tracker v Evo Survival

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Ghost93

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Nov 30, 2004
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I was wondering if any one could tell me about the preformance of a Jensen Evo Survival. Is it as good or better than the Linger WSK (obviesly better than the TOPS version). For those who have used either knife you input is appreactied. Also is an ATS 34 blade worth the money for the EVo, although i think it can come in D2 as well.
 
Ghost

If you do a search here on EVO, there is a lot of usefull info you can read.

Jeff
 
I own eight JEB's right now, of various configurations and steels. I did own an EVO that I bought off another fellow forumite and it preformed quite well in the chopping arena, you could use it as a draw knife for de-barking or making a staff and the spine serrations worked well for notching. I have a gecko and bushman comming soon and another skeletal knife on the way. I like 'em and they work for me, what more can you ask...

Cerberus
 

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I held an EVO at a shop in CT. I really liked how it looked in pictures...in person, I didn't like it much. It was chisel ground and seemed unfinished overall. I held a Beck WSK at the same time (and have used one). It was a huge difference -- night and day. If Roger Linger's work is anything like Beck's (and it looks to be), then go with Linger any day of the week. The EVO is okay, but the Linger version of the knife seems like it'll give you much greater utility (i.e. saw blade and edge geometry overall).

Now, the EVO I held might have been an early one, or an unfinished one that somehow got out, I don't know. That's how rough it looked and felt. The example I held just did not look like what I had seen in pics. So, it may not have been a good one to use to compare. Before I come to any final conclusions on the EVO, I'd like to check one out that isn;t chisel ground and is more finished. But based on what I experienced, then go with Beck or Linger anyday.
 
Go with the Linger!!! I got mine about three weeks ago, and it's awsome. It does everything you'll ask of it. And the saw is great. I have allready talked with roger about a companion for the wsk, that's how much I like his work. Rogers version is PERFECT :D

Jeff
 
The EVO looks to me (yeah just my opinion) to have missed the HOOK feature on the blade just like TOPS did. It is not really pronounced like the Beck and Linger and that is the reason (in my mind) for this type of blade. If you just wanted a big chopper no nead to make it look like a Tracker.

As far as the Linger goes;
How much? Different versions $?
How long is the wait right now for Roger?
Is the draw blade hollow ground?
 
hk33ka1,

The Linger starts at about $500,
It took Roger almost three months to finish mine, although the wait may be longer now,
The draw knike is flat...

Jeff
 
I have had a Beck for quite a while now, but if I am ever in the mood for another like it I will definately look in R Lingers direction.
 
hk33ka1,

The new WSKs that Dave Beck was making not long ago had a flat ground draw knife as well. I think he stopped doing the hollow grind back in the late 90's. Said the flat grind was easier and better. I liked the hollow grind myself.

Ric
 
I have 2 Linger knives and let me tell you that anything Ron (Myakka) says I will echo. The are very confidence inspiring. The saw teeth on Rogers knives are really worth the extra money, why? Because they work. The TOPS and this JEB (And to be truthful the JEB saw looks inferior to the TOPS) act like a Chris Reeve Aviator saw, not for any specific application, but more of a general purpose, extra coarse serration.

Another thing to consider is accessibility to the maker. Roger has a Sterling reputation here and I am sure that any concerns that you may have (Unlikely, but there is always a chance) will be addressed in short order and with the minimum of fuss.

Roger seems a little swamped now but he told me is considering having the WSK blades laser cut to shorten the delivery time.

As the saying goes "all good things to those that wait" :)
 
Brian Jones said:
It was chisel ground and seemed unfinished overall.
Click to expand...
I would get a v-ground blade as well, a lot of people love chisel grinds though. Unfinished in what way, cosmetics or functional?

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
I would get a v-ground blade as well, a lot of people love chisel grinds though. Unfinished in what way, cosmetics or functional?

-Cliff
Click to expand...

It was cosmetic more than anything. However, just holding the EVO, then holding the Beck, the difference in balance between the two was obvious -- the Beck felt much more alive in the hand.
 
I was considering getting an Evo, but I wasn't too hot on the chisel grind.

JEB's got a proto of a V ground Evo, I don't know if it's available yet.
That said I've tried to contact Peter from JEB 3 times over the last 2 months concerning the Evo and another knife of his I like the Tac-dragon and have had zero response.
Maybe due to circumstance, but his lack of communication means I won't be getting one of his knives...

I've been in contact with Roger and he's been very forthcoming and communicative, something I deem neccesary especially with overseas sales.
I was a bit reluctant to place my order, the WSK's a big chunk of change...but the reviews have all been very positive and Roger's reputation is impeccable.
I'm looking forward to getting mine.
 
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