Review request for teeny fixed blades...

T

thombrogan

Joined
Nov 16, 2002
Messages
9,948
Hi, I'm looking for info from anyone who has used any of the following blades:

Simonich Bitterroot

Trace Rinaldi/Shivworks Loco

Fred Perrin/Emerson LaGriffe

What did you like? Was there anything you didn't like?

Thanks in advance!
 
Just got a Bitterroot and 'LilLoco.

Please know that I'm a newbie to the community...although I've lurked for about two years, it was not until recently that I registered and began posting. My knowledge-base is quite incomplete, and I'm learning as I go. To top this off, I've only recently become interested in the genre of the "little" self-defense blades.

:)

So, you've been warned!

:)

The production 'LilLoco's are S30V, not Talonite -- you can see the production version on MD Tactical's website.

I'd expect that unless you live/work/carry in a high-humidity or other highly corrosive environment, this won't really matter all that much. However, it's still something to keep in mind.

To me, in terms of usage, this blade is a puropse-driven last-ditch self-defense tool only. Although sized handily, it's perfectly razor-straight blade profile combined with that wicked point makes it impractical for most "everyday" uses unless your job entails opening millions of envelopes by hand! or, alternatively, punching holes in _________ (fill in the blank). Also, despite its diminutive size, these same physical attributes will definitely raise the eyebrows of "sheeple."

The Bitterroot I have is Talonite (a BladeArt exclusive, I believe). S30V in satin or DLC "black" are available on a more "mass" basis, at nearly 1/2 the cost of the Talonite version.

Overall, the major difference and advantage that I give to the Bitterroot is its mor concentional shape -- both the handle and the blade profile. These two combined makes it a "daily use" compatible piece (slicing open boxes, etc.) in addition to a hidden last-ditch backup.

Hope this helps!

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
NP. Glad to be of service.

:)

Oh, BTW, even though the S30V Bitterroots are "cheaper" than their Talonite counterparts, they're no slouch -- Bos heat-treat.

Although I own the Talonite Vitterroot, I'm probably going to go for a DLC S30V to carry in my Snoody Bitterroot sheath belt.

:)

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
To understand the Lil Loco I would suggest you read this http://www.shivworks.com/loco.asp
When you talk about ULTRA small knives you must consider what they are intended to do..
The Loco, Bitteroot, and Perrin are all VERY different blades, with very different applications.. Hope this helps you...
 
I also have a midtech Lil' Loco. It is an awesome little knife, but as Trace said, it has a very specialized use. Read the ShivWorks site and you'll see what I mean.
 
Originally posted by Trace Rinaldi
To understand the Lil Loco I would suggest you read this http://www.shivworks.com/loco.asp
When you talk about ULTRA small knives you must consider what they are intended to do..
The Loco, Bitteroot, and Perrin are all VERY different blades, with very different applications..
Click to expand...

- Emphasis added.

Yep, I agree 100%.

After stabbing my figers a few times the first day I got it, I'm now handling the 'LilLoco with ease, and it has worked its way into my EDC as a "last-ditch."

Very purpose-driven.

Allen
aka DumboRAT

PS - Trace, awesome little piece. Are the Talonite ones going to be a marketed piece eventually?
 
Originally posted by DumboRAT
PS - Trace, awesome little piece. Are the Talonite ones going to be a marketed piece eventually?
Click to expand...

I'm sure it is a custom piece just like any other of his works, but he's not taking orders right now...
 
I have a Simonich Mid-Tech Bitteroot in Talonite and an Emerson La Griffe.

The La Griffe is an excellent defensive tool. The finger-hole permits the use of full strength without any fear of slipping or shifting on the grip. This knife becomes a part of the hand. It also allows the user to grasp or grapple without dropping the knife. The hawkbill blade is a vicious slasher. It is not good for thrusting, but no blade this short really is.

For utility the La Griffe has a lot of drawbacks. The chisel grind makes fine control difficult. The hawkbill shape has no belly, making push-cuts nearly impossible and even pull-cuts awkward. This blade is designed to rip and tear, not to make neat precise cuts. The grip, while very secure, does not allow much variation in hand positions.

The Bitteroot is a fairly conventional design that has been ingeniously tweaked to be effective despite its tiny size. The blade shape has ample belly and a fine point. The grip is only enough for two-fingers, but it is surprisingly comfortable and allows for different hand positions. It is not as secure as a three- or four-finger grip and is nowhere near as secure as the La Griffe.

While the Bitteroot would make an effective last-ditch backup for defense the grip is not secure enough for really strong slashing. And it would not be safe for thrusting, even if the blade were long enough.

Overall the La Griffe is excellent for defense and poor for utility. The Bitteroot is very good for utility and only adequate for defense. The Bitteroot is also much smaller and lighter than the La Griffe, although the La Griffe is rather small and light to start with.

For what it's worth, I carry the Bitteroot almost all the tall and rarely carry the La Griffe. I'd rather have a blade I can use for daily tasks than a specialized defensive knife. Pick the one that fits your priorities the best.

--Bob Q
 
To the original poster: Don't forget FrontSight's HideAway knife. I'll be sure to post my review when I get mine soon! :D
 
I just went through the same exercise and ended up picking up a Hideaway. Mine is a few weeks away.

As always, this came down to what I wanted to use it for. I wasn't looking for just a defensive knife, or even primarily a defensive knife -- hell, if I have to pull one of these tiny little things for self-defense, something really went wrong! So I was looking primarily for utility use. I wanted something that was small, would cut well, and that would be very controllable and secure despite the small size, and is very easy and quick to pick up and put away.

The last point turned out to be the key point. I've found I often get into this pattern where I use the knife for a bit, then put it down for a few seconds, then pick it up again, etc. With the Hideaway, I don't have to sheath and unsheath each time -- instead, I just let go of the knife and it stays on my fingers, but still allows me to work with my hands. That's even better than a convenient sheathing system (which the Hideaway also has).

I think FrontSight is selling the Hideaway primarily as a defensive piece, but I think it will work out great as a small utility fixed blade.

Joe
 
Originally posted by Joe Talmadge
hell, if I have to pull one of these tiny little things for self-defense, something really went wrong!
Click to expand...

:)

Exactly. Hope it *_never_* comes to that, but it's good to know you have a friend there "just in case."

:)

I also have a Hideaway on-order (along with trainer, trainer sheath, and SouthNarc's DVD). A Strider titanium hybrid. I'm wondering about the exact "utility" value of this blade, though (anyone more experienced want to help me out here?).....and will more than likely, if satisfied with the defensive value of this piece (which, if FrontSight's devotion to her project is any indication of its potential, I foresee no trouble in this respect), get a more utilitarian blade design and use that as a true EDC last-ditch and overall utility blade.

Allen
aka DumboRAT
 
I've got a Yurco straight coming my way.

I figure the Straight model will be the most utilitarian, but could be useful for defense if the situation ever required it. Plus, the Straight will be the easiest to sharpen.
 
Originally posted by Steven Roos
I've got a Yurco straight coming my way.

I figure the Straight model will be the most utilitarian, but could be useful for defense if the situation ever required it. Plus, the Straight will be the easiest to sharpen.
Click to expand...

I ordered the same knife, from the same maker, for the same reasons :)
 
Looking forward to seeing you guys post reviews of your Hideaways being used for utility purposes. It's a very interesting design.

Paul
 
Allen we may do a small run of Talonite Loco's, maybe some Ti. ones also.. Keep checking the Shivworks site for updates, we are working on Disciples, and Clinch Picks right now..
Thanks and glad you like your loco..
www.shivworks.com
 
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