- Joined
- Jun 18, 2006
- Messages
- 339
Jason Smith caught my attention fives days ago, when I stumble across some of his work in the Exchange. As I started to drool over these pieces, my years long quest for a better pack knife was re-kindled:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...!-Fresh-off-the-Bench!-Something-for-EVERYONE
I could hardly stop myself from taking my 1st choice, but after some thought, I realized that his already great designs could be tweaked to my specific needs. Having been down the road waiting in a year(s) long famous makers list more than once, sometimes for less than desirable results, I refused to get my hopes up. Fortunately, Jason was responsive to my request for help, and an interesting exchange about a new knife started. In short order, he sent over a drawing.
Jason's designs were already practical for most users, but my application had some specific areas that I couldn't seem to satisfy with current production offerings. I've looked at hundreds of 3-4” knives, trying to find one that fit the “light is right” credo that anyone who carries a pack knows well. I wanted close to a 4” blade, both for utility and emergency defense, so Jason agreed that less forward belly in the blade would aid in penetration performance. In addition, lashing this blade to a Camelback Mule hydropack on a mountain bike, and riding in the hot, humid environment where I live, constantly exposes the blade to body salts. The pack straps are caked with white salt residue after just one hot ride. Sweat also quickly drenches gloves, making a positive grip a real safety factor. All of the production knives I considered were lacking in one or more respects. I like high carbon for some applications, but not salt exposure. Many had no scales, falling short in the grip capacity. The lighter offerings were too short in blade length. Blades in the 4” range with full, straight tangs were coming in at nearly ½ a pound with a bare Kydex sheath. Here are a few I've settled on over the last few years.
BM220/Snody Activator-Poor blade length to weight ratio at <3.5” and 6oz w bare kydex. Thick tang is still heavy, even when skeletonized. Grip factor is good for it's size, and access is fast. Minimal corrosion after ~2years of sweat. Sheath is shown with tech lock, but this was removed for weight.
Cold Steel Double Agent II-Decent blade to weight ratio at 3.25” and 3.3oz with bare kydex, but still too little blade for me. Access was the big downfall here. Wet glove fingertips tend to stretch off the fingertip. This excess glove material would catch between the sheath release and front finger loop in the grip, stopping the draw until the glove is pulled out of the way. Once drawn, blade has good grip, and is high value for the price. Minimal corrosion after ~2years of sweat.
Protech/Brend Combat Companion-At just under 4” in blade length, this knife beats the other two in utility, but I pay with a weight penalty. With the straight, solid tang, it comes in at just under half a pound wearing bare kydex. Grip is secure and access excellent. To early to say on corrosion, but I would expect performance of the S35VN steel to be at least on par with the other examples.
Initial layout by Jason. I asked for less weight and more grip, and got both. We increased the size and # of holes, adding deeper bevels. Tube rivets were eliminated except for front and rear holes. Choil was increased, and gimping added. Jason added small holes at the rear of the blade, further shaving grams while adding to the cool factor of this blade. I am loving these lines. Jason has been extremely helpful and seems genuinely enthusiastic about the project.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...!-Fresh-off-the-Bench!-Something-for-EVERYONE
I could hardly stop myself from taking my 1st choice, but after some thought, I realized that his already great designs could be tweaked to my specific needs. Having been down the road waiting in a year(s) long famous makers list more than once, sometimes for less than desirable results, I refused to get my hopes up. Fortunately, Jason was responsive to my request for help, and an interesting exchange about a new knife started. In short order, he sent over a drawing.
Jason's designs were already practical for most users, but my application had some specific areas that I couldn't seem to satisfy with current production offerings. I've looked at hundreds of 3-4” knives, trying to find one that fit the “light is right” credo that anyone who carries a pack knows well. I wanted close to a 4” blade, both for utility and emergency defense, so Jason agreed that less forward belly in the blade would aid in penetration performance. In addition, lashing this blade to a Camelback Mule hydropack on a mountain bike, and riding in the hot, humid environment where I live, constantly exposes the blade to body salts. The pack straps are caked with white salt residue after just one hot ride. Sweat also quickly drenches gloves, making a positive grip a real safety factor. All of the production knives I considered were lacking in one or more respects. I like high carbon for some applications, but not salt exposure. Many had no scales, falling short in the grip capacity. The lighter offerings were too short in blade length. Blades in the 4” range with full, straight tangs were coming in at nearly ½ a pound with a bare Kydex sheath. Here are a few I've settled on over the last few years.
BM220/Snody Activator-Poor blade length to weight ratio at <3.5” and 6oz w bare kydex. Thick tang is still heavy, even when skeletonized. Grip factor is good for it's size, and access is fast. Minimal corrosion after ~2years of sweat. Sheath is shown with tech lock, but this was removed for weight.
Cold Steel Double Agent II-Decent blade to weight ratio at 3.25” and 3.3oz with bare kydex, but still too little blade for me. Access was the big downfall here. Wet glove fingertips tend to stretch off the fingertip. This excess glove material would catch between the sheath release and front finger loop in the grip, stopping the draw until the glove is pulled out of the way. Once drawn, blade has good grip, and is high value for the price. Minimal corrosion after ~2years of sweat.
Protech/Brend Combat Companion-At just under 4” in blade length, this knife beats the other two in utility, but I pay with a weight penalty. With the straight, solid tang, it comes in at just under half a pound wearing bare kydex. Grip is secure and access excellent. To early to say on corrosion, but I would expect performance of the S35VN steel to be at least on par with the other examples.
Initial layout by Jason. I asked for less weight and more grip, and got both. We increased the size and # of holes, adding deeper bevels. Tube rivets were eliminated except for front and rear holes. Choil was increased, and gimping added. Jason added small holes at the rear of the blade, further shaving grams while adding to the cool factor of this blade. I am loving these lines. Jason has been extremely helpful and seems genuinely enthusiastic about the project.
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