Knife Dilemmas Contest

[WalterDavis]

You guys ever have that problem where a knife catches your eye, and you know you don't need it, you know it won't work well for you, you know it's not even close to ideal for your purposes, but you want it anyway? I'm facing that right now and, dangit, I need an intervention, STAT!

My problem is that for the last couple of weeks I've been reading and re-reading Mistwalker's review and other threads on the Sog Super Bowie, and I can't get it out of my head I know it's not a great woods knife, and I'm NOT dragging my fat @zz to a knife-fight anytime soon, but those stinkin' super clean grinds, shiny finish, and stacked leather handle just make me drool.
Since I know I should buy something else (really, I shouldn't be buying anything right now) but I've got that itch, I figure a contest is in order.

So, the goal of this contest is to sell me on either a SOG bowie (Super Bowie, Bowie 2.0, Tech, etc...) or steer me to something else that would be more useful, about the same size with a price tag under $200, and it has to be readily available. Basically, shill for your favorite company with a mid-sized, heavy duty, good-lookin' knife that you think will make my day!

Enter as many times as you want...but you have to include using pics of the knife you're trying to sell me on, one knife per post, and the reason(s) I should buy that knife:thumbup: If you manage to sell me on a knife, you win! Actually, I'll have my girlfriend review the posts and pick the best sales pitch as the winner.

The prize, well, it's not done yet. I picked up some small firesteels off of ebay and I'm going to make up some handles for them, so the winner will get 2 of them. They'll be of different shapes and materials, but they'll be free. Plus, there will be something else in the package...I'm not saying what But it will be sharp:thumbup:

I'll run the contest until Saturday evening at 8:00 mountain time, and I'll persuade the GF to review the posts that evening or Sunday morning.

Good Luck.

Walter

 

[silenthunterstudios]

Gossman, JK/Stomper, Farmer, Harner. A ton of other makers on here with wilderness based blades for about the same price.

 

[thebrain]

I say go with what you want I have a Buck Nighthawk I used for a camp/outdoor knife and worked just fine but it was too thick and too pointy and the edge took FOREVER to reprofile. I love it to this day I don`t really ever use it anymore but I loved it so much I bought two (I needed a backup right?) and now I have it sharp and ready and I still have many a time that I think I should go grab it but I always have a knife that is better suited to the task. So if you are having a hard time trying to understand what I am saying GET THE KNIFE YOU WANT NOT THE ONE YOU NEED IT WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY!!
here it a pic of my backup Nighthawk .
http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg224/thebrain_album/Bucknighthawk6.jpg

 

[MBTull]

Option 1: Sog Super Bowie = $200.00
Features:Slices, chops, good wilderness companion, looks good on your hip, requires care and upkeep.

versus

Option 2 - Modern Nessmuck Trio Plus Evening Out with Your Girlfriend

Modern Nessmuk Trio
Gerber pocket ax = $30.00
SAK Huntsman = 29.00
Fiskars Pruning Saw = 11.00

Features: slices, chops, digs, pries, saws, helps with camp chores, good wilderness companions, lose or break one, you still have 2 others, low replacement cost, looks just fine on your hip or in your pack. Low maintenance.

PLUS - you still have $130.00 for

Evening Out with Your Girlfriend
Flowers = $20.00
Dinner = $60.00
Wine = $20.00
Movie, candy, desert, misc. expense etc. = $30.00

Features: best wilderness companion you could ever want, looks great standing next to you, high maintenance only if you don't make a small investment from time to time.

Landar 15, you already have it all and she is helping you with the contest. Buy some wilderness gear for yourself, use the rest to take her out. Best investment you can make.:thumbup:

I apologize for pandering and promise that your girlfriend did not put me up to this post.

 

[tknife]

Well since you asked to be talked out of it, here's my take

Over $200 - check
AUS 8 steel - check
Made in Taiwan - check

Over $200 for a knife of that size made from AUS 8 and coming from Taiwan. (Just wanted to post those all together!)

