Recommendation? More than just another knife

Shorttime

Shorttime

Gold Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2011
Messages
4,024
Carrying my old workhorse with me today

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Has given me a nostalgic moment of wanting to purchase something "tactical".

I could go spend thousands on a custom folder.

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But it would be just another expensive knife that I wouldn't use.

If I do buy a "tactical" knife, I want it to have some kind of story.

Let me see if I can find some more pictures to explain.

Something like the Cold Steel Immortal

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Because of it's resemblance to the Roman Pugio.

Or, the Ochs/Vallotton Black Knife, generally agreed to be the first "modern tactical" folder.

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Hopefully that gives some idea of what I'm looking for, because I'd like some other suggestions.
 
Why not a fixed blade?

Viper Berus 1 in M390 (designed by Tommaso Rumici to be the best fixed blade EDC)
Benchmade Hidden Canyon in S30V
ESEE Izula in 1095 (solid EDC with amazing warranty)
ESEE 3 in 1095 (the knife that started it all for ESEE)
CRKT SIWI in SK5 (forged by war program)
Cold Steel Mini Tac series...
 
Smiling said:
Why not a fixed blade?

Viper Berus 1 in M390 (designed by Tommaso Rumici to be the best fixed blade EDC)
Benchmade Hidden Canyon in S30V
ESEE Izula in 1095 (solid EDC with amazing warranty)
ESEE 3 in 1095 (the knife that started it all for ESEE)
CRKT SIWI in SK5 (forged by war program)
Cold Steel Mini Tac series...
Click to expand...

Bit awkward to carry around town, my guy! I think open carry is legal where I am, but it's also basically advertising that you're looking for trouble. Folders are much more discreet, and my cutting needs don't require a fixed blade, if I'm honest.

There's also a little bit of cognitive dissonance to a high speed low drag folding knife, that I like. Not sure if I can explain it in a way that makes sense, though.
 
Shorttime said:
Bit awkward to carry around town, my guy! I think open carry is legal where I am, but it's also basically advertising that you're looking for trouble. Folders are much more discreet, and my cutting needs don't require a fixed blade, if I'm honest.

There's also a little bit of cognitive dissonance to a high speed low drag folding knife, that I like. Not sure if I can explain it in a way that makes sense, though.
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If those are your thoughts about fixed blades, you've been looking at the wrong stuff. I carry a fixed blade most days. It's rare that I find one awkward...if I do, it's because either a) the knife is too big, or b) the carry method needs improvement (or both).
Advertising that one is looking for trouble? How do you walk around town? I rarely get a second glance related to my fixed blade; and I don't think the impression is ever that I'm looking for trouble. Then again, I'm not a teenager or twenty-something that might get those looks regardless of the knife on my belt.
Discretion is up to the person carrying - again, I rarely get a second glance due to my knives.
High speed low drag. Oh jeez. Cognitive dissonance, or not, you're one of those. Explains a lot - better to just disregard this post ;)
 
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I am one of those, in so many ways! And I'm always looking for more, especially if it makes me a terrible person!

The problem is, I have trouble keeping them apart, at this point.... Can you be more specific?
 
Why not an AD of some sort? Cool operator-ish lock. Solid from what ive heard. :)
 
Shorttime said:
Bit awkward to carry around town, my guy! I think open carry is legal where I am, but it's also basically advertising that you're looking for trouble. Folders are much more discreet, and my cutting needs don't require a fixed blade, if I'm honest.

There's also a little bit of cognitive dissonance to a high speed low drag folding knife, that I like. Not sure if I can explain it in a way that makes sense, though.
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Awkward to carry?
I am a bit confused right now.

Example:
Viper Berus 1 has 67mm (2.6 inches) long blade and it's 154mm (6inches) long in total. Lots of folders are longer than that while being closed, not to mention how much thinner this thing is.
Also this is 4mm thick full tang piece od M390, meaning it can withstand some abuse.

This thing is not big and I doubt anyone would give you looks or think you're asking for trouble, I think you'd get less weird looks than you might get when opening a large folder.

High speed low drag?!?!
You lost me here...
I have no idea what you meant by that, but if you meant on speed needed to deploy - well, fixed blades are always faster than a folder.

But I get you if fixed blades aren't your thing and you just want a tactical folder instead :)
That's all from me and I hope you find the knife you'll like :)
 
"Something "Tactical" that has a history/story..."

O.K.... How about a "Demo Knife"?
"Tactical" and "Historical"/"Has a Story" in that it was issued to all branches of the US military, including the Special Forces, from late 1948 (possibly as early as late 1945) to sometime in 2005, in all theaters the US had troops, including Korea, Viet Nam, and Iraq. (Note: the Marine Corps version has "USMC" stamped on the mark side, not "US".)
The Army reserves issued me one made by Western Cutlery, in 1975. Camillus wasn't the only company to produce them.

