Presidio 520 Vs Presidio Ultra 522

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Squashfan

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Jun 6, 2012
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Would like some opinions on these two folders. I like the design but am scared that the 522s handles will be uncomfortable like my Griptilian. Does the 522 have full liners? Do they eat pockets? Any opinions will be appreciated.
 
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In my experience, the 520 Presidio is notorious for eating pockets with its aluminum handle. That being said, I wouldn't purchase the presidio ultra due to the blade being 440c. I think there are better options steel-wise.
 
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522 has full liners, it is essentially the 520 handle w/ diff scales and blade. You get what you pay for-- 522 cheaper in part cuz of 440C yes, but 440C certainly quite usable. Also cheaper cuz 522 scales are molded Noryl rather than milled aluminum.

I like the 522 scales cuz they're much lighter than aluminum scales, DON'T chew up pockets as aggressively, are virtually indestructible and offer nearly as secure of a grip (520 superb there). I scaled a 520 w/ 522 scales, and carry it as my main work knife:

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Doesn't look so pretty now-- gets dropped, muddy, sap covered, cuts wire and aluminum. I could reblade it w/ M4 but I like having a knife I don't have to think about....
 
Agreed...and that's a good upgrade R., the scales from the 522/527 are much easier on pockets.
 
You guys should have told me the title said "Presisio" but that is fixed.

Anyway, I think ryxlyx has the best version. But I would get the Ultra.
 
Yes. Presidio. Here's another variation, since the frame with full liners is so easy to upgrade with different scales. The large and small Bone Collector scales make for another great combination and I prefer G-10 over Valox for the extra weight and feel.

Here's a pic of mine:

 
The 520 scales are literally cheese graters, except they've been designed to cut in both directions.
 
Random Dan said:
The 520 scales are literally cheese graters, except they've been designed to cut in both directions.
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A pity, as I really like the blade on the 520. I wonder if I could tape the handle under the clip?

Edit to add: Does the hollow grind on the 522 affect cutting and slicing in any way?
 
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I've seen 520's wrapped with tape. With the edges rounded and anodization gone (looks great in matt silver). Also have seen the direct under the clip part Dremeled to a flat finish. There are a lot of home jobbed tricks, all fair game. As for the 522, the thin hollow-ground 440C blade is an amazing slicer as you would think it should be, but due to the thinness is not made for prying, (Please...).
 
jkarp_53 said:
I've seen 520's wrapped with tape. With the edges rounded and anodization gone (looks great in matt silver). Also have seen the direct under the clip part Dremeled to a flat finish. There are a lot of home jobbed tricks, all fair game. As for the 522, the thin hollow-ground 440C blade is an amazing slicer as you would think it should be, but due to the thinness is not made for prying, (Please...).
Click to expand...

I don't usually find myself needing to pry and I try to carry a SAK with a screwdriver for that. I am really thinking hard about the 522. Nothing against the 520 but I don't need that tough of a knife.
 
I think you'll be quite happy w/ the 522. Sharp 440C cuts as well as sharp anything else, and as Joe said HG blades are great for slicing. 522, for the $$, a great knife IMO.
 
hello squashfan,
you can't go wrong with either. have both in different flavors and not a bad one in the bunch. will say the 520 is a lot more pocket-aggressive. a tad heavier also. the 440c has never let me down as edge retention. a little thinner grind on the 522 so watch for chipping. sounds like the 522 is your answer. good luck.
mike
 
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