Is EDCing my turquise Kopa too risky?

M

MG_Saldivar

Joined
Feb 5, 2005
Messages
857
I love the ergonomics of the turquoise Kopa I recently purchased, but I want it to be a user, not a safe queen... It wouldn't be my EDC, and I wouldn't use it for 'dirty jobs' (I'd use my Caly 3 or SAK for those), but at the same time, I realize that Kopas were designed as much for their aesthetic value as for their "knife-ability." And, the fact is, turquoise is not G-10.

Do any of you Kopa (or even Kiwi?) owners whose knives have non-wood inlays EDC them? If so, have you have any durability concerns?
 
MG, torquoise is a rock so it very durable. It measures 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale which geologists use to measure rock hardness. This equates to about a 77 on the Rockwell B hardness scale if that makes any more sense.
 
So barring gross abuse (dropping the knife, etc.), it should be as durable as "most" other scale materials?


(I won't hold you to anything. :o )
 
If you drop it , the rock can still get ruined. My experience with it, is that is tends to ding, scratch and dent more than just break apart. So as far as rocks go i would say it is very durable, less brittle, and has less of a chance of just breaking apart.
 
Turquoise is used for all variations of jewelry: rings, bracelets, necklaces, belts, tie clips...you name it. Damage is possible but unlikely in a normal city day. If you are planning on doing a Man vs. Wild expedition it would serve you but might look a bit rough afterwards. :D
 
MG,
I EDC my patriotic Kopa quite a bit. Have it today in my jeans at work. I have no concerns on the durability of the stone in mine.
Chris
 
If you're worried about it, just find a black micarta Kopa and carry it when you're not "dressed up". :)

/enabler
 
I carry Kiwis with a number of different stones, including turquoise and have no concerns about the durability of them. I believe the Kopa uses reconstituted turquoise which tends to be denser, and therefor more durable, than the natural variety.

As long as you don't carry other hard objects in the same pocket, or place the knife in a tray on your dresser with other items at night, there should be no problem.

Paul
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