Input needed on 5.1 w/DLC.

JustinFournier

JustinFournier

Joined
May 7, 2012
Messages
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So a few years back I purchased what I thought would be my new outdoor use knife which I thought would be the one knife to rule them all.

The GSO 5.1 in CPM-3V. I ordered it with the black titanium DLC, 2 sets of black scales. 1 linen as shown and the second set in black canvas w/ bow divot.

Man I was ready to go.

When it finally arrived:

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I noticed this bit of gloss when compared to the matte finish right near the edge which is nearly impossible to get on camera:

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It's #187!

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So I was thinking maybe the finish is fragile because of the glossy bit? Maybe not as Guy wouldn't have sent it out if it was right?

I thought... "Well this thing is too awesome to use." I put it back in the box to ogle later.

As the weather is warming up here, I'm starting to get ready to go outdoors again. As in the previous years I was thinking "Is it time to use her?" So out she came for her yearly inspection.

In the previous years I have said "NOPE!" and put her away. So she has been sitting unused in the original box since then.

But this year, might it be different?

So here is what I am thinking. In a couple days there will be some new 5.1s for sale. Should I order a new one, that I am happy to use so I can finally experience a 5.1 and sell this one to pay for it?

Or should I break her out and put her to use?

Thanks for your input everyone!
 
Those DLC Survive! knives are pretty rare - I've rarely see them come up. I personally would probably find it a nice, new home and fund another couple Survive! blades. If you just love having the coated blade, Josh at Razor Edge Knives can do that (Cerakote, not DLC). I've never personally had him do anything, but I've only heard positive things about him.
 
Ide keep it and use it. I would bet $$ that gloss near the edge is from running it on a buffing wheel with polishing compound when Guy sharpened it at the shop.. When I convexed my DLC 7/7 and buffed it, it did the same thing.



I put a good coat of mineral oil on my 3V blades and after it sat for a day or two the wax softened and wiped off. You could also use WD40.
 
Personally, I would struggle with something that is discontinued or super rare, I don't know if could use it to the fullest extent of the law. I understand your hesitation!

On the other hand, I've seen Guy hassle dudes on Facebook for their knives not looking used enough :D
I'm positive the man himself would tell you to get out and use it.

If you think the rare nature of the knife will cause you to not fully enjoy it, then I'd say sell it (there will definitely be interested buyers who won't mind putting it to use) then use the money for a brand new one.
 
Thanks for the input everyone. Riz2530, if you are right and it looks like you are, I'm going to be a very happy camper indeed. I would be very happy to have that glossy part gone.

Sooooo I sold my CRK Pacific which was sitting in the safe as well. My wife has declared her plan to hijack my DLC 3.5 (she already has a Nyala) so I'm thinking I will order another 3.5 and use that. I almost don't want to let her take my DLC 3.5 as it's also new in the box as I don't want to wreck it either. These coatings will be the death of me lol.
 
Justin, it sounds like your only option is to sell your coated 5.1 to me for a below market price ;)! It's always hard to scratch the paint on anything new, you could start her off with some nice light food prep and ease her into limbing trees and batoning hardwood?
 
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that is a beautiful 5.1, maybe just buy another and keep that for fondling. they were made to use and i don't see any harm in using it, nor do i see the point in selling it to someone else for them to use. unless you can collect a nice premium on it to fund 2 s!k, selling may be worth it though. the choice is yours.
 
JustinFournier said:
I noticed this bit of gloss when compared to the matte finish right near the edge which is nearly impossible to get on camera
Click to expand...

Those went out at a weird time in our history. The glossy area could be one of two things:
1. As Riz said, it's the buffing compound on the blade. If that is the case, some WD-40 and 0000 steel wool should do the trick to clean it off of there.
2. (The more likely option) Whoever was buffing the knife had it held at an angle that caused that portion of the blade to be polished down to a smoother finish. In which case it just is what it is, unfortunately.
 
That blackout 5.1 looks AWESOME :cool: Like others here, I completely understand the hesitation to use it hard, with such a pristine finish.

If you can afford to keep it and get enjoyment from just seeing it like that, don't sell it or use it, just keep it nice.

But as has been said, they are meant to be used. If you cannot afford a new 5.1 and really want to use it, I suggest drastic measures beating it through a metal can or two to scratch/scuff the finish and so be done with the hesitation, or you'll have your fears of harming it allayed.

If you cannot bring yourself to do such a thing but really want a 5.1 to use, then selling it might be your best bet :thumbup:
 
I really appreciate all your input everyone.

I'm not gonna mess with it. I'm going to sell it, and fund the purchase of another knife.

I think there is someone out there who would really enjoy it, and as so many of you have commented, Guy makes his knives for using, so I need to buy one to use :)

I really appreciate all your input, thanks everyone
 
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