-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Plain edge Merlin
- Thread starter Dirk
- Start date
Sal Glesser
Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 27, 1998
- Messages
- 11,671
Dirk - Actually, we are thinking about it. I discussed it with Michelle and now we're doing some research on it.
sal
sal
Mike Sastre
Custom Crafted Concealex Sheaths
- Joined
- Mar 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,919
Put me down for 3 or 4.
Mike
Mike
- Joined
- Mar 3, 1999
- Messages
- 232
Dirk,
WRONG!!!
We're at 18! I did a quick survey under my colleagues (only on the same floor), and got a few takers...
Shouldn't be hard to sell a COUPLE of these, Sal!
We're at 18! I did a quick survey under my colleagues (only on the same floor), and got a few takers...
Shouldn't be hard to sell a COUPLE of these, Sal!
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 648
The Merlin is the next knife on my list and was going to be my first and probably only fully serrated knife. I had thought that the tasks for which the hawksbill blade was most suited also favoured the use of serrations. I was therefore rather surprised to see the interest in a plain blade version. I would like to hear why people want a plain blade and what they are likely to use it for. Basically I don't like serrations and won't need much convincing to wait for a plain blade
.
TIA
------------------
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
TIA
------------------
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
- Joined
- Mar 3, 1999
- Messages
- 232
Clay,
not wanting to go into the whole SERRATED-VS-PLAIN
thing again, here's why I choose to have a plain edged knife as well:
1. One of the most PROMINENT features of a Spydie may very well be the serrations (and BOY, do they perform well!!
), but for certain tasks a plain edge is simply better (see the threads for details)
2. A plain edge is (arguably, but not much
) easier to sharpen, or at least takes less time and attention during the actual sharpening process
3. For jobs where the 'hacking' and 'tearing' characteristics of serrated blades are not needed (or wanted), like smooth cuts in raw meat, smooth cuts in material, etc., I prefer to use a plain-edged Spydie
4. I LOVE serrated Spydies! Plain edges in the product line give me the excuse to buy BOTH the serrated AND the plain-edged models of the same knife!!
So, why the Merlin in a plain edge? Simple: it is a relatively low-cost Spydie, with all the Spyderco 'cutting technology' that we have come to expect and love built-in. Do yourself a favour: handle (AND USE!) a serrated Merlin or Harpy (warning: that'll most probably lead to ANOTHER knife acquisition!!) and imagine what a plain-edged version of either will perform like...
not wanting to go into the whole SERRATED-VS-PLAIN
1. One of the most PROMINENT features of a Spydie may very well be the serrations (and BOY, do they perform well!!
2. A plain edge is (arguably, but not much
3. For jobs where the 'hacking' and 'tearing' characteristics of serrated blades are not needed (or wanted), like smooth cuts in raw meat, smooth cuts in material, etc., I prefer to use a plain-edged Spydie
4. I LOVE serrated Spydies! Plain edges in the product line give me the excuse to buy BOTH the serrated AND the plain-edged models of the same knife!!
So, why the Merlin in a plain edge? Simple: it is a relatively low-cost Spydie, with all the Spyderco 'cutting technology' that we have come to expect and love built-in. Do yourself a favour: handle (AND USE!) a serrated Merlin or Harpy (warning: that'll most probably lead to ANOTHER knife acquisition!!) and imagine what a plain-edged version of either will perform like...
- Joined
- May 25, 1999
- Messages
- 973
Sal,
Make the Merlin with an ambidexterous clip like on the Delica 98 - with a PLAIN blade: that would be WAY COOL to both righties AND lefties!! I would try a couple out
.
Mike Sastre - of course you would have to make some way CHIC, concealex sheaths for these babies, RIGHT
- how about a special BF rate.....LOL. You are a bad hookbill influence: trying to push the ol' Rescue off the top for white water use
.......LOL
.
