Most useful one-piece

BlackKnight86

BlackKnight86

Say my name, cheesers!
Joined
Oct 14, 2003
Messages
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Hi, Guys!

I'm looking for one of the One-Piece line (A-2)...mostly just to have one; but I'd use it, too. So I'd like to get one that would be the most useful for what it has - a hollow handle. By that I mean, I don't really store equipment in my knife, preferring an accessory pouch of some kind; so I'm not a big user of hollow handled knives. The One-Piece that I would get would be something I'd carry as an all-around compromise, able to do a wide range of cutting tasks, not being called upon to do chopping or other extreme use, and with some basic stuff in the handle that would be great to have if I had left the house without taking my Bug-Out Bag. My two most useful lengths would be around five inches (utility) and 7 inches (Camp). I'm not considering the 4 inch lengths right now (EDC...would not be something I would grab in a hurry, so it negates the limited utility of the hollow handle).

So, here's my areas of consideration:

1. Blade style...Bowie, Spear, or curved like the Nkonka? What's the most useful shape? (Pure utility...defense purposes would be an afterthought, if at all)
2. Length: 7.5 or 5.5? From what I've read, folks seem to think that the 5-inch blade is the best balance of knife task ability and portability...does that sound right?
3. Storage compartment size - Hard to tell from the pics...is there a wide variety of sizes? And since I'm getting this one-piece specifically to have a hollow-handled knife, is there a compartment size on any of CR's knives that wouldn't be a truly useful representation? By that I mean, are there any of his smaller one-piece knives that you would say, "don't bother...you won't be able to fit much anyway"?

Before anyone says "Get one of each!", I'm actually considering multiples! I just wanted to know other folks' input on the utility of each type and size, to help focus my search.

Thanks, guys!

BK86
 
I personaly like the Mountaineer 1 and 2 the best out of the OPKs, the Sable 3 is another great blade for bush crafty or hunting type stuff.

I like the single guard knives as they are much more comfotable to use over a wider range of tasks IMO.
 
I have a Shadow IV, which I think is my favorite one piece. Enough blade and belly for camping and bushcraft, you could chop or baton with it if you really had to, and a good sturdy tip.

Plus there's that hollow handle that allows for greater redundancy in composing your outdoor gear.

For handle contents, I'm thinking I'd go with a couple ceramic sharpening rods, a ferro rod and striker, maybe a fishing hook, or maybe a little roll of duct tape, and the whole mess should be wrapped in tinder (cotton, or just tp) and bound with twine and fishing line. Not only would this stop the knick-knacks from rattling, but it also provides one with tinder, twine and fishing line. Nice :D
 
I've become a big fan of the CRK one pieces (nyfemaker inspired me!) and now have several ranging from 4-7 inches. Truth be told, they're all great.

If I had to have only one it would be one of the 5.5" knives. I have the Mark VI and Shadow IV and hope to pick up a Mountaineer II soon. The Shadow IV is a very clean looking, tough knife but I think I'd give the Mark VI a slight edge due to the clip point's advantage in fine cutting tasks.

I only recently became aware that the blade on the Mountaineer II has a higher grind than that of the Mark VI. So for fine cutting tasks, the Mountaineer II would be a real winner. As far as pure blade strength, however, the Shadow IV is the toughest, followed by the Mark VI.

In the 7" length, my favorite is the Project I (spear point). In this longer length, the extra weight of the spear point feels good in the hand and provides some chopping advantage. A 7" knife is a bit long for fine cutting tasks anyway so the clip point is a little less useful in this length, in my opinion. In addition, the 7" knives have thicker blade stock than the 5.5" knives. This makes them very tough and fun to use but less practical for fine cutting tasks.

John
 
I consider myself to be a huge fan of the CRK one-piece line. At the time of this pic, I had 17. I have since sold the Jereboam II and the Project II. I sold the jereboam because it had too much of a bowie shape for me and I did not like the serrations on the project II. So I was down to 15, then a few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to get 1 of the 10 made USN 5.5" spear point knonka's from plaza cutlery, so now I am back up to 16. You can go back and read my many posts on the one-piece knives as many have asked nearly the same question.

I edc a shadow III during hunting because it serves me well for small jobs around the cabin. Works great for food prep, I even chopped down a 5" diameter poplar tree to install a salt lick ( it took me an hour, but it showed it can be done ).

For a Best All-Around, its hard to say, but I always recommed a Shadow IV. If you dont like the spear point, then go with the MK VI. I prefer the spear point as I feel it has the most industructable point of all of them, and just looks cooler and tougher than the clip point/bowie style that has been done to death already. I like that the spear point has more metal towards the tip, that you could batton wood easier because of that.

I feel you cannot go wrong with the 5.5". Its a great all around size, not too small, and not too big. If you want the 7", I would definately go with the Non'Serrated versions, you can find them around. I always felt the serations take up the part of the blade that is meant for the really heavy duty tasks. Plus, in the field, I dont see where serrations would be a benefit. In the military, yes, thats what the project I & II was designed for. But in camping conditions, I would go with the plain non-serrated versions. The project I is the spear point, the project II the clip point.

