Double guard / One-Piece Range owners?

TAH

TAH

Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
6,135
Why did you go with a double guard over a single guard model? I like the looks of the double guard knives (especially the Mark VI), but I keep telling myself I don't need a top guard. Is there a reason you prefer to have a top guard - perhaps wrapping your finger around it when cutting upwards?

My rule of thumb has always been:

Double guard: military/fighting knife
Single guard: outdoor/general purpose knife

Now I realize the guards on the One-Piece knives are not that long, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself that I need to buy a Mark VI. Yes, I could get a Mountaineer II, but that would greatly upset my Mountaineer I. :D
 
I have a mark vi, the only knife I own with a double guard. I use it for all kinds of outdoorsy jobs; splitting wood, making supper, that sort of thing. Honestly, the double guard doesn't get it the way if that's what you're worried about. I also bought it because I liked its looks, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.
 
I have a Shadow III with a single guard and I love it, all except the sheath. It came with the pouch sheath instead of the pancake sheath and is very loose.

I have a Shadow IV double guard and have no complaints at all.

Either way you can't go wrong.
 
My decision came down to the sheath, I just am not very enamored with the sheath on the big Sable or Mountaineer, so it came down to big Shadow or the Mark VI, and I liked the Mark VI better so that is what I went with, double or single gaurd didn't have much influence. But for me, the ultimate would have been the large Sable (5.5") with the same sheath that came with my Mark VI. Just seem to really like the grind and shape of that Sable.
 
I have several Chris Reeve One Piece Knives. They are the finest knives, the quality is unbelievable. I have a Tanto I, Shadow I, Spearpoint Knonka, Shadow III, Shadow IV and a Mountaineer II. I bought them all off ebay, some at some great prices. The Tanto I has a single guard and I used it to make a blind for hunting season and cleared many saplings with it. Yes, I do use them, thats why I buy them. I have used the shadow III, its a great everyday knife. The Shadow IV for me, it is just about the perfect size for just about everything. I recently purchased the Mountaineer II for hunting, I think it will fit in great.
 
As for the single guard vs double guard. I believe it is a matter of preference. The Large Tanto I has a single guard and I sliced through many saplings with it clearing my deer stand, with bare hands, no gloves. The knurling on the handles is like velcro, my hand never slipped at all. I am sure the double guard is safer and on some models, it just plain looks better. The only real difference between the Mountaineer II and the Mark VI is the Mountaineer II has a single guard, while the Mark VI has the double. The sheath design is your real deciding factor as to which style you like. The single guard models slide deep into the sheath and are held snuggly in place, while the double guard are held by the cross flap with snap with the whole handle being exposed. The Knonka is the only exception of the current models available.
 
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