Help Picking a Subcom F

J

Joeshmo111

Joined
Oct 16, 2008
Messages
2
Hey everyone,
Im looking into a new knife and the Subcom F seems to meet what I want *exactly*. Im looking to buy one and Ive just got a few questions before I go and do it.
1. Ive had knives that were partially serrated and I liked that feature, but that half of the blade was pretty much un-sharpenable... Has anyone had issues with the serrated knife? Or should I go for it and just use the straight part most the time and the serrated if I need it?

2. This I guess is more of a generic knife question... but does the black coating effect rust or lifetime at all?

3. On the fourms Ive seen various Subcoms in various states of pimpage... is this all aftermarket stuff done on the forums? Or can I buy it like this?

4. Ive seen a lot of different blade choices for these things... Can someone explain them or show me somewhere that explains them? Thanks

5. Ok, last one! Where can I buy it? Ive heard of knock offs, and some issues with Subcoms not really being Subcoms, is there a good place to buy it from?

Thank you guys for all your help!
-Joe
 
1. I personally enjoyed my Desert SE Subcom F (which has moved on to a newer knife-knut friend). No issues, it works like you'd expect it to work, though I prefer my PE Wharcom and original, 2nd gen Subcom F.

2. It DOES reduce rusting, though rusting shouldn't be much of an issue unless you happen to live in rather salty/wet environments (or if you happen to have fairly salty/acidic sweat and skin oils). Not sure on life-time, the coating gets damaged over time, but that's just part of its nature.

3. Yes = after-market pimpage. Yes (sort of) - from a forum member or perhaps you might be able to get a package deal from the pimp-sters themselves - gullwing and potterma are probably the most well-known.

4. Basically, the original design is a very slight drop-point with a LOT of curve. This is great for slicing stuff, while still having a decent point. It also has the longest blade of them all. Hawkbill and wharncliffe are similar in purpose, though the hawkbill is much better obviously at hooking cuts and slicing, while still having a good sharp point for delicate work. The wharncliffe is, in use, basically a hybrid between the hawkbill and original blade. Either way, the wide-flat grind makes for a very sharp blade. The rescue blade is fantastic if you have to cut a lot of rope, cardboard, open boxes, etc. It's also good for cutting seat-belts ;).

5. I'd recommend simply browsing the various dealer forums here - they're all reputable. My personal favorite is New Graham Knives.
 
Thanks so much for your quick help! I don't really care if its black or not... and if it reduces rusting... why not? So for what Ive laid out a black serrated knife sounds best? For 'general' use whats better the Wharncliffe or the standard blade, in your opinion? and can I get a serrated Wharncliffe?
Thanks for all the help!
 
The blade shape really does depend on what you're going to be doing with it. Wharncliffe is the end-all when it comes to detail work and is by far the easiest to sharpen. But the flat blade can't be used for skinning cuts and certain other chores that require some belly. For instance, detail scraping with the curve of the blade, and some whittling tricks. However, if all you're doing is cutting, cutting, and more cutting, nothing is easier to maintain than the Wharcom. Not as pretty as the original or the Claw, but the most utilitarian.
 
I use my Wharcom for opening mail, breaking down boxes, cutting plastic clamshell packages, and, edge-in forward grip, for cutting/slicing synthetic-fiber ropes.

Easy to maintain, and has a superbly placed point for delicate work.
However, I use my SE Subcom F's as beaters, everything from whittling, trimming excess paint, glue, silicone, wood, to scraping and "cutting off" certain types of tar and other hard-to-clean materials, etc in addition to all of the above.
Course, I clean it fairly often and well, too, but the finish invariably is fairly beaten up, though the edge holds up strong, with minimal rolling.
 
Mahalo Alex and seno...

My two budz there just about summed everything up for ya Joeshmo111, and welcome to the madness BTW!:thumbup:

I will echo senoBDEC's NGK recommendation, but let me add EDCDepot, or my wife has an ebay thingy going on...Check them all out!

God bless and keep us posted!:cool:

PS: FYI, the Black Subcom F is the second best seller in the SFV (Subcom Folder Variant) line, next being the lovable WHARCOM!!!:thumbup:
 
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