New Darrel Ralph knives from S&W

H

HM

Joined
Dec 11, 1999
Messages
641
Check out the sheath knife (quite a beauty) on Dexter’s thread http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum19/HTML/000474.html .
That is –despite fighter blade pattern- how I picture a new generation camp/survival knife:
-ergonomically shaped full tang
-indestructible and inexpensive Zytel slabs (possibly with optional wood/horn/bone/whatever slabs)
-SCREWED ON slabs that are field-removable.
Whaddaya’think?

HM


[This message has been edited by HM (edited 05-31-2001).]
 
It does look solid, and price is probably very low. I am a little leary of recurves in the field though, just for the sharpening factor. Otherwise, I suspect you're right, look good!
 
Right, same knife with drop point flat ground blade might be preferable for camp and field use.

HM
 
HI HM: I agree, it is an attractive and interesting design in that it serves both fighter/camp knife functions. I guess as a camp knife I would like to have a choil for up- close work, but as a fighter I would not want it. I like the tough and high stain resistent 440c blade with the long swedge. Do you know, is that a satin finish on the blade? It appears to be hollow ground part way back. I also am partial to "quiet looking and unlined" lanyard holes...just that much less to clean or worry about.

It appears the screws on the folder match those on the fixed blade and would be easy to work with in the field. Leave it to a great designer to come up with magnesium handles...great stuff, I like'em.

[This message has been edited by FF (edited 05-31-2001).]
 
Sorry FF but I missed your question and was out of touch with the forum for few days. Yes, it looks to me as a satin finish on the blade.
I very much like the overall concept of the design and the inexpensive and indestructible Zytel slabs with the screws that seem to require a simple flat-head screwdriver (or coin?) instead of more specialized tools. The original manufacturer or some small aftermarket company might make slab kits with more exotic/decorative materials. I think a lot of thoughts went into that blade, creditted to Darrel Ralph. For example, why does it have three screws holding the slabs when two are sufficient? My thought was that if one is lost or broken, the other two might be just enough at position 1 and 3. Might be just a minor thing...
Anyhow, I just happened to see a thread about S&W corporate tactics that I mention here for your consideration. See at http://www.bladeforums.com/ubb/Forum41/HTML/000908.html
Make up your own opinion as you wish.

Best,
HM
 
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