F1, Moran, Marbles Sport 99 or CS Master Hunter?

D

diletante

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Mar 20, 2002
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Which of these would you buy, and why? Fallkniven F1, Spyderco Moran Featherweight, Spyderco Moran Drop Point, Marbles Sport 99 or Cold Steel Master Hunter?

I'm still open to alternatives, but here's where I'm at: I narrowed it to the F1 and Morans because I think I'm a better canditate for stainless than carbon steel and VG10 sounds like great stuff. I'm leaning toward the F1 based on comparisons of the F1 and Moran Featherweight I found here, but I'm still open to reason.
 
All of those are great choices, so first advice would be to buy one of each:) . The CS Master Hunter in Carbon V is great steel, really easy to sharpen but it will rust and its superb Kraton grip is a little bulky. The F1 is handier to pack (especially in a Concealex sheath by Normark), and the VG-10 steel is IMHO the equivalent of Carbon V, but takes a little longer to sharpen. I have a couple of Marbles blades, the Fieldcraft and Campcraft 2000, all in high carbon 52100 which takes and holds the best edge of any steel I've come across so far. It's also very easy to sharpen but will rust if not given at least minimal attention. You might want to acquire a Marbles while they're still around, as rumours about the health of the firm are not particularly optimistic:( .
 
Thanks. I've actually been thinking about getting the F1 and the Sport 99. I found a Sport 99 with the black micarta handle online a while back for $80. I noticed the specs were slightly different for the Sport 99 and the more current version, so I shot an e-mail to the vendor. He said the Sport 99 still had the .217 thick Loveless approved blade and that the newer blades were thinner. The micarta Sport 99 would cartainly be a cool thing to have. That said, I think the F1 would take more abuse and neglect and I can get one for under $70.

BTW, if I go with the F1, where can I buy the Normark Concealex sheath?
 
I have the F1 and am very content with the performance. VG-10 is my favourite. The only problem you might encounter is resharpening the convex edge, that takes a little practice. Other than that I recommend it rather for outdoor use. If you are not going to do a lot of hard use, the Moran might be a better choice...

Seb
 
Normark is a frequent contribitor to these pages; just do a search. His quality and service are top rate, and he's also a great guy to deal with.
 
Thanks Seb and Alberta Ed :) I found Normark's website. The F1 sheath is only $35, which means the F1 and sheath would only set me back a little over $100 bucks :cool:
 
Alberta Ed: An interesting comment about Marbles. Where did you hear that they were having "problems"?
 
They are all great knives. See if you can find them in stores and handle them. I think that the different handle designs and blade lengths may be the biggest practical differences. I like to use hunting knives in an edge-up grip for some game prep activities. How the blade works inverted and when I choke up on the handle close to the blade is significant to me.
 
Good idea Jeff. Anyone know where in the Seattle area I can get my hands on one or more of these knives?
 
jayharley, Check out the Marble's forum on knifeforums.com. Jason Stewart has some interesting comments there about the state of the 'new' Marbles. Hope he's wrong, tho'; I love their traditional knives.
 
Again, anyone know where I can handle one or more of these knives in the Seattle area? I did a search and got some advice, I might be able to find the Spyderco Morans, Fallkniven or Cold Steel, but it might be difficult find the Marbles.
 
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