Necker 2 update request

I got my shipping order today for my Necker II! That is the good news.

The bad news (and this might get uncomfortable) is I finally got my GSO 5 and I moved it along to a fellow board member. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I can see how people love these knives but the boxy design just wasn't for me. Didn't feel natural in my hands.

My overall Survive! reaction is thus:
Pro's are customer service, choice of handles, quality of sheath
Con's are endless wait, clunky design, and the CPM-3V seems overhyped in my opinion. In a blind test I doubt I could tell the difference between CPM-3V and other tool steels.

But, I am still looking forward to trying out the Necker II !
The handles for the 5.1 and 4.7 have been redesigned somewhat to make it more ergonomical. Maybe you can try that?

I too find the wait very long but then Survive! is a new startup company running everything on their own. They are not a big production factory, and the last I heard Guy sharpens every knife himself to a razor sharp edge. Between having a mass production setup where there is a larger chance of a substandard production compared to one where the owner takes pride and pain in ensuring every single piece is perfect and spotless before reaching you, I would rather pick the latter and patiently wait for it. Yes, it's a dreadful wait but I think it will be worth it.

You mentioned you probably can't tell the difference between CPM-3V and other metals. I know I won't be able to tell either just by looking at it. You have to use it extensively to be able to know the difference between the steel types. I am no expert and I don't even have a knife with CPM-3V yet but I have read up on it and I am confident that CPM-3V with Peters' heat treat is amongst the best that you can find in the market. It retains its edge pretty well and that alone is what makes it so great, not mentioning about its other properties like great ductility and strength, and a higher resistance to rust compared to other high carbon steel (not saying it won't rust). Out of curiosity, I wonder what makes you think it is nothing great about CPM-3V but all only a hype?

Give it another shot maybe and get the 5.1 or 4.7 when there are extras to be had after the preorders are fulfilled. I know I would be in line for one.
 
I would agree that the 5.0 has a somewhat boxy handle that makes it a little less comfortable in hand...that said, it's the only one I feel that way about. I adore my 4.1 and i have set my 5.0 as a self contained survival system, which is quick and easy to add to any pack. I think the new designs address a lot of the potential design criticisms, and in the end its all subjective. As an already happy customer I am very excited to see how they evolve as a company, and of course can't wait for the GSO20 ;)
 
Give it another shot maybe and get the 5.1 or 4.7 when there are extras to be had after the preorders are fulfilled. I know I would be in line for one.

I definitely haven't closed the door on getting a 4.7 or 6 when they are offered.
 
You all are nuts!! The midsize handled knives are awesome and comfortable! Crazy Crazy Crazy!
 
I love my 5.1 but it does have some boxyness too it. I get some hot spots after long use, but not just normal camp chore usage. I also have small hands. I wear a medium glove. Saying that it is still the most comfortable knife in that size I own. Now the wife's 4.1 is just right in my hand.

Remember also that we're talking about semi-production blades. If Guy sat down and hand sanded each handle I'm sure it would take the boxyness out, but then your looking at 18 months a run instead of 6 from start to finish.

As far as my necker II I find it to be a bit small next to the finger ring, but its a neck knife. Its not made for extended long term use. Its intentions were for a small chore cutter.

You have to buy what's right for your situation and you. A 4.1 may be ideal size for me but the 6 could be someone else's grail. Its all in our experiences, and that's why Guy makes so many wonderful models.
 
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That's it, all you naysayers are off my Christmas card list!!
:p

Have any of you ever held an ESEE or Ontario???

Y'all know I'm a fan boy and don't have as much dirt time as most of you, but the 5's handle feels like a perfect fit to my hand. The contours on the bottom of the handle and the palm swell feel great to me. I feel like I've done enough fine and large tasks to judge... for myself.

My first real knife that was worth anything as a tool was the Becker bk9. The handle was amazing the first time and every time I held it. That line of knives are known for the handle ergonimics. In contrast, I thought the handles on my ESEE 6 were the definition of boxy, but except for some extreme cases I was still pretty happy with how it handled. Maybe I just have different expectations for a knife handle.

BUT, like PJ mentioned, the new models have redesigned handles and judging from the instagram video of the 4.7, I anticipate the new design to fit my hand on an Edward Scissorhands level.
 
I got my shipping order today for my Necker II! That is the good news.

