I posted this on the Sypderco forum, but it might be nice here, too.
I went on a knife-buying bender about a month ago and bought:
* Temperance
* Temperance Trainer
* Bill Moran Featherweight
* Ranger Knives RD-6 (satin finish, cocobolo handle, woodcraft grind)
Since it was a *bender* I bought all of them! But even now when I'm ... uh ... better, I don't regret buying any of them.
Moran
The Moran is a nice size and lightweight. The handle is a little oddly-shaped but it doesn't bother me. It seems to be optimized for choking up on the blade (like it should have a choil). It's a great size for all around duty. Not too big, not too small.
Temperance
The Temerance is a great size and the handle is very ergonomic. I really like it. The thumb ramp (can't remember what those are called right now) is very comfortable. I wish the Moran had one. It's going to be a real cutter. It has a very good balance. The 4 dents in the handle are great for indexing. It will be a great all-around camp knife. I've heard of people using them for kitchen duty.
I splurged on the trainer, seemed like it would be good to have around. All of my other trainers are folders or are unrealistic shapes (thick aluminum with corded handles).
Ranger RD-6
The RD-6 is amazing. The steel is about 5.5mm thick in on the spine! I read that it has more of a chopping shape so I had Justin make it with a thinner, woodcraft grind (nice tip Cliff!). It's definitely scary strong but still will be a good cutter. It's a very good compromize between super-strength and cutting ability.
The cocobolo handle is very nice. Looks classy and feels good. I highly recommend getting a Ranger. I ordered it directly from Justin. He's very nice, fast and the price was very reasonable ($125). He made it exactly to my specs. It took him about 1.5 weeks to make it and get it to me from first my first email to him.
All-in-all I consider it a great knife-buying bender!
Sorry, no pics. I'm moving in 2 days and all of my stuff is in boxes.
I went on a knife-buying bender about a month ago and bought:
* Temperance
* Temperance Trainer
* Bill Moran Featherweight
* Ranger Knives RD-6 (satin finish, cocobolo handle, woodcraft grind)
Since it was a *bender* I bought all of them! But even now when I'm ... uh ... better, I don't regret buying any of them.
Moran
The Moran is a nice size and lightweight. The handle is a little oddly-shaped but it doesn't bother me. It seems to be optimized for choking up on the blade (like it should have a choil). It's a great size for all around duty. Not too big, not too small.
Temperance
The Temerance is a great size and the handle is very ergonomic. I really like it. The thumb ramp (can't remember what those are called right now) is very comfortable. I wish the Moran had one. It's going to be a real cutter. It has a very good balance. The 4 dents in the handle are great for indexing. It will be a great all-around camp knife. I've heard of people using them for kitchen duty.
I splurged on the trainer, seemed like it would be good to have around. All of my other trainers are folders or are unrealistic shapes (thick aluminum with corded handles).
Ranger RD-6
The RD-6 is amazing. The steel is about 5.5mm thick in on the spine! I read that it has more of a chopping shape so I had Justin make it with a thinner, woodcraft grind (nice tip Cliff!). It's definitely scary strong but still will be a good cutter. It's a very good compromize between super-strength and cutting ability.
The cocobolo handle is very nice. Looks classy and feels good. I highly recommend getting a Ranger. I ordered it directly from Justin. He's very nice, fast and the price was very reasonable ($125). He made it exactly to my specs. It took him about 1.5 weeks to make it and get it to me from first my first email to him.
All-in-all I consider it a great knife-buying bender!
Sorry, no pics. I'm moving in 2 days and all of my stuff is in boxes.