Survive! knives GSO 3.5 first impression

Not trying to come off the wrong way, but did you read the thread? That's pretty much what it's been about to this point.
 
I got my 3.5 in 3V about 2 weeks ago and one in 20CV this past weekend.
These are great knives, very comfortable, nice and light, plus both came razor sharp.
The size is perfect for an everyday utility type knife, one of these may replace my Izula as my tool belt knife.

The 3.5 was well worth the wait and actually I liked the preorder system because it was always a nice surprise when the knives showed up.
 
willc said:
I got my 3.5 in 3V about 2 weeks ago and one in 20CV this past weekend.
These are great knives, very comfortable, nice and light, plus both came razor sharp.
The size is perfect for an everyday utility type knife, one of these may replace my Izula as my tool belt knife.

The 3.5 was well worth the wait and actually I liked the preorder system because it was always a nice surprise when the knives showed up.
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Pictures? Preferably with other commonly owned knives for comparison.
 
I think I want one of these now. I might have to round the G10 scales at the ricasso though. That straight angle isn't really doing it for me.
 
RevDevil said:
I think I want one of these now. I might have to round the G10 scales at the ricasso though. That straight angle isn't really doing it for me.
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You could, but then you'd want to re-mold or get a different sheath (maybe leather pouch-style), since the top of the scales helps to secure the kydex-fit. If you round them, it might rattle.

What i DO recommend is cutting off and rounding the sideways flare at the rear of the pommel! I did this on my SK4 after complaining about it in my GSO-4.1 review, how the flare digs into the hypothenar muscle group, quite uncomfortable without modification. The GSO-3.5 flare isn't as dramatic, but it could probably still use a softening... Owners care to comment?
 
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Pretty nice knife. I was prepared not to like it because my eye finds the basic design boring. But function trumps beauty.
The fit and finish are very good for a working knife. Grind lines are visible along the entire tang, but I’m good with that. Looks good that way. The stonewash finish is sweet. The sheath is excellent. It’s easy to mount and remove from a belt, the knife snaps in place securely, and the knife is fairly easy to draw.
The knife came unusually sharp. The edge bevel was 20 dps, with an even grind. The point is nicely pointy. The scales are flush with the tang. The G10 scales are a nice combination of smooth and grippy. The handle ergos are good, and I like the lack of jimping. My thumb gets a little lost on the spine, looking for a thumb ramp.

The blade geometry is good, too, basically a nice compromise between cutting performance and durability. It’s a sabre grind for blade strength. The tang is 0.126 inches thick. There is a distal taper, but the taper covers only the last three-quarters of an inch or so. The edge shoulder is 0.028 inches, a bit on the robust side, but consistent with the edge angle and blade thickness. The grind lines are very good, but not perfect, although you need a ruler to determine the differences.

I haven't had a chance to use the knife. Chiral may be right about the sideways flare at the base of the handle. I can feel it, but I don't know if it would be an issue with extended use.

Overall, this feels like a small, durable, general-purpose knife that is capable of fairly good cutting performance. This is a high-quality, well designed and executed knife. I’m liking it.
 
Thanks for the pictures. I'm really looking forward to getting mine in hand.

On a side note, is that Micarta instead of G10?
 
Great write up. This mirrors my thoughts on my 4.1, although I'm not bothered by the aforementioned flare at the base do the handle. Near perfect general purpose fixed blade for me and my uses.

Thanks.
 
Anybody get the one with the brass bow drill divot? I'm still waiting for mine to arrive.
 
I guess it will be a few more weeks before the premium handles are in for assembly.
 
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