I've had a Gunting for about a year but have not carried it because it is not discrete enough for my mode of daily dress.
Abt two months ago I bought a few BMs, amongst them was the cheap version of the AFCK, the TSEK(with an axis lock). I carried this for a while, wanting to see how it felt vs. the Gunting.
First, the TSEK. It has the AFCK handle, which I like because I can index it into a good grip quite fast. Your index finger finds the big scallop and the last three fingers get into place easily. It is tip up, so if one has the space, one tends to open it with a wrist flick which is very easy with the smooth axis lock. The clip is average, but sufficient.
Unlike the AFCK, it has the stud instead of the oval hole, if you want to use this, it opens quite easy. The 4-inch 440C blade has this relatively high sabre grind, which appears to make it quite a good slasher. But I do not feel so confident using it in thrusts. This is because it has washers, that make the motion smooth, but don't let much of the blade contact the metal liners. This creates blade play. You don't get this in the Gunting, which is built like a safe.
However, the way the axis lock is made, I think it allows some margin of movement without it neccessarily leading to failure. That's because the locking bar goes right across the back of the blade, so even if it wobbles, it's still supported.
Compared to the Gunting, the TSEK is thin. So it carries more easily in my dress slacks(I work in the Stock Exchange). Also it is obviously not designed to be used closed, as the Gunting is. To me, this attribute is getting more and more important.
To sum up on the TSEK, I would say it is a good slasher and very easy for me to carry.
Now for the Gunting. As I said, It's not easy for me to carry. I think it works best from a belt sheath, and that's not possible where I work. It also sticks up too high IWB or in any pocket. Of course I understand that's what makes it so easy and natural to access.
Carried without the sheath, I am also not confident that it will not open inadvertantly with that big ramp. They say screw the pivot tight, but I find that this does not affect the first few mm of opening. Also I don't like it as tight as BRAM does, because I want to be able to wrist flick it open as an option.
So my main problem with the G is that I can't carry it easily.
Some people criticise the 3-inch blade but I find it OK. It looks good for thrusting in and rotating out, if the target is not easy to slash. The lock feels very secure and the handle is even more secure than the TSEK. Because of the scalloping on the G's handle, it is also very easy to get a good grip on it fast.
The G flows very easily in my hands. If both were in my hands, I would feel that I have more with the G. The option of being able to use it closed is just so important. Something happens, you're not sure what, the G is in your hand. Closed. It doesn't need cutting? Whack him. Peace on earth. Needs cutting? Slash and thrust with confidence. No need 4 inches, 3 inches feels JUST right. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears' porridge.
So maybe I'll get that inside-the-pocket L-sheath, since I can't find anything that performs as well as the ol' G.
In conclusion I would say that the TSEK was easier to carry but the G still gives me more confidence that I can use it to defend myself effectively and morally.
Abt two months ago I bought a few BMs, amongst them was the cheap version of the AFCK, the TSEK(with an axis lock). I carried this for a while, wanting to see how it felt vs. the Gunting.
First, the TSEK. It has the AFCK handle, which I like because I can index it into a good grip quite fast. Your index finger finds the big scallop and the last three fingers get into place easily. It is tip up, so if one has the space, one tends to open it with a wrist flick which is very easy with the smooth axis lock. The clip is average, but sufficient.
Unlike the AFCK, it has the stud instead of the oval hole, if you want to use this, it opens quite easy. The 4-inch 440C blade has this relatively high sabre grind, which appears to make it quite a good slasher. But I do not feel so confident using it in thrusts. This is because it has washers, that make the motion smooth, but don't let much of the blade contact the metal liners. This creates blade play. You don't get this in the Gunting, which is built like a safe.
However, the way the axis lock is made, I think it allows some margin of movement without it neccessarily leading to failure. That's because the locking bar goes right across the back of the blade, so even if it wobbles, it's still supported.
Compared to the Gunting, the TSEK is thin. So it carries more easily in my dress slacks(I work in the Stock Exchange). Also it is obviously not designed to be used closed, as the Gunting is. To me, this attribute is getting more and more important.
To sum up on the TSEK, I would say it is a good slasher and very easy for me to carry.
Now for the Gunting. As I said, It's not easy for me to carry. I think it works best from a belt sheath, and that's not possible where I work. It also sticks up too high IWB or in any pocket. Of course I understand that's what makes it so easy and natural to access.
Carried without the sheath, I am also not confident that it will not open inadvertantly with that big ramp. They say screw the pivot tight, but I find that this does not affect the first few mm of opening. Also I don't like it as tight as BRAM does, because I want to be able to wrist flick it open as an option.
So my main problem with the G is that I can't carry it easily.
Some people criticise the 3-inch blade but I find it OK. It looks good for thrusting in and rotating out, if the target is not easy to slash. The lock feels very secure and the handle is even more secure than the TSEK. Because of the scalloping on the G's handle, it is also very easy to get a good grip on it fast.
The G flows very easily in my hands. If both were in my hands, I would feel that I have more with the G. The option of being able to use it closed is just so important. Something happens, you're not sure what, the G is in your hand. Closed. It doesn't need cutting? Whack him. Peace on earth. Needs cutting? Slash and thrust with confidence. No need 4 inches, 3 inches feels JUST right. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears' porridge.
So maybe I'll get that inside-the-pocket L-sheath, since I can't find anything that performs as well as the ol' G.
In conclusion I would say that the TSEK was easier to carry but the G still gives me more confidence that I can use it to defend myself effectively and morally.
