Is Talonite worth $100 more than D2?

D

diletante

Joined
Mar 20, 2002
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I'm seriously considering buying a D2 EDC through AG Russell for $85. Before I do I thought I'd ask if Talonite is worth $65 more? I can afford the Talonite EDC (or even a Sebenza), but can't see spending over $100 on a folder. Maybe you can convince me.

Updated post to reflect $149.95 retail price for Talonite EDC HERE
 
I'm biased as heck having been the guy that first got Rob Simonich into Talonite. But seriously it really depends on what you want out of your blade. If sustained cutting ability on game between touch ups or resharpening is an objective, then the answer is without a doubt YES.

My suggestion is for you do either do searches here at BFC including the archives, or better yet go to the Marion David Poff aka "eye" website where he has compiled a list of links to threads here on Talonite. Best bet is to go to the earliest threads and go from there. http://www.geocities.com/mdpoff/talonite.html

Here's a link to my e-zine article about the first talonite knife: http://www.bladeforums.com/magazine/secure/jan/talonite.shtml

Trust this helps!
 
For some uses, talonite is certainly worth it. High wear, high corrosion? Talonite or stellite are superb.
 
I'm looking for value in a sturdy EDC knife and something supplement/replace the blade on my Leatherman Wave. I'm a white collar kind of of guy, so sustained cutting between touch ups and high wear are non-issues. Corrosion might be a minor issue depending on where how I carry the knife and the season. The standard Camillus EDC would probaly exceed my requirements, but the D2 version is in my preferred price range (under $100).

I discovered these forums while shopping for a small fixed blade camp/survival knife. I'd been looking at the Talon, so I read a bunch of the Talonite threads--particularly those comparing it to VG10--and decided to go with the much more economical Fallkniven F1 (although now I am looking at the TTKK in S30V--damn these forums anyway ;) ). For my purposes, I don't think Talonite will do anything that VG10, S30V or maybe even D2 will not do cheaper.

I think for my purposes I'll go with the D2 EDC.
 
If you can clean and maintain your knife promptly and corrosion isn't a big issue, high carbon steel like D2 or the CPM's like 3V are a great choice.
 
I clean and steel my kitchen knives carefully after each use. I also clean and steel my Wave occasionally (every week or so) between sharpenings and pretty promptly after use. Neither maintenance nor corrosion is a problem.

The D2 EDC seems like an awesome knife for $85.
 
In your case you want the D2. You can keep a very sharp knife with the same care you use on your other blades. Talonite is funny stuff. You might like it, you might not. From what you've said, I wouldn't bet $100 on it.
 
This forum is great! Right up there with my favorite: Fred's TDI Forums I can't tell you how much I've learned about my car there!

Well, I just read Buzzbait's extended review of the EDC and it looks like I'm getting a D2 EDC for father's day! :cool: I might have to copy his 3mm cord wrap with some Kellty Triptease.
 
Okay. Here are my odd feelings on this issue. D2 is a wonderful steel. It's just plain tough stuff. You can't find much better without resorting to a full carbon steel or alloy thereof. You can beat the piss out of D2, and it keeps coming back for more. I love D2.

On the other hand, talonite is deceptive and hard to pin down. Owning both the Camillus talonite EDC and Mini-Talon, I have gained some experience with it. The cutting ability is unparalleled when it comes to cutting cardboard, leather, flesh, paper, and fabric. But if you use it for something more destructive such as hard wood, you may find some chipping problems. Talonite is superior for cutting, but not ultimate hard use durability. IMHO, talonite is the perfect material for gentlemen’s knives. It’s truly stainless, cuts wickedly, and keeps cutting long after steels have run out of gas. Just don’t go chopping stuff with it.

Here’s a little known fact, just because I haven’t told anybody yet about my foolishness. Whenever I sharpen a knife, I tend to strop the blade on the leg of my Levis 501s to clean the bevel off afterward. I’d done this for years without ever slicing my jeans….. until I bought talonite. I now have three pairs of 501s with slices in the legs. Talonite cuts when you least expect it, when other steels would not. Putting talonite anywhere near another object is likely to produce dramatic results. It cuts when you least expect it. I’ve developed an admiration for talonite, and have learned a great deal of respect for it.

