Tell me about the Koster WSS knife.

Hey Baldtaco (awesome screen name BTW), although it's hard to take anyone with a screen name like that seriously hahaha

Let me help you find the derailment. Here is the Ops question:

LG&M said:
I would like to hear from anyone with one. How does it compare to the Izula or BK11/14
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....and here is where things got side tracked:

hollowdweller said:
I'd go with one of these instead:

http://www.thompsonsknives.com/enzonecker.html
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CapitalizedLiving said:
I really like that Enzo - thank you for the tip! I'll get a few for Christmas presents this year.

Do some people really believe that cost equals replacement rate?
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CRKDMike, hola

The name originates from a time when I was running three forums. Along with my moderators I got very bored with dealing with idiots that simply abused each other in really unsophisticated ways. Shortly after, I went through a phase of whenever I signed up on other forums of picking user names that beat idiots to the punch. It's kinda tricky for a dullard to resort to name calling when it has already been trumped with “I am 30% bastard and the rest of me is hidden in Scunthorpe”. The remaining contestants are then forced to raise their game. This name here is just another one of those.

Fair point.
 
Well if it wasn't derailed before it sure is now.
Could we toss in a little on topic info from time to time? I promise I won't start name calling.
If you don't like 3V or Koster fine but does any one know what the geometry is? I would like to hear what Mr. Koster grinds them at. So nobody has a wss and Izula or BK11?
 
I grabbed one of these (skeletonized - I wrapped it) during the first run, and I would be happy to offer a few thoughts:

The profile is excellent. The knife is comfortable in the hand, and it works well with a fist or thumb-on-top grip. Generally speaking, this is a great blade for cutting wood around camp, prepping food during a hike, etc.

In terms of critical feedback, I think that the W&SS blade (at least the first generation) is too thick for its niche. The blade thickness definitely adds durability and confidence, but for an everyday / around-the-camp user, I prefer a thinner knife. I have never really encountered an occasion to pry a small fixed blade of this size, so I would be happy to sacrifice some width for a thinner edge profile.

Best,

- Mike
 
I said that ”If the WSS knife had a geometry that was just as good or better, and was made from 3V, it would win”.. You'd have to be very determined to distort that into a dislike for 3V.

I don't know Koster. I don't care if he lives or dies. Accordingly, “like” is not a factor either.

A similar question has been asked on his forum, mebe you'll get answers you like better there. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1107625-Neckers-W-amp-SS-v-Izula-v-Becker?
 
LG&M said:
Well if it wasn't derailed before it sure is now.
Could we toss in a little on topic info from time to time? I promise I won't start name calling.
If you don't like 3V or Koster fine but does any one know what the geometry is? I would like to hear what Mr. Koster grinds them at. So nobody has a wss and Izula or BK11?
Click to expand...

I have all three. I agree with Mentor....the thinner flatter blades of the Izula and the Becker (along with greater width) give them higher utility in a small fixed blade user role. But the W&SS is much more comfortable, given the grips...especially for long term use. However, if you outfit the Izula or Becker with the available aftermarket grips, you negate that advantage somewhat. The edge on the W&SS didn't seem too thick for me; it just grows that way toward the spine rather quickly.

As to the steel, the 3V will hold an edge longer; but it'll be correspondingly harder to sharpen. That's a personal preference, I think....but the basic carbon steel of the Izula and Becker has been doing work for folks for a long time; and the execution of the steel in those two knives by ESEE and Becker is every bit as good as any other.

Having said all that, the W&SS is a tough little knife that can handle hard cutting....I agree with Mentor on his cutting wood comment. Although I've never taken it to it's limit, I'd expect the W&SS to outlast the other two in a "survival" situation (whatever that means?). In the end, you'll need to consider all the aspects of each knife to make your decision.
 
Thanks , that was useful. I really like my BK11 and my newer Izula growing on me. I like knives of this size and thought the wss would be a good next step.
 
I have one with blu g10 handel.
Perfect finish.
First thing I did was to put a thinner edge to ge a better slicer.
This knife with a 3 mmm or 1/8" thick stock should be better to my use, it´s to thick IMHO
 
It looks like the current version will be 1/8" :thumbup:
I agree anything more would be too much.
 
The perfect neck knife!! Light weight, tough and sized right for its purpose of a necker/backup knife. Had mine since 2009, able to perform every task I put to it. Have my order in for this next run. Re-profiled the edge a bit, so I'm excited about the scandi. Bottom knife is the W&SS, top knife is the Woodlore in 3V.
img2473kf.jpg
 
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