Timberland Zambezy or Gerber Yari

B

blade101

Joined
Jan 17, 2002
Messages
6
Hi,
I need some input from you guys on what to choose a
Timberline Zambezi or Gerber Yari and in plain blade
or partially serrated ? Any info will be appreciated.

It is my first thread on this forum so bare with me
for a while.

Thanks
 
First, welcome to the forums. As for the knives, I am not familiar with the other one, but the Gerber Yari is one good factory knife.
 
The Zambezi is a brand new release from Timberline. I dont think many people are going to have any experience with it. here is a pic I scanned from my distributors catalog:

timberlinelightfoot.jpg



Here is a pic that Dexter Ewing took of the sheath:

attachment.php
 
Forgot to add the specs of the Zambezi:

Blade steel: 440C
Blade Length: 6"
Overall Length: 11.75"
custom kydex carry system
MSRP: $150.00
 
Welcome to the forums!

These 2 knives are really different animals. The yari is an easilty wearable (read concealable) fixed blade. You could carry this as an EDC (with a better sheath) and you'd be in good shape. The Zambezi (spelling?) is more of a field tool/fighter. It is thick (1/4"), comes with a big sheath for field carry, and looks damned cool!

if you are choosing between the 2 for collecting, pick the one that you drool more for. if you want one for usability around the house/city more, the YAri will probably be the winner. If you are going in the field (hiking, walking int he boonies, camping, hunting terrorists, whatever), then the Zambezi will serve you better.
 
ditto Crayola. If you want a tough field knife, that's what the Zambezi seems to be designed for. The Yari is more suited as a covert defensive carry/utility knife. As for serrations, I really like them: every now and then I use them to do something, like cutting through tough plastic, that would be a real pain without serrations, & then I'm so happy those little teeth are there. Others, with considerably more field experience than I have, find them a nuisance. But I'd say that they add some utility, so go with serrations unless you think they are so ugly that you will have to put a paper bag over the knife while you are using it.
 
Thank you for the info, as a relatively new collector any information from you experienced folks is greatly appreciated.
I would appreciate it if you could elaborate more on serration topic. Usability, sharpening anything you think is important to know
 
Do a search here and you will find the answer. Its the Yari. The Timberline product you mentioned as I recall had a sheath that was cool, but just too much goofing around and did not work for the poster as I recall, and he said he did not like the thickness of the edge. I remember his review alone soured me on the timberline in question. Yari reviews have been positive. Do the search for specifics.
 
I have never handled a Zambezi(sp)but I don't like serrations very much. I have a Yari and it is a very nice carry FB.
 
It is best that you do a search on serrations (click the search button, type in serrations, and read for a few hours!)

But, here's the skinny:

Serrations make for aggressive slicing cuts, showing their advantage when cutting fibrous material (rope, lots of cardboard, plants, etc.) Serrations will hold their edge longer than a plain edge. Serrations are easy to sahrpen with the right tools. The right tools are things like the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204.

Some say on fighting folders, a combo edge is great as you egt soem ripping action in. Soem say combo edges are great for utility, as you get a plain edge section and a serrated edge section.

My own recommendation/preference is for a coarsely sharpened plain edge. Sometimes I like the serrations on my combo blade, but MOST of the time, I'm using the plain edge. I'd rather have 4" of plain edge instead of the 2" of plain edge I use all the tiem now and the 2" of serratiosn that see occasional use. If you cut fibrous material lots, get yourself a fully serrated blade and carry a plain edge. Many "old timers" here will express a preference for plain edges.

Make sure you read the sharpening FAQ here. You also nead to realize the difference between a polished edge which is best for push cuts and a coarser edge which is best for slicing.



If I were wanting a field tool, i;d pick the Zambezi and reprofile the edge. If I were wanting a concealable fixed blade, I'd pich the yar and probably redo the edge as well. Don't let a factory edge sway you from buying a knife.
 
Thanks a lot again,

I think I have got enough information to make a decision.
It looks like I will go with Yari in a plane edge plus it was
my first choice as well.

Reprofile the edge? How difficult is that?

One more question. Crayola, I have noticed you are from Canada
can you suggest any good places to get knives from (stores,
websites, catalogs preferably Canadian).
 
To reprofile the edge, all you need is a large coarse stone. A lot of factory edges come too thick, so you take your blade to a coarse stone and hone in a reduced angle. this doesn't take much time at all. Then you go ahead and make an edge on the knife. For example, many times when I reprofile a knife I put it on my coarse stone and scrub away (fast, large circular and back and forth strokes) until a burr is created. Then I flip the knife over and do the same again. Once a burr is formed, I take the knife to my sharpmaker and put an edge on the knife.

Please read the FAQ on this site on sharpening.

As far as Canadian dealers, I don't think there is many large Canadian "dealers". I don't know about the eastern ones, but you can check out www.targetknives.com

It is a store in Calgary, Alberta. the owner is a real knife nut (has another business which keeps the knife business open!) and he has an AMAZING sellection in house. The web site isn't the best, but what you do is e-mail him what knfie you are looking for (or call) and he'll let you know how much. Sometimes it will be cheaper than ordering online as you save duty/shipping/whatever charges. Also, you may get it faster.

Good Luck!
 
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