Down to a two-horse-race....

W

Wacjac

Joined
Apr 16, 2001
Messages
6
Thanks to all who replied to my earlier thread.

After much thought I've 'whittled' (excuse the pun!) my choice down to 2 folders. My possible choices are reduced due to my location in the UK and the lack of online vendors over here. As tempting as it may seem I've had bad expreiences before ordering stuff from the US and getting collared for duty on the doorstep.

My choice now lies between:

CRKT 'shark' and
Gerber AR3.00

I would appreciate, as you guys have probably handled both of these knives, your opinion as to which is the better knife.

Is this 'Zytel' as hardwearing as st/st?

Is the Gerber AUS8 blade a better steel?

Does the 'shark' lock in the open position?(it doesn't look like it can in the pics)

What does 'hollow double ground' mean?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of part-serrated blades as I've never owned one before?

Does anyone in the UK know of any other retailers than heinnie.com?

My apologies for so many questions - as you can probably appreciate - I've not handled these knives and don't know a huge amount about knives.

One thing I have learnt though is that as someone pointed out: 'the problem is that you will soon want more than one knife' is already showing through!!

Many thanks guys

Wacjac

 
Wacjac, the CRKT Lightfoot Urban Shark is of liner-lock design, AUS6 steel, and grey Zytel scales over stainless steel liners.
The Gerber AR 3.00 is also of liner-lock design, AUS8 steel, and champagne coloured aluminium handle with rubber inserts. The CRKT is a robust little folder, where the Gerber is a bit slimmer in design. Both open very smoothly, although the liners on the Urban Shark are thicker than in the AR 3.00.
Both are very nice knives and not expensive at all. The advantage of Zytel, is that it does not scratch up as easily as aluminium and is not cold to the touch. As far as choosing a plain edge over serrated, it's up to you. Serrated edges cut fibre well and will not dull as fast as a plain edge blade, however, a plain edge is easier to sharpen.

[This message has been edited by el cid (edited 04-17-2001).]
 
I'll answer what I can.

yes, the Shark locks. It has a liner lock, same as the Gerber.

Double hollow ground just means it's hollow ground on both sides of the blade. That means the blade is "hollowed out" from some point on the blade before forming the edge. (Look at the spyderco Delica for an example).

I've read good things about both of these, since I had considered buying each of them in the past. The Gerber I think has a very lo-riding clip, if that matters to you.

Your questions about steel & serrations are topics of near religious fervor here, and you'd be better served by doing a search on key terms, they've both been discussed here on numerous occasions.

PS: It's still early in the morning over here, I'm sure you'll get more responses throughout the day.



[This message has been edited by RH (edited 04-17-2001).]
 
I've handled both and own a Gerber AR3.00. The Gerber is lighter, and after you open it a few hundred times the blade really glides over it's nylon bushings. It does have a low riding pocket clip. Second only possibly to the EDI Genesis.

BTW:what ever happened to EDI?

------------------
You could put nacho cheese sauce on it...
 
Thanks for the replies all....

Two questions -

What is meant by a 'low riding pocket clip?'

What quality knives do Smith & Wesson make - I've spotted a 'SWAT' knife which looks damn fine - but can't seem to find any reviews/opinions on them...

TIA

Wacjac
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top