Other brand comparisons.....

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ONE HARD PLAYER

Joined
Jan 12, 2001
Messages
3
I am thinking of purchasing a new knife and I know several people with Spyderco knives. I was just curious on your thoughts of the Kershaw 1510 Random Task knife (combination edge). I was also considering the Spyderco Police model or maybe the military model, but I liked the combo edge on the kershaw. Do any of you own the Random Task and what do you think about these knives. I do realize that these knives are somewhat different as far as there uses are concerned. I will be using this knife as an every day, all purpose knife.

Thanks
 
For an every day knife I would prefer the Military. I had a Random Task a while back, they are pretty nice, 440V and the works, but I'm not fond of the whole spring thing. I think it's just one more thing to break and can possibly get you in deep **** with the authorities if they want to press the issue. I carry a Military most of the time when I am not at school, and the plain edge usually can handle anything I want it to, for the times it can't I usually have a harpy clipped somewhere.
 
I'm not big on combo edges, in fact I hate 'em, but I would rate the Military over the Random Task easily, and I would rate the StarMate over the Military. I *love* my StarMate, indeed, I think that it is as close to perfection in a folder of that size as you can get. It has the same length blade as the Military, but a shorter overall size due to its lack of a large choil and it is not so wide as the Military. It has a hollow gring, which bothers some, but I like it. I tend to carry my StarMate whenever I am in a locale that permits blades in excess of 3", and I have never felt at a loss with it.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
Most of the "Task" series use 440V steel which is a plus if you are in need of an excellent edge holding folder. Their handle shapes are nicely rounded and fills the hand quite comfortably. I do not prefer the "spring" action myself as it is a bit trick to operate. But I suppose enough practice will alleviate that situation.

The Military has quite a versatile blade shape and can be had in 440V as well. It is a larger folder overall but is flatter and just as light in weight if that is a factor. The opening thumb hole is essentially ambidextrous- no studs to catch clothing or even slight possibility of loosening up and losing. In a pinch, the Military can be "hole dropped" or wrist flicked open in a pinch. Not so for the Task series. But again, these are specifics for individual needs. And lastly, the textured finish on the Militaries are TENFOLD more useful than the Tasks series smooth/ polished finish. The exception being the current Avalanche models. I' ve stated this many times before but IME and as far as I am concerned, smooth/polished finishes on blade handles advertised or marketed as "tacticals" or hard use knives are quite useless! Drives me nuts! Good luck on your selection.

L8r,
Nakano

[This message has been edited by Nakano 2 (edited 01-12-2001).]
 
Hi One hard player. Welcome to the Spyderco forums.

Ken Onion is in excellent designer and Kershaw has been making good knives for decades. I don't think that you could go wrong with either company.

I think the differences will be on your personal preferences and details covered by each company. I think that you should get one of each into your cutting hand for a short while. Then select.

sal
 
Sal, that's lovely advice and what I would expect from a class guy like you, but it would be quite expensive. I know that I could not afford to do such a comparison unless I had a fairy godmother who would take back the knife that I chose not to keep.

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Walk in the Light,
Hugh Fuller
 
I think Sal meant to go to a knife shop and handle each. Like I always say, "Lookin's free!"
 
Thank you to everyone who replied to my question. I have tried to locate a Spyderco Military Model knife here in Indianapolis just so I can get first hand look at the knife before I buy it. However, I am having difficulty tracking down this particular model. I have tried Galyans and pretty much all of the Army Surplus Stores. All of the people said that they could order it for me and it would take up to 6 weeks but they don't carry that model. Over the internet is quicker, but I wouldn't be able to look at the knife before I purchased it. I have, ofcourse, looked at many knives including Spyderco models. I just feel as if I need to see the actual knife that I am buying before I buy it. I have got a chance to get my hands on a Kershaw Richochet (almost exactly like the Random Task)and I do like it but I have heard so many good things about the Military model I wouldn't be supprised if I liked it better. I have heard so many good things about the CPM 440V steel used for the blades of both of these knives so I think I definetly want to go with that. What are your suggestions as to what I should do about getting my hands on the Spyderco Military Model to see how much I like it in person?
 
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