Field testing the new finish...

N

ni1s

Joined
Feb 10, 2014
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As some of you know I was incredibly honored to receive a sneak preview of the new finish and HT in the form of a 4.1 R&D version. I've promised Guy some field testing and feedback, and I thought I'd share the experience with you here. Unfortunately I'm away on a business trip this week, so I can't give it some serious testing until the weekend, but I'll start with some more pics just to tease you guys a bit... this blade is sexy! :cool:

I've got a few tests in mind, but if you've got any special requests (that's within reason and not abuse) let me know and I'll see what I can accomodate! Also, for the rest of you that receive beta-blades, feel free to contribute here too!

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The only lame test I've done so far except admiring it and laughing hysterically - push-cutting some newspaper... :) We all know Guys knives come crazy sharp out of the box... but this blade is insane! It's the sharpest GSO I've received so far (in either 20CV and 3V), and it's probably one of the top-3 sharpest I've ever received, if not THE sharpest. (Running against a bunch of customs, sebenzas, hinderer, striders...)

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I remember whenever my father would test knives for sharpness in a hardware store or sporting goods store, he always said that if they (the manufacturer) can't get it sharp, I can't get it sharp. I suspect that he would have purchased any GSO knife he came accross.
 
Whoa, whoa! Let's not go crazy with the testing here! I know you want to push the HT and finish to the limit, but come on! :D:D:D:D:D

Seriously though, to speak of the sharpness the way you did and with the comparisons you made, that says a lot.

"Beta blades", this has to be a thing. It will be cool to see who else will end up with a golden ticket.
 
ni1s does it have a ferro notch? It don't look like it. What about the spine is it 90° or close enough to scrape well?
 
Can you post a close up/macro style of the logo so we might get a better idea of the texture on the finish? It looks awesome for sure! I am trying to see if its a sand blast or bead blast finish
 
Lol. That wasn't directed at you Texas. I started to hit reply and realized I hadn't said it, hence the BTW :)
 
Yes, congratulations on being able to kick the tires on this 4.1. The 4.1 replaced Guy's EDC designation in the early days. I find the design to be very useful and very much suitable for EDC. I cannot belt carry at my work place, but I could carry it in an IWB/inside pocket sheath. I should send it off to get a pocket sheath made for it as I carry similar sized knives in this manner in an EDC role. That finish sure is pretty. I too wonder if the spine edge is sharp, and how well it fares when using thumb push cuts when doing fine bushcrafting type work. Spine edge rounding may eliminate ferro rod sparking efficiency, but it increases comfort in certain knife uses. Clearly this is a design issue where there will be fans and people who don't like it no matter which way you go. I find the old 4.1 tumble finish design to be comfortable enough when performing thumb push cuts, at least in small doses. With extended use in this manner, it might result in a sore thumb, but I have not used it for an extended period.
 
[video]https://instagram.com/p/6AwUn2pbhN/[/video]

Link I followed from the homepage. I'm completely unactive on instagram, but the feed on the homepage keeps me updated.
 
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Did someone mention something about improved corrosion/rust resistance with the new HT???
 
Guy said it!

From Facebook:
A bit more resilient blade at a higher hardness(60-61Rc), better edge stability, improved edge retention and slightly enhanced corrosion resistance.

Also:
The main goal of the new heat treat protocol was to further increase blade toughness and improve edge stability. The improved corrosion resistance is simply a side effect of the new process. I'll take it though, it is a pretty neat side effect. ;)
 
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Guy keeps pushing it! I really like the improvements he makes.
As for the ideas for the beta-blade; Make a spoon out of a 2 inch branch. Worked great with my GSO3.5 :)
 
Great ideas guys! To start commenting on the spine... It's much more 90-degree than my other knives, but it's not perfectly sharp. I tried taking a photo of it where you Se it's actually a tiny chamfer, but I'm sure it'll throw sparks. Will try it this weekend.

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I really like the looks of the new finish. The lines on the spine look much more defined as well. I know its early, but Guy may have just taken an awesome design and made it more awesomer. (That is a word now.) Thanks Guy!

I'm looking forward to seeing more photos of these field testing blades.
 
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