For the dough I would seriously buy a RAT, a Becker and have some cash left over.

But believe me, I know that feeling well and have bought many knives that I didn't need, and really had no use for other than they were just cool looking to me! Sometimes you just gotta scratch that itch.

 

[Rupestris]

Why you shouldn't buy the SOG?

Because you can get this knife for around $150, its made in the USA and has Bos HT.

Buck 119 Limited Edition.
Limited to 1000 pcs so resale value should be better than the SOG.
And because its got some dead sexy stacked leather.

 

[udtjim]

Go to the knife Maker For sale site and keep it here.:thumbup:

 

[kgd]

You should not buy the SOG Bowie. In fact, RIGHT NOW you should click on this link:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=630265

And buy Stomper's new Ass-kick'n super-kephy.......

Oh you want it.....Yes you do. Nothing says, I'm going to hang with nature than does carrying a Kephart. Nothing says, "I gotta Kephart", like carrying a JK-made one! You go look at his specs. You want it. Your girlfriend wants it too. Who wouldn't want those tiger maple slabs carressing their palms?

Yep, you really want this knife. Heck, I really want this knife. I just don't have a SOG-bowie fetish (yeah fetish.....some weird desire) like you do. Go buy the Stomper! Its still available as I post....Not for long. Who could resist this thing?????

 

[RescueRiley]

considering the criteria you put in if you save up a little longer you could get one of these
http://www.knifeworks.com/browseproducts/Fallkniven-Njord--5.9--Blade.HTML and have a life long super quality companion that will last many lifetimes.... This knife is a genuine life mate not a street walker trying to pass itself off like a lady.... LOL.... or you could just get 20 moras... and never want for a knife again....

 

[Rupestris]

Oh you want it.....Yes you do. Nothing says, I'm going to hang with nature than does carrying a Kephart. Nothing says, "I gotta Kephart", like carrying a JK-made one! You go look at his specs. You want it. Your girlfriend wants it too. Who wouldn't want those tiger maple slabs carressing their palms?

Yep, you really want this knife. Heck, I really want this knife. I just don't have a SOG-bowie fetish (yeah fetish.....some weird desire) like you do. Go buy the Stomper! Its still available as I post....Not for long. Who could resist this thing?????

Dude, (and I never use that term unless I'm really scared) You sound exactly like my conscience. You know. That same little voice in your head that says "go ahead. buy it" or "go ahead. Have another beer".

I'm off to sacrifice a live chicken because this is some bad Ju-ju.

Speaking of bad Ju-ju. I'm puting a hex on this thread. Landar, if you buy the SOG, the day it arrives you will find the exact same knife for the exact same price but with free shipping.

Now its up to you. Is that a risk you're willing to take?

Chris

 

[Bushman5]

nothing wrong with the SOG bowie for a woods knife. It chops, is a wicked slicer, strong & beefy, the point makes nice drill holes in wood, its easy and quick to sharpen and holds an edge unless you ding a knot. Even then a quick lick on a stone and your good to go. Comfortable handles, tight retenntion sheath.

I know everybody poo poos it because its not the latest steel or convex edged or or made in Obamaland, but it is a great solid knife with a great history to the design. I have the Tech Bowie, the ONLY difference is the handles, the Super Bowie has stacked and sealed leather and the Tech Bowie has a polished guard and kraton handles (sooooo grippy!) If you want, next time im in the woods i'll shoot a video of how sharp one can get the Bowie

I'll duck and cover now, because this is sure to raise the ire of many


THBBBBT!

