Robert
I really dig the SARK. I actually like it more then the SOCFK, but I always have been a "Hawk" fan. Here is a
picture of the two side be side. The hilt end of the body has been reshaped and the screws are in different locations. The blade is basically the same size as the SOCFK (maybe a hair longer), but looks bigger due to the width of the blade. The wave also looks . . beefier, more pronounced.
When I (frantically) opened the box and slid it out of the plastic, my first thought was that it's larger then I thought it would be. I've been carrying a
Spyderco Harpy in my support side pocket for years (great seat belt cutter) and I guess it has become the "standard" for my perception. I actually think the SARK is about the perfect size for it's intended purpose.
Even though this is a "Rescue" knife, every time I pick it up, I naturally start working it through the cuts . . Saber, Ice Pick, Reverse Ice pick . . . . this thing feels good.
I made a comment recently when asked if I thought the quality of the newer designed knives coming out are up to the quality of the Commander and the CQC7. I said that I thought the attention to detail on the new designs like the Mach1 and the SOCFK was actually better then average and that I hoped it was a preview of things to come. Well, I have to say that so far, it is.
The traction areas of the SARK are done in the same was as the Mach1 and the SOCFK. Both liners and scales filed and matched up to the thumb ramp of the blade. The edges of the liners are much cleaner then knives past. Not 100% clean, but their getting there.
Mine also came with the new pivot head, the one that's flat on the clip side. An important detail as EKI has provided predrilled and tapped holes so the user can move the clip, changing the knife from tip up carry to tip down carry should they choose. The older bubbled pivot head caused some problems as the clip wouldn't sit flat against the knife in other models.
Right out of the box, this baby is SOCFK tight. I had to spend the evening thumbing it and a few drops of Tuf-Glide here and there and she's smoothing out nicely. Lock up on the SARK is solid and positive.
As to if I'm going to "pointy" this one. Hmmmmm. I . . . I'm torn. I think that a "Pointy SARK" is a MUST!!
Ernie . . . Derek . . . you listening?! Must make PSARK. But I think that this one will be a great work knife. I am never without a Commander on my primary side. I could see carrying a SARK while at work and a PSARK for walking around.
Everyone chant with me "
Must make PSARK . . . Must make PSARK . . . Must make PSARK . . ."
Just one person's opinion, but I would like to see a "lefty" version of the SARK and PSARK. As I carry a Commander as a primary knife, these would be carried on my support side (in my case, left side). I'd like to be able to "wave" it open to a saber grip for defensive purposes. The Harry Humphries, left handed Ice Pick will work, but if I had my way . . . (might have to take a trip to my machinist.
Overall . . . she's a winner . . . and a user. Ever notice all the ads in the WTB section for NIB '98 Commanders? Heck, I even had one up. '98 Commanders are out there, but their no longer NIB and the owners will not let loose of the ones they do have. I literally have six buddies with '98 Commanders and all are daily carry knives and users (one is completely stripped of Black-T and actually looks kind of cool).
The point of my ramblings? The SARK screams "user" to me. More so then any Emerson since the Commander. I want to put one away in my collection bag, but this one will not be it. It
must be carried and I guarantee it will not be NIB for long.
Just one guys opinion
John
[This message has been edited by John Hollister (edited 11-16-2000).]
