Help me pick a TTKK

Michael_Aos

Michael_Aos

Joined
Jan 25, 2001
Messages
1,639
I'm really tempted to a buy a TTKK. I don't think I want to wait for Talonite, so I'm stuck w/154CM, BG42 or D2.

Which of these three steels seems "best" for the typical usage you'd expect of a TTKK?

I also like the CF scaled version, but I'm wondering if it would be as durable as Micarta...?

Thanks a bunch,

Mike
 
Wow, he makes a beautiful knife doesn't he? It seems to me that carbon fiber is plenty durable so I'm not sure there would be any reason not to choose it over micarta. Actually, I take that back. It tends to get slippery so maybe micarta is better after all for a kitchen knife.

I'm surprised that he offers talonite at the same price as the rest of the steels but BG42 is extra. There shouldn't be a significantly longer wait for talonite as it is readily available from Chuck Bybee. I'd go with talonite for the ultimate in rustproof. That knife will literally last you your lifetime so why skimp?
 
I have been the proud owner of a BG-42 TTKK for about 3 years now. Mine has burgandy micarta with the mosaic pins. This knife has simply been a joy to own and use.

BG-42 will hold an edge longer then ATS-34/154CM. At the time I got my knife, ATS-34 knives were made with 1/8th stock but, the thinnest BG-42 was 5/32nds. This added thickness was a tradeoff in my mind, at the time, between slightly better cutting performance in the kitchen and a slightly stronger knife for use in the field. This is a very subtle tradeoff. I really like the way BG-42 performs and in this knife, is a very good choice.

I would consider D-2 if my primary use was going to be in the field camping or back packing. I would want an edge that has more 'bite' and doesn't polish up so it would perform well on rope and wood.

Today, for the duty my knife sees, Talonite is the obvious choice. I am so pleased with my current knife, I can't justify ordering one in Talonite but, still consider it at least once every six months. If my mother would only appreciate the BG-42 TTKK, problem solved (the first time she put in the dishwasher though would be hard on our relationship so, I wait for a better excuse).

My picks:
remote field use: D-2
weekend "car" camping/easy camping use: BG-42
kitchen duty: Talonite (then BG-42 if Talonite isn't an option)
 
I have the talonite. I am very, very, very happy with it. Trace makes a tremendous knife!
I also agree with the BG 42 and D2 and for the same reasons. If stainlessness is critical to you then BG 42 is the better choice, but in raw performance, D2 is better. Either way, you're going to get an excellent steel and a wonderful knife.
 
I think Sid hit the nail on the head with his analysis and recommendations. My Talonite TTKK has proven to be an exceptional kitchen knife over the last couple of years. Whatever you choose you will enjoy. Trace makes a wonderful knife! And, he's a super guy to deal with.

AJ
 
Beautiful knife!!!

Can someone please explain the pros and cons of Talonite steel? I keep hearing about it and know that it is rustproof but I don't know how well it sharpens up and holds an edge. Is it resiliant and chip resistant? Thanks.


Could you use this knife for light chopping or is it better suited for kitchen work?
 
After a few searches last night, and what I'm seeing here, it looks like Talonite is worth the wait.

Is there any reason not to go with Talonite for the TTKK -- I mean is it less desirably in any situation this knife is designed for?

Mike
 
Well, my choice was talonite, but I suppose if you were going to use the knife for chopping or other high impacts, you might be worried about the relative softness of talonite/stellite and the possibility of rolling the edge faster than, say, with D2. And there is the cost factor.The knife is so well designed and versatile that it could be used for most anything and so different metals could be optimal for different uses. For me, the talonite is poifect! But getting another in BG 42 or D2 of 3V or L6 is awfully tempting, or maybe another Rinaldi fighter in one of those.
Great designs, workmanship and very good prices. I got mine from The Edge and I recommend it highly. Have a look http://www.theedgeequipment.com/Rinaldi_Customs.htm
 
You guys are really making this tough on me! I was leaning toward BG42 or maybe even waiting for Talonite, then 3 people I trust a lot all e-mailed me "go with the D2".

Wish there was a simple "good, better, best" scale to go by. My tastes are simple -- just want the best. That's easy.

It's trying to determine the "best" here that's driving me nuts.

Mike
 
Thanks for all the good info guys. I had to send Trace an email and order me a 5" TTKK. Prices are right and having a TR knife, his workmanship is top shelf. Thanks for the nudge guys! TR=Talonite Rulz!
 
Hi guys. Thanks for the kind words all of you.
Sorry for the confusion on the website. Talonite should be listed down by BG-42 as costing more.. The material for a TTKK in Talonite costs about $110, and thats added to the base price. Talonite wont add to the ETA, in fact it can sometimes decrease it since I dont have to send it for heat treat..I will change the website soon as I can.
Sorry for the confusion, and I am very pleased to hear you guys are getting a lot of use out of your TTKK's.. Also Larry at Blade Art might have a couple TTKK's in stock, but I dont know for sure they may be gone by now.

Take Care
Trace Rinaldi
www.thrblades.com
 
I have had a 4 1/2" one with G-10 scales in Talonite for a few months, and took it camping, and used it for all kinds of chores, and I am very pleased with Rinaldi's workmanship. The only thing I did not do with it was chopping as I don't think talonite is good for that. If I were to go for one of the other steels I would pick D-2 as with all my other knives I find D-2 holds an edge longer.

If you can hold off a little longer though, go for the talonite as you won't regret it. Once you try his knife in talonite, I doubt you will use any other knife for your kitchen/camping chores.

Just my .02 cents rounded off to a buck.

Larry
 
Thanks for all the replies, both public and private.

Just ordered a TTKK from Larry@bladeart in D2 w/black micarta scales (and a Murray Carter neck ironwood drop-point neck knife while I was at it).

Trace_Rinaldi_TTKK_Black.jpg


murry_carter_neck_ironwood_drop_pt-b.jpg


Mike
 
I think you will be pleased with the D2, Paul Bos does an excellent job extracting the performance out of that steel, hell ANY steel for that matter.. Glad you were able to get one, let us know how it performs for ya! Thanks again everyone, Its nice to be appreciated:-)

Trace.
 
Michael,
I have TTKK in D2 and you WILL NOT be disappointed. In fact, it is one of my favorite knives. Like Tra said, Paul Bos does the heat treat and does a great job. I just love the feel of this knife. It is so versatile. I guarantee you will love it. I have a Temptest on order from Mr. R now and am really looking forward to that knife.
I think one has to be selective when they buy a knife in D2. The four that I wouldn't hesitate buying from is Tra, Bob Dozier and Neil Blackwood and a gent name Bill Winn who makes incredible D2 folders.

Now I would never buy production D2.......
 
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