Ray 'md2020'
Make the Merlin with an ambidexterous clip like on the Delica 98 - with a PLAIN blade: that would be WAY COOL to both righties AND lefties!! I would try a couple out
Mike Sastre - of course you would have to make some way CHIC, concealex sheaths for these babies, RIGHT
Ray 'md2020'
- Joined
- Mar 19, 1999
- Messages
- 2,277
Sounds like w're at about 22 so far. Not bad for one nights work!
Clay, Heyns has covered it pretty well. I couldn't really add to much to it, except for one thing. Although it is not hyped as a means of self defense, the Merlin/Harpy have the same advantages as a Civilian, only in a smaller package. Through my own experiments I have found that a Plain Edge, kept very sharp, goes through various clothing material easier than a serrated. I have also found that I get a rather nasty torquing of the knife when making a slash with a serrated blade. This torquing isn't as pronounced with a Plain Edge. It is entirely possible it is in my technique. To me, add up all of the utility applications stated by Heyns and include the self defense aspect, I would prefer a Plain Edge Merlin. Plus, it gives me another knife that I absolutely must buy.
I just noticed, this my 300th post! I didn't think I had that much to say.
[This message has been edited by Dirk (edited 19 August 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Dirk (edited 19 August 1999).]
Clay, Heyns has covered it pretty well. I couldn't really add to much to it, except for one thing. Although it is not hyped as a means of self defense, the Merlin/Harpy have the same advantages as a Civilian, only in a smaller package. Through my own experiments I have found that a Plain Edge, kept very sharp, goes through various clothing material easier than a serrated. I have also found that I get a rather nasty torquing of the knife when making a slash with a serrated blade. This torquing isn't as pronounced with a Plain Edge. It is entirely possible it is in my technique. To me, add up all of the utility applications stated by Heyns and include the self defense aspect, I would prefer a Plain Edge Merlin. Plus, it gives me another knife that I absolutely must buy.
I just noticed, this my 300th post! I didn't think I had that much to say.
[This message has been edited by Dirk (edited 19 August 1999).]
[This message has been edited by Dirk (edited 19 August 1999).]
- Joined
- Mar 3, 1999
- Messages
- 232
Dirk,
absolutely!
I've INTENTIONALLY refrained from mentioning the angle of self-defense, because one can use a needle for that purpose as well!
Seriously though, in today's "politically correct" (spit... blegh!!) world, one need to have as many ALTERNATIVE reasons for carrying/owning a specific knife as possible... IMHO, the Merlin/Harpy might sometimes be better options than the Civilian (sorry Sal!
) for these specialised applications...
For instance, it is WAY OUT for me to tell you that I carry the G10 serrated Harpy (slightly modified) as a concealed piece for self-defense...
MAIL me for more detailed discussions, where we won't tread on too many toes in public...
[This message has been edited by Heyns van der Merwe (edited 19 August 1999).]
absolutely!
I've INTENTIONALLY refrained from mentioning the angle of self-defense, because one can use a needle for that purpose as well!
Seriously though, in today's "politically correct" (spit... blegh!!) world, one need to have as many ALTERNATIVE reasons for carrying/owning a specific knife as possible... IMHO, the Merlin/Harpy might sometimes be better options than the Civilian (sorry Sal!
For instance, it is WAY OUT for me to tell you that I carry the G10 serrated Harpy (slightly modified) as a concealed piece for self-defense...
MAIL me for more detailed discussions, where we won't tread on too many toes in public...
[This message has been edited by Heyns van der Merwe (edited 19 August 1999).]
Mike Sastre
Custom Crafted Concealex Sheaths
- Joined
- Mar 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,919
Heyns and Dirk covered the reasons for a plain edge Merlin very well. Heartily agree on all counts with them.
Ray - Merlin already has reversible clip for you lefties and I've been doing sheaths for the Merlin as a whitewater rescue knife for about six years (see Aug/Sept issue 'River' magazine)
Clay - If I remember correctly, you wanted to use the Merlin in boating situations, therfore I'd recommend the serrated blade. You will most likely be cutting line or webbing and this is exactly what the Merlin/Harpy was designed to do. It's the best I've found in a convenient enough size to ensure that you'll always have one with you. I carry a Merlin on my PFD and either a Merlin or G-10 Harpy in a neck sheath under my splash jacket. Never leave home without one.
