Spyderco Steet Beat vs. SOG Seal Pup Elite for SD

A

almasy87

Joined
Dec 27, 2009
Messages
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I'd like to preface this post by saying that I know what's been said when it comes to knives and SD. I know a knife is an option of last resort (when running and less lethal options have been exhausted). That being said, please try to focus on the question at hand and not the philosophy of knife use for SD :p


Anyway, I've been looking into fixed blades for carry where legal. I've narrowed it down to two choices (note that I EDC a Spyderco Tenacious as a utility knife, so the fixed blade would only be intended for SD). Here's how I see it:


Spyderco Steet Beat

Pros:

-VG-10 - Even though it wouldn't get used much, a stronger and more corrosion-resistant steel is always appreciated.
-Concealment - Smaller blades makes it easier to conceal, though also a potential con (see below).
-Fit & Finish - Everything I've heard about this knife is that it is probably as close to custom quality and I'd ever find in a production knife.

Cons:

-Price - In general, would cost me twice as much as the other knife.
-Reach - Granted, it would probably be a CQ situation if I needed to use a knife, but this blade is still shorter than the SOG.


SOG Seal Pup Elite

Pros:

-Reach - A 4 7/8" blade compared to the Street Beat's 3 1/2".
-Price - I can save a decent amount of money by buying this knife over the Spydie.

Cons:

-AUS8 - Steel doesn't matter as much for a SD knife, but still not as good as VG-10.
-Concealment - Harder to conceal than the Street Beat



That's how I see things right now. I like the way both look and both seem to offer a good grip (finger choil on the Street Beat and Zytel handle on the Seal Pup Elite), so I didn't bother to include them above. It's not infeasible that I could get both, but I don't really feel like spending the money to do so.

Anyone have any thoughts?
 
For me the Street Beat would definitely win.

A couple of pros, why:

Flat grind
VG10
secure and comfy grip
more flat than the seal = more discrete carry

dont worry too much about the blade length, if these things happen, they often happen 'body on body'
 
I'm carrying The Street Beat today, great knife, the handle is a little short but the feel is still good. That deep choil on the handle is great for control. You can't go wrong with this one......
 
The light weight of the Street Beat facilitates EDC. This really counts because you'll be more likely to carry it which insures you'll probably won't need it. Ruff Cobb
 
Street Beat would be easier to explain to LE if you got caught with it. It would also have higher resale value if you ever sold it.
 
Thanks...I think I will go with the Street Beat then. When I think about it, I just like the knife in general anyway, so I'd still buy it just because it's cool.


wongKI said:
Would you use this for tasks other than SD?
Click to expand...

Probably, but it would primarily be for SD. I want to keep the blade in the best condition possible to make sure it can do its job if the situation is dire enough. If you're thinking about the price here, I'd feel better spending a bit more for a quality knife than trust a cheap piece of junk.


224477 said:
dont worry too much about the blade length, if these things happen, they often happen 'body on body'
Click to expand...

True...the situations I've been in have been in (most didn't end up being that serious, but in one situation a friend was sent to the hospital with a concussion) were all very close quarters. I was thinking more about a longer blade helping to create more distance, but I guess any knife would do serve that purpose, so I might as well get a higher quality knife that's more concealable.
 
An inch or two of extra reach really doesnt matter once you're over the 2 inch mark. Basically it comes down to price and what you plan on using it for. If you plan on making this blade a dedicated SD weapon and nothing else than it's a pretty easy choice to get the SOG since things like steel, utility dont matter at all. Otherwise the Street Beat is just the better knife overall and it really isnt even close.
 
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