newbie question re: C/U 7

C

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May 16, 2002
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I've decided to get a field knife to supplement my gear. I checked everything from Glock and Ka-bar to Cold Steel and Fallkniven to Busse and Chris Reeve. I think the C/U7 is my best bet, excellent capabilities and a decent price. Am I making a mistake or am I right? (Given that this is the Camillus forum, I think I already know my answer) :D

I have a few questions though:

1) I tend to spend a lot of time in the water. How's the blade steel vs. corrosion? How's the grip material vs. slippage?

2) How's the sheath feel? Ride on the hip? Stand up to wear and tear?

3) How well does the blade hold an edge? I'm pretty sure I've seen the answer to this somewhere, but I forget.

Any other bits and pieces I should know?

Thanks.
 
The BK7 is not a dive knife but otherwise the coated blade should hold up just fine. Sheath rides low but is reasonably well made. Handle is a little slippery for my taste but the scales could be bead blasted for better grip. If you can afford a Busse get it - you wont be dissapointed, otherwise the BK7 is the finest large production fixed blade in the world for under $55.00.
 
I would think that the handle's a bit too slippery for water use. Mine seems slippery even when it's not wet. But I do like the fact tht the scales are easily removable for cleaning. I haven't used it enough to comment on edge retention.

Cliff Stamp reviewed the knife awhile back here. I suggest reading the entire thread (it's quite an extensive review) before making a decision, though.

With that said--I think it's a damn fine knife and I'm glad I finally picked one up.

-Z
 
I didn't intend to look for a dive knife, but something that'd be usable after river crossings, rafting and such.

Sounds like the handle is a tad slippery. Anyone who's handled one of these before: would a single layer of cord-wrap help this?

I checked out that review (and the other review linked at the beginning of the first), ZenGhost, thank you, very useful. It seems the greatest complaint is a lack of chopping power. Since I already carry a hatchet and "shaving sharp" folder, I primarily need the C/U7 for mid-range duty, to which it seems well suited.

I have to admit though, I've added a few Busse knives to my must-buy list after reading those posts.
 
You won't beat the BK7 for the money. Heck you can make your own grips if you want. They are perfect for tossing one in all of your vehicles- I mean you can buy five or more for the price of even one Busse in that range. Now don't get me wrong I have Busse and Reeve's but a bk7 is a heck of a knife. The beauty of the knife sickness is we don't have to own just one :) but you should own at least one BK7...
 
I have Busse and Reeves knives and think that both of them are great. With that said, I still had to get a CU-7. I generally agree with the praises and critical comments posted above but will tell you this: a better utility knife of that size and in that price range can not be found.
 
I put some grip tape on my C/U 7. Bought it at Academy in the tennis section. I don't know how it would hold up to getting wet, but it is nice and tacky when dry.
 
Athletic tape would probably be better than cord wrap, though the cord comes in handy once in awhile as well. I've actually worn athletic tape in the shower and still had trouble getting it off. It looks like Bill Siegle will be coming out with custom handle slabs of G10 which should be pretty good grip-wise. Click here for that thread. I'm probably going to try those out myself.

And listen to the other guys--Busse knives have their place, but there's no way that you'll get a better deal than the BK&T C/U 7. Just try out the C/U 7 and if you don't like it go out and spend the money on a Busse--if you're willing to pay the money for a Busse, then the $50 for a Becker shouldn't matter much to you anyway.

I think I'd suggest something different for rafting, though.
 
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