Unlikely Favorites

Originally posted by bquinlan
It did generate some discussion when it first came out, but I don't think the Kershaw Boa gets as much recognition as it deserves. The Boa is an innovative high-quality tactical that is easily in the same class as the other top-end folders.

--Bob Q
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I disagree on the part of the not "much recognition" part of your post.

Oh, I've heard a LOT about the Kershaw Boa! I hear it from owners of the knife but not on the forums or knife rags (so you're right on that point). I also have noticed that it's an EXTREMELY popular knife because it's damn IMPOSSIBLE to find a deal on one for much under retail on the auctions.

People know about this knife and apparantly a LOT of people want one or I'd be able to get one on Ebay for under $80!

On the other hand, I have to agree with you about the quality just from what I've heard from credible friends who won't trade me theirs no matter how hard I beg:D . I've talked to a lot of people who rave about it. I've been looking for a bargain on one for years unsuccessfully.

Someday, I'll get one in a trade or win an auction at a bargain price on a holiday weekend or something when people aren't paying attention and then probably join you and others who love the knife.
 
Originally posted by Grapevine
Spyderco mini-dyad. Great little 2 blade knife. The plain edge clip point may have a bit of a delicate point for hard use, but it's great for detail work 'cause it's practically needle thin. I've found that I use the point of the sheepfoot serrated blade alot for cutting that I normally use an X-acto knife for.
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Really? (This is what I was hoping to find when I started the thread.)

Tell us more!

I've always stopped when I saw that knife on the auctions because it looked interesting to me. But, I've often passed up auctions for it because I've never heard of a Dyad-lover, EVER! What are some of it's other good features? I've been in a "Spyderco Mood" lately and I might get one on your recommendation if you can support your love for this knife enough to talk me into it because I see bargains on this knife all the time.
 
I was going to add the Boa and the BM 942 but was beat to it. Both are outstanding knives and are the only two factory/production knives I still carry.
 
My favorites are the Kershaw 1416-XXL Starkey Ridge,
Spyderco Calypso, and Calypso Jr., and pretty much anything by Newt Livesay.
 
The Camillus ArcLite is my pick for a knife that sees very little mention on the forums. Great neck knife that really seems to hold an edge.:cool:
 
Fulloflead,

Some other good qualities about the mini-dyad....It's surprisingly comfortable in the hand, since it certainly looks as if it wouldn't be when one blade's out and the other is closed. The closed blade's spine ends up nesting well in the crook of your fingers so it feels very natural. Plain blade is of very thin stock and fully flat ground so cuts well. But it's definitely not for heavy duty cutting since the tip tapers to a very fine point. Serrated blade is stout for its size. Usual smooth opening from Spyderco. And it's so small that it carries well in the pocket, and doesn't seem threatening but cuts much bigger than its size. Great little knife for the office.

I've noticed in recent catalogs from SMKW that there have cropped up similar models from other factories.
 
I got two Kershaw 1416 Talons G10/ATS34 here off bladeforums. Problem is I set them away for future use. Once I realized how well designed it was, none were left.

Also, I like the black coated Pocket Hobbit with sharpened top swedge for pure ugly.

I also like the SOG Tomcat ( original ) and Sogwinder 2. Built like main battle tanks.

I've been thinking of the Timberline large WORTAC's but have never seen one. I suspect once I held one I'd buy from all the comments I've heard.
 
I would also post a vote for the Kershaw Boa. I purchased one off of a fellow forumite just to see what a larger speed safe knife was like, I have a Leek and a Chive, and found out that I really like the knife a lot. The blade shape, blade material, and construction make this a great EDC for me. The Boa gets my dark horse vote.
 
Gerber Pro Hunters and Folding Sportsman series knives, both foolishly dis-continued by Gerber. I carried a Folding Sportsman II for years, and have since been re-aquiring them as they show up here and there. 440C steel, convex edge, very sharp, and they rode well in the pocket. The FS-I is a very nice drop point gent-sized lockback. Brass and wood look great together, too!

The Pro Hunters also had 440C blades, at least I think they did. Very ergonomic handles, nice choil, lanyard ring, and a good selection of blade styles available. The blades weren't too thick on these, so they were very versitile for cutting, wouldn't do much prying with them. They had zytel handles, but would be easy to re-handle in bone or stag. Maybe I'll find another someday and do just that!
 
I'm glad to hear that the Boa is appreciated, even if not always on the forums... :)

I am also a big fan of the Mini-Dyad! I carry mine as my backup EDC at work.

And I had to mention that this thread caused me to rush out and order a large Timberline Worden Tactical Supreme. :D I don't know why I don't already own a Worden design; I've been admiring them for years. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations!

--Bob Q
 
if you're really into speedsafe and have handled the smaller knives, the boa will disappoint you a little
with a heavier blade, the action just isn't as snappy
i settled for the avalanche because of that reason
 
Originally posted by bquinlan

And I had to mention that this thread caused me to rush out and order a large Timberline Worden Tactical Supreme. :D I don't know why I don't already own a Worden design; I've been admiring them for years. Thanks to everyone for the recommendations!

--Bob Q
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Well, hearing that just gives ya a warm fuzzy doesn't it.;)
 
Gerber LST -- the original, full-sized one; not ultra- or micro-lite, not the Magnum.

Bought about 9-10 years ago, came from the factory with an unbelievable, razor-sharp edge, which appeared to have been done on a buff or paper wheel. Best part of this knife is the Zytel clip, which doesn't bend like metal, doesn't damage car finishes/furniture, and is easy on the clothes. I quickly learned a kind of one-handed "drop" opening by simply grasping the blade between thumb and index finger, and flicking the handle down to open. I've done this thousands of times, the knife is still tight as it was new, and amazingly, I've never dropped it or cut myself. The clip, for me anyway, actually aids in gripping the knife, the blade is a useful size and design, and it's so light, you're never aware of it being there, clipped to pocket or gear.

There's just something really slick about the LST. It's biggest shortcoming is edge-holding (some flavor of 420 SS, I believe) but for practical carry, it's a real winner.
 
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