Oh yah. The Talonite EDC is the only one-hand folder I've found that competes for pocket time with my Sebenza. That's saying A LOT!!!!
 
but only, like Buzzbait, because my uses are around corrosive salt water (and because INFI isn't available in a folder - yet). I have a Camillus talonite EDC that I picked up at Blade and I love it.
 
I still think I'll go with D2--Can you get more folder for $85? The last two posts make it a tough call, though--especially when I can get a Talonite EDC for $150 (a $65 premium). I'm much more likely to be cutting the kinds of things Buzzbait says talonite excells at cutting. Tough call . . . I guess I'll know for sure when I place the order, but at $150, I'm leaning toward Talonite :D
 
Yeah, these guys around here will bend you every which way!
No matter what the question is, there will be opinions on each side.
The advantage of Buzzbait's opinion is that he actually owns both knives you are considering. And you'll be cutting the same types of things he does.
For $50 difference go with the Talonite, if you don't like it that will be Buzzbait's fault!
 
Hey! If somebody listens to a lunatic, it's not the lunatic's fault!!!

With that said, I don't have the D2 EDC. I've got the 420HC version, 2 154CM versions, the Anniversary Edition 154CM version, and the talonite version. The wife ran off with my D2 EDC, so I'm needing a new one. :D

What can I say? "The EDC is for me".
 
OK, I'll admit this is insanely picky, but I don't like the gold trim on the Talonite model. It reminds me of the "gold package" (gold badges) for cars--tacky IMO. It would be silly to "customize" a Talonite EDC with a silver clip and silver screws when the D2 model is more affordable, will meet or exceed my requirements and comes without the tacky gold trim. I'd like to try Talonite one of these days, but I think I'll go with D2.

Thanks everyone for your advice! :)
 
Good choice. I was going to scream "D2 EDC" at you. I actually have both the D2 EDC and the Talonite EDC. The D2 EDC pretty much lives up to its name with me: Every Day Carry. The Talonite blades tend to get put up until I need to either (1) skin an animal (unfortunately hasn't happened yet; no luck last deer season); (2) am going to be working in the yard landscaping (where I know the Talonite will still cut nicely, even with the grit, long after any other blade has gone dull); (3) am going to be cutting up a load of cardboard to recycle. The Talonite works great and and still cuts decently ever after it feels dull. But the D2 subjectively holds that shaving edge longer, and feels toothier even after the razor edge is gone (which means a lot to me). I don't regret buying the Talonite, and would even encourage you to do so if any of the above posters criteria apply to you. But I would encourage you to buy it after you buy the D2 version. ;)
 
Rockspyder- I've struggled to explain to people the difference between Talonite and steel. I'm going to print your post. That's as good an explanation of my opinion as I've ever read. Thanks.

Edited to ask Buzz some hard questions- Just how does Doris feel about you spending so much time with these little Talonite hussies? Does she feel neglected? Is she ready to leave you yet? Could I talk to her on the phone?
 
Originally posted by Wirebender
Rockspyder- I've struggled to explain to people the difference between Talonite and steel. I'm going to print your post. That's as good an explanation of my opinion as I've ever read. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hey, no problem. Glad I could help. I've worked long and hard coming up with that explanation. ;) :D
 
Hi Hey Diletante

I was a believer,sort of, until I watched the infamous Wallace Fennell skin and cape out six black bears with a Talonite EDC in Alaska last fall. All six members of the party were SERIOUS knife nuts and I think we were all quite impressed... I know I certainly was, especially as there were NO touch ups between bears, and the knife was still cuttin' right along, and Wallace was NOT whining. This last was a sure indication to me that the EDC was still cranking .
Very,Very Impressive Stuff this Talonite !

All Best

Ethan
 
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