I just returned from another survival program during which I used my Talonite Kanji as my main cutting tool. I've been "Field testing" this blade on a daily basis for over a year and a half now and to me much of this discussion seems sorta silly. Many of the arguments seem to be attempts to refute Cliff Stamp's arguments. Cliff is a scientist and everyone knows that scientists know everything.
I'm just a guy who uses blades as a primary tool on an everyday basis. I use them as they were meant to be used. I clean animals, whittle traps and tools and clean calluses off my feet and hands. (Oh yeah, don't tell anyone... sometimes I do dig a hole or two to get at some Blue Camas or a Yampa root), nothing scientific. I use them in all climates from jungles to deserts to Winter Mountains. I have a lot of simple friends who do similar things. Oh yeah, I also write a few articles for knife magazines.... I'm no scientist though.
I did notice that the scientist had taken a moment to reference my humble writings.... Cliff wrote (p4) (sorry, I don't do that powerful quoting stuff that young Cliff does so....)
"The other sign of Talonite hype is the constant contradiction in description by those that are representing it as a good blade material. For example, when Simonich first noted that it did not cut rope well, I commented that if it has low bite when polished just leave the finish coarse. He replied saying that the coarse edge degrades almost immediately. However when I mentioned the same thing to Ron Hood he said that the micro-serrations do not break off and the edge will maintain an aggressive finish."
Perhaps Rob and I cut different materials, perhaps we had not had comparable usage experience. Perhaps it represents different styles, uses, or maybe Cliff just misrepresented our statements by using the parts that support his argument or even... God forbid... one of us actually disagrees with the other! Does that take the bite out of Cliffs allusion that we were somehow conspiring to misrepresent Talonite? I will tell you that the statement does not represent "Hype" in any way. My statement was based on what I see through my Nikon SMZ Microscope. It represents my reputation. Young Cliff has no reputation other than on this board so there is no risk to him. However he seems happy to attack the reputations of bladesmiths who have been working their craft for years.
Cliff also stated (same post)...
"Or for example, Hood posted an extensive comparison between a Talonite blade and a Busse Combat one in which the blades were used on very harsh materials and the Talonite one was much more durable. However now it is being described as "well not the best thing for big blades". Yet it handles heavy edge stress better than a Busse Combat and doesn't chip or dent? If that doesn't set a functional standard I don't know what does."
No where in my post did I say that I was comparing "Big blades" except at the end when I commented that I'd love to lay it up against the Busse BM. The post was made OVER a year ago. It is interesting to see how Cliff is able to so adroitly mix his analysis with portions of a post by using the "however now" tactic. This tactic forces the reader to believe that there is some sort of contradiction and seems to lend support to his contention that somehow there is a huge conspiracy to hype Talonite. For your reading pleasure I've included my April '99 post.
-----------------------------------April 1999----------------
I thought I'd add a few recent notes to this Talonite discussion.
Last week I had some fellas start work on a new addition here at the place. I loaned one of them my Kanji (Rob Simonich Talonite)and the other got my trusty Busse Mean Street (A2). It was a TOUGH thing to do.
I told them to rip the blades up. Use them to cut tar paper, tin.... I didn't care. The only rules were that they couldn't throw them and they couldn't try to cut nails. All I wanted was to know how often they sharpened the blades and what they thought when it was done.
On the afternoon of day two I wandered over to chat with them and check the job and noticed that Aaron, the guy with the Mean Street, was using the Kanji. I asked about that and he said that the Mean Street needed too much sharpening. Keep in mind that these guys usually use tin snips on the roofing material and utility blades on the tarpaper etc. Bill had the Kanji and wanted to trade his .243 Winchester for it. Sorry
In day three I took the blades back. The Kanji was a bit worn, the Busse was scratched. The kanji edge had rolled some but had not lost it's ability to cut freehanging paper. The A2 wouldn't cut a *art. I spent the better part of an hour bringing the Busse back. The Kanji just needed a quick go with a steel.
I think I know where I will spend my money. I'd love to get a chopper to lay up against the INFI BM's I have. I have a feeling...
Next week I'm taking a gang of Wardens from California Department of Fish and Game to the mountains for a 5-day survival course. I'll do the same thing with them and let you know how it comes out.
(Note; three of the Wardens and two of the biologists bought Talonite blades. The other five are still saving up)
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Cliff, I think you like to parse statements to fit your current vision and for some reason you also choose to ignore the encyclopedia of subjective experience regarding Talonite in favor of a predisposition based on books and contrived experiments. I don't fault you for this, it is just part of the hype you use to create your image as a scientist.
I don't have time to engage in a long-winded debate. I have a real job in the wilderness. That is how I make my living. Perhaps you should find something really productive to do with your significant talents. Bill Clinton is looking for a new spin-doctor.
Ron
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