My New Favorite Beater EDC.. Made in USA for $35!!

Since getting my aluminum Link, I got my oldest son a GRN Link as a late Christmas present. I actually find myself asking him to let me see his knife so I can fiddle with it. Might have to pick up a blackwash GRN version from my local Walmart - if they ever get more in. They sold out the week of Christmas.
 
oregon said:
The knife buyer for WM is a member here, emw479, and if online may chime in or respond. He regularly contributes to friendly and interesting discussions, as they pertain to WM models of Buck Knives (past, present and future), over on the Buck Forum. Nice guy.
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Thanks Oregon! I've been sick the past week or otherwise I would have seen this sooner. The FRN w/blackwashed blade is a WM exclusive. I personally like the anodized aluminum scales myself.

For those asking, I will bring up the 14c28n discussion with Pat at Kershaw. I was originally on the fence about the Link but he persuaded me, and I'm glad I listened. WM doesn't typically do well with sprint runs of anything, but I could see about getting in on walmart.com if there is a lot of interest.
 
emw479 said:
Thanks Oregon! I've been sick the past week or otherwise I would have seen this sooner. The FRN w/blackwashed blade is a WM exclusive. I personally like the anodized aluminum scales myself.

For those asking, I will bring up the 14c28n discussion with Pat at Kershaw. I was originally on the fence about the Link but he persuaded me, and I'm glad I listened. WM doesn't typically do well with sprint runs of anything, but I could see about getting in on walmart.com if there is a lot of interest.
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Wait... Is walmart.com a place to be looking for knives?? That never even occurred to me! I buy most of my knives off this site or the big auction site, rarely ever in a store, thank you for the "heads-up"
 
emw479 said:
Thanks Oregon! I've been sick the past week or otherwise I would have seen this sooner. The FRN w/blackwashed blade is a WM exclusive. I personally like the anodized aluminum scales myself.

For those asking, I will bring up the 14c28n discussion with Pat at Kershaw. I was originally on the fence about the Link but he persuaded me, and I'm glad I listened. WM doesn't typically do well with sprint runs of anything, but I could see about getting in on walmart.com if there is a lot of interest.
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I would love a WM version with the Aluminum scales and regular stonewashed blade. Could even keep the steel the same.
 
Well swung by the Walmart near work and they had a couple of their GRN Blackwash Links. Ended up not getting it because I couldn't decide if I liked the GRN version with a stonewash or blackwash blade. Guy behind the counter said he still had a few left, but it did sell well over Christmas. Tough choice, I think the blackwash blade will show use more than the stonewash. At the same time I'd rather not get the same knife I got my son, and then we'd have each version of the Link too.

emw479 - I'm looking forward to see what response from Kershaw will be regarding a 14c28n Link. Thanks for offering to mention it.

Question regarding the clip screws:

On my Aluminum Link it appears the clip screw holes are only threaded through the scales and not the liners. Do the screws on the GRN version only go into the scales and not the liner? If so stripped screws/scales could be an issue if you snag the clip on something.
 
So I had no impulse control - bought the GRN Blackwash Link. Really had no idea what else to use a Walmart gift card I got for Christmas on anyway.
 
jstrange said:
How do you like it?
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Well I've bought 3 Links over the course of a couple of months - obviously I like the knife.

The aluminum Link (my 1st) has the most visual appeal in my opinion. The combination of the blackwash blade and the aluminum scales looks great. In hand the weight of the knife imparts a feeling you can treat it like a tank. Downsides are the slick feel of the smooth scales and the increased weight.

The GRN Link has better ergonomics due to the textured & contoured GRN scales. Personally I like the look of the stonewash over the blackwash blade on the GRN version, but I didn't want to get a similar knife to my son. Never know, he might dull his up then swap out knives to sneak in a free sharpening by Dad. :D

All versions have good blade geometry, and both the aluminum & stonewash GRN version came very sharp. My blackwash GRN version was a little dull out of the box. No big deal as it's 420HC steel and taking a nice edge from my Spyderco ceramic stone. All 3 flip open fast and lock up tight with no movement in any direction. Size wise I'd put the Link somewhere between a Delica and an Endura. The aluminum version looks like a more expensive knife, the GRN version just doesn't look as nice. Had a couple friends that are not knife nuts surprised at how inexpensive the aluminum Link was for a USA made knife. I have noticed a couple other interesting things:

- The Aluminum & GRN Blackwash version both have typical silver colored liners. The GRN Stonewash version has black colored liners.
- The clip screw holes on the Aluminum version only go through to the liner. On both GRN versions the clip screw holes go into the liner.

Can't really say more as I've not really done more than cut open a box or 2, and opened some mail. Life has been hectic lately so I've not had a chance for any hiking or camp outs. Hopefully that will change once things calm down.
 
Glad you guys are liking this knife as much as I am. I've been carrying my GRN everyday since I posted this and it's been performing great. I only had to touch it up once a few days ago after fairly consistent use, and it took a paper shaving edge (not quite hair shaving) in about 3 minutes This is without a doubt a homerun.
 
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