progress report:
3 hour off-trail exploration report December...uh, well, it was Sunday. I can't keep track of dates too!
The only time this knife left my hand during my first recon since I got it was when it was replaced at the top of the mountain by a beer. My hand became more accustomed with the grip and I have to say that they got along rather well
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During that time it hacked Scotch Broom, slashed salal, sliced salmon berry and chopped fir. I didn't dig up mines or deanimate sentries, so if that's what you're into, look elsewhere!
The SMC is not simply a brutish tool, it is also a precision instrument with an amazing amount of point control. There is much to be said about the range of uses and the efficiency with which it commands the tasks given it.
When it bites deep into heavy wood in a hefty chop, it doesn't stick but removes huge chips instead. When it cleanly slices through a brittle limb, it sings a metallic song. Zzzing! Like a good axe. A stem of dry grass- tink- it leaves a perfect cut.
And after it all, in the quiet of the garage, you can hear the edge popping off the coarse hairs of my cro-magnon knuckles, even after hours of cold, wet trail clearing good times.
W2 doesn't stain much. Totally unlike my 1095 blades. I haven't cleaned it other than wiping it on my pants. No apparent staining yet at all. The edge, after all this, with a little edge maintenance is exactly as shaving sharp as the day I received it from Mr. Knight.
The grip tape helped immensely. And although I generally don't use a lanyard just in case I slip or trip and need to get the knife away from my body, it was very helpful when the chopping got burly.
The only changes I'd suggest for future iterations would be to leave more material at the butt of the handle to aid in retention under gnarly chopping as the knife gradually pulls out of your fist, leaving only the primary digits to maintain a strong, whipping grip. And also to add some texturing of some kind to aid in grip retention.
All in all, this is the best performing knife I have ever had the pleasure of using. I am very proud to be involved in its genesis.
Two:thumbup::thumbup:
I intend to be a repeat customer of Jason Knight's. He has what it takes- the eye, the personality, the dedication to quality and customer service but most importantly a concern with the actual performance of his blades through use.
Jason Knight is MY kind of knife maker.
Mine should be mailed Wednesday.!! Can't wait!:thumbup::thumbup:
It's just so pretty...