Preview: TOPS Shango

[FortyTwoBlades]

As a note it DOES have a gray epoxy coating on it (presumably just to make it non-glare) but it'd take no more than 5 minutes with paint thinner to take it off. I kind of like the way it contrasts with the orange paracord wrap I gave it though. I'm wearing it right now.

 

[Joezilla]

Now this changes things :thumbup:. Until now I always considered 440C to be just "cheap ss" (but better then 440A, about which I would say is "junk ss" ), so it's good to know that it can be made into a fine knife. And yes, the shiny blade is a big plus over the black stuff that seems to be the norm these days.

I was in the boat with you. I used some of Dennis Cook's 440C knives and now it is probably my favorite stainless, next to h1 It is just a friendly easy to sharpen stainless, and its rust prevention qualities are FANTASTIC! I had to eat my words about this underrated steel.

 

[Joezilla]

than a BK 11or Izula?

I'm a HUGE fan of both those knives and still use them regularly. One of the reasons is because they are such a good price for the quality. One has a bottle opener and the other has a hole big enough for the pinky, bird and trout style. Consider the Shango to be just another option in the neck knife arsenal!

 

[KEmSAT-Survival]

440c is a good steel if it's treated right. Everything comes back to heat treat. The beloved S30V or A2 would be junk if it weren't HT'd correctly. Remember, just because it says "stainless" doesn't mean it's crap.

I was thinking: "100 bucks for 440c?! You gotta be kiddin me." Then I saw 80 bucks. Was still a little "?!" about it. But if it comes with a sharpener, a mischmetal fire starter, and a whistle 80 bucks is about right.

Depending on the quality and size of the fire starter, whistle, and sharpener.

I like the design Joe. Excellent job. I bet that thing would make a groovy spear head. I'd like to see one in 440C for the corrosion resistance, but with kind of a barb that you could use for a fishing spear.

Just a thought. No reason for a barb, especially if you know how to make a fishing spear. Probably just my inner mall ninja coming out.

 

[thesupersurvivalpost]

I like the looks of the knife and the tip, it looks great for batoning for a short blade. Your friend at the post Donald S.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I've only done a little batoning with mine, but it's done nicely so far.

 

[pezferoz]

when is the shangozilla coming out Joe!

 

[tknife]

Great pics :thumbup: Especially the shot with the BK and Izula, gives a great size reference.