Thank you all for the generous compliments. They are really encouraging, and much appreciated. I would like to say in all honesty, that I did very little other than take the pictures, shave my arm hair, eat, drink and have fun. HamHock did almost all of the work. I dont think I would ever have tried to take pics of a solo outing, or attempt to put a hurt on those knives the way he did.
There are some things that I would like to add.
It was my intention to get these knives sufficiently dull so that I was forced to sharpen them. Obviously that didnt work out real well. I will be happy to include an addendum to this review when HamHock finally gets the 4.7 to the point of needing a sharpening, as the knife is his now. In the future, perhaps he can tell us what it finally takes to dull this mystery steel.
As to the ergos of the 4.7 I can only say that Guy did a great job. Even in my jumbo sized hand it feels great. It was nimble and well balanced when I used it to debark some green saplings to cook the bacon. I will admit that the larger handle of the 5.1 fits my hand a little better, but that is a very subjective thing and I didnt include it in the initial review for that reason. I am hoping that HamHock chimes in, to tell us his feelings on the handles sizes, as well as his other thoughts. I can only say that he did mention that in the rainy weather, he preferred the canvas micarta scales to my linen scales, as they felt more secure. Maybe he can expand on this.
I tried to keep the review lighthearted, and make some of you laugh, but on a more serious note, I would never have done what HamHock did to those knives in real world use. He had a purpose, and was instructed to beat the heck out of them for testing purposes. I think he did so, admirably. However, with my upbringing, what was done, in my mind would constitute abuse. I know that these types of tasks are common for todays knife user, which is why we did them, but not so for my generation. I really would have used an axe or hatchet. It baffles me that he torqued and pried knotty wood apart with those knives, and they are still sharp. I would have thought that he would have rolled the steel in the edge for certain. To me, it is incredible that there was no damage. That speaks to Guys design, steel choices, and heat treat more than anything.
I should also state that when we received the 4.7 the edge was polished like a mirror. After an entire day in damp/wet conditions the edge still showed no signs of corrosion. I thoroughly inspected it. After all of those years spent in South Florida, I became a Stainless person for good reason. I would be curious to hear from users in coastal regions about their experiences.
Now it is not my intention to offend anyone, so please dont take this as such. I do not own, nor have I used a knife in 3V steel. But after seeing the abuse the mystery steel and CPM20CV took, I find it hard to believe that an average user could really tell a difference in performance. I know that on a certain level it can be quantified. Im also confident that there are those who can and will do so. But seriously, I feel, based on my limited real word experience with these steels, that the differences in performance to, even an above average user; is more of an academic exercise. That is to say, These knives perform incredibly well. Far better than anything I have ever used in my lifetime; and I can honestly say that I have used a metric shit-ton of knives in my life.
I guess what Im getting at, is that people are missing the forest for the trees. Go out and use your knives with confidence. Practice, and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude that you need to Survive!
Junkyard
