Decisions, decisions...

A

abzack

Joined
Aug 27, 2006
Messages
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I am getting ready to purchase a new blade for SD/EDC. I have not been able to find a knife shop in my area that carries any of these knives. I've been reading through the threads on each of the knives I've listed, and I'd like to get a consolidated thread of your thoughts / recommendations. If anyone knows where I can get a good deal on any of these knives, that would certainly help in my decision making process.

Benchmade Skirmish
Blackhawk Crucible
Emerson CQC-10
Kershaw Boa
Spyderco Manix

Thanks.
 
Might I ask what the "on-duty" is?

For LEO use, the only ones of those that seem appropriatte are the Manix and Blackhawk IMO.

Being a BM fan, I like the Skirmish, but the 710 or other slimmer model may be more useable.

Just opinion.
 
Sorry, I should have been more specific, military not LEO. Right now I carry a Kershaw Blackout (constant use) and an old Ontario Marine Combat Knife (rare use). I noticed a lot of folks like the Manix. I've handled the Crucible and a CRKT Crawford Kasper. I like the feel of both, but I like the longer blade of the Kasper. The only thing I did not like about the Kasper was that the serations on the liner lock dug into my index finger in the choil.
 
Out of those I'd go with the Manix or Skirmish. Personally I prefer the Manix, because it a bit more comfortable and *IMO* is a bit better slicer. However I believe Skirmish was made with SD in mind (hopefully someone can confirm this) so that's something to consider.
 
I have 3 of your 5...Skirmish, Manix, and CQC-10.

All are excellent knives. I'd say that the Skirmish and Manix are at the top of the list from a quality of construction perspective. Both are very hard use capable. Then it comes down to aesthetics in my opinion. The Skirmish has some bling but the Manix is very rugged looking with the black G-10 and just an imposing knife overall visually. I would say go Manix if you're military.
 
i have a few knives and i like mt ritter gripperand my skirmish the best but for protection id use the skirmish it has a nice grip and if you needed to you could use it to pommel someone as well its recurve blade cuts very well this is just my 2 cents werth
 
IMO, the Skirmish was designed for general outdoors use. The giveaway is the tip, just not pointy enough for penitration through clothing. Just opinion, though.

Never heard the SD story before.
 
Thanks for the input.

Anyone know where I can get the best deal on either the Manix, the Skirmish, or the CQC-10?
 
orthogonal1 said:
IMO, the Skirmish was designed for general outdoors use. The giveaway is the tip, just not pointy enough for penitration through clothing. Just opinion, though.

Never heard the SD story before.
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Then it's wrong, I probably confused with another knife.
 
The Skirmish blade is similar to the Emerson Commander, which is sold as a fighting knife. The word skirmish means a fight. The custom original of the Skirmish was the Melee, and melee also means a fight.

The large belly will slash well and there is enough of a point for penetration, along with an excellent grip.

On the other hand, of the many Skirmishs and minis sold, I doubt many have actually shed blood. :D
 
Esav Benyamin said:
On the other hand, of the many Skirmishs and minis sold, I doubt many have actually shed blood. :D
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Oh, I'd bet that the majority of them have, but I think you meant other than the owners' blood.:D
 
I vote for the Manix. If you're in the military, the knife should double as a survival tool. Of the knives on your list, I think the Manix is the most durable and is the best cutter and fits most people's hand very, very comfortably. Obviously not a bad weapon, either.
 
Mike, do you mean people actually cut themselves with their own knives? :confused:

(ooh, ouch, OUCH, oh sh ...)
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Mike, do you mean people actually cut themselves with their own knives? :confused:

(ooh, ouch, OUCH, oh sh ...)
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Unfortunately... Last Sunday. This shot is after the application of the medical grade super glue. :o

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3939240&postcount=1

-082706_2131a.jpg
 
Sorry, on topic. I own the Manix and Skirmish. The Skirmish is a *very* sturdy folder and I am fond of it. With that caveat, the Manix gets most of the carry time. It feels better in the hand and the blade shape works better for utility cutting.

One of my biggest complaints with the 630 & 635 I own is the thumb ramp serrations. Whether carrying these blades IWB or in the front pocket, I inevitably remove skin with the thumb ramp. There are very usable ridges on the Manix ramp but nothing that rips off flesh.
 
One of my biggest complaints with the 630 & 635 I own is the thumb ramp serrations.
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Buff them with a ceramic rod, like a Sharpmaker rod. This will remove the "bite". I do the same with sharp thumbstuds and the backs of laser-cut blades.
 
First let me thank everyone for their input. After much deliberation, I picked up an Emerson CQC-10 from eBay (no box or papers). It should be here NLT Tuesday. I'm also looking at a Manix and a Skirmish. Why not just get one of each and then decide, right?
I have another question or two for you. The CQC-10 I bought is an H&K version #0309. How many H&K CQC-10 models were made? Should I use this as EDC or hang on to it and keep it clean? Also, the specs for the H&K read that it has a 3.7 inch blade, while the standard production model has a 3.6 inch blade. Its not a significant difference, but is it accurate or are they really the same size?
 
Oh, I also wanted to say to Paddling_man...OUCH! Pointy end and sharp side toward enemy...
 
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