Shadow IV or Green Beret 5.5"?

H

harrydog

Joined
Feb 29, 2000
Messages
332
I'm looking for opinions, or better yet, first-hand experience on these two knives.
I can't decide which one to get for a general use, camp/backpacking/utility/survival type knife. Both knives are about the size I'm looking for.
The additional stainless properties of the S30V over the A2 doesn't matter to me at all. I think A2 is a bit tougher than the S30V but the Green Beret blade is thicker, so breakage is not likely for either knife. Has anyone broken one of Reeve's A2 blades?
Ergonomically, the Green Beret handle is the clear winner, but there is also something I like about the hollow handle on the A2 knives. The storage aspect could be handy.
 
I'd go with the hollow handle, but that's just me. I have a growing collection of hollow handled knives. I'd rather have the option to carry something there than nothing at all. Puts my mind at ease knowing that if all I had was my knife, there would at least be firestarting supplies with me.

I don't think anyone's broken a CRK one piece, they're pretty tough knives.

The handle on the Green Beret may fit your hand better, see if you can get your hands on both to get a feel for them.
 
The A2 blade of the hollow handled knife will be easier to sharpen, that's for sure. I like both, and would have a hard time finalizing such a decision.
 
I think that I would lean towards the GB. Ergonomics and the S30V blade make it state of the art. I don't have either of the two because I'm just not a fixed blade type of guy. The round handle of the one piece line just doesn't do a whole lot for me.
 
I have a 5.5" GB and a 5.5" Aviator which is rather similar to the Shadow IV. (And, I'm still trying to get my hands on a Shadow IV...)

My preference?
The Shadow IV. While the 5.5" GB does look 'tactical' and the handle is a bit more comfortable than the 'metal tube' handle of the Shadow IV, the Shadow IV still seems more practical (hollow handle) and just feels like a more 'outdoorsy' type knife.
I've also had good experience with A2 steel and find it to be a great steel that will take and hold an edge.

IMHO, a 5"-6" length blade is about perfect for an 'all around usage' camp knife, so both fit the bill. However, I would still prefer the Shadow IV for camp and outdoor use.
(Or a Mark VI, or a even a Mountaineer II if you don't need a top hilt/guard.)

Cheers,
Mike
 
Hi:

Just do what I did and get both knives.

I have the full size GB and the Shadow 4. Overall, I prefer the 4 because it is one piece of steel.

Mike in Seattle
 
Just my .02 - I own and have used the Shadow 4 but I dont own a GB yet. The S4 is a great knife and I'm a fan of the hollow handle (numerous comfortable grip positions). It's great for backpacking & camping, it has a very utilitarian yet simple design (feels a bit like a railroad spike). I've used it for wood chopping, hammering tent stakes, digging holes, food prep and fire prep. The one piece design makes it easy to clean, no need to worry about slabs melting if it's left too close to the fire and all around very tough. It is a bit heavy but it replaces other gear I used to carry. Hope that helps
 
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