Spartan Harsey Fighter vs Kabar Turok (OG 6" one)

[jatt47]

Ended up going with the following:

3ft Pulwar.
1ft Straight Kard

Spring steel works better for the sharp edge/hard use I wanna do.
So whenever my Kabar breaks I'm gonna get a Panjabi Khanjar or something.

 

[ShaiHulud]

I don't like the quick release sheath on the harsey, and the knife is way too handle heavy for a "fighter" I sold a harsey fighter to someone on ebay and he messaged me a week later saying the quick release mechanism broke. I think the blade needs to be lighter in the handle, smaller in the blade and a reconfigured sheath.

 

[rlewpolar]

Looks the OP made his choice but this is what I would have recommended. Similar to a Kabar but better designed and stronger. Not sure how it would do skinning though. Tops US Combat knife. No nonsense 1095 steel with a good heat treat

 

[CVamberbonehead]

If your KaBar hasnt let you down in 6 years of carry and use...maybe just keep using it? It seems like it has been fine, why change what is working? You are asking strangers on the internet their opinions on knives you dont own, but you could make a long term 6 year review on the KaBar yourself lol. Also, if youre looking to get a long bladed knife that doesnt weigh very much, you are sort of stuck with rat tail tang designs like the Buck 119 or 120 (great options, the 120 might be perfect for you on a practical level even though it doesnt have the tactical army ninja look) or your KaBar. Steel is heavy, hence the rat tail tangs.

Sounds like you just want a cool new knife, which I get, but if thats the case just get whatever you think is coolest and dont worry about it. Your needs are already met by your current knife it sounds like.

P.S. Looks like I was late to the party and OP surprised us all by buying....a stick tang sword!?!?!?!
They went with the Xena Warrior Princess EDC. Looking for chakrams next. Lol

 

[jatt47]

If your KaBar hasnt let you down in 6 years of carry and use...maybe just keep using it? It seems like it has been fine, why change what is working? You are asking strangers on the internet their opinions on knives you dont own, but you could make a long term 6 year review on the KaBar yourself lol. Also, if youre looking to get a long bladed knife that doesnt weigh very much, you are sort of stuck with rat tail tang designs like the Buck 119 or 120 (great options, the 120 might be perfect for you on a practical level even though it doesnt have the tactical army ninja look) or your KaBar. Steel is heavy, hence the rat tail tangs.

Sounds like you just want a cool new knife, which I get, but if thats the case just get whatever you think is coolest and dont worry about it. Your needs are already met by your current knife it sounds like.

P.S. Looks like I was late to the party and OP surprised us all by buying....a stick tang sword!?!?!?!
They went with the Xena Warrior Princess EDC. Looking for chakrams next. Lol

I'm a Sikh, I already wear a Sword everyday.
My main concern with the Kabar was having to avoid hard use.

I think it's more the 1095 than the stick.
I found the solution in buying more traditional style blades of spring steel.

To reduce weight you can also reduce blade width like with a Khyber knife, but keep the thickness for strength.

I do wear a Chakram in my turban sometimes. Not below obviously,

What exactly are you poking fun at?

Also, didn't like the handle on the Kyoto II.
Forgot about the thread, and didn't update.

My Turok order got canceled & beard got stuck in my Talwar (Sirohi) for a bit.

So just took it as a sign to get the Pulwar/Kard.

The TOPS is around $300.
I got into western blades because Desi (Indian) ones often need an edge touch up.

Have a Worksharp MK2 now so w/e

ਅਕਾਲ

 

[Grizzly3]

That Pulwar must be a frighteningly awesome slashing blade. Where do you live that you are able to wear a sword daily?

 

[jatt47]

That Pulwar must be a frighteningly awesome slashing blade. Where do you live that you are able to wear a sword daily?

Hopefully, seller said the balance is decent.

My current CS Talwar is decent, but is meant to be used with gloves and leans toward control over power.

Sucks for Jhatka IMO

 

[CVamberbonehead]

I'm a Sikh, I already wear a Sword everyday.
My main concern with the Kabar was having to avoid hard use.

I think it's more the 1095 than the stick.
I found the solution in buying more traditional style blades of spring steel.

To reduce weight you can also reduce blade width like with a Khyber knife, but keep the thickness for strength.

I do wear a Chakram in my turban sometimes. Not below obviously,

What exactly are you poking fun at?

Also, didn't like the handle on the Kyoto II.
Forgot about the thread, and didn't update.

My Turok order got canceled & beard got stuck in my Talwar (Sirohi) for a bit.

