Mistwalker
Gold Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2007
- Messages
- 19,017
The Monarch may be a good option. A bit larger than the HB and Patch, but still smaller than the Kephart.
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Hmmmm.... I'd enjoy seeing those in person someday, just to get what they're "about," but their look just doesn't appeal to me, and would be a little much for those around me. People who have them sure do seem to love them, though!
Given my (attempted!) focus, I also don't want to duplicate patterns if possible, so, an Esquire writ larger doesn't actually appeal to me the way the Idea of an entirely different pattern does, if that makes sense?
~ P.
pertinux, I have a Surls Patch Knife on the way, should be here today. It's same-ish dimensions as the Esquire, slightly longer handle, but pretty different contours. Here's an old sales thread with a side-by-side shot, so you can see them together, as I don't own an Esquire (yet?): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...yman-Hiking-Buddy-Esquire-and-W-A-Surls-Patch
When I have the Surls in hand, I'll give you a write-up.
traumkommode said:
pertinux said:
The Monarch may be a good option. A bit larger than the HB and Patch, but still smaller than the Kephart.
I totally get that. However, I would say that, despite the fact that the Monarch is basically a large Esquire, it's definitely a different knife. while the contours are the same both the handle and the blade are higher. Also, the Monarch handle offers a full hand grip like the HB and Patch.
As far as grind and blade thickness in relation to the Handyman go, I would say it's really a matter of preference....
Hopefully that helps a little.![]()
pertinux, I have a Surls Patch Knife on the way, should be here today. It's same-ish dimensions as the Esquire, slightly longer handle, but pretty different contours. Here's an old sales thread with a side-by-side shot, so you can see them together, as I don't own an Esquire (yet?): http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...yman-Hiking-Buddy-Esquire-and-W-A-Surls-Patch
When I have the Surls in hand, I'll give you a write-up.
Here's a sheath review with a decent side by side pic with a Surls Palmer, Surls Patch, Esquire and Runt. As for a "What's next" item, I'd recommend the Big Palmer over the Palmer just because it seems to be more comfortable to more people in general.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1414395-Mini-Review-of-ESQ-1-Vertical-Belt-Carry-Sheath-for-Esquire-Palmer
Not to put too fine a point on it, but I don't like how the Monarch looks.
I still hope to see one in real life sometime, just to see for myself how it 'works' in hand.
~ P.
Speaking of Gauchos:
Mistwalker, your first picture here is already way helpful, but could you please post a picture of your Gaucho and Esquire together, or point me to where you already have? Mebbe the Hiking Buddy as well? (No hurry.)![]()
Thx!
~ P.
Speaking of Gauchos:
Mistwalker, your first picture here is already way helpful, but could you please post a picture of your Gaucho and Esquire together, or point me to where you already have? Mebbe the Hiking Buddy as well? (No hurry.)![]()
Thx!
~ P.
What size glove do you wear (if you don't mind me asking)?
Here is the Gaucho, Handyman, and Esquire.
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Perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, including the in-hand shots.
I've printed out the picture to scale, and now have a very useful visual reference:
![]()
~ P.
Perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, including the in-hand shots.
I've printed out the picture to scale, and now have a very useful visual reference:
~ P.
Perfect! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, including the in-hand shots.
I've printed out the picture to scale, and now have a very useful visual reference:
![]()
~ P.
Every time I see the photo of the osage Esquire I do a quick double take. That photo of the printed out photo with the blue Esquire just blew my mind a little. It's been a long day.![]()
...and I have to agree regarding this knife, and muse on other knives I've handled. This is very akin to the Kershaw Skyline (if'n yer into that sort of thing). Here is a shot of the angle of the blade in hand. Note that the point is over the "2" key, and my being wants it to be over the "Q" key:The Hiking Buddy's more central tip makes more sense to my eye and brain than the Patch's, even if it does not seem to affect me o'ermuch in actual use.
