silenthunterstudios
Slipjoint Addict
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 20,039
Several years ago, I had my heart set on a Randall 1-7. By chance, I met a knife maker here, by the name of Scott Gossman. I had asked about a local show, and Scott contacted me. We learned that we were neighbors, to an extent, and I met him at that show. Several months after the show, I bought one of his Buffalo models, with 5160 steel. Later, I ordered many different models, and traded into one of his older models. My first true custom order from Scott was for another Buffalo model, with 8" D2 blade. After that, I placed an order for a Tusker, with a 6" A2 blade, which got hand picked desert ironwood scales. Waiting for the Tusker, I ordered one of his barebones PSK models, no scales, no cordwrap, no sheath. I later got micarta scales for it, and kydex pants, both done by Scott. Again, I put in another custom order, this time for two Kepharts, one of them being smaller than Scotts standard Kep. Both were A2, and got handpicked cocobolo scales. While I was waiting for this order, I got a PSK Jr, PSK Sr (both O1)and WTK (A2), all three with micarta scales. I also picked up one of Scotts older semi skinners, with a 5160 blade and red jigged bone scales. Of the models listed above, I use my PSK the most. Whether it is as an EDC at home, on the boat, fishing, or hiking local trails, it is a hard little worker.
Since I have been using the PSK several years now, I have developed a patina on the blade. I have carried it excercising in addition to the uses listed above. I have gotten some deep rust spots on it, and Scott has been able to buff those out. The handle is a little small for me, just enough purchase for three fingers, but it is not a hindrance, and with a lanyard I have been able to "adapt". While size is not really a big issue, I have been thinking about getting one of Scotts new PSK's or micro Tusker. Their handles are a bit longer.
While it is common knowledge that Scott offers A2, D2 and O1 primarily, few models exist with blades of stainless steel. Scott has been working with 154CM for some time now, and wanted to try out CPM154.
Scotts PSN, or Personal Survival Necker, has a longer blade and handle than the standard PSK. Scotts own description of this particular PSN is as follows.
I had the knife for a week, but was only able to get some real use out of it over the weekend. I either carried it in my pocket, or around my neck. I got some hiking time in, as well as work around the property. I didn't sweat a lot, but it was a variable.
I used it for common tasks, at least common to me. However, I wanted to test the blade's stain resistant quality, per Scotts request. My first hurdle was to cut up a bag of carrots for the horse. The cuts were freehand, in the middle of the field. There were no controlling factors for this test, but the cuts were smooth and easy. A cutting board might have been better, but who's going to carry a cutting board around with them on the trail, or through your daily trials and tribulations. I did not immediately clean the leftovers off the knife. The contents were wet, and somewhat "ripe". Afterwards, I opened several feed bags. I had wiped the blade down, and except for a few streaks, it was fine. Later, I sliced up some breakfast sausage, again, free hand. Clean cuts again. The thickness of the small blade did not hamper fine cuts. In addition to another wipe down, I swiped it with a soapy dish rag, a rinse, and wiped it off again. I shaved bark off several branches for possible walking sticks, and for the hell of it. Cut paracord, and cut down shipping boxes. Clean, smooth cuts each time.
Over the weekend, and when I got home durijng the week, the PSN was the only knife I carried. When I sent it out, I made sure it was clean, and wiped it down with a Tuff Cloth.
I plan on getting a PSN from Scott, just for the handle size alone. However, getting one in CPM154 is not necessary. I appreciate the stain resistance of the steel, but I have gotten along fine with tool steels. In my opinion, using this knife in a wet environment would definitely qualify the option of CPM154 or 154CM. I did not sharpen it, but if you had any problems with CPM154, you can send it back to Scott. I have been planning a purchase for one of Scotts knives, to use on the boat, and would definitely get one with a stainless blade. I won't retire my PSK, but I think it will be getting a buddy.
I did not get any pics, having puter problems at home. Been working on this review at work in the morning.
Since I have been using the PSK several years now, I have developed a patina on the blade. I have carried it excercising in addition to the uses listed above. I have gotten some deep rust spots on it, and Scott has been able to buff those out. The handle is a little small for me, just enough purchase for three fingers, but it is not a hindrance, and with a lanyard I have been able to "adapt". While size is not really a big issue, I have been thinking about getting one of Scotts new PSK's or micro Tusker. Their handles are a bit longer.
While it is common knowledge that Scott offers A2, D2 and O1 primarily, few models exist with blades of stainless steel. Scott has been working with 154CM for some time now, and wanted to try out CPM154.
Scotts PSN, or Personal Survival Necker, has a longer blade and handle than the standard PSK. Scotts own description of this particular PSN is as follows.
Scott expressly wanted to know what participants thought of the blade steel. For someone with larger paws, I was enthusiastic about the bigger handle, which gives better control.
I had the knife for a week, but was only able to get some real use out of it over the weekend. I either carried it in my pocket, or around my neck. I got some hiking time in, as well as work around the property. I didn't sweat a lot, but it was a variable.
I used it for common tasks, at least common to me. However, I wanted to test the blade's stain resistant quality, per Scotts request. My first hurdle was to cut up a bag of carrots for the horse. The cuts were freehand, in the middle of the field. There were no controlling factors for this test, but the cuts were smooth and easy. A cutting board might have been better, but who's going to carry a cutting board around with them on the trail, or through your daily trials and tribulations. I did not immediately clean the leftovers off the knife. The contents were wet, and somewhat "ripe". Afterwards, I opened several feed bags. I had wiped the blade down, and except for a few streaks, it was fine. Later, I sliced up some breakfast sausage, again, free hand. Clean cuts again. The thickness of the small blade did not hamper fine cuts. In addition to another wipe down, I swiped it with a soapy dish rag, a rinse, and wiped it off again. I shaved bark off several branches for possible walking sticks, and for the hell of it. Cut paracord, and cut down shipping boxes. Clean, smooth cuts each time.
Over the weekend, and when I got home durijng the week, the PSN was the only knife I carried. When I sent it out, I made sure it was clean, and wiped it down with a Tuff Cloth.
I plan on getting a PSN from Scott, just for the handle size alone. However, getting one in CPM154 is not necessary. I appreciate the stain resistance of the steel, but I have gotten along fine with tool steels. In my opinion, using this knife in a wet environment would definitely qualify the option of CPM154 or 154CM. I did not sharpen it, but if you had any problems with CPM154, you can send it back to Scott. I have been planning a purchase for one of Scotts knives, to use on the boat, and would definitely get one with a stainless blade. I won't retire my PSK, but I think it will be getting a buddy.
I did not get any pics, having puter problems at home. Been working on this review at work in the morning.