Koster EDC prototype....

[Mtnclimber69]

Just got this in the mail yesterday... since there has been a lot already done to test it I just thought I would add my .02 and some pics to keep everyone going until they come out.

Overall I am very happy with this and think it is going to be a real hit! I will comment on my observations, feel free to ask questions or make your own observations.

 

[Mtnclimber69]

Blade design: Big fan of thick steel here so as soon as I saw the thickness of the spine I just had to smile. I like the overall grind of the blade. In going back to look at version 1 of this design the full flat grind does not go to the top of the blade leaving a bit more on the spine, which if you had to use this for batoning (sp?) would make me more comfortable. I am torn between wanting this to stay exactly how it is and wanting a little more belly on the blade… I guess it all comes down to the specific cutting tasks you will use it for.

Visual side note: (I am adding this for those of you who have only seen pics of this knife and not yet held one) If the handle were not comparatively larger it would probably strike me as just right (this is just looking at it) With the larger handle, the smaller blade looks out of balance for this design… saying that, it is something you need to hold to really understand how good a design it is. I really think it is a home run.

Blade length: I live in CA so carrying this is possible here as it is under the 3” rule. For most every day tasks I can’t imagine needing something larger than this and the fact that it is stout make me trust this as a tool/weapon/etc. As I personally have to wear suits for part of my job I would not carry this on my belt but probably keep it in my briefcase during the day… the thick and large sized handle will make it a challenge to conceal with thin clothing and no loose jacket. For EDC purposes the overall design and shape of the blade works very well.

 

[Mtnclimber69]

Tapered tang: I am surprised by how light this knife is in my hand… and am assuming it is from all the tapering. I can’t imagine there are any drawbacks to this design other than taking more of Dan’s time to produce. The lighter weight make it easier to carry and use for prolonged amounts of time.

Handle design: As is, I love how comfortable the handle is it fits perfectly in my hand and if you think about having to work with this for long hours this handle will help keep you from getting tired or any hot spots/blisters. If the purpose of this knife is EDC self defense and if you want to carry this on a concealed basis then the handle size may be a bit large for concealment under a t-shirt.

Handle length: I buy medium sized gloves and for me the handle seems like it could remain as-is or if anything lose .25” in length, but that is being picky. If I have gloves on, used the handle to hammer anything, etc I would not want to change a thing.

 

[Mtnclimber69]

Sheath: First of all I should just say how impressed I am with the design that went into this sheath. The built-in loop, overall fit, etc of this is hard to beat. Personally I tend to like to be able to clip a kydex sheath onto my belt rather than slide it on therby having to undo my belt. This does have the ability to take a teklock though and the loop does not take up much space other than height on the sheath, so unless you are a complete sheath minimalist this is a non-issue… and having options for how to wear the knife is nice.

Materials: I am sure Dan will be making these in other materials. I do like the combination he used on this one but would happily order another if made in something like CPM #v with some blasted micarta handles… if this is the one knife I have on me then let’s make it as tough and maintenance free as possible. I am also into backpacking so this may very well be a knife I have to rely on in the future… rust irritates me beyond measure.

 

[Mtnclimber69]

Adding a couple other knives into the pictures so you can do some size and style comparisons.

Thanks again for the opportunity to own this one!!!

 

[Bigfattyt]

Adding a couple other knives into the pictures so you can do some size and style comparisons.

Thanks again for the opportunity to own this one!!!

I tested both your version, and the red handled version. I liked both. Your version was lighter. I really liked both. I also thought the blade looked out of proportion to the handle, until the instant you hold it, then there is an Aha moment. It fits my hand perfectly and very securely. I wear an XXL glove, which is usually a tight fit, I did not ever feel an uncomfortable or hot spot on my hands while using either for longer periods of time whittling. That was my first time using a 5160 knife, but I have a bunch of the steel, and made my first knife out of it. It sure sharpens easily, and polishes well.

I wanted to ask you, how does that Krein fit in your hand? That particular design is one of my favorite of his. I would like to hold one. I edc a .22 gamewarden, which I like, but I like the handle length on the Active Duty and the SS more for that tiny bit of extra handle. Those kreins look like they are the perfect blade size, shape and belly, and a big enough handle to get all digits on, but I notice it is shorter than the Koster EDC handle by a bit.

 

[Mtnclimber69]

Hey Bigfattyt I also love the Krein design, but for me even though I have medium sized hands it ends up being a 3.5 finger knife. I can get all four fingers on it if I crunch them up but if the handle was .5" longer it would make a huge difference.

...like you said about the Koster, once you hold it, it makes sense. I will try to leave them both alone in a room and see if they have kids!

 

[Bigfattyt]

Thanks. I thought the handles on that particular Krein would be big enough for my hands, but nope.

I am excited to see Koster's next version of his EDC. He said he is planning another version with a taller blade from edge from spine, which will look even better I think.

 

[Daniel Koster]

great review and pics!

Love the comparison photos....really shows the size of the handle.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[Redsnake1997]

Great pics and review... and I would LOVE to see a combination of the Krein and Koster. I've been wanting one of those Krein's for a while, but never have the $$ when they come up for sale.

I have a Game Warden and Active Duty and love those, but prefer the slightly longer hand on the AD to the GW. So many options, it's just hard to choose ONE to carry.

 

[Bigfattyt]

Redsnake, I can tell you from experience. I have a pumpkin GW that I EDC. I had an BAD for a while (I loved it, but traded it for bigger piece). I also carry a modded SS. The handle on these EDC's of Dan's are sinfully comfortable. The wow factor when you use one for a while is very high (for the sheer comfort and feel)

 

[Rotte]

So Dan,

Will there be a production run of these at some point?

Just askin'....