The bad news (and this might get uncomfortable) is I finally got my GSO 5 and I moved it along to a fellow board member. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I can see how people love these knives but the boxy design just wasn't for me. Didn't feel natural in my hands.

My overall Survive! reaction is thus:
Pro's are customer service, choice of handles, quality of sheath
Con's are endless wait, clunky design, and the CPM-3V seems overhyped in my opinion. In a blind test I doubt I could tell the difference between CPM-3V and other tool steels.

But, I am still looking forward to trying out the Necker II !

One (of many) good thing is I'm sure you didn't really lose any money finding out the GSO 5 wasn't a good fit for you. Most other brands this would have cost you some coin to find out.

Your Pro and Con list reads as though you don't use your knives. At least not how they were intended. Nothing wrong with that but I think some hard use would change your perspective.
 
and of course can't wait for the GSO20 ;)

Yesss! Yeesssss!!
sHa_dance.gif
 
That's it, all you naysayers are off my Christmas card list!!
:p

Have any of you ever held an ESEE or Ontario???

Y'all know I'm a fan boy and don't have as much dirt time as most of you, but the 5's handle feels like a perfect fit to my hand. The contours on the bottom of the handle and the palm swell feel great to me. I feel like I've done enough fine and large tasks to judge... for myself.

My first real knife that was worth anything as a tool was the Becker bk9. The handle was amazing the first time and every time I held it. That line of knives are known for the handle ergonimics. In contrast, I thought the handles on my ESEE 6 were the definition of boxy, but except for some extreme cases I was still pretty happy with how it handled. Maybe I just have different expectations for a knife handle.

BUT, like PJ mentioned, the new models have redesigned handles and judging from the instagram video of the 4.7, I anticipate the new design to fit my hand on an Edward Scissorhands level.

You pretty much nailed it. I love the midsize handles also but I have large sized hands so they seem to fit perfectly. The only hot spot I got was on my thumb from the edges of the jimping but I fixed that with a nail file. I'm sure I'll have to do the same with the new knives considering the spine will be more flat but it's a simple fix.
 
You pretty much nailed it. I love the midsize handles also but I have large sized hands so they seem to fit perfectly. The only hot spot I got was on my thumb from the edges of the jimping but I fixed that with a nail file. I'm sure I'll have to do the same with the new knives considering the spine will be more flat but it's a simple fix.

I'll admit it, in addition to lack luster sharpening skills I have slightly smaller than avg hands (size 8.5? I think) which I think has some to do with it. That said I am comparing my comfort level with my 4.1. knife ergos are almost as contested as steel choices
 
I'll admit it, in addition to lack luster sharpening skills I have slightly smaller than avg hands (size 8.5? I think) which I think has some to do with it. That said I am comparing my comfort level with my 4.1. knife ergos are almost as contested as steel choices

It really is hard to beat the 4.1 comfort wise.

My hands are somewhere between medium and small, but I still really love the 5. If anything, I wouldn't mind if the handle was slightly longer. Now you guys have me really thinking about what I'm missing out on with the 4.1. Soon!
 
That's awesome to hear apple!

You hear all the people bitch and moan, but this is three people building some of the finest blades. Its not just one order at a time but I'm sure around a couple hundred. With even the smallest run.
 
That's awesome to hear apple!

You hear all the people bitch and moan, but this is three people building some of the finest blades. Its not just one order at a time but I'm sure around a couple hundred. With even the smallest run.
Right on. I want my order - most definitely - but I also felt a bit bad getting an e-mail Sunday night when I'm basically relaxing over the weekend and they're busting their butts.
Thank you Survive.
Do they still have Christian (name?) working for them? I think I remember in a post Ellie saying they needed another person who could sharpen knives like Guy. I'm sure that would make a world of difference for them (and us!).
 
Right on. I want my order - most definitely - but I also felt a bit bad getting an e-mail Sunday night when I'm basically relaxing over the weekend and they're busting their butts.
Thank you Survive.
Do they still have Christian (name?) working for them? I think I remember in a post Ellie saying they needed another person who could sharpen knives like Guy. I'm sure that would make a world of difference for them (and us!).

Christian is still with us, but Guy is still the only one sharpening. It would definitely help if we could just clone Guy.

There weren't many labels printed yesterday, I just figured I would get a little ahead on packing while Guy was working on Necker IIs. There are still about a dozen to be sharpened, but they build fast since there are no notches or divots. They should all be out today, about one week behind schedule.

Next up, GSO-5.1 preorders!
 
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