- Joined
- Mar 7, 2000
- Messages
- 458
The Saga : Some background...I accumulate knives, not really collect them. For my taste and uses I have a nice assortment of solid factory knives in mid and high price ranges (Military, Starmate, BM720,710, MT Soccom, MOD CQD) along w/some Sebenzas and "fine gents" knives. Although other knives come and go, these constitute the main stable. Recently, I have been looking for something new, functional, well built from great materials and breathtaking...something to cherish while in use and while not in use...something I can give to my young son when he is old enough. While on this quest, I happened upon a CRKT Point Guard in a local mall, I then studied the print ads, looked at the websites, and thought to myself, that looks like a thoughtfully designed, well constructed piece. I decided to go directly to Mr. Crawford.
One week after a pleasant conversation with Pat, the full-sized PG arrived.
The Review:
Generally: the size is perfect for all-the-time carry. Not too big, not too small. That is saying a lot. It is hand filling enough to be easily retained and maneuvered, small enough to carry comfortably and use in "public" and not be hauled away. These features almost ensure that this will be the one "I have with me".
The Blade: 3.5" satin ATS-34 ( hey, don't knock this steel too hard, you probably used to love it and it does the job... yes there are some super steels out there, but ya know what, I can live without them on this knife). You have seen the shape and grind on the CRKT version. To my eye the shape/grind combo are a very fine for utility chores, camping, hiking, boating, without shouting "this blade is for human flesh". In fact the blade shape was one of my main reasons for the purchase. I noticed a tapered channel cut out near the detent ball. Upon questioning, Pat told me this is to prevent premature wear of the ball and blade, as the ball rides through the channel upon closing. Also, there is no "bump" when closing the blade as the ball doesn't bump into it. Large Phosphor bronze washers complete the mechanism.
The handle: drilled and slotted titanium, with a fully hardened, beefy, 440-C spacer that runs about 60% the length of the handle(hoo-ray) and a huge (approx 1/4" diameter) fully hardened 440-C stop pin. If you are lucky, some knives have either a robust stop pin or a long spacer, this one has both, (in hardened steel). The handle has thumb and index finger grooves along with grooves at the rear of the handle. This has got to be one of, if not the most comfortable handle configurations I have ever experienced on any knife. Hammer, ice-pick, reverse, thumb or index finger on the spine for control, or cradling the knife w/ edge toward you for small fine cutting...all totally comfy, secure, predictible and quick. I nearly freaked. When you white knuckle grip the handle, the meat of your fingers sinks into the cut-outs for a more secure grip, but your fingers are kept away from the lock. With the cutting I have done so far, the handle has been "invisible"...it is just right for a knife this size. It is totally rigid. The Ti is not cut out at the lock for two reasons, strength and to protect the lock from your fingers.
The lock: Ti liner lock with a carbide bead welded to the business end of the lock for durability and gall factor. The lock is also grooved to match the index finger grooves but is slightly recessed so as not to be inadvertantly deployed during hard cutting. The lock up is beyond peer as far as rigidity and wobble are concerned. No, I have not whacked it against a table, but I did, both slowly and rapidly apply (subjectively) a lot of pressure at the tip. No problem, far less movement/ deflection than the 3 Sebenzas I have owned and still love.
Cutting: whittling wood is a delight, nice hunks of wood or ribbons are produced at your choice, great control. Leather, paper, string melt away. I can't wait to get this into full camp-chore mode.
I pull this knife out and think HOT DAMN. Overall, it has a combo of features that make it a winner, for me. For now, I have satisfied my quest.
[This message has been edited by Geoff in Philly (edited 08-07-2000).]
One week after a pleasant conversation with Pat, the full-sized PG arrived.
The Review:
Generally: the size is perfect for all-the-time carry. Not too big, not too small. That is saying a lot. It is hand filling enough to be easily retained and maneuvered, small enough to carry comfortably and use in "public" and not be hauled away. These features almost ensure that this will be the one "I have with me".
The Blade: 3.5" satin ATS-34 ( hey, don't knock this steel too hard, you probably used to love it and it does the job... yes there are some super steels out there, but ya know what, I can live without them on this knife). You have seen the shape and grind on the CRKT version. To my eye the shape/grind combo are a very fine for utility chores, camping, hiking, boating, without shouting "this blade is for human flesh". In fact the blade shape was one of my main reasons for the purchase. I noticed a tapered channel cut out near the detent ball. Upon questioning, Pat told me this is to prevent premature wear of the ball and blade, as the ball rides through the channel upon closing. Also, there is no "bump" when closing the blade as the ball doesn't bump into it. Large Phosphor bronze washers complete the mechanism.
The handle: drilled and slotted titanium, with a fully hardened, beefy, 440-C spacer that runs about 60% the length of the handle(hoo-ray) and a huge (approx 1/4" diameter) fully hardened 440-C stop pin. If you are lucky, some knives have either a robust stop pin or a long spacer, this one has both, (in hardened steel). The handle has thumb and index finger grooves along with grooves at the rear of the handle. This has got to be one of, if not the most comfortable handle configurations I have ever experienced on any knife. Hammer, ice-pick, reverse, thumb or index finger on the spine for control, or cradling the knife w/ edge toward you for small fine cutting...all totally comfy, secure, predictible and quick. I nearly freaked. When you white knuckle grip the handle, the meat of your fingers sinks into the cut-outs for a more secure grip, but your fingers are kept away from the lock. With the cutting I have done so far, the handle has been "invisible"...it is just right for a knife this size. It is totally rigid. The Ti is not cut out at the lock for two reasons, strength and to protect the lock from your fingers.
The lock: Ti liner lock with a carbide bead welded to the business end of the lock for durability and gall factor. The lock is also grooved to match the index finger grooves but is slightly recessed so as not to be inadvertantly deployed during hard cutting. The lock up is beyond peer as far as rigidity and wobble are concerned. No, I have not whacked it against a table, but I did, both slowly and rapidly apply (subjectively) a lot of pressure at the tip. No problem, far less movement/ deflection than the 3 Sebenzas I have owned and still love.
Cutting: whittling wood is a delight, nice hunks of wood or ribbons are produced at your choice, great control. Leather, paper, string melt away. I can't wait to get this into full camp-chore mode.
I pull this knife out and think HOT DAMN. Overall, it has a combo of features that make it a winner, for me. For now, I have satisfied my quest.
[This message has been edited by Geoff in Philly (edited 08-07-2000).]
