Compare the UF and FK2 for me

Most likely I'll bide my time for the FK2 drop whenever that may be. Regardless, would you all think that this UF is the toughest knife to be released by CPK? I know there are bigger ones, but is this the one designed for hardest use out of the entire line up?
 
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Earthy said:
Most likely I'll bide my time for the FK2 drop whenever that may be. Regardless, would you all think that this UF is the toughest knife to be released by CPK? I know there are bigger ones, but is this the one designed for hardest use out of the entire line up?
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No, the Shiv was designed for the hardest usage if we are talking about piercing and puncturing holes in metals such as car doors or in cinder blocks to stick your rifle's barrel out of. You can also use the Shiv to destroy drywalls / wood framings during your DYI home projects / expansions / additions. However when it came to military application, the UF which was developed in collaboration with a Green Beret proved to be a better combat / hand-to-hand fighting knife also intended for general utilitarian usages.

However if your definition of hard use is within the realm of bushcraft, hunting and different field type work applications that a craftsman may need of have use for, the FK2 would be the way to go.

Nathan has many customers, myself included who are more collectors and light users. There are also many others who are heavy duty knife users but I am confident in stating that most / majority do not use their Shivs and to a large extent even use their UFs for the kind of applications that they were designed for.
 
Thanks Oyster. I didn't look back far enough to see it that type of description from Nate was a part of most or all knives he makes.

Casinostocks that is incredible the shiv model is designed more for destruction than what the UF is described as. That is some good information. You know your stuff. This UF versus FK2 thing has my mind racing.
 
Earthy said:
Thanks Oyster. I didn't look back far enough to see it that type of description from Nate was a part of most or all knives he makes.

Casinostocks that is incredible the shiv model is designed more for destruction than what the UF is described as. That is some good information. You know your stuff. This UF versus FK2 thing has my mind racing.
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Far from it :D The only person who wholly knows his sh*t around here is Nathan. But yes sir, the Shiv is a true weapon intended for destroying. Otherwise if budget constraints are crucial with regards to actual usage, which is totally understandable, as many have recommended go for the FK2 if & when. If a few hundred $ are not a hindrance secure a basic and no frills UF now but with the knowledge that at the tail end of the preroder you could be waiting 9+ months for your UF.
 
Earthy said:
This UF versus FK2 thing has my mind racing.
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Earthy, if you are going to use it for woodwork, FK2 suits your needs better in my opinion. I wouldnt be concerned about breaking one unless you pry for fun like noones business or you actually try to break it.

I use to be obsessed with finding indestructable knives until I realized they don't cut for...garbage. I have sinced moved on to a balanced approach. Big extremely overbuilt knives just don't perform well.

I have a friend who had the original FK and beat the snot out of it to no avail. It took everything he threw at it. But also, his words, it "cut like a demon". It soon became his favourite knife and he has had many, many knives come through his hands including busse and infamous "infi".

CPK's are a perfect balance between toughness and cutting performance. Just don't overthink it to much or you'll ruin all the fun of it :cool:
 
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Xtianaus I think my thread may be a testament to my overthinking just a tad ha!

I've had a few 0.25 inch thick blades that were indestructible and mostly unusable like a regular knife. Nate seems to have made a reputation for tough as nails knives that can still actually cut imagine that! That really is the main reason I'm so drawn to this UF even though common sense and the nice fellas around here keep saying go for the FK2 when available. I do have other knives if I really want to sit and whittle for a bit but this UF could be a nice addition to what I have.
 
Well lets be honest, whatever you decide you can't go wrong ;)
Keep in mind though, as tough as the UF is, the FK2 won't be a slouch. Also it is 1.25" or so shorter blade then the UF so maybe that will help you decide depending on your preferred blade length.
 
In all my knife collection, there are only one ore two that aren't general purpose camp/woods knives. The big bowie / fighter in my avatar is one. I don't have much of a collection, but it follows a pattern. I sat out almost all of the preamble to the UF sales over the past several months. Even sat out the first few sales. I've been thinking, "What need do I have for a UF, really?" Over the past week I joined in on the fun and figured I had plenty of my mainstream knives. Time to branch out.

There is zero chance this knife will be a loser. CPK only retain their value. So what the heck - as Ferris Bueller says, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." The pre order is a rare chance to get in on a great knife.

It is not really a comparison of the two, per se, as asked in your original post. I'm just comparing the fact that they are both a great opportunity. And you will come to see around here that many guys lament NOT getting in on pre orders... the Monday after they close.
 
I'll just leave this here.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/its-here-fk-destruction-video.1436469/

E Earthy have you seen this yet? If you intend to use the fk (now the fk2) as it was designed to perform i.e. cut and carry just about anywhere. I very much doubt you or anyone using this knife are going to hurt it. Unless you were to put the time and effort in. Even then it would take some gross negligence and abuse to get it to admit mercy.
 
Hahahahaha that FK batoning through the giant brick/cement slab was the wildest thing I've seen in a long time. What a beast of a little knife. Testimony to materials and craftsmanship and design right there. Hadn't seen that video so thanks for the link.

TRfromMT say now you were to just get ONE between FK2 and UF would you still get after the UF because it is a different style then your other knives?
 
Earthy said:
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TRfromMT say now you were to just get ONE between FK2 and UF would you still get after the UF because it is a different style then your other knives?
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If I could really only get one, I'd actually wait for the FK2. It WILL be a peerless knife in its class. I was personally disappointed the the FK2 has moved behind the UF (this is a poor/overly simplistic characterization of events) because I reeeaaally want the FK2. I had to warm up to the UF. I will not know for sure until I have it in hand, but I had the $$ burning a hole in my pocket. I went for it because the UF IS peerless, and it's a great value.

If both knives were on the table and I had funds for just one, it would be the FK2.
 
Here's another perspective:

Nathan is currently offering the opportunity of getting on the UF board, in its most basic option format for under $320. Arguably even the most basic version of the preorder UF is a semi custom knife from one of the most knowledgable and respected knife makers on this Forum. The most basic of the UFs comes with a solid handle scale option but you can upgrade that for very little price bump of $20 to something like Terotuf (not the best option if you plan to use it in butchering). But the STEEL, hot damn! It is optimized heat treated CPM-3V which Nathan has named D3V.

For about $300 what you get from the other manufacturers is something less tough and less strong in say S35VN which does not even belong in the same sentence, let alone not the same design, BL, balance, yada, yada...

You are over thinking this one too much as it really ought to be a no brainer unless really squeezed for fund$. Otherwise you'll just be missing out and you will then regret it. It's really that simple!
 
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Casinostocks and TRfromMT you two sure are a devil's advocate. Good points across the board but the FK2 really is the one for me. It's going to be hard letting this weekend slip by. Thanks all for input here. I learned quite a bit in a day or two
 
Earthy said:
Casinostocks and TRfromMT you two sure are a devil's advocate. Good points across the board but the FK2 really is the one for me. It's going to be hard letting this weekend slip by. Thanks all for input here. I learned quite a bit in a day or two
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Man you're one tough sell. I can usually sell people their own eyes, nose and ears!
 
Earthy said:
Casinostocks and TRfromMT you two sure are a devil's advocate. Good points across the board but the FK2 really is the one for me. It's going to be hard letting this weekend slip by. Thanks all for input here. I learned quite a bit in a day or two
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I’m in the same boat. It’s been tough to watch this preorder. I keep telling myself that I have never been a special operator and likely never will be.
I do love hiking/camping so the FK2 is probably the better fit for me. I’m pretty sure I’ll want at least two.
I almost caved halfway through typing this...
 
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