The one shown is an SMKW Marbles MR287. The only differences between it and the one I was issued are:
a) No "CAN OPENER" stamp on the can opener blade.
b) The MR278 has Match Strike Pulls. The Western doesn't.
c) The MR278 is roughly 1/8 inch (.125 inch) shorter closed than the Western.

Both the Marbles and Western are 100% 440A stainless steel, the blades are properly heat treated, and have the proper edge geometry..
On both the bail is "Strong Enough To Tow A Jeep" as the old saying goes.

If you shop around, you can get the Marbles MR278 for as little as $6.99 plus shipping. A secondary market Camillus will set you back roughly $30 ~ $40; depending on the year of manufacture and condition.

The spear point blade holds an edge long enough to gut 3 whitetail deer, and peel 2.5 to 2.75 whitetail deer before it needs (dry) stropped to restore the edge.
The can opener is the best I've ever found or used in 60 plus years.
The punch doubles as an excellent awl or scribe.
The flat-blade screwdriver/cap lifter blade fits most screws you'll come across in the field (scope mount, trigger guard, etc.) and doubles as a light duty pry to open cans of paint/stain or auto body filler/"mud". The cap lifter will open any bottle of soda you come across that doesn't have a screw lid or cork. (It'll also open a bottle of beer with or without the twist cap or cork, but from your post, you sound a wee bit young to partake of that beverage legally.)

BTW, From what I've heard, after Camillus went bankrupt in 2004, the military changed the specs so the knife was 1/8 inch shorter closed, and no longer required the "Can Opener" stamp. Therefore, the Marbles MR278 is current military spec, and can be ordered by the Quartermaster, when a trooper requests one. (In other words, the government still stocks them in the supply chain warehouses.)

View attachment 1443109
 
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afishhunter said:
"Something "Tactical" that has a history/story..."

O.K.... How about a "Demo Knife"?
"Tactical" and "Historical"/"Has a Story" in that it was issued to all branches of the US military, including the Special Forces, from late 1948 (possibly as early as late 1945) to sometime in 2005, in all theaters the US had troops, including Korea, Viet Nam, and Iraq. (Note: the Marine Corps version has "USMC" stamped on the mark side, not just "US".)
The Army reserves issued me one made by Western Cutlery, in 1975. Camillus wasn't the only company to produce them.

The one shown is an SMKW Marbles MR287. The only differences between it and the one I was issued are:
a) No "CAN OPENER" stamp on the can opener blade.
b) The MR278 has Match Strike Pulls. The Western doesn't.
c) The MR278 is roughly 1/8 inch (.125 inch) shorter closed than the Western.

Both the Marbles and Western are 100% 440A stainless steel, the blades are properly heat treated, and have the proper edge geometry..
On both the bail is "Strong Enough To Tow A Jeep" as the old saying goes.

If you shop around, you can get he Marbles MR278 for as little as $6.99 plus shipping. A secondary market Camillus will set you back roughly $30 ~ $40; depending on the year of manufacture and condition.

The spear point blade holds an edge long enough to gut 3 whitetail deer, and peel 2.5 to 2.75 whitetail deer before it needs (dry) stropped to restore the edge.
The can opener is the best I've ever found or used in 60 plus years.
The punch doubles as an excellent aw or scribe.
The flat-blade screwdriver/cap lifter blade fits most screws you'll come across in the field (scope mount, trigger guard, etc.) and doubles as a light duty pry to open cans of pain/stain or auto body filler/"mud". The cap lifter will open any bottle soda you come across that doesn't have a screw lid. (It'll also open a bottle of beer with or without the twist cap, but from your post, you sound a wee bit young to partake of that beverage legally.)

BTW, From what I've heard, after Camillus went bankrupt in 2004, the military changed the specs so the knife was 1/8 inch shorter closed, and no longer required the "Can Opener" stamp. Therefore, the Marbles MR278 is current military spec, and can be ordered by the Quartermaster, when a trooper requests one. (In other words, the government still stocks them in the supply chain warehouses.)

View attachment 1443109
Click to expand...

You know.....

I like the Al Mar, but afishunter changed my mind. Compelling story, and an unexpected answer.

It also seems that I need a better way to telegraph when I'm trying ironic humor. Maybe I can look for some advice on one of the UHF channels.

Wait. No, probably not.
 
How about a strider? Talk about a story!:eek::thumbsdown:

Emerson's are quite tactical...

Or maybe a Pro-Tech automatic?
 
Mick Strider does have a story to go with him, doesn't he? I wasn't around for his tenure here, but I found the thread. I don't think I want to encourage the idea that negative publicity is just as good as positive publicity, and I really don't want to be supporting stolen valor.

I bought an Emerson, a couple years back. Some fella had gotten it here in the darkness of Penn's Woods, and it spent a year languishing in his case, at a little podunk Sunday morning outdoor flea market. Nobody knew what it was, until I came along with a bonus from work burning a hole in my pocket.

I carried it a couple times, and realized that the knife was too expensive (for me), to really feel comfortable about using it. That's another thing about the fishhunter's suggestion that appeals.