As for hollow handle storage, the small 4" blades dont have alot of room, but if your edcing one, your only going to put maybe a few bandaids, maybe tweesers, a few $$, whow knows ? The 5.5" has alot more storage, maybe for a small fire starter, matches, a few fish hooks and line, things you might need camping. More than enough room for what small things you may need. The 7.5" versions, only offer slightly more room, but not much. Again, you best all around for all factors I considered would be the 5.5".

My first one-piece knife was the shadow III, I got it because it was the cheapest and if I did not like it, I was not out much. I have since bought a back-up shadow III just incase anything ever happens to my belved shadow III.

If I had to carry ONE or could have ONE only, I would go with the 5.5" Shadow IV.

I like big knives and my favorite of all the one-piece knives is the Big Shadow I, but for most applications, it is not practical. So even though it is my favorite, it does not get much carry time.

The worst part is that CRK is going to stop making the One-Piece line at the end of the year, so decide what you want as soon as you can. It will be a sad day when they are gone. They are what brought me to CRK, they were my first CRK knives ( I bought these 17 One-Piece knives before I even thought of a sebenza ), so that should tell you how much they mean to me.

CRKUpdate.jpg
 
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JohnM said:
I've become a big fan of the CRK one pieces (nyfemaker inspired me!) and now have several ranging from 4-7 inches. Truth be told, they're all great.

If I had to have only one it would be one of the 5.5" knives. I have the Mark VI and Shadow IV and hope to pick up a Mountaineer II soon. The Shadow IV is a very clean looking, tough knife but I think I'd give the Mark VI a slight edge due to the clip point's advantage in fine cutting tasks.

I only recently became aware that the blade on the Mountaineer II has a higher grind than that of the Mark VI. So for fine cutting tasks, the Mountaineer II would be a real winner. As far as pure blade strength, however, the Shadow IV is the toughest, followed by the Mark VI.

In the 7" length, my favorite is the Project I (spear point). In this longer length, the extra weight of the spear point feels good in the hand and provides some chopping advantage. A 7" knife is a bit long for fine cutting tasks anyway so the clip point is a little less useful in this length, in my opinion. In addition, the 7" knives have thicker blade stock than the 5.5" knives. This makes them very tough and fun to use but less practical for fine cutting tasks.

John
Click to expand...

Thanks for the kind words :thumbup::thumbup:
I couldn't have said it better.......I was glad I could help !!!

Here is a pic of what "JohnM" was talking about with the higher grinds. Top is the Mountaineer II, Middle is the MKVI, Bottom is the Shadow IV. JohnM's advise is right on the money.

IMG_2322.jpg
 
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Hey, thanks so much, guys! Nyefmaker, you've definitely hooked another one! Right now, I'm itching to get all four 5.5 inch models...and I'm leaning toward the Project I, also.

So much for self-control, huh?!

Really appreciate the advice! Thanks!

BK86
 
I'd vote for the Project I spear point. Great all rounder and not too heavy to wear on a belt or to lash to your pack.

If you hunt around you can still find a plain edge one.
 
Haze said:
I personaly like the Mountaineer 1 and 2 the best out of the OPKs, the Sable 3 is another great blade for bush crafty or hunting type stuff.

I like the single guard knives as they are much more comfotable to use over a wider range of tasks IMO.
Click to expand...

I own the bigger Mountaineer (I think it's Mountaineer 2). Excellent knife. Very useful for camping :D
Edge holding ability is top notch.
 
I have the Shadow, Sable, and Mountaineer all of which are the 5.5" models. I also have a Ubejane and it seems I normally grab the Ubejane. It fits in my back pocket well (kydex) and is a very handy blade. By the looks I would have never thought...but it is. My second is a toss between the Mtn and the Sable. Both are excellent general purpose knives. I have grown very fond of them all and hope to get a couple more "just to have". :D

Good luck!
 
BlackKnight86 said:
Hey, thanks so much, guys! Nyefmaker, you've definitely hooked another one! Right now, I'm itching to get all four 5.5 inch models...and I'm leaning toward the Project I, also.

So much for self-control, huh?!

Really appreciate the advice! Thanks!

BK86
Click to expand...

Glad to help........ I carried the sable IV and field dressed my deer and skinned it last hunting season with it and it worked wonderfully. A nice blade style for that purpose. The sable would be excellent for food prep as it blade style would fit that purpose nicely. I like the skinner CRK offers, that was the last one-piece I picked up, cant wait to try it out skinning this hunting season. I still feel the most durable and camping friendly and best all-around of the 5.5" is the shadow IV.

The sable IV is discontinued, but you can find them around still. The Mountaineer II, MKVI, and Shadow IV are still readily available at many places.

If your going to get a project I, I would definately go with the plain edge. Look at the dealer section on this site and you will see them offered. The project I plain edge is just a larger version of the shadow IV. Enjoy !
 
OK, the Mountaineer 2 and the Shadow IV are waiting at the Post Office for me! Plus, I found a place that has a plain edge Project I...temptation! Since I'll have a Mountaineer 2 as soon as I pick up my mail, I'm going to chose between the Mark VI and the plain Project I...soon!

The Sable IV....the hunt begins!

Thanks, again, guys!
 
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