"Combat" knives, ala Ek, Ka-bar, etc.

D

Dry Heat

Joined
Jul 4, 1999
Messages
100
Bought an Ek bowie. Love it. I am thinking about expanding my collection to include some others of like type. I am considering a Cold Steel R-1 Military Classic and a new-style Ka-bar. I'd like any other sugestions you all may have. The highest-end I'd go is a Randall, but I'd really rather spend less than that.

BTW, any comments on the Cold Steel R-1?

Thanks, y'all!

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"A man has got to know his limitations." - Harry Calahan

John 14:6

 
If you don't want to go all the way to a Randall, I'd recommend finding a Blackjack 1-7 rather than buying the R1. Even at current Blackjack prices you'd probably pay less, and get a piece with a great carbon steel instead of a mediocre stainless, nicer fittings, and a lot more of a "handmade" feel. Also more choices of handle.

-Drew
 
I've played with the Randalls, and one that is owned by a member of my squad loves it, and it holds a mean edge... All my knives fall under the "tactical" side, while his is a work knife but its too "pretty" to be able to use for mediocre tasks. My Gerber BMF always has a reserved spot on my equipment, just like my Gryphon M30A1 I recently aquired. The bmf is more suited for slashing or chopping, while the gryphon would be a better fighting knife if it ever came to that, simply because it holds the best edge I have come across yet. It also will penetrate all issue body armor... unlike most other knives I own.

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Rangers Lead The Way!

you call that a knife? that's not a knife... THIS is a knife!
 
Although the R-1 is a good knife, it is made in Taiwan. Not that there is nothing wrong with that, it is just that is you are collecting US military knives a Taiwan made knife might not fit the role.

Make sure you get the Camillus or Ka-Bar versions first and you can get both for less than one R-1. Just food for thought.

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Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com


 
Get a Blackjack 1-7 if you can find one.
I have the CS R-1 and it's kind of an "ah well" performer. Not the worst and far from the best. It looks damn good though.
It is a tough knife but edge holding is just not up to snuff by my standards. You know often times you give up one to get the other. I had to dig out some finger grooves in mine to help out the slick grip of the linen Micarta. Canvas Micarta would have been my choice.
Anyway, I have a Camillus "Ka-Bar" and it performs much better than the R-1. Think I'll pick up the original Ka-Bar next week just to round out the collection a little more.


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The individualist without strategy who takes opponents lightly will inevitably become the captive of others.


 
What about the "New Gerneration" Ka-Bar. I'm not sure I like the "tacky" handle material.

It's looking more and more like an old-style Ka-Bar. I expect ALL my knives to be users, and the slick Micarta on some of what we've been discussing would be a real down-side.

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"A man has got to know his limitations." - Harry Calahan

John 14:6

 
I picked up a leather handled blackjack 1-5 second, with only problem being grind lines on false edge not even on both sides. It ain't a Randall in looks thank God, so I can use it. It and a snubby 38 always went into my suitcase together. Cosmetics aside it's been an honest knife, and a benchmark of quality for the money paid - like the Remington 700 rifle.
 
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