The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Since you like the ergos on the 4.7, I think you're going to be happy with your new spec 5.1 Mac.
It is all very subjective. I always thought the old egos were just fine. Little did I know how much I would like the new scales and handle profile.
I love my old spec. 5.1s, but I must say that my current CFV 4.7 is pretty darn fine. There is a significant difference in blade thickness between the two knives, and for a 1 knife option I would still carry the 5.1 every time. The choil provides additional capability in doing fine work with the knife. The GSO I have carried more than any other is the 4.1 though. I also have a new spec. 5.1 inbound that I got off of the exchange just this week. I love the ergonomics of the 4.7, and I can't wait to compare old spec. 5.1 to new. I have the GSO 5 as well I picked up from S!K as a factory second a while back. So between the 4.7 and the 5, I still like the beefier blade of the 5, but ergonomics go to the 4.7. I have not done anything side by side, so this opinion is just based on my personal bias as far as my philosophy for what I want a mid sized knife for. I also have a 6 on preorder. This is a knife that I did not go after old spec. because I loved the 5.1 so much for what I used it for, a 1 knife solution. This is pretty silly of me because I never just have one knife on me. I always have something around my neck and in my pocket with a multi-tool always on my belt. So the 6 will ultimately work for me just fine. But if I had to go to field/bush with absolutely only 1 knife, I would choose the 5.1.
I have both old and new spec 5.1s in 3V and I prefer the old spec handles, but the new spec blade finish.
I have both old and new spec 5.1s in 3V and I prefer the old spec handles, but the new spec blade finish. They are pretty nearly neck and neck though and I wouldn't pass up either.
The 6 works better for me though. More or less the same size and weight but more cutting edge, and I don't use the choil.
Old spec 3V on two of my knives has shown some discoloration from blood and salt water. The one new spec 3V I have has so far been fine despite seeing about the same conditions.
As for handles, once the edges are raduised so they don't feel blocky, I tend to prefer less contouring to more. The new gen handles are fine for me though, which was a surprise given how aggressively contoured they are.
So your new specification 3V is on a 2016 model year 5.1? There is another adjustment to the heat treat on the 3V starting with the 4.1 model and on all subsequent models.Old spec 3V on two of my knives has shown some discoloration from blood and salt water. The one new spec 3V I have has so far been fine despite seeing about the same conditions.
As for handles, once the edges are raduised so they don't feel blocky, I tend to prefer less contouring to more. The new gen handles are fine for me though, which was a surprise given how aggressively contoured they are.