I was thinking of getting the Shadow 1 to use as a Survival knife. By survival knife, I mean Ron Woods, SHTF, eating grubb worms and sleeping in the dirt type of stuff. I need a knife that I can trust my life to. I've heard excellent things about Chris Reeves, but have been told to stay away from hollow handle knives, as they will most likely fail when chopping. I currently have a TOPS Armaggedon and am looking to try a hollow handle knife, as it's more convenient to store my survival kit inside the handle, as opposed to lashing it to the outside of my kydex sheath on my armaggedon. What do y'all think???
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Chris Reeves Shadow 1 strength...
- Thread starter MusashiX
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Esav Benyamin
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Welcome to Bladeforums! 
The problem with many cheap hollow-handled survival knives is that a blade is attached to the handle -- there is no tang running through it. CRK one-piece knives are just that, one single piece of steel from handle to blade. There is no joint there to give out.
The problem with many cheap hollow-handled survival knives is that a blade is attached to the handle -- there is no tang running through it. CRK one-piece knives are just that, one single piece of steel from handle to blade. There is no joint there to give out.
When chopping, do you guys notice the knife "rolling" in your hands at all? It would defnitely be a better knife for making snares, whittling etc, cause it's a smaller knife than the armeggedon, but does it chop well? Sorry for all the questions, which are probably dumb questions to you guys, but I really like the Shadow, and am looking for a hollow handle knife, but I don't want to get one if it's not going to be better for a survival scenario than my armaggedon.
Cliff Stamp
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MusashiX said:
Yes in general the ergonomics are low on the round grip one piece line, as well the blade grind in general won't work as well as the high flat grind Rinaldi runs on the Armageddon in chopping and general thick cutting. If lashing a small kit to the sheath is a problem just have any one of numerous sheath makers craft you an integral version. There is no concern about the blade/handle juncture though, that is only for the really low end versions.
-Cliff
Esav Benyamin
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I have a 4" blade Sable III that I use in the kitchen, not for heavy chopping, but it does not roll. I like the round handle myself, but I can see where extended chopping could be rough on some hands. You can slip a section of inner tube over the handle, especially in cold weather for insulation, and for comfort and grip. I like it as is because it doesn't slip in my hand, even wet or greasy.
A one piece Chris Reeve would be a great knife for your purposes.
I have a 7” Shadow and a Project I, and I have complete faith in both tools.
I haven’t had any trouble with the round handles rolling in my hand. The texture on the handle makes the knife stick to my hand.
I like the hollow grind on the Chris Reeves for its versatility: it may not be the ultimate grind for chopping, but it’s a lot better than a fat flat grind for fine work.
I have a 7” Shadow and a Project I, and I have complete faith in both tools.
I haven’t had any trouble with the round handles rolling in my hand. The texture on the handle makes the knife stick to my hand.
I like the hollow grind on the Chris Reeves for its versatility: it may not be the ultimate grind for chopping, but it’s a lot better than a fat flat grind for fine work.
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Hollow handle design is a gimmick dating back to the Rambo days, do your self a favor and buy a real knife with full tang. I would avoid CRK hollow handle knifes for that purpose. There are much better knifes out there for less money that would be much better for survival type situations.
Esav Benyamin
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Dating back to? CRK one-piece line precedes Rambo, and others preceded his.Knifemaster said:
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And, also especially a guy who in his first few posts has said in one thread:
"Sebenza costs about $20 to produce give or take a few dollars the rest is profit for the manufacturer or the seller in this case they are one and the same. The truth is that a $100 dollar item in a store cost only about 1/10 of that for the store to purchase from the manufacturer. This is why we have 50% 70% sales and even 80%. etc."
And then said in another:
"Sebenza is not worth the money you made a wise choice."
If you are going to be so blunt and seemingly omniscient, it would help if you actually knew what you were talking about.
"Sebenza costs about $20 to produce give or take a few dollars the rest is profit for the manufacturer or the seller in this case they are one and the same. The truth is that a $100 dollar item in a store cost only about 1/10 of that for the store to purchase from the manufacturer. This is why we have 50% 70% sales and even 80%. etc."
And then said in another:
"Sebenza is not worth the money you made a wise choice."
If you are going to be so blunt and seemingly omniscient, it would help if you actually knew what you were talking about.
Chris Reeve one-piece knives will take all you can give it. We have tried pushing them to their limit but always get worn out way before the knife. I really like the round handle and never have a problem with it rolling in my hand. Here is a picture of a buddy splitting firewood with my Mountaineer II with a baton. I have one of him driving it into a log like a nail if I can find it and trying to break or bend it. The knife didn't give at all. They are as strong if not stronger than anything I have used.
Esav Benyamin said:
the first hollow handled,sawteeth on the spine type knife was made by W D RANDALL to the specs of a military officer.the fad only caught on after RAMBO but remember JIMMY LILE WAS making them before the movie.there have been other well known knifemakers who made them also,i'm sure - ROBERT PARISH,JACK CRAIN,to name 2