Edit: Tried to buy a Pro-Tech. SBR. Reputable dealers won't ship button-locks to Pennsylvania.....

(What kind of fish wants "hunting", rather than "catching", I wonder? Does Peter Benchley know about this?)
 
Shorttime said:
Edit: Tried to buy a Pro-Tech. SBR. Reputable dealers won't ship button-locks to Pennsylvania.....
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You mean autos. The button lock has nothing to do with it.

Why not get a demo knife, if they are as cheap as afishhunter says, you've got nothing to lose!

Edit: Just went and looked at the current Marbles demo knife. Looks like cheap junk made in China at the lowest possible price point to maximize profit. I'd save that $7 and buy something else...
 
Along the line of what afishhunter was recommending, but probably better quality is the Victorinox Soldier. This is current issue for the Swiss militia:
SAK_0_8461_MWCH__S1.jpg


Looking for a "tactical folder" your first thought will probably be something like: "A Swiss army knife? (SAK) Not what I'm looking for." Bear with me.

BLADE: The blade is serrated toward the tip, rather than the base. If you end up using this for fighting, that's what you want. Also if you end up using it to cut up a steak. ;) The liner-locked blade is in the middle of the 3 layers of tools, so it can be reached equally easily by either thumb. (in case you're wounded in your tactical situation!) The locking liner presses "the wrong way" for righties to close it quickly, but closing quickly is less important than opening, in a tactical situation. The blade does have a tip, but it's a bit rounded, probably so it doesn't appear to be a weapon if the owner is challenged by the police; can still be considered: "just a Swiss army knife". However, it would be an easy matter to grind the spine down a bit and give it a proper point... The blade steel is only Rc 56 or something. That means it is easy to re-sharpen, but since it is serrated, it won't need re-sharpening often for any slicing task. Speaking of the serrations, they are even; not that type with one big gap, then a bunch of little gaps, which are impossible to resharpen. Just a simple tapered diamond rod by Smiths for $10.

CAN OPENER: Cans that require openers are slowly disappearing, but this also has a small flat screwdriver tip for small flat head screws that aren't recessed and also as an inline Phillips. (once you break it loose with the T-Phillips on the back) I've also found it excellent for cleaning under my fingernails. Turn it sideways and use the sharpened edge to scrape. :thumbsup: I'm tempted to sharpen this up a bit more, for use as a semi-push knife.

BOTTLE OPENER: Also doubles as a pry bar, a large flat head screwdriver and has a wire stripping notch. The bottle opener has long been the most useful tool on any SAK I've had. But this one is even better, as it uses the other end of the locking liner from the knife blade to lock it open, so it'll never fold close and cause you to bust your knuckles. It is a straight-up masterpiece.

SAW: In multi-tool circles, the Victorinox double-cut saw is legendary, and rightfully so. On this knife, it is even better than usual, as I can put the tip of my index finger into the opening hole of the blade to make sure it doesn't slip down onto the saw teeth during tactical sawing situations. :D It is hardened to a different level than the knife blade, so it stays sharp just about forever. It can cut bone, plastic and wood equally easily. I use mine often to help break down branches that are otherwise too big to throw in a camp fire. Also useful for local pruning more often than you'd think.

T-PHILLIPS: Inline is preferred, but not on this knife, as it would make it one layer too thick to have the ambidextrous knife blade. The world is put together with #2 Phillips, it seems. This one is long enough to reach a lot of recessed screws.

AWL/PUNCH: People don't use this as an awl as often as in the past, I bet, nor for sewing leather or canvas. But sometimes, what we need is a pointy, poky too with a semi-sharp edge so we're not tempted to use the tip of our knife, and in those situations, this is just the thing. Most often, I use mine for drilling extra holes in my belts to get just the right fit.

ERGONOMICS: You can probably tell from looking at it that this is one of the most ergonomic SAKs. Not on par with something like a typical Spyderco, but a lot better than a more traditional SAK. It has rubber trim around the corners and molded into the scales. If you don't want or need this, look at the Trekker model SAK, which has the plain nylon grips in black, and you also get toothpick and tweezers with that one.

You're probably not going to end up with this, but I'm glad I typed this out anyway; I'm going to copy it as one post into a review thread in that subforum. Thanks for inspiring me, afishhunter. :)
 
AntDog said:
Sere 2K? There’s a story behind that one, and it’s a great knife.
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I will always have a SERE 2000, even if I don’t carry it often because growing up in the 80s and early 90s, I really wanted an Al Mar ( or several) but my budget allowed for a Buck Special and a Gerber Bolt action.

When I became a grownup with a grownup job, I bought a SERE 2K. It was still pretty expensive for me at the time so I took care of it. It is a great knife.
 
craytab said:
Edit: Just went and looked at the current Marbles demo knife. Looks like cheap junk made in China at the lowest possible price point to maximize profit. I'd save that $7 and buy something else...
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I decided to look last night and found the same thing. New Marbles demo knife...made in China, and the older camillus made ones on EBay cost more than an alox SAK. No thanks
 
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