Do you like the DEK1 or DEK2 more, why/why not?

Thiess08

Thiess08

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Jun 26, 2024
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Hey everyone! I was just concidering buying a DEK, but am kind of torn between the DEK1 and the DEK2. I was wondering what your guy's opinion is so I can finally decide. Thanks!
 
DEK2 is more fun (thicker, heavier, badass tanto) but DEK1 is the perfect versatile knife.

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Only YOU can answer the question.

There are now a great many knives that look similar to these and are made in much the same way from quality materials. I prefer a utility blade profile with some belly over a spear point myself.

When my Lotito jackpot comes in, I will get a Chris Reeve "Backpacker".
 
Sadly I don't own either, but I've been looking at them ever since discovering them here on BF, beautiful knives and their performance (from what I've read and seen) is phenomenal.

Personally, I'd go for the DEK1, in smaller knives I like a slimmer profile and bladestock. They really are extremely beautiful, thanks patrickguignot for the pictures :)
 
So what does each version do best? Why would one prefer one over the other? What should I consider when choosing which one?
 
The DEK2 is a heavy overbuilt tank of a knife that will laugh off any abuse you throw at it. The DEK1 is lighter a bit thinner and very nimble in hand, but it's still tough as nails and it does knife stuff (like cutting things) pretty well too and for my needs the DEK1's shape is much more versatile for my EDC needs and still has that lil extra if it's ever needed.
 
The DEK1 is quite possibly the best designed knife I've ever found. It's incredibly versatile, almost to the point that it's annoying. It's hard for me to justify carrying any other knife, even if I really want to. Most days, it just doesn't make sense to put anything else in my pocket. Sometimes it actually irritates me how good the DEK1 really is because I just can't get past my "functionality OCD" to allow myself to carry a different knife.

The DEK1 is basically a perfect balance of all positive knife attributes. It's thin enough to be a good cutter and it can slice just fine, but it's not so thin as to be fragile. The blade is not going to chip from hard use unless you really push it. Can you baton it through wood? Sure, no problem. How about hammering it through wire/cable? Knock yourself out. Go for it.

The profile has enough of a point and blade length to be excellent for self defense. There's also enough belly that you could use it as a game/hunting knife (many on these forums already have). The handle is probably the most thoroughly thought out, best designed handle in the entire knife world. It is comfortable in any grip position and I mean that literally. Of course, I haven't held every knife ever made, so I could be wrong, but.........I doubt it. The handle and scales are just that good.

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying either; this isn't one of those "jack of all trades, master of none" situations. The only way the DEK1 loses in most areas I can think of would be if it's going against a specialized knife that specifically focuses on that area (i.e., a filet knife will filet better, a chopper will chop better, a chef's knife will process food more easily, etc.).

Nobody has to agree with me, but that's my take from my experiences with the DEK1. I personally think it's the most underrated knife ever made....EVER. If the buck 119 is a 1911, then the DEK1 is a Glock.....without the bad trigger and plastic sights.

The DEK2 is thicker and has a tanto style blade. Full disclosure, I'm not a fan of tantos or thick blades on small knives. I owned a DEK2 and it is noticeably thicker, it feels like a thick knife when you use it, but it's more nimble than you'd expect because of the damn near perfect DEK handle. I'd challenge anyone to find something to be improved on that handle within the realm of functionality.

I sold the DEK2 and kept my DEK1. I have zero regrets.

The only scenario where I might choose a DEK2 over a DEK1 would be if I knew I had absolutely no other choice than to repeatedly use my knife as a pry bar or to cut through several bolts/nails. Otherwise, I'm taking the DEK1, no contest.
 
carnifex knifeworks said:
The DEK1 is quite possibly the best designed knife I've ever found. It's incredibly versatile, almost to the point that it's annoying. It's hard for me to justify carrying any other knife, even if I really want to. Most days, it just doesn't make sense to put anything else in my pocket. Sometimes it actually irritates me how good the DEK1 really is because I just can't get past my "functionality OCD" to allow myself to carry a different knife.

The DEK1 is basically a perfect balance of all positive knife attributes. It's thin enough to be a good cutter and it can slice just fine, but it's not so thin as to be fragile. The blade is not going to chip from hard use unless you really push it. Can you baton it through wood? Sure, no problem. How about hammering it through wire/cable? Knock yourself out. Go for it.

The profile has enough of a point and blade length to be excellent for self defense. There's also enough belly that you could use it as a game/hunting knife (many on these forums already have). The handle is probably the most thoroughly thought out, best designed handle in the entire knife world. It is comfortable in any grip position and I mean that literally. Of course, I haven't held every knife ever made, so I could be wrong, but.........I doubt it. The handle and scales are just that good.

Don't misinterpret what I'm saying either; this isn't one of those "jack of all trades, master of none" situations. The only way the DEK1 loses in most areas I can think of would be if it's going against a specialized knife that specifically focuses on that area (i.e., a filet knife will filet better, a chopper will chop better, a chef's knife will process food more easily, etc.).

Nobody has to agree with me, but that's my take from my experiences with the DEK1. I personally think it's the most underrated knife ever made....EVER. If the buck 119 is a 1911, then the DEK1 is a Glock.....without the bad trigger and plastic sights.

The DEK2 is thicker and has a tanto style blade. Full disclosure, I'm not a fan of tantos or thick blades on small knives. I owned a DEK2 and it is noticeably thicker, it feels like a thick knife when you use it, but it's more nimble than you'd expect because of the damn near perfect DEK handle. I'd challenge anyone to find something to be improved on that handle within the realm of functionality.

I sold the DEK2 and kept my DEK1. I have zero regrets.

The only scenario where I might choose a DEK2 over a DEK1 would be if I knew I had absolutely no other choice than to repeatedly use my knife as a pry bar or to cut through several bolts/nails. Otherwise, I'm taking the DEK1, no contest.
Click to expand...

Should be Nathan's add for them...😉
 
I love both.

The DEK 2 is the knife I'd have wanted with me while I was a member of my agency's Special Response Team...a do it all beast that can shrug off damage and handle pretty much any realistic abuse.

For general use around home or woods, the DEK 1 is a great jack of all trades.
 
I own a few DEK’s 1’s, 2, & 3’s. I wholeheartedly agree with the vast experience shared above by P patrickguignot , JJ_Colt45 JJ_Colt45 , carnifex knifeworks carnifex knifeworks , J jfk1110 , Blues Blues , ferider ferider , and adluginb adluginb that the DEK 1 is the best balanced all around user of the set. It has been made in Delta 3V, AEBL, and Magnacut. I suggest you start with the original Delta 3V for your first one. Look for one with an unsharpened top swedge if you want to get fancy.

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Good luck with your search. These are out of production at this time and people tend to hang onto them for good reason.

Phil
 
Thanks everyone for your responses. Im heavily leaning toward getting a DEK1 now but I'm just worried about the durability. How will it hold against more abusive tasks? I intend on relying on this blade even in an SHTF scenario.
 
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