He makes some beutifful, well thought out knives.
Even if I could get one I wouldn't want to get it dirty.
Come on Sal, make us something we can get dirty.
Well.... that is a problem with these long recurve, hollow grind Hossom and Brend style fighters IMO.
While I like the "looks" of many different custom styled fighters - and some of Hossom's are some of the finest, these types of fighting knives are not really the most practical in real world use - not mine or even (IMO) military or similar.
Even if I or somebody else wanted to carry a good fighter for self defense rather than a gun, legally, it would be easier to carry a gun and much more practical to carry a gun or much smaller knives - like folders.
Military have guns that are much more effective and practical. Granted, I realize certain blades can inflict much more serious damage in trained hands than many gun bullets. But, knives are hindered by the close proximity required to use them in battle = not really ideal.
I am not military, but "feel" reasonably knowledgeable about my views on knife usage for various applications.
I would honestly have to believe that in reality, the military would still use a knife as a tool first rather than a weapon. (* Unless of Mall Ninja mentallity....) So, by design, (IMO) it would need to function as a tool first and weapon only in very rare cases and then most any knife "Can" function well as a weapon.
If I wanted a longer or larger knife to be able to function as a weapon when needed and still prioritizing functional chore/survival use first, I would still stick with more Bowie/chopper styled blades with tough dependable steel. Busse makes a few very good super tough and "functional" designs that could still make a great weapon. But, there are many other options as well.
Spyderco actually makes some very functional "user" designed knives that "Can" be good fighters - such as the Temperance and Perrin designs which are more real-world realistic carry sized. For that matter, the existing Hossom / Spyderco collaborations have reasonable user and fighter characteristics. The Dayhiker is a good all-around function carry knife - even if not my favorite camping/hiking fixed blade.
The Dayhiker and similar have very nice aesthetic lines IMO. But, the Temperance is more versatile IMO.
I honestly don't have many of these recurve hollow grind styled fighters and I don't use them. These styled fighters are not ideal or the most functional users IMO and most people are better served with other more functional designs that focus on real world use first and fighting as "optional".
But, I do think some fighters can be gorgeous and I like some fighters as aesthetic collectibles.... which is a little contrary to my collection as most of my collecting is geared towards quality production and some semi-production blades that make excellent "users" in the field.
I don't own many custom knives period because of price. I do own a few Voorhis fighters and Branton/Brend.... I "used" to own more, but couldn't justify many safe queens....
I have many various EDC folders and justify different sized folders for different clothing/environment applications.
Most of the fixed bladed knives I have are geared towards camping and hiking with some possible hunting application now and then. I used to hunt and process game much more years ago. But, these days mostly just camp and hike.
Fighters really just don't have much real world use in my life. So, for my justification, the blades have to offer a LOT of aesthetic value and style per dollar to justify staying in my collection as non-users.
Also, I am not real fond of hollow grind knives as users. I always prefer flat grinds on folders and either flat or convex on fixed blades for users.
But, hollow grinds are aesthetically pleasing and offer lighter faster blades on fighters.
Bottom line, very few "true" fighters would "get dirty" or be used by me.
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