Pacific Salt, SE or PE?

J

James Y

Joined
Feb 18, 1999
Messages
6,504
I've lately become very interested in a yellow-handled Pac Salt, and am leaning towards the PE version, but would like to know which version of this knife is more popular on here and why.

I would assume from what I read that the edge-holding on the PE H1 steel gets better and better with use/resharpenings. And that the edge-holding on the SE H1 is comparable to the SE on other steels with excellent edge-holding. I've found the latter true with my SE Tasman Salt, it cuts like crazy and is still incredibly sharp. I haven't used my PE Salt 1 enough to know either way.

I love the care-free properties of H1. I recently discovered some rust stains forming on my VG-10 Delica 4 that I carry down in my pocket like a pocket knife. Which surprised me, since I've always felt that VG-10 had excellent corrosion resistance. I suspect it had to do with a couple days of unusually warm weather and the resulting perspiration.

In fact, I'm certain I'm going PE for this one, as I also am carrying my SE Tasman.
Any comments appreciated!
Jim
 
If you are carrying it with the Tasman at the same time, I'd say go for the PE.

I have a PE Pacific Salt and a SE Tasman Salt both in yellow.

If you want to see the two together, I'll get a few pictures up-if you dont mind the low-light situation that we are in right now?
 
well I would have to lean toward the SE version. It have amazing edge retention. And in a case where I would be underwater I would def. prefer SE. I have literally went into the ocean with mine and didnt rinse it off, no rust yet. H1 is great stuff! I have a SE salt (black handle) and a SE pacific (yellow handle). Both are great. Though I'm thinking about trading my SE salt for a PE salt to see what the difference is.
 
I also have a black-handled SE version of the Pacific Salt. Both knives are great, not good, but great. The only thing is, in my opinion, I would use the bigger knife more, and the Plain Edge translates to easier sharpening.
 
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Here are some pictures as promised:

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The SE would still have the properties of the other SE blades you own. It is also a point or two higher on the hardness scale, presumably due to the extra working that grinding a SE creates. Other than that, it is the age old question of SE vs PE, and really only you can answer that. :)
 
james if your interested in wanting to see the difference, E mail me I might have an idea
 
Thanks for the replies, guys! And nice pics, getpower!

I now REALLY want a yellow PE Pacific. Although if I love it like I think I will, I'll probably eventually get a SE as well. Though I like my PE Salt 1, and like the Delica-sized blade length, I want a longer H1 blade in PE. Plus, I like the looks of the Pacific better than the Salt 1's looks.

I'm planning to see about getting one in about a month or so. Any other experiences or opinions on this great knife are all welcome!!:)

Lately I've been dreaming about a hybrid version of the G10 Endura 4, with everything the same except the blade itself is H1. So it wouldn't be a true Salt, but it will of course have the FFG and the screw-together construction, and with only the blade H1, may not raise the cost of such a version too much. Well, I don't ever see it happening, but I can dream! ;)
Jim
 
I personally absolutely despise serrations, simply because I like to keep my knives SHARP. I find I keep plain edges shaving sharp and serrated edges eventually get dull and stay that way. I dont think I even own a serrated knife anymore. but man those salt knives really do resist rust, I dive with a salt clipped to my bc as a backup and after like 30 dives its not rusting. There was a little rust spot on the etched H1, but a little WD rubbed it right off.
 
I am also a diver and keep a Pacific Salt SE in the pocket of my BC as a backup. It will not rust, except for the 1 in H1, which is caused by residue from the etching process. After the initial oxidation and clean up no further problems. I did not care for serrations until using this knife and am having to reconsider my opinions regarding serrated blades.
 
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