Crusader Forge Oberland 02 Review

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Jun 9, 2008
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I recently ordered an Oberland 02 from Crusader Forge custom knife makers for a short-term backpacking hog hunt. Due to my inept USPO the knife didn't arrive on time. I do want to thank Kathy and her husband for going above and beyond in trying to get this knife to me in time.

blade steel is CPM S30V hardened to 59-60 (triple tempered)

Blade spine bevels are symmetrical as is the blade grind. Blade coating (3D titanium KG Gunkote in my case) is evenly applied and good looking. The Oberland02 offers a 4.75" blade (~.25" thick with taper to tip)with strong tip and plenty of belly for cutting (I do wish I would've been able to dress a hog with it). Steel fit and finish is 100%.

The slabs, although unorthadox looking, are simply amazing in the hand. I really wasn't sure upon opening the box, but they work well. No matter how the knife is gripped your hands are locked in place. Blade orientation in low light is easy due to the "cutout" on the underside of the grip.

Here's some less-than-stellar photos with a few other blades for size comparison.

Oberland02 with authenticity certificate
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Oberland02 on HK Mk23 (tried to get artsy):p
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Next to Busse Nuclear EDC
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(top to bottom) Busse FFBM, Oberland02, Busse Nuke EDC
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Busse Nuke EDC on a Mike Rock/Denny's Operator-barreled AR15 (CMC single stage, Daniel Defense 12" rail, PRI flip front and rear, Magpul CTR)
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Nice looking knife. And everything else in the pics. What is the scope on the AR?
 
The scope is a used Counter sniper 1x4 that I've used in 3gun. I purchased it used on a whim (figured I'd give it a shot) since it and the LaRue mount were priced at $250 (the mount new runs ~$200).

Glass is fair, turret adjustments are mushy toward the ends (but they are repeatable), reticle is too thick.

So far the target turrets haven't snapped off, but I find them ridiculous on a CQB scope.

I'm working on a firearm trade right now for a used Leupold MR/T 1.5x5 (had one, never should've dumped it).

The CS scope, IMHO, is a decent deal at $200-250 (similar glass and more compact than the Millet 1x4), but WAY overpriced at the $400 selling price.
 
Hi, I'm happy you enjoy your Hoberland II but ...

I've myself a Hoberland III and for the price, it's one of the worst edge I've ever had ... I can't imagine re-sarpened this knife :grumpy:

It's more a tool than a knife but at this price, there are many cheapest tool ... :p
 
sharp-k said:
Hi, I'm happy you enjoy your Hoberland II but ...

I've myself a Hoberland III and for the price, it's one of the worst edge I've ever had ... I can't imagine re-sarpened this knife :grumpy:

It's more a tool than a knife but at this price, there are many cheapest tool ... :p
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Hey Sharp-k please explain "worst edge I've ever had"?

I'm not sure I understand?

"I can't imagine re-sarpened this knife"<--what does this mean?


I'd like to know what you didn't like about it.
 
How do you like the thumb scoop on the ridge? As apposed to say just a thumb ramp or filing. I have been on the edge on one of these for a while, good to see it next to one of my fav's (the edc busse). How is the edge on yours?
 
barrabas74 said:
How do you like the thumb scoop on the ridge? As apposed to say just a thumb ramp or filing. I have been on the edge on one of these for a while, good to see it next to one of my fav's (the edc busse). How is the edge on yours?
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I'm undecided on the thumb scoop. It initially seemed a bit narrow lengthwise for the entire thumb to rest in. Of course, for the entire thumb to fit in such a scallop, it'd have to be an inch in length. I am used to a thumb ramp and don't particularly care for the thumb filing or ridges. To be truthful, I'm going to have to use this knife before I can give an honest assessment on the "scallop/scoop".

The edge is fine on my blade and about what I expect from a blade .25" in thickness. I think he's done a good job in providing an edge that would work in a light duty chopping roll as well as cutting ease. That's why was curious as to what sharp-k's problems were (inconsistent bevel, etc. etc.).
 
I have an 01 and at first I was confused by the "thumb scoop" (Thats what it will be called foever...now.) But it seems to work most of the time. I can move forward of it and not touch it at all or a can "dig" into it and use it for a little more grip. I also must say my came with a great edge. It is one of the easiest knives for me to keep sharp.
TC
 
I can see where the thumb scoop would come in handy for fine or delicate work. Much easier to direct the tip of the knife using the first half of the thumb.

Something else that came to mind. The thumb scoop would also work extremely well as a place to put your first finger (pointer finger) when using the knife to dress an animal (tip control to avoid punctuing the intestines) when moving through the abdominal cavity. Obviously with the edge oriented towards you, this would make the scoop ideally placed...
 
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