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.
