Opinions and Fact wanted! Green Beret or Project I

alphamaniv

alphamaniv

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Here are a few good questions for you guys.(I hope) I am considering getting a Chris Reeve Fixed blade. Either the Project I or the Green Beret knife. I know that the blade is about the same size and shape, so here are my questions:
1. Is there an advantage/disadvantage in the hollow handle? I would probably only put a fire starter in it.
2. What are the performance difference between A2 and S30V? Is it a significant difference?
3. I like the look of the Green Beret MUCH more, but it is going to be a user not a looker, but does anyone have a STRONG preference and if yes, then why?

I would prefer that only people with one or both of these knifes reply, but if you don’t have one (like me) but have heard something from a reliable source then by all means, share your info too. Thanks a bunch for the input.
 
Since the blade size and shape is not a significant differentiator, then focus upon the handle. I have the Green Beret knife and also an old Mark V of the same size blade. There is no comparison in my view in the functional superiority of the Green Beret's handle. It is all about indexing, retention, and control. In all of these respects, the handle of the Green Beret knife is ergonomically superior to the round handle. I believe that the ergonomics are especially important in a blade the size of these knives, and are not as important in the smaller blades. My Shadow IV is just fine, thank you, with its round handle. Trade these advantages off with the utility of a small storage space and I will take the ergonomics every time.
 
I have both knives and I agree with jki, the GB knife is much nicer in the hand , it's ergonomic's are superb and photo's do not show how good the handle design is , hard to explain , it just feel's so right.
As for storage space ,the GB sheath has a pouch on the front for a fire starter kit or a leatherman.
Having said this , the Project 1 is also a great tool.
CRK were involved in the development of S30V with the steel maker, it is also being used for Sebenza blades now .
 
It probably does boil down to the handle because the GB sheath looks like it can accomodate items you would likely carry.

I am considering the GB because I had a chance to handle all of the one piece line at the CRK shop. The texture of the round handles is a bit too abrasive and non-ergonomic for my taste. The bare metal also transmits cold a bit much for my taste.

Others have mentioned putting a piece of inner tube on the handle for user-friendliness (a good idea). Either knife is awsome.
 
With regards to the steels, A2 steel highly regarded for general ability in a larger blade. S30V is a very very new steel and possible issues of edge fracture do concern me slightly. Well to be honest quite a lot. Its not that I don't think S30V will not be a great steel, on paper it certainly seems so. I just think perhaps until its properties have been further tested in the field I will hold back and let others take the risks.

Other companies had suposidly tested other 'super steels' and yet production models proved disapointing (CPM 440V as a prime example needed to be tempered to Rc 57 to work properly)later batches proved to have great edge holding but still quite lowish toughness.

I rely upon my knives for box opening mostly, but with the larger blades like the knives mentioned here, I would be concerned about using such a new steel myself as I would not want to have a knife that may not perform as expected. Hey, thats just me though.

One test that any fixed blade I own MUST be able to do and not suffer significant damage is opening a tin can. Yes I carry a Swiss Army knife and a Leatherman Super Tool, BUT to me a larger blade must be able to perform at least as well as the classic Ka Bar in 1095 steel. A knife that certainly can and has performed this task through the decades. A knife is a cutting tool first, but I always want this 'fall back' strength in my fixed blades. You never know when you may hit a nail in a log/branch or when you don't have the luxury of more than one knife. I know an A2 Project 1 would take this test, I was lucky to use one for a few hours (wish I had the chance for a lot more time to work with one!:p ) S30V? I wish someone here would get out a tin of hot dogs and open her up with the Green B knife!

Anyone handy with a camera, hot dogs and GB knife?:D

There's a Bud in it for the first to post pictures!:)
 
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