Help me decide...

S

scott475

Joined
Apr 25, 2000
Messages
444
Friends,

I need help deciding between the Archangel 2 and the Defcon 4. I am leaning toward the Defcon, but I can't commit. If I go with the Defcon, I will order up the Associate harness as an option, so the carry system is not a part of the decision making.

Help a guy out here, give me your opinions.
 
Of the 2 you mentioned I would go for the Archangel 2. But for about the same price you could get the Kozuka Agent. That's the one I am eyeballing. Well worth the wait!
 
I used to own an Archangel 2, and if California respected the rights of its citizenry to carry concealed fixed blades, I would not only still own it, but it would be the ONLY fixed blade I would feel I needed. It is nothing short of sheerest perfection; the most incredible example of form following function I have ever seen, equally suited for utility or defense.

Compared to the AA2, I can't help but think that the Defcon 4 would be like a sharpened tent peg.

By the way, if you do go with the AA2, I would recommend NOT getting the Finger Pinch Cord unless you actually plan on carrying the knife IWB. It REALLY gets in the way during use.

I hope that helps. :)
 
My first post on this forum:
Years ago I broke the blade of a Boy Scout fixed-blade knife while throwing it. My dad, who could do just about anything, took it to the mill where he worked and reshaped it for me. It became much better than before, the greatest little hunting, skinning, all-round knife I have ever owned, and I would give a lot to have it now.
The Archangel 2 blade, in the pictures I have seen, is the closest thing to that reshaped blade that I have seen. Is the Archangel as great for these purposes as it appears that it would be? If so, I must acquire one. I am strictly interested in it as a user, not as a collector. (I solemnly swear not to throw it, however.)
 
Hi MikeH-

First off, welcome to Bladeforums. If you haven't already blown a ton of money on knives, this place will help you get there. :)

OK, now that I got that out of the way, the AA2 is essentially a "tactical" semi-skinner, which I believe is considered one of the great hunting blade shapes of all time. I personally do not hunt or skin animals, but my gut instinct tells me that the blade of the AA2 is just a bit too wide for those purposes. I could, of course, be dead wrong. :) I guess it depends on what you like..........

As far as utility goes, the semi-skinner is my favorite blade shape for that, and I think the AA2 would excel in that department (I never got to use mine for more than the lightest of cutting). The blade of the one I had was nice and thin (1/8"), which mitigated the fact that the grind is a little on the shallow side. Rest assured, though, that it is RAZOR sharp (will easily pop free-standing hair) and built for serious use, and the Rigger coat, while somewhat hideous to the casual observer, becomes beautiful once one realizes what a marvelous grip it provides.

The harness system it comes with is great as well. I am really short and thin, yet it fits me like it was custom made (with a little adjustment).

I hope my ramblings were helpful. For more specific information, you may want to e-mail James. I have heard that he is nothing less than passionate about his products. :)
 
Recluse:

Thanks for the info. So far, all of my knife dollars have gone to Jerry Busse. His knives would be great to go to war with, but just a little much for processing a deer.

Let's face it - what I really am about is finding an excuse to buy an AA2, which I fell in love with from the pictures in Tactical Knives magazine.

As an engineer and a half-baked artist, I find knives to provide an uncommon combination of utility and aesthetics. The AA2 seems to offer both of these in abundance.
 
It is nothing short of sheerest perfection; the most incredible example of form following function I have ever seen, equally suited for utility or defense.

Compared to the AA2, I can't help but think that the Defcon 4 would be like a sharpened tent peg.

no really.. Recluse.. tell us how you REALLY feel :p man.. if I only knew you loved this bad boy so much I would never have bought it from you (you and your no carry/no usability = no use to have it mantra) :)

at any rate, MikeH, much like you I find myself being an artist trapped in an engineer's body. For me I wouldn't even CONSIDER the defcon.. compared to the AA2 the Defcon is merely a broken turkey leg bone. :p

I have always made the analogy that JSP's designs are very "minimalistic titanium saltshakers" you know the very ikea glass steel and leather furniture type.. this is the minamalistic design I like and apprecaite. Very posh.. and the hartsfield inspired edge is perceivably sharp, being a double zero ground.

Also keep in mind that bladerigger.com is outdated and Mr. Piorek has upped the prices of his SCP significantly.

I agree with Recluse most areas of his observations except for the fact that I have not had the chance to use the knife or heard of anyone use the knife for hard or even mild utility use. Recluse's same knife which passed my hands was only in the case so I am saddened I coudlnt give you a hard use review of it.

I think I did a review of the AA2 somewhere.. forgot where :p if it was here or inthe review section months ago. good luck and keep us posted on your progress :)

contact Mr. GigOne as I think he has an AA2 in his collection for sale if JSP doenst have any in stock.
 
Busted! :D Guess I was caught sneaking from the bedroom of my former mistress, huh? ;) It's all true, too. I LOVE the AA2, and will probably pick up another at some point in the future. Believe me when I say that the aesthetic appeal of the AA2 is not only visual, because it feels great in the hand, sings through the air like an eztension of your body, and hell, it even SMELLS great (must be the Riggercoat........). :p Sniper is right that JSP's prices have gone up (can't remember exactly what it goes for now, sorry), but I think the AA2 is a bargain at almost ANY price.
 
oh Recluse :( if only I realized. I feel bad now.. okay lets find you a new AA2 you fickle sumbtch you :p

love that rigger coat :)
 
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