tell more about Merlin....

P

peshkabz

Joined
May 6, 2003
Messages
198
While looking for what appears to be the finest (future) Wharncliffe ever - the Yojimbo, I found out it is yet in the future, but coming. So what to do in the mean time(?) buy something else.
So, I looked in my knife case and realized my SpyderHawk needs a partner, so I ordered a Merlin. :D
I did a search in this forum and did not find too much conversation about the Merlin, although I did find an interesting comment about a Civilian video from James Keating.
I asked for a straight edge from my favorite store, but will accept a SpyderEdge. I understand the newer knives come with VG-10 steel. Hope so, but I will not cry if I get ATS-55; which I read did not last long - how come?

What is your opinions about this blade style as an EDC, or a second? I see tremendous functionality, some intimidation, and a great worker.
 
i have a merlin SE in ATS-55. while i cannot comment on its edge retention versus something like VG-10, i will say that it cuts the heck out of anything i try to cut with it, and while i'm having some trouble keeping the tip as sharp as when i got it (i would lightly tap a piece of paper on a table, lightly enough not to mark the table, and it would pick it up-that's pretty frickin' sharp!), the serrations sharpen very easily on my sharpmaker, and i wouldn't think twice about tearing down anything non-metallic with this knife, and would expect it to do it fairly easily. the merlin SE IS my EDC, and i am quite happy with it (though i am finding the hawkbills to not be as useful in some ways as other blade types-more useful in others-try cutting several vertical objects in a row and you'll see the use of the ergonomic differences-also, it feels like it WANTS to cut everything it touches, as opposed to knives with a belly on them). at the price i paid, i can't imagine being more pleased.

i guess i'm going to have to pop up a real thread about ATS-55, since many people have varying opinions, and while i think it's decent, i want to know precisely where it really rates.

btw, unlike my 10-or-so year old dragonfly in G-2, my merlin, despite a little edge wear/rolling on somewhat heavy-duty tasks, remains as pristine as the day i bought it upon first glance. no scratches, nothing except the obvious slightly less scary edge compared to factory (that thing was VERY VERY sharp when i got it in the mail)
 
Ever seen a fairly good size computer magazine have it cut right through simply having the tip of the merlin place in the middle of the page and sharply pull down? I was very surprised that I cut right through the magazine.
The blade shape tends to pull in the item you're cutting, and it's very good at slashes, and sneaking in a tip in places (ie cutting wire zips, without damaging the wires using your knife). Albeit the blade shape is not the most utilitarian, it would be a great companion to a more general knife like the Endura or Native.
 
When I was renovating my basement, I used the merlin SE(ATS-55) to cut large pieces of carpet and it cut through those thick pieces like a breeze.........effortless.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top