So just took it as a sign to get the Pulwar/Kard.

The TOPS is around $300.
I got into western blades because Desi (Indian) ones often need an edge touch up.

Have a Worksharp MK2 now so w/e

ਅਕਾਲ

Im not poking fun at you, and I dont care about your religion. Just making a joke bud. Hard to tell tone over the internet, so you just took it wrong.

Im glad you figured out what works for you. I do wonder how those knives youre showing will hold up with the really thin metal portions between handle and blade though.. those look thinner than your kabar tang.

 

[irsh]

I wish I could wear a sword...

 

[jatt47]

I do wonder how those knives youre showing will hold up with the really thin metal portions between handle and blade though.. those look thinner than your kabar tang.

Yeah, it looked bigger in person so I'm not sure.
Each of these is like $40 though, while a new Kabar is $150+tax (170) now.
Are these 4x worse than a Kabar? HELL NO.
I'd say they're about 60-80% the knife depending on task.

Bigger issue is gonna be selling my old stuff if I end up liking these a lot.
I'll take another look 2mor

edit - I like to re-eval my choices every few years.
I've kinda accepted that for the size & comfort (in a baldric) the Kabar is unmatched.
Easy to draw for defense, decent in the field, and looks good.

 

[jatt47]

The Pulwar on the Right carries energy better & is half the weight.
The Kard on the left of the Kabar is half the weight, but better built for stabbing.

Tang only reaches that last pin tho.
--
The Pulwar has definitely corrected a lot of technique failings - was gripping too tight before.

edit - Weight wise the CS Talwar is 1600g & Kabar is 450 (with sheath)
The new Pulwar/Kard are about half. :O

After lugging around 5lb of Swords & knives - it's a welcome difference.

The Kard actually thickens at the tang & is quite a bit thicker overall. No 90 degree bends either.

 

[jatt47]

Finally got a chance to handle the Turok in person.

Way too tight in the sheath.
It barely snaps in, let alone draws.

Definitely happy with the Indian straight knife.

It's thicker around the tang, and has a slight tip forward balance.

It's differentially weighted to suit a right hand.

--
The Pulwar is just better.
It's half the weight, looks better, and the curve/weight distribution carries momentum between strikes.

Thr CS Talwar still carries a special place in my heart, but I've definitely switched my EDC.

--
Guess that settles it.

Thanks everyone.

ਅਕਾਲ

 

[jatt47]

They went with the Xena Warrior Princess EDC. Looking for chakrams next. Lol

40s Chakram.

 

[LittleAugieMo]

Consider a "reprofile" on the K bar? Turn it into a drop point,I've had it done to K bar and a smaller K bar style knife.

 

[jatt47]

Would you do this re profile manually?

My mini leatherneck tanto broke.

Water got inside the handle and stayed there I guess.

Ordered the dagger version so I have something for sleep/shower while I figure this out.

Any suggestions on a stainless steel knife around that size (3-3.5" fixed blade)

Figure an exposed handle could dry off better?

edit - Removed photo by accident - I deleted it off the original host (discord)

 

[David Mary]

Ouch. If you want a "shower knife" then you'd be better served by something like LC200N or MagnaCut, since they won't rust. If I were making a knife for someone to carry during waterlogged activities, I would use one of those steels. And I would glue the scales on like I always do, using GG white, which is waterproof.

 

[jatt47]

Ouch. If you want a "shower knife" then you'd be better served by something like LC200N or MagnaCut, since they won't rust. If I were making a knife for someone to carry during waterlogged activities, I would use one of those steels. And I would glue the scales on like I always do, using GG white, which is waterproof.

Wasn't a rust issue, just poor design.
Actually used a Condor Bombus in the shower/gym for awhile (airplane knife 6cm blade limit).

Saw the Cold Steel Mini Tac 2 for like $25 while a new mini leather was $40 with the design flaw.
Liking it so far stropped the factory edge & it's sharp.

Like the satisfactory goes through everything I need sharp.
---

Weighs about 110g vs the 125 of the old.
Slightly bigger/heftier - I like it.
---

 

[David Mary]

Looks like you removed your previous pic.

just poor design

So here is the pic you just showed:



Poor design is an understatement.

 

[jatt47]

Looks like you removed your previous pic.



So here is the pic you just showed:

View attachment 2626981

Poor design is an understatement.

Yea, just realized most of the photos in the thread got removed.
Seems if I delete them off discord it nukes the embed here.

Annoying..

Apologies wasn't intentional at all.

 

[David Mary]

No worries. That one's permanent now.