Spyderco Aqua Salt or Bill Moran? Help!!!

N

Neomik

Joined
Jun 23, 2009
Messages
7
Hi there everybody,

I need your help to make up my mind about which knife to buy at this point.

I have a collection of folders from Spyderco and now it is time to get into the fixed bladed knifes too.
I am a one Brand type of guy and some times that is good and sometimes it can be bad.
Which means that when I like a brand or a product line than I stick to it for my personal reasons.
I chose Spyderco as my favorite knife Brand and that's why I am here asking for your help in my decision making.

I do use my knifes everyday and do not collect them as showcase items... that's why each purchase has to be purposeful and I do not have any money to throw out of my window at this point and to buy every single new knife I see on the net.

When I started buying Spyderco I did (as many I guess) start buying the Delicas, the Enduras in different variations and the choice was clear I would stick with this brand... then I went to the Salt series and purchased a few folders Pacific, Tasman... and I am very happy with those too.

I live in Greece and that is how I use my knifes. I have a huge Garden where I grow all sorts of vegetables and herbs to feed a five member family the whole year... I also go into the woods and go camping and use knifes for hunting purposes and fishing. Therefore I have for different tasks different Knifes.

So now that the budged allows it again I will purchase definitely the Spyderco Military and I think about one of those two mentioned smaller fixed blades... the Aqua Salt and the Bill Moran.

The dilemma is that I can only spend around 250$ at this point and I do order my knifes directly from the USA. The Military is 100% to be ordered and that will allow me to order one more knife for around 70-80$. So I have to choose which one of those too will introduce me into Spyderco's Fixed blade wolrd!

If anyone has them both and can take a couple of shots with his camera it would help me a lot to compare them and make up my mind.

I tend for the Aqua Salt cause of the H1 Steel but I like the Blade design of the Moran knife a bit more.

So thanks a lot for any replies and god bless you all.

You can send pics to my email: Mik2410@gmail.com

Michael
 
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No pics from me but I think these knives are different enough that a decision shouldn't be too difficult when you decide what you want.
I think of the Moran as primarily a hunter. It will out-slice the Aqua Salt.
The Aqua Salt is more suitable for hard use because of the saber (hollow) grind and the tougher H1 steel. I think the tang is wider on the Aqua Salt too and even if that doesn't matter practically speaking, the handle has a bit more heft than you'd expect. It's confidence inspiring.
The sheaths for both are good.
I recommend the Aqua Salt!
 
Thanks AF,

this inside made clear that the Aqua Salt is maybe the better choice for my first Spyderco Fixed blade. Simply because I want it to perform harder rather than just to be a great slicer and that the Aqua Salt need less maintenance than the Bill Moran. Also the handle factor you pointed out as far as I am concerned I really like the FRN from Spyderco and believe it will perform greatly.

Thank you so much for the quick response!

Take care
 
You cant really go wrong with either. The salt will resist rust better and is a tough knife, however the Moran would make a great slicer and is a classic design by one of the original custom knife makers. IMO VG-10 is a great steel and i have never had any problems with corrosion, although i take very good care of my knives. I haven't purchased one yet, but the Moran feels like a very well made and balanced knife. If you are using for it for hunting, camping, and fishing id go with the Moran.
 
The Moran's handle feels short in my small to medium hands, if that makes a difference to you. I'm not sure if it's the actual length of the handle that's at fault or the design of the handle or both. I have smaller knives with shorter handles than that, but will feel fine because of where they curve and fit in the palm. The Mora's handle just feels short though its thickness is fine. I haven't handled the Aqua Salt.
 
Grapevine said:
The Moran's handle feels short in my small to medium hands, if that makes a difference to you. I'm not sure if it's the actual length of the handle that's at fault or the design of the handle or both. I have smaller knives with shorter handles than that, but will feel fine because of where they curve and fit in the palm. The Mora's handle just feels short though its thickness is fine. I haven't handled the Aqua Salt.
Click to expand...

Thoroughly agree with the Moran Handle being too short and I have big hands.........personally having both I'd go for the Aqua Salt first, try the Moran from a friend or in a store if possible before buying.

I'd like an extra inch in the handle of the Moran to make it ideal for me.

Regards,

BRIAN
 
I would go with the aqua salt.
H1
textured handles
almost full tang
great sheath/ knife retention
The knife would last many lifetimes IMO.....
 
Thanks to everyone for your opinions. I think I will go for the Aqua Salt PE cause of all the aspects of durability, less maintenance, H1 Steel, and handle design.

Take care

Michael
 
It sounds like the Aqua Salt will serve your needs very well. Here are a few pictures of mine.


AquaSalt_10.jpg


AquaSalt_12.jpg


AquaSalt_13.jpg


AquaSalt_15.jpg


AquaSalt_16.jpg


AquaSalt_11.jpg


AquaSalt_14.jpg


AquaSalt_9.jpg
 
If any of your fishing is in salt water (as a good bit of mine is), get the Aqua!

I primarily use my Aqua for fishing because of the H1 steel. I fish in the surf here in southern California, and have had no problems with my Aqua.
 
The Aqua Salt it is!!!!

Thank you all guys so much for the support and specially "cgmblade" for those great pictures!!!

It is great to find people with common interests who help you out with their expertize, experiences and their good will!

Michael
 
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