 

[BarberFobic1992]

Well, the obvious choice would be the Bark River Fox River Magnum!.

its got a variety of handle options, all in stock on knives ship free. 10 of the 13 available handle materiels are $200 or less. not to mentions, it is american made, and is backed by an awsome warranty. convex ground to a mono-cork-ular edge and the steel behaves like A2, but will resist corrosion better.

a stock photo of the cocobolo

i have some in-use photos on the way, just have to upload them.

oh, and it comes with a sharpshooter sheath with a firesteel loop.

i couldnt think of a better production knife to buy with that money. and why would you want one of those mall-ninja couch-commando SOG bowies anyway?

(i may or may not mean anything that i said regarding the SOG, but for the sake of sounding very convincing, i was a tad harsh)

Edited to add some usage pics:

 

[Bushman5]

edited.

 

[WalterDavis]

Dang nice responses, all! Got a smile, some good knife porn, a some hard decisions coming my way! Keep it up:thumbup:

 

[Cpl Punishment]

My problem is that for the last couple of weeks I've been reading and re-reading Mistwalker's review and other threads on the Sog Super Bowie, and I can't get it out of my head:confused. . .those stinkin' super clean grinds, shiny finish, and stacked leather handle just make me drool.

Enter as many times as you want...but you have to include using pics of the knife you're trying to sell me on, one knife per post, and the reason(s) I should buy that knife:thumbup:

Well the super bowie MSRPs at $275, so that leaves a lot of room.

First contender:

BRKT Hudson Bay camp knife.
Retails at $215-$260 depending on handle material.

Reasons:
It really is designed for outdoor use.
It's big.
It looks cool.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Next contender (may have to wait a bit, depending on if any are in stock):

Himalayan Imports Bura Bowie

Reasons:
Real Big.
Very nice lines.
Does most of your camp chores really well. Some may balk at a knife like that being acceptable for batoning, but it works.
Well under $200.

 

[Cpl Punishment]

Next Contender:
RAT Cutlery RC-6

Reasons:
Great camp knife.
Priced well under $200.
Best supplied sheath system of any production knife, bar none.
Lifetime warranty.

 

[tonym]

Walter, Get yourself a beefy tank of a knife like the RC-5

It is made from by a great company run by some of the best guys in the industry. It carries a no questions asked warrantee that is 2nd to none. This knife will handle just about any task you give it. The beast comes with a beefy saber grind to handle tuff chores, but with your talent, I know you can thin it out and make more suitable for general woodcraft in no time.

Hell it even comes with a bowdrill divot to get you motivated to work on your friction fire skills.

Its not the type of knife I prefer most of the time, but it is alot of fun to play with:thumbup:


















So what the hell are you waiting for; grab an RC-5 now! You allready have my addy, so you know where to send the prize.

 

[Sharp Eye]

Well the super bowie MSRPs at $275, so that leaves a lot of room.

First contender:

BRKT Hudson Bay camp knife.
Retails at $215-$260 depending on handle material.

Reasons:
It really is designed for outdoor use.
It's big.
It looks cool.

++1
It chops.
It slices.
It's A2 with Mike Stewart's heat treat.
It feels great in your hand and looks great anywhere.
All your friends will be jealous or they already own one.

 

[Mistwalker]

Ok…this “contest” puts me in an odd position that requires a multi faceted post.

To begin with I’d like to address the beginning of it.

You guys ever have that problem where a knife catches your eye, and you know you don't need it, you know it won't work well for you, you know it's not even close to ideal for your purposes, but you want it anyway? I'm facing that right now and, dangit, I need an intervention, STAT!

My problem is that for the last couple of weeks I've been reading and re-reading Mistwalker's review and other threads on the Sog Super Bowie, and I can't get it out of my head.......

