
Anything else that you can tell me about this would be greatly appreciated.


I just don't know if I should go with that knife or if a Strider knife would hold up better? Busse knives are nice, but I don't like them as much as the Strider & CRK knives.

So, if you can help, then I thank you.

FYI I don't plan on stabbing through steel doors or going around chopping trees down & hack sawing my car in half with it, just if I even needed to, I would like to know if they will hold up to the task ;)
I would like to keep the size of the knife to the 5.5"-6.5" max. I know the Green Beret comes in the 7", but for me, that is too big.
I prefer these knives to have a partially serrated blade if that helps.

THANKS! Adam
 
I handled the longer CRK knife and it seemed quite sturdy, while I didn't test it severly I can't imagine it failing you. As for the coating, I did have a mountaneer from CRK and the coating would smooth and mar a bit with use. I never had it flake off, but I never chopped rocks or hit it witha hammer. CRK knife is s30v, a stainless steal.

Last I knew Strider uses carbon steel. Your preference may vary, but I'd choose the CRK.
 
Both Strider and CRK's are extremely well made knives with outstanding warrenties.. I've owned several CRK integral fixed blades but haven't owned a Green Beret, although I've handled several. If you had included an intergral I would whole heartedly recommend it, but the Green Beret, at least to me, just doesn't quite match up to either the integrals or Striders. With my handling of the GB my initial impression was the I didn't like the ergonomics and it reminded me of a TOP's knife more than anything. But once again I haven't actually used it, which could make a difference.

Bottom line is that both knives (I"m not sure what model Strider you're looking at) will probably take what ever you've got planned for them and if there were some problem both shops would fix it without any hesitation. So it pretty much boils down to what is going to be comfortable for you to use, which means you need to handle both before buying. I know I didn't answer all your questions, but hopefully this will help a little in your choice. You've definitely got good taste in fb's. Good luck.
 
Yeah, that's pretty much my problem.....I would like to handle the knives before I buy them, but getting to handle them is a problem until I get to the next knife show........
I'm not quite sure which Strider knife I like....they are all pretty cool. The narrowing down part is hard.......
I am not quite sure if all the Strider knives can be had with a part serrated or if only some of the versions come like that.....Burkstar, I'll check out your recomendation of the intergral knives & see what I come up with.
I do thank you guys for your comments.....it's hard buying knives....you want to get the right one, but you might never really know what the right one is....
aaaahhh the confusion :confused:
 
You'll find that a partially serrated blade, especially on a relatively small fixed blade, will be useless and get in the way. The Micarta handles could also be pretty slippery. The coating on that blade is smooth, so it will wear out pretty fast (don't worry about aesthetics though).

You could try Swamp Rat Knife works. They have a "You break it, we buy it, no questions asked" guarantee, an incredible reputation, supposedly very grippy handles, and also, the coating is rough and won't wear off nearly as fast. They don't meet your size range exactly, but if you could settle for 4.5" you'd be all set. It's also much cheaper than the CRK. The Becker companion is cheap, durable, and is the right price. Some people don't like the handles, but you could always cordwrap the tang or sand the handles for texture like so many have done.

I don't have experience with the CR knife, though, so you may or may not want to take my advice.

Edit: I just noticed that you mentioned Strider knives. If you can afford one (I sure can't! :D ), they are pretty sweet looking knives and I have had m eyes on them for a while.

Good luck!
 
Both brands (and several others mentioned) are great knives. My personal preference (and it is only that) are the Striders...but quite honestly, of those mentioned so far, it is primarily personal preference.

One correction/update on the Striders: they not made out of carbon, but S30V with Bos heat treat.

Happy Easter,
Glenmore
 
Allow me to preface my comments by confessing that I've never owned any Strider nor have I owned any CRK fixed blade/one-piece (yet). But I have owned four CRK folders (still have two) and I have been absolutely blown away by the fit/finish, ergonomics, materials and warranty/customer service that comes with a CRK knife. IMNSHO, you can't go wrong with a CRK knife, period. I've got my eye on one of the CRK Shadows and plan to get one shortly. I've no doubt that when I get one I'll find that it also embodies everything I have come to expect/appreciate from CRK folders. Just my .02. Good luck and I hope you enjoy whatever you choose.
 
Hey Six Feet, tough choices on some great knives.

I have owned (and still own) many CRK knives, Fixed and Folders. I love the One Piece line of knives for their amazing strength and the ease of sharpening the steel (not to mention the cool factor of the Hollow Buttcap, though I rarely use that). I have a used CRK 7.5" blade that I love, the steel, the blade shape, the sheath... all top drawer!

Here is an option for you, I have a NIB CRK 5.5" Green Beret also - shoot me an email and I will send it to you so that you can check it out. If you don't like the knife you can send it back (in the same condition) and all you will be out is the Shipping to and from. We can decide on a final price and Shipping methods via email. I know this is a little more expensive than checking one out at a Show, and you will probably not be able to make a head to head comparision with a Strider, but at a Show you will have 10 - 15 minutes to look it over and this way you can take several days. Just something to think about.

If you do decide later to get one, I know you will be pleased with it.

Good Luck.
 
That's what I love to see, CRK fans loaning out their personal kinves to someone to try out. :)
 
I own both Striders as well as a CRK fixed blades. It is close call, but my vote would be a Strider.
 
Damn, damn, DAMN! :confused:

I know what it is going to come down to........

I'll buy the Green Beret in the 5.5", then if that's too small for some reason, I'll buy the 7"

Next, I'll get a Strider...don't know which one yet....but I will figure that one out.......

Busse....your next.........

I have seen some of the other suggestions & I like them too....oh hell, looks like my wallet's going on slim fast really soon :( ;) ;)

Buying spree...here I come
 
I've been looking more at the Strider knives & I think that I have narrowed it down....at least to that company.....

Mark-1 with the 6.25" blade
or the
MT MOD 10 with the 5" blade


How about the Simonich Urban Raven? I know it is only a 4" blade, but that knife has always caught my eye.........

Soooooo many knives, so little $$$$$$
 
NeedleRemorse, the micarta handle on my 7" CRk GB is "canvas micarta". It was used because it is not smooth and is quite tacky even when wet. In fact, it is probably the most secure micarta handle I've ever put in my hand. Entrek knives use this type micarta also and are known for not being slippery.

Bruce
 
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