Shadow III vs Aviator

LRJ35A · Oct 8, 2006

Anyone here handled both of these knives ?? Is there really that much differance to speak of.

I'm just starting out collecting knives and a friend said to look hard at CR's....

Regards

Forrie · Oct 8, 2006

i've only got the Aviator

it has pratical gauge saw teeth on the spine covering an length of 55mm.

thats the only differance i can see

mauiblue · Oct 8, 2006

I have the Shadow III and enjoy it very much. I didn't like the Aviator because I didn't see much use of the saw portion of the knife. I also like the spearpoint profile of the Shadow III better. Good luck and have fun with your choice.

Fooj · Oct 8, 2006

LRJ35A said:
Anyone here handled both of these knives ?? Is there really that much differance to speak of.

<stuff deleted>

I have the Aviator -- it's very nice. Lighter than I expected, and the saw works very well. Having said that, my favorite OPR blade is the spearpoint. I don't have a Shadow III, but my camp knife is a Shadow I, and I REALLY enjoy using it.

Best of luck in your purchase decisions!

GoodGuy · Oct 8, 2006

I have both. The Shadow III has proven more useful. I find that the saw teeth on the Aviator, while sometimes useful, can get hung up in the materials I cut retarding the knife's cutting action.

Raindrop · Oct 8, 2006

I own the Shadow III, and three South African Aviators. One of the Aviators was actually "issued" and then made it's way to the US. That one I have used but I tend to go with either a Shadow IV or Mk VI more often. NOT that the smaller Shadow III or Aviator wouldn't do most of the work that I have used the larger knives on, I wanted something with for just in case.

Fooj · Oct 8, 2006

Raindrop said:
I own the Shadow III, and three South African Aviators. One of the Aviators was actually "issued" and then made it's way to the US. <stuff deleted>

Way cool that you have som SA knives! They are great pieces of history!

LRJ35A · Oct 9, 2006

Thanks for all of the input..........

Uncle Timbo · Oct 9, 2006

I think, and stand to be corrected that the teeth on the Aviator is for a downed pilot to saw his way out of a plane. The "skin" on a plane is usually thin metal of some kind. Henceforth the small/tight pattern of the teeth on the Aviator.