The Tanto Continues

C

coyotekid

Joined
Jan 2, 2004
Messages
8
Ok I'm back...

I thought I had my mind made up on a Benchmade 722 SBT as my first high quality tanto knife. After trying to get one however, every place I've tried is out of stock and won't have any more for a month or two. I also don't want to pay a really high price just to have one now.

As I read more, though, I like the looks of the Buck Strider tanto as well - it looks like a great knife.

I also keep coming back to the Emerson CQC-7B. I love the looks of this knife, but I'm concerned about quality.

These are the main three knives I am considering. I don't want to spend more than about $150, but I'd like a truly high quality knife.

I've had my heart set on a black coating and partial serrations, but now I'm wondering about these aspects as well!

What would you suggest?
 
You'd easily have a high quality knife at around $50 bucks if you toss the tanto shape out as your criteria. I had one and it just wasn't as good as the other more traditional shapes.
I hate to sound like I'm ruining the good name of Emerson, but when my friend's commander arrived, the liner slipped quite easily. There are also documented account of inconsistant QC on their liner locks.
I personally don't like black coating and partial serrations. First, the coating... people up here are easily spooked if I pulled out a blade as is, so by pulling a black coated blade, I'm just asking for more trouble. Partial serration doesn't leave enough edge for good use of the plain edge or the serrated edge. Plain edge can do more (but not necessarily as efficent) as the serrations, and I tend to get my knives now plain.
 
The Buck strider is another i would suggest you try before you buy, the handle is quite thick. the BM 722 is nice but again you should check it out since the handle might not be great for all hands.

One knife that you havent seemed to have looked into that i forgot to mention last time is the Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) m-16 series.

i would get one of the full sized ones

http://www.1sks.com/store/crkt-kit-carson-m16-series.html
 
Try the bm 905 stryker. That is a very good knife. Someone please help me out on this one but I heard that the tip of the tanto on the buck striders are left intentionally thick and dull. Something about using it as a tool rather than a cutting surface.

Anyone shed any light on this matter?
 
Indeed, the Buck/Strider tanto point is different from any other tanto point I have seen! It is pointy, but thick and not intended to be a cutting edge. It is a great piercer and is good for scraping with, scoring, etc.

In the other tanto thread, I can't believe I forgot to mention the CRKT M-16 series! Kit Carson design ('nuff said there), and tons of options to go with. I'd recommend staying away from coatings (wear off and look crappy), or serrations. But if ya want 'em, go ahead! My first quality folder had serrations and a black coating. I sharpened off the serrations adn I am removing the coating :)

Go with a CRKT tanto with AUS-8 steel. I prefer the aluminum handled ones too,a s the handle is more rigid.

I had a small CRKT M-16 tanto, and it just didn't fit my hand, but I would love a large one.
 
ok, I know what you mean about the emerson CQC7. why don't you buy one in the aftermarket, from someone you can trust? when done right ie. no QC issues, emersons do rock because of the balance and ergonomics.

factory blade is dull though - you gotta sharpen them up yourself.
 
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