Mike
Ray - Merlin already has reversible clip for you lefties and I've been doing sheaths for the Merlin as a whitewater rescue knife for about six years (see Aug/Sept issue 'River' magazine)
Clay - If I remember correctly, you wanted to use the Merlin in boating situations, therfore I'd recommend the serrated blade. You will most likely be cutting line or webbing and this is exactly what the Merlin/Harpy was designed to do. It's the best I've found in a convenient enough size to ensure that you'll always have one with you. I carry a Merlin on my PFD and either a Merlin or G-10 Harpy in a neck sheath under my splash jacket. Never leave home without one.
Mike
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 648
Heyns, Dirk, Mike, thanks for the replies fellas. As Mike said, the Merlin is going to be my boating knife so the serrated edge does make more sense. However I do also have some "social" situations in mind i.e. in a neck sheath when jogging. Guess I'll just have to find another excuse to buy the plain blade
.
Mike, is there a picture of your PFD sheath anywhere. I may as well order one at the same time as the neck sheath and save on the shipping
.
------------------
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Mike, is there a picture of your PFD sheath anywhere. I may as well order one at the same time as the neck sheath and save on the shipping
------------------
Take care,
Clay
Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow....in Australia it's tomorrow already.
Mike Sastre
Custom Crafted Concealex Sheaths
- Joined
- Mar 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,919
Clay,
PFD sheath looks the same as neck sheath - the difference is PFD sheath has a little more tension holding knife and comes with para cord instead of stainless steel ball chain. Marginally cheaper 'cause of chain.
Mike
PFD sheath looks the same as neck sheath - the difference is PFD sheath has a little more tension holding knife and comes with para cord instead of stainless steel ball chain. Marginally cheaper 'cause of chain.
Mike
- Joined
- Oct 10, 1998
- Messages
- 648
Mike,
Does the PFD sheath have extra slots or eyelets for attachment to the vest, or use the same ones as the neck sheath? Sounds as though the neck sheath might do double duty in a pinch.
Thanks for your help.
Clay
[This message has been edited by Clay Kesting (edited 21 August 1999).]
Does the PFD sheath have extra slots or eyelets for attachment to the vest, or use the same ones as the neck sheath? Sounds as though the neck sheath might do double duty in a pinch.
Thanks for your help.
Clay
[This message has been edited by Clay Kesting (edited 21 August 1999).]
- Joined
- Mar 19, 1999
- Messages
- 2,277
Very important to keep this topic alive. People don't relize the the turn of the Millenium is in a little more than 16 months. What does that have to do with a Plain Edge Merlin, obviously, I don't need to tell you.
------------------
No sprinkles! For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you!
------------------
No sprinkles! For every sprinkle I find, I shall kill you!
Mike Sastre
Custom Crafted Concealex Sheaths
- Joined
- Mar 23, 1999
- Messages
- 1,919
Clay,
Neck sheath could do double duty in a pinch, but generally has a little less tension than PFD sheath. PFD sheath uses the same eyelets for attachment. Use para cord or plastic cable ties threaded through the eyelets to attach in whatever position works for you. PFD sheath has more tension to ensure the knife will be there under all circumstances. Neck sheath has less to be user friendly to vertabrae.
Plain edge Merlin would slice/slash better, a sharp serrated Merlin and a strong grip can remove chunks.
Mike
Neck sheath could do double duty in a pinch, but generally has a little less tension than PFD sheath. PFD sheath uses the same eyelets for attachment. Use para cord or plastic cable ties threaded through the eyelets to attach in whatever position works for you. PFD sheath has more tension to ensure the knife will be there under all circumstances. Neck sheath has less to be user friendly to vertabrae.
Plain edge Merlin would slice/slash better, a sharp serrated Merlin and a strong grip can remove chunks.
Mike