Shadow Tech Alpha........WOW!

Monofletch

Monofletch

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Joined
Jan 14, 2010
Messages
9,879
I was pursuing KC when I came across Shadow Tech Knives. I checked their website and Youtube for info on the company. I discovered one of the new knives for 2015....... The Alpha. It was not on their website yet so I sent an email inquiry. Withing 30 minutes I had a reply.

I ordered the 10" Alpha drop point without the saw spine and micarta scales. This knife comes in several different blade profiles. I included a pic of the saw spine option at the bottom.
I have to admit I expected a BK2 clone knife because they are so similar--a 10" (ish) slab of 1/4" thick 1095. Although the knives are similar the Alpha doesn't seem as big and bulky. Not knocking the BK2 it's the only thing I can compare it to. I carried a BK2 for a couple years.
The grip is fantastic. I don't know if the cut out is considered a finger choil or just a cut out, but it makes the grip more solid feeling when you tighten up your grip. The micarta is well shaped with an excellent fit and finish. In my hands this knife feels like a solid performer. Not overweight--no big, bulky grip, but very positive feel-- if that makes sense. The Alpha's balance is slightly tip heavy.

The kydex sheath is thick stock--very well made. It locks in nicely. Shadow Tech also includes a kydex clip for 30+ different options for carrying the knife.

All materials and parts are made in the U.S.A!!! :thumbup: 100% no questions asked warranty :thumbup:

I will post more when I actually get to use this knife. :D

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Thank you for the brief overview :thumbup: The knives seem well made and come with a nice sheath. Sharpened pry-bar style ;) I look forward to your use thread.

FWIW, the groove in the handle is precisely that, a finger-groove. The "choil" is the notch above the guard/ricasso on the blade marking the heel of the edge.

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I wasn't sure. Thanks for the clarification.
I wish all my fixed blades had a finger groove like that. It makes the grip so much better.
 
chiral.grolim said:
Thank you for the brief overview :thumbup: The knives seem well made and come with a nice sheath. Sharpened pry-bar style ;) I look forward to your use thread.

FWIW, the groove in the handle is precisely that, a finger-groove. The "choil" is the notch above the guard/ricasso on the blade marking the heel of the edge.

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Click to expand...

Hi Chiral.grolim, couldn't a knife have both a finger choil and a sharpening choil? I'm not sure if I would call the groove on this particular knife a finger choil or not, (though I would probably call it one) I'm just wondering.
 
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Surfingringo said:
Hi Chiral.grolim, couldn't a knife have both a finger choil and a sharpening choil? I'm not sure if I would call the groove on this particular knife a finger choil or not, (though I would probably call it one) I'm just wondering.
Click to expand...

My apologies to Monofletch, this drifts from the original topic, but NO, the word "choil" refers very specifically to the heel of the blade-edge and it doesn't even need to have a notch present. Any notch/groove/etc. which is NOT at the heel of the blade edge is NOT a "choil" at all, particularly if said groove/notch is below the ricasso and guard all the way into the handle. The word "choil" is NOT synonymous with "groove" - it is very location specific.

The "Spanish notch" - what has come to be referred to as the "choil" because of its location - is commonly placed at the choil to aid sharpening the entire edge on a hone and not impact the ricasso. Many companies, Kershaw in particular, omit the notch and leave the choil area unsharpened, whereas Spyderco is very good about sharpening all the way to the ricasso. But shame upon Spyderco as they appear most responsible for spreading confusion on the term, calling the grooved ricasso a "50/50 choil" despite it being separated from the blade by the integral guard in the ricasso.

Here is a image of a Strider that I added labels to, it is similar to the knife in this thread:

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A choil can certainly be larger (a "finger choil") or smaller ("sharpening choil"), but if the notch/groove does not contact the sharpened edge of the blade, it cannot be a "choil" without doing violence to the term.


Any in-hand and use pictures, Monofletch?


EDIT to add: Also, if you are interested in an adapter to carry this knife lower on your belt or even dangler-style, there is a link in my signature to an inexpensive device that should work for the purpose: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1298783-Universal-Kydex-Sheath-Extension
 
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It has rained almost every day since this knife arrived. I will post some use pics asap.
 
Thanks for the information chiral.grolim. The vast majority of my knives are Spydercos so that probably explains my interpretation of the term.
 
I split some wood for the fire pit tonight..... I was barely catching the tip of the knife with the baton. I had to beat some back by the jimping. No marks, chips or scratches. :D

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I beat this knife some more. Splitting more small logs for the fire pit. I haven't used a baton much, but it is perfect for this. The Alpha is a great tool for the job. The factory edge is still perfect and very sharp.
 
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