Kershaw Ken Onion Boa or MOD Hornet??? Help me decide!!

S

Squidkiller

Joined
May 22, 2001
Messages
2
Hello, I have the opportunity to get one of these knives for about the same price. There is less than a $10 difference with the MOD being more. I know that MOD uses a better quality steel, but I have heard good things about both knives. I am new to the world of knives and I really need some educated people to help me decide which is the better knife.
Thank you,
Mike
 
Personally I like the Hornet. I am a fan of MOD knives and the Hornet is one of the better ones. The only prob is that alot of people I know seem to have trouble with the ergonomics of the handle. However, the speed safe mech. is way cool!
Good Luck,
Jazzman
<*)))<
 
I'll put a vote in for the boa. I love the blade shape and the speedsafe. I like the blade steel too. I don't know what the MOD has, but the 440V of the BOA has better edgeholding than anything else I own. The handle ergonomics and appearance, I also like. I'm sure the MOD is a great knife, it just does nothing for me...



------------------
William Callahan

"I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without
hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd
never expect it."
-Jack Handey

I'm one of those wierdos who likes Zytel.
 
I'd go for the Boa. MOD makes good quality knives, but there's something about the Boa that I really like. And I'm pretty sure MOD uses 154CM (someone chime in here if I'm wrong) While the Kershaw is 440V. I'd get the Boa.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
i don't know about the MOD but i love the speedsafe and recurve and the holes. 440V also seems to be holding a good edge. one thing i don't like about it is that you can't get it in non-coated blade black handle, cuz i'm not a big fan of coatings, but it seems to be holding up well. The speedsafe doesn't seem to be as fast as the other ones but the index trigger is nice.


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Pete Jenkins
Lefties unite!
 
I'd go for the MOD. Super tight tolerances and great craftsmanship. Construction is very similar to the Microtech SOCOM.
 
Hi Mike, welcome to the Forums!

You have really hard choice, my condolences
wink.gif

I have colored version of KERSHAW - Ken Onion's Boa (please click underlined item for more info) and I like it a lot. This knife is quite different from competitor ones from another manufacturers. Speed Safe opening assist makes it probably the fastest among manual openers and it is still legal where autos are banned. Very comfortable handle is the regular item of each Ken Onion's designed knife. The index trigger allows you to open Boa with either hand and serves as additional finger guard. Fit and finish on mine are very nice.

I do not have MOD Hornet but I had some opportunities to play with it at IWA Show in Germany. Quite thorough knife, somewhat smaller and lighter than Boa. Also comfortable to handle but I like Boa handle better.

No way I can consider 154CM steel as superior with relation to CPM 440V (please don't confuse with 440A or even 440C!) This "powder metal" contains more than 2% of Carbon and is wear resistant like hell! For knife intended for pure cutting it is close to impossible to bet in edge retention competition. Sometimes can be hard to sharpen but I'm sure using proper tools and techniques you will cope with this.

In my opinion you get more interesting items for your money in case of Boa - Speed Safe opening assist, index trigger, superior steel, nice non-scarring look if you choose colored version, more comfy handle.
So my vote is on Boa
smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Sergiusz Mitin (edited 05-23-2001).]
 
I own both of these knives, but my Hornet is the auto version. The MOD is a bit smaller than the Boa and not quite as ergonomic. MOD quality is top of the line too!
That being said...
I recently bought a Boa after handling one. What a great knife. I am very much impressed and would have to lean towards the Boa IMHO.

I'm not sure what you were going to pay, but if you shop around online (check out Ebay) you can pick up a Boa for under $100 easily!

Then save up for the MOD Hornet (get the auto
smile.gif
)
 
Just got myself a little MOD Hornet. The ergonomics are different. They allow you to hold onto the knife in a very secure way although it takes a little getting used to. I like it alot.
Forgot to mention that the blade will slice through a steel wall.
 
I'm another big fan of the Boa. I've had mine since they first became available and it has never disappointed me. The Boa is a great general-purpose knife with all the features you'd want for a top-flight tactical without losing any utility.

That said, I suspect the Hornet is a somewhat tougher tool. If you plan on taking this knife into survival or combat situations I'd think about the Hornet. Otherwise, go with the Boa.

--Bob Q
 
Thanks all for your input. I must say I am a little surprised at the overwhelming support for the Boa but I have made up my mind based on your opinions. I will be buying an Emerson Commander.

Just kidding. Next paycheck there will be a Boa in my pocket.
Thanks for all your input and help
Mike
 
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Squidkiller:
Next paycheck there will be a Boa in my pocket.
Thanks for all your input and help
</font>
Click to expand...

Once you have it you'll have to come back and tell us what you think of the Boa. Hope you like it as much as I do!

--Bob Q

[This message has been edited by bquinlan (edited 05-28-2001).]
 
i don't have the "boa" but i do have the hornet and it is one hell of a knife!!! the lockup is tight and opening is as smooth as silk. however since i have rather large hands i would personally change the handle to a larger size...otherwise it's worth every penny. and just like they say it is just like a socom...hope this helps. lonewolfblood
 
Squidkiller -- we've forgotten our manners. Welcome to the forums! It's great that you're choosing between 2 good knives, where the choice isn't clear cut.

Am particularly glad that you learned the proper "respect" for 440V. Am not sure why the steel industry seems so digitally challenged, but it is really easy to mix up the 440s and 420s, etc. Just remember that the V stands for Vanadium, the element that probably contributes most to edge holding. Same with 420V. Crucible steels has changed their official names, but am afraid I can't keep them straight.

I enjoyed this thread. Ever since I began participating in the forums, have wondered about the rare/scarce threads on Kershaw knives. Nice to know that there are so many out there who really like their Boas. Wish somebody would do something similar re the Avalanche. For some reason, I really like it's lines.

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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
Get Kershaw! But think a bit about Ken Onion Avalanche - great materials too (G10 and 440V). If you are going to use your knife daily Avalanche gives you more utility blade than BOA (IMHO).
Piter M
 
Hi Mike,
Great to see you have an eye for quality, especially with you being new here (welcome!). Personally i don't think you could go wrong with either knife but if it was up to me i'd probably go with the Boa.

Sergiusz Mitin, this is off-topic, but i was wondering if you could enlighten me as to what you personally carry in terms of knives? I've read your reviews, they are very well thought out and constructed, made me curious about what you carry yourself.

Mike, i would be interested to hear what you think of the knife you choose, maybe you could post something in 'knife reviews and testing'? Anyway good luck and take care.
 
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