Impressions on Walther Solace

[Thomas J Ekman]

I bought a Walther Solace plain edge from KnifeCenter, and I thought I'd like to share my impressions of the knife.
It is a rather inexpensive knife, around $40, so one cannot expect ATS-34 steel or something fancy, but it is a defensive knife, and the steel does not matter so much then, does it?

Well, the steel is 440A, and the knife is manufactured in Taiwan. The blade is bead-blasted.

It can be worn as a neck knife, attached to the belt, but also clipped to the inside pocket, just like Böker Mr Nealy. I decided to try that carry option, since I wear suspenders and no belt.

The knife is very light-weight, and the handle is cord-wrapped to keep the weight down. You don't notice that you have the knife there. The only aspect that could have been done better is to have a shorter cord. It extends from the knife about the same length as the knife itself.

It came sort of semi-sharpened, not razor sharp, but not dull either. For the intended purpose - defense - it may be just enough.

I am satisfied with the knife. In my opinion, it competes in the same category as CRKT Stiff Kiss. That knife offers more carry options, though.

The Walther is good value for the money.

Any comments, impressions etc are of course very welcome!

 

[Razoredj]

To be honest, I don't see how the Solace can compete with the Stiff K.I.S.S. The CRKT gives you a sharper knife out of the box, with more carry options, for less money.

 

[Thomas J Ekman]

Well, almost the same...
The Solace came cord-wrapped, but not so sharp.
The CRKT did not come cord-wrapped, but razor sharp.
About (?) the same steels (440A for Solace, Aus 6m for CRKT).
The CRKT and Solace have the same kind of sheaths (can be clipped on the inside jacket pocket, handle down. The Solace also came with an extra cord.
Same price tag, both made in Taiwan. I wouldn't be surprised if they are both made in the same factory.
They are about the same weight too, give and take a few grams.