Hello guys. Planning to buy my first Buck, I've already posted a thread regarding the Hartsook, but find it too thin and too small though seems tough enough. I'm choosing between the Buck Mayo Kaala or the Waimea. It will be for EDC or a last ditch self-defense tool. Any suggestions/comments/advise on which I should buy first?
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First Buck Knife... Kaala or Waimea?
- Thread starter Ryomaru
- Start date
morestag
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You are trying to compare two completely different knives made for different purposes. If you want a necker then get a Kaala. If you want a pocket knife then get a Waimea. In my opinion the Waimea is the perfect size for EDC and that is exactly what I have done with mine since the day I got it. It is smooth opening, light and came super sharp from the factory. You can't go wrong with either one
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Hi Ryomaru...
I agree with morestag. Though they are close to the same size, they are two totally different types of knives.
If I had to choose just one between the two for a "last ditch self-defense tool", it would be the Kaala. For EDC, the Waimea.
Now, if you wanted quick deployment, I wouldn't choose the Waimea as the folder...in that size arena, I would go with a Sirus...the assisted opening makes a big difference.
And, for me, in your desired application...I'd pollute this thread by telling ya what I recommend since it's non-Buck.
Your best bet is never to be in such a situation...but sheet happens (see post 19 & 20 in this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5663631#post5663631 ).
But you asked about the two Mayo models for last ditch.
Having said all that, for your first Buck knife, or for anyone that has lots of Buck knives, you can't go wrong with either (as morestag also said). They each are "art" in their own right.
If you'd like, I will post a pic of the two side by side for comparison.
.
I agree with morestag. Though they are close to the same size, they are two totally different types of knives.
If I had to choose just one between the two for a "last ditch self-defense tool", it would be the Kaala. For EDC, the Waimea.
Now, if you wanted quick deployment, I wouldn't choose the Waimea as the folder...in that size arena, I would go with a Sirus...the assisted opening makes a big difference.
And, for me, in your desired application...I'd pollute this thread by telling ya what I recommend since it's non-Buck.
Your best bet is never to be in such a situation...but sheet happens (see post 19 & 20 in this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5663631#post5663631 ).
But you asked about the two Mayo models for last ditch.
Having said all that, for your first Buck knife, or for anyone that has lots of Buck knives, you can't go wrong with either (as morestag also said). They each are "art" in their own right.
If you'd like, I will post a pic of the two side by side for comparison.
.
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@ morestag:Super sharp? That's very nice to know! I have a non-Buck that is not super sharp out of the box but I like it anyway.
@ Buckaholic: I hope I won't need it as a defensive tool. I like the Kaala due to its simplicity and I find the Waimea cute and durable. I don't know much about metallurgy and stuff but almost all guys here praise Titanium for its durability. Please Buckaholic, a photo of both knives side by side will be greatly appreciated so I could also compare the blade/handle thickness. I Just hope the Kaala is thicker than I expect it to be.
Thanks guys for the quick replies.
@ Buckaholic: I hope I won't need it as a defensive tool. I like the Kaala due to its simplicity and I find the Waimea cute and durable. I don't know much about metallurgy and stuff but almost all guys here praise Titanium for its durability. Please Buckaholic, a photo of both knives side by side will be greatly appreciated so I could also compare the blade/handle thickness. I Just hope the Kaala is thicker than I expect it to be.
Thanks guys for the quick replies.
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Pack Rat
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At 1/8th inch thick, I think the Kaala is perfect for what it is intended as. If you need thicker, then maybe a neck knife is not what you need.
The titanium handled knives are light weight and very nice to use. But will show wear as any knife will do.
And another fwiw, the spine thickness on a 110 blade is 1/8th inch, as is most of Buck's larger folder blades.
The titanium handled knives are light weight and very nice to use. But will show wear as any knife will do.
And another fwiw, the spine thickness on a 110 blade is 1/8th inch, as is most of Buck's larger folder blades.
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About the wear, I guess they're not that indestructible as most say. 1/8 inch thick? that's about 3.++ mm. right? that would be fine for me. Pardon me for the newbie question but what do you mean by a 110 blade?
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1/8th inch = 3.175mm Ryomaru.
Note, in the pictures, the wood handled knife is a Buck model 110 (most famous/copied knife in the world). Just as Pack Rat compared the Kaala thickness, I put it in the pic for scale comparison for the same reason. The 110 is the "benchmark" by which I, and others here, use to compare.
Sometimes people will have a 110 and are thinking or wondering about another knife. When you compare it verbally, or visually, to a 110...it can help put things in perspspective.
No worries on the questions. I, for one, am glad to help when I can. Many others here too...they are a fantastic group of gentlemen and have taught me a ton (ton = 1,016kg
).
Note, in the pictures, the wood handled knife is a Buck model 110 (most famous/copied knife in the world
). Just as Pack Rat compared the Kaala thickness, I put it in the pic for scale comparison for the same reason. The 110 is the "benchmark" by which I, and others here, use to compare. Sometimes people will have a 110 and are thinking or wondering about another knife. When you compare it verbally, or visually, to a 110...it can help put things in perspspective.
No worries on the questions. I, for one, am glad to help when I can. Many others here too...they are a fantastic group of gentlemen and have taught me a ton (ton = 1,016kg
).
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Those are Cold Steel Ti-Lite knives. The little one is titanium handled VG-1 blade. The 6" is Zytel handle w/ AUS 8A blade. They are folders (although stiletto styled, not auto) . You mentioned a "last ditch knife"...those would work...but they're a "novelty" to me...I like Bucks for true overall form, fit, and function. The Ti-Lite hilt engages on your pocket corner to fully deploy the blade during extraction: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/cold-steel-6-ti-lite-pocket-draw/2960024629
Am curious what the pricing is in Singapore for Bucks. Beautiful and fine city. Haven't been there since the early 90's when I worked for a disk drive company.
That Kaala would be a great EDC if you wrapped some paracord around the handle. As said before, you can't go wrong with either the Kaala or Waimea. Report back on what ya do and how ya like your new Buck.
Ride and Shoot Straight...
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I've been to Sheares, the only store I know selling specialty knives in Singapore. To give you an idea,the Spyderco Lava costs SGD 145.00 if I'm not mistaken. I saw some hunting knives with wooden handles but I'm not sure if its a Buck. I'll check it out again when I get back there by July or August.
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Updates: Kaala is out of stock. There are other Bucks (mainly folders & hunting knives) though but I prefer asking you guys and reading some threads again. Speaking of threads, I read something about the Buck knives made in China, is there any quality issues here? Will the Mantis or the Adrenaline be a good substitute or should I wait for the Kaala's availability? Also, aluminum handles? Are they up to hard use compare to other materials?
