SKBlades 830 Marksman: Update and Pictures!

skblades

skblades

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Dec 1, 2015
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Hey hey!

The Special Projects department over at Buck gave me 2 versions of the 830 to play with and get a feel for. They gave me the G10 in OD Green Concept scales on both. The G10 makes the knife light, which is great, and easy to slide in and out of your pocket. However, for the blade they gave me a stone washed drop point (the vote of the forum) and a black oxide stone washed Tanto (generally shunned by the forum). I carried one in each pocket to get a good feel.

I can tell you, the Tanto elicits a more emotional, "That is awesome" response. Everyone I showed preferred the look of the tanto. However for daily use, the drop point is more practical. Problem is, I think I prefer to carry the Tanto for looks alone (how shallow) and will suffer through the few missteps in practicality.

In case you're wondering what this post is about, here is the original thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...ksman-(Free-Knife-Drawing)?highlight=skblades

Here are some some observations about both.

Tanto

Pros:
Looks really mean. Definitely the better looking of the two IMO.
Cuts food nicely (the flat edge works great on donuts!)
Opens boxes nicely.

Cons:
Unfortunately, it wasn't super practical for me. I found myself carrying it because it was awesome, but using the drop point when I needed to open a letter or shave some wood.
Stinks at opening mail.


Drop Point

Pros:
Definitely more utility
Works like a drop point should, very practical.

Cons:
Not as awesome looking IMO
Prefer the Black Oxide Stone Wash of the Tanto. Goes better with the hardware.
Most people preferred the tanto look.


Now you've heard my thoughts, please give me yours!! Any and every suggestion, comment and opinion welcome.


Tanto Pics:







Drop Point Pics:



 
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I think you hit the nail on the head. I agree with you 100% with everything you said. Make both!
 
I've actually gotten to the point where I generally don't like the look of an American tanto, but Buck knocked that one out of the park. If I had the choice I could honestly see myself going either way on that, and normally I'd take a clip or drop 9 times out of 10.
 
I am not a huge fan of tantos in general and the Buck one really doesn't do anything for me at all. The drop point looks great however.
 
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Drop point all the way for me! I read through some of the other thread on this upcoming knife and maybe I missed it, but what is the projected price?
Bruce
 
I agree the tanto with stone washed blade looks better. I would still prefer a drop point, but wish that could be stone washed too. Also, I thought the OD Green might be a little darker.
 
BuckShack said:
I agree the tanto with stone washed blade looks better. I would still prefer a drop point, but wish that could be stone washed too. Also, I thought the OD Green might be a little darker.
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The top picture is the closest to the green in real life. The other pics are a little washed out. The drop is stone washed, just not black oxide and stone washed.
 
I like em both. Just received my Buck CSAR folder from Blade HQ and notice they have the Marksman Tanto for $. Sold out of the drop point. One quick opener.
 
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Who cuts up donuts?!?!?! Might have lost some points there.... j/k

I'm still digging the drop point. You have a point with the black oxide matching the hardware better. Can you get the drop point in black oxide stonewash? If not, maybe the hardware can be stainless?

I think you've got a winner with either, but sign me up for a drop point.

The new scale design is a big win! My pockets are going to thank me.
 
skblades said:
The top picture is the closest to the green in real life. The other pics are a little washed out. The drop is stone washed, just not black oxide and stone washed.
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Top picture color green looks good, thanks. I should have said I like the black oxide and stone washed on the tanto and think it would look good on the drop point, sorry for the confusion. Both look great though, I'll take one of whatever way we go.
 
Once again let me remind folks to discuss without giving costs or dollars and cents. You can suggest someone send email or go to Forum PrivateMail to hear about money. Describe the knives all you what, swell with pride the great deal you got; just don't mention actual money.

If you question this rule click on the reference at the bottom of this post and read the Blade Forum rules listed by the BF owner.
 
Tough one. I prefer the looks of the tanto and stone wash. I would prefer a drop point for use (however, that tanto has a better angle than some). If you go with drop point I think is should also be black oxide and stonewashed.
Oh, is it too late for serrations?? :p
 
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The tanto definitely looks cool, but I don't really care for them. Drop point all the way. The OD green is great...
 
Really like the looks of the drop point myself. With the hardware I think a black oxide stonewash on the blade would look better though, just my opinion. Either way I would take the drop point over the tanto.
 
MaxCast said:
Tough one. I prefer the looks of the tanto and stone wash. I would prefer a drop point for use (however, that tanto has a better angle than some). If you go with drop point I think is should also be black oxide and stonewashed.
Oh, is it too late for serrations?? :p
Click to expand...

Ha! You and I are in a small club of people that like serrations! Those would look amazing.

We are taking the forum votes very seriously and sticking with the stone wash and drop point, so there won't be a change to the Tanto on this run. I'm curious if changing to a black oxide stone wash would violate the voting that took place? I think everyone will like the knife, especially for use with just the plain stone wash. But for that extra oomph I wonder if black oxide stone wash isn't 'the way to go now that we've all seen it in action.... Things to ponder.
 
I can live with what the forum votes decided. They are both really nice. On the other hand we now have two live examples to view. A new smaller more focused poll might reveal changed opinions. Of course, that would take time and could make things more confusing. You have the knives in hand and appear to have a good grasp of what looks better. And you have received valuable feedback along the way. I could flip-flop all day. I'm okay with whatever you decide. It's been fun participating.
 
BuckShack said:
I can live with what the forum votes decided. They are both really nice. On the other hand we now have two live examples to view. A new smaller more focused poll might reveal changed opinions. Of course, that would take time and could make things more confusing. You have the knives in hand and appear to have a good grasp of what looks better. And you have received valuable feedback along the way. I could flip-flop all day. I'm okay with whatever you decide. It's been fun participating.
Click to expand...

Thanks for being a part of it too! I'm with you, I could flip flop all day too. Whenever I want to use the knife, I reach for the drop point. Whenever I want to show it off, I reach for the tanto!
 
Form follows function, right?

How many people actually use their Painted Pony knives?
 
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