In my opinion this is no way to go about deciding the fate of $200.00+ dollars of your hard earned money…. here I am making an assumption so if you are financially independent then just quit worrying about it and buy as many knives as you want…you will stumble across the one you really want at some point. Nor is it any way to go about deciding what knife you end up in the bush with. In fact I can’t help but wonder if you are really interested in deciding on a knife…or more interested in seeing an argument. Why on earth would you even be considering spending that much money on a knife that in your own words “you know won’t work well for you”, what’s up with that? If, as you say, you have no need or want for a “tactical” knife then the SOG is probably not for you. It is definitely not a dedicated bush knife as its primary role in life (from the original design) was for the quiet removal of enemy forces from the playing field. It’s just that some of the features built into that can play in your favor in the bush. Why don’t you make a list of the things you need and want your knife to do…arrange them in order of priority, and then go from there? If you are wanting a knife that is more of a bush knife but will also function in a tactical role you probably should at least check out the RATs, I'm seriously thinking about picking up an RC4 or RC5 I just want the opportunity to check one out personally and maybe even work with one before I spend the money in today's economy. However for me it will be likely be accompanying my SOG bowie on trips to the bush...not replacing it.


Secondly I feel obligated to give a little history here….I know, I know, I read the disclaimer and this isn't directed at anyone person, just a little history.

why would you want one of those mall-ninja couch-commando SOG bowies anyway?

(i may or may not mean anything that i said regarding the SOG, but for the sake of sounding very convincing, i was a tad harsh)

For those who do not know the history, the 5th Group knife…which the SOG SG1 is pretty much identically patterned after… is named so because it was secretly designed for, and issued to the some of the most elite soldiers the world has ever known: the 5th Group Special Forces unit of the United States Army. The 5th Group conducted many clandestine operations in unauthorized zones in South East Asia and small bands of that unit, known as A-Teams, were often operating many kilometers inside enemy occupied territory and were the true pioneers in unconventional warfare. Because their missions were so secret and there were so few men in the units, strict noise discipline was an utter necessity in order to reach the objective and accomplish the intended mission. These men would call on their fixed blades time and time again to quietly dispatch enemy personnel as well as many other tasks. These men were likely as well versed in “Bushcraft” as any in the world, and would use their knives in many functions. They would use them to construct traps from natural materials, skin animals, cut …whatever, construct shelters, and build “furniture”, and they would use them in food prep and eating but when it came down to it the knife darn well better penetrate a body easily and facilitate extrication. That’s the reason behind the extremely sharp tip (for penetrating khaki), a thumb ramp for pressure, and for both the double tined hand guard and the flat spots on the blade side of the guard…it was somewhere to hook an index finger for a better grip when yanking the knife back out of a body if it were to become hung up in bone or cartilage, without slicing a finger on the edge of the knife, so that they could quickly plunge it into the same body again or into the next one. The 5th Group Special Forces was at that time one of only three units in U.S. Military history to be issued a knife specific to their respective units based on their mission specific needs.

Couch commandos….mall nijas…hardly.

If you look at any knife designed for or by Green Berets since then….Chris Reeves' Yarborough and Pacific, and the Spartan Blades knives for example you’ll see these same features.


For me the SOG Bowie was just a natural progression. I grew up basically living in the woods…hunting, trapping, fishing was our way of life and how we ate and made our money when I was a kid. I was taught most of my survival skills by my father who was a marine, and by uncles who were army veterans, I learned “bushcraft” from a soldiers perspective . Watching them work with their fixed blades I went from a Buck 119, to an Edgemark (the stag handle chipped and broke one winter) to a Camillus pilot’s knife, to a Ka-Bar. I carried a Ka-Bar for several years. I happen to like most of the properties of a leather handle…just didn’t like how the tended to shrink after a while. Then one day I saw my first SOG. I picked it up, turned it over in my hand, marveled at the great lines, thick blade, heavy guard and pommel, and the great craftsmanship. I bought it…took it to the woods, fell in love with it and have carried it ever since.
Then again I spend a lot of time deep in the bush, I look for the deepest woods I can find and go explore. I live in a temperate rain forest where apparently marijuana grows well. I have found myself in large patches of it more than once, and I have even barely missed traps…I like having a knife that functions well in a wilderness skills role as well as a tactical role and I likely always will.