Well although I haven't cut anything yet (other than some paper to test the edge), the overall fit and finish is outstanding. The packaging from the nice gold lettering on the big box, to the little extras inside (e.g. Tuf-cloth), the case, the sheath........ W-O-W !!!! Now nothing is perfect, so let me suggest that a leather handle lanyard in dark brown to match the sheath would have been that final touch.....alas, I'll have to find one myself.
The only surprise I had that I'd apparently missed in looking at the pictures, is the spacer set between the handle and guard. It's recessed... being a smaller diameter than the handle. I'm finding that my index finger bites on the recess enhancing my grip. The balance is nicely positioned on the choil giving a slightly blade heavy feel. The downturned handle gives a great businesslike grip suitable for snap cuts, slicing, and chopping. The handle is slick though which points to the definate need to have a lanyard wrapped around your hand when using this great blade. So that is a mandatory for me to get before playing with this puppy. That'll be another post........
Overall I'd score/rate things as follows:
blade geometry -- yet to be tested but based upon experiences with similar designs... 9.5/10
factory blade sharpness -- 10/10 no problems here!
handle esthetics -- 9/10 beautiful figure to the maple.... would have been nice for a thin steel buttcap to protect the butt
handle functionality -- 6/10 simply because it's so slick that blood, sweat, rain all may make handling dangerous without proper safeguards
sheath -- 8.5/10 beautifully made traditional style but with no safety keeper to prevent field loss or tie down holes hidden on the back of the sheath for a leg strap/tie to obviate "flapping"
blade steel -- I'm a big fan of 0170-6C -- 9.5/10
packaging -- 9.75/10..... but for a little piece of dark brown rawhide it'd be perfect!
value -- 10/10.....what more can I say???? Camillus and Jerry Fisk are to be commended. Thanks Will!!!!
Oh and a big thanks to Cheryl and the gang at C.R. Specialities for the great customer service!
The only surprise I had that I'd apparently missed in looking at the pictures, is the spacer set between the handle and guard. It's recessed... being a smaller diameter than the handle. I'm finding that my index finger bites on the recess enhancing my grip. The balance is nicely positioned on the choil giving a slightly blade heavy feel. The downturned handle gives a great businesslike grip suitable for snap cuts, slicing, and chopping. The handle is slick though which points to the definate need to have a lanyard wrapped around your hand when using this great blade. So that is a mandatory for me to get before playing with this puppy. That'll be another post........
Overall I'd score/rate things as follows:
blade geometry -- yet to be tested but based upon experiences with similar designs... 9.5/10
factory blade sharpness -- 10/10 no problems here!
handle esthetics -- 9/10 beautiful figure to the maple.... would have been nice for a thin steel buttcap to protect the butt
handle functionality -- 6/10 simply because it's so slick that blood, sweat, rain all may make handling dangerous without proper safeguards
sheath -- 8.5/10 beautifully made traditional style but with no safety keeper to prevent field loss or tie down holes hidden on the back of the sheath for a leg strap/tie to obviate "flapping"
blade steel -- I'm a big fan of 0170-6C -- 9.5/10
packaging -- 9.75/10..... but for a little piece of dark brown rawhide it'd be perfect!
value -- 10/10.....what more can I say???? Camillus and Jerry Fisk are to be commended. Thanks Will!!!!
Oh and a big thanks to Cheryl and the gang at C.R. Specialities for the great customer service!