![]()
Every time I see the photo of the osage Esquire I do a quick double take. That photo of the printed out photo with the blue Esquire just blew my mind a little. It's been a long day.![]()
No problem, glad I could help. It's really hard to tell a lot about a particular model from just the Friday pics, so we all try to help each other sort them out.![]()
Pertinux, you write:
...and I have to agree regarding this knife, and muse on other knives I've handled. This is very akin to the Kershaw Skyline (if'n yer into that sort of thing). Here is a shot of the angle of the blade in hand. Note that the point is over the "2" key, and my being wants it to be over the "Q" key:pertinux said:The Hiking Buddy's more central tip makes more sense to my eye and brain than the Patch's, even if it does not seem to affect me o'ermuch in actual use.
![]()
And here are some comparison shots with a GEC #66 frame, for reference. Interesting to note that, when I grip the GEC, even with a slightly smaller frame, because of the lack of contours, that knife gives me a comfortable four finger grip. The patch does not.
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Blade angle comparison:
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I think that I just don't prefer any swells, width-or-height-wise. So I'm left wondering if I should take the plunge and grind (get it, plunge grind?) the handle down to a uniform thickness. Or try again...
I also think that my hand might want a Bushboot, and if that Bushboot that gets posted in today's Fiddleback Friday thread has 3/32" blade stock, I might have to jump on it, if for no other reason than to try and satisfy my blade-angle-overhand-grip persnickets and meticulets.
As a side note, I cut an apple with the patch yesterday, and I am surprised by A2's resistance to patina. I'm also revealing the fact that this is my first A2 knife. C'est la vie.
Edit - Well, now it's a Lonestar to try.
O, heavens, I would not recommend grinding down the handle.But it is your knife now. And would have to be from here on out!
... I'm very, very new to this myself, but my brief (if enthusiastic!) experience with the few I have, NBrackett's Hiking Buddy, and my other fixed blades leads me to encourage you to not write off "swells" out of hand. In hand. [Dang, I think you're contagious!] The Surls Patch knife, as designed, evidently doesn't fit your hand, but that's not to say there won't be another pattern that astonishes you with its contours. Or, maybe not! I like that you've highlighted the blade angle(s), as that can of course make a difference in a given knife's feel and presentation as well.
Also, not to quibble, but the #66 itself is a very subtle serpentine frame, with some built in 'swell' (or maybe just 'swoosh') along its length. While essentially the same size as a #68, #66's curves make a very pleasing difference to me in use, even if not on the scale (har) of the fixed blade handle with the Patch's proportions.
I entirely understand what you mean about the Surls' Patches grip in your hand, however, in a way I would not have before. My Esquire has a similar 'tweener' feel in certain grips (the 3-or-4 finger thing), although not to the degree you are encountering.
Well... it's more resistant than something like O1 or 1095 for sure...
...The blade cleaned up right well, and this knife is a User, but I ended up with more weird patina from the little exercise than I was looking to confirm.![]()
[For knife blades, I do prefer steel that takes on patina to stainless varieties.]
Paradoxically, all this punishment is encouraging more of the behavior, rather than discouraging it...
We'll see about the handle. I like the size of the knife for its intended purpose, but I've listed it to see if anyone else wants it. If not, I'll probably act against your better judgment, and see if my 1x30 can get ahandlegrip on this handle...
You're correct about the 66, and I do like swell center slip joints, but something about this is different. Maybe the topside nature of those swells, and their devoidness of thickside swells, is just... swell?
Does the Esquire feel too small? It looks like it's not trying to force nearly as much space between the index finger and the middle/ring duo in the saber grip.
Your patina looks good, btw. It complements nicely the spalting.
Perhaps you should try a fixed blade such as this, with none of those pesky handle contours to worry about...
...The more I look at this Stubby Muk and its angles in my hand, the more hopeful I am for you with your Lone Star. Here's hoping.[Hopefully, everyone has found or will find a knife that feels as comfortable in use as my Patch is, in my hands.]
~ P.
im thinking a Hiking Buddy of any sorts
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