Finally getting a one piece knife

gmarthur

gmarthur

Joined
Mar 5, 2007
Messages
638
This is my first post in the Chris Reeve Forum so please be gentle.

Well I've been looking at CRK one piece knives for a while now and I'm planning one picking on up next week. I do alot of camping, fishing, hiking, and general being outdoor stuff and a 4" blade has served me well so far. I'm leaning towards the Shadow III as it seems to fill all my needs. Before I jump on one I have a few questions about it if you experts don't mind.

1. How well do these knives hold up to hard use. I've found lots of beautiful pics of this knife, but it's hard to tell if they are nice because it sat in a safe or if the finish is just that durable.

2. A2 steel is a new one for me. I've had fixed knives in D2 and like them. Is it similar to that as far as sharpening and maintenance? Any special items needed for sharpening?

3. The pancake sheath. I love these sheaths for my .45's so I'm hoping they work just as well for knives. Is there anyone you guys can recommend that makes Kydex sheaths for these? I'd rather not send my knife out if sombody makes them for this model.

4. Knife balance. I like my knives a little blade heavy but I'm concerned the hollow handle might be too light. Can anyone tell me the balance point of the Shadow III knife?

5. Where to buy? Is it better to get these direct from CRK and wait a few weeks? I usually like to deal with New Graham but they are sold out so if somebody could recommend a reputable dealer that stocks CRK I'd appreciate it.

I did alot of searching on this so if these have all been answered before I apologize but I couldn't find the answers. I like to be able to handle my knives before I buy but in this case it's not possible so I'd appreciate some info.

Thanks,
Greg
 
Welcome aboard!

The finish is pretty durable and a lot of the knives may look so good in pictures because they've been sent in for refurbishing.

A2 is a good hard use steel. CRK, Bark River, and Mission Knives are all partial to it. Chris Reeve keeps it a little softer than some people like so it will take a beating and can be maintained in the field.
 
I got a Mountaineer II (5.5"), and while I haven't had much of a chance to really use it yet, whenever I have, it has always sharpened very easily back to how it was before use. They are also really well designed and the hollow handle can store some important things. I have matches, fishing line, two hooks, a cotton ball, and two bandaids.
 
I've just ordered the Mountaineer I from NewGraham (should have it on Thursday or Friday). I debated about which one to get and the Shadow III was nearly my choice...finally decided on the Mountaineer I. I have been warned that it is a small knife, but in general I prefer small knives. It'll be my first one-piece too...and I plan on using it.

I do have some A2 from BarkRiver and it's good steel. As to whether to buy from a dealer or direct from CRK...the only difference is the 2 - 3 week wait I've found at CRK.

Best of luck to you on the Shadow III.
:)
 
I've got a Mountaineer II. When the handle is empty the balance is neutral at the finger groove. Putting anything in the handle moves the balance back toward the handle a little.

I like the balance on mine fine but it is definately not "blade heavy". I'm not sure about the Shadow knives but if balance is really a concern you might try to handle one before you buy.

-Stephen
 
Thanks everyone. I'll give True North Knives a call and make sure they have them in stock. Pretty excited to see why there is all this love for CR knives. Guess I should just do the inevitable and put a Sebenza on order now huh:D
 
Cant go wrong with any of the CR one pieces, Pieterm made a Kydex sheath for my project one and it is a perfect fit and finish , You can pm him on Bladfourm.He has a site up at www.quns.com.pl that shows his work.Another good thing about CR is there customer service , I sent one back to be refurbished for around $35 and came back good as new.:D
 
My Shadow III arrived today. I am very pleased with the purchase. I don't know why more knives do not come with a pancake style holster, it holds the knife securely and is extremely comfortable. Hopefully next weekend I can get out in the woods and put the knife to work. Congrats to CRK for making one very nice knife. Oh and the cookies that came with knife were tasty as well :).
Thanks,
Greg
 
YOU GOT COOKIES!!! All I get from new graham is band-ads...I think my wife has be talking. Congrads I got a project 1 plain edge three weeks ago for new grahams and can not wait to use it in my next camp trip in the rim country
 
I got turned on to a CR Project 1 during a gun trade. That was almost a year ago. Now I have about 11 of the one piece CRK. There all I collect now.
 
I received my Mountaineer I about two weeks ago and have made a deliberate effort to use it the past two weekends. I've been more than impressed, in fact totally surprised, at how it holds a good edge. I've used it enough that I've sharpened it twice and it comes back to life without too much trouble. Good edge retention and easy to sharpen...now that's a good combination.

I really like the size of the Mountaineer I too. When it first arrived (and before I used it) I as concerned about the "small" handle. My concern, however, was needless worry. The handle works very well for my hands.

I can say that it is currently my favorite FB. That said, I have a Skookum Bush Tool ordered in A2 and I think it's going to be a winner too.

One question to you folks that have lots of experience with the small one-piece knives -- does a childs bicycle tube fit tightly on the handle?? I have been thinking about the rubber tube to insulate the handle during cold weather. What do you think??

The one-piece knives are great! Congrats to you new owners of one-piece knives. I'm glad to be among you.

And 338gunner, 11 in one year-- that's impressive.

:)
 
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