What do you think of the Camillus talonite EDC? (pros and cons please)

shootist16

shootist16

knife law moderator
Moderator
Joined
Dec 25, 1998
Messages
7,394
I have one in 154CM. I really like it. My only complaint is that I wish the knife were a little bigger. I am really considering a talonite version. What do you think? Should I get one or is my $$$ better spent on something else? What are the pros and cons?
 
I originally wished they were bigger as well. But, after receiving mine two weeks ago, I take back all the bad things I said in the past.

The Talonite EDC is simply awesome. The edge retention is so incredible, that I go out of my way to look for things to cut. I use it every night while preparing supper, every noon time for lunch, and anytime in between. When it does get dull, I know a few strokes on the Ultra Fine Sharpmaker stones will realign all 32% of the chromium carbides and make it as good as new.

It finds its way into my left pocket or waistband to suppliment whatever else I am carrying on said day. To carry a single knife for two weeks is a real mile marker for me. I usually switch once, maybe twice a day.

I can't think of a single shortcoming on the Talonite EDC. If we were talking about the 420HD version, then I'd say it needs better steel. Nope, absolutely perfect, unless you have very large hands.
 
I'd really like to see Camillus beef up the thickness of the frame and lock to be closer to what DDR's customs are. Please don't get me wrong, I think you get a lot for your money with Camillus' EDC series in general (moreso than most production knives out there), but when I handle mine, the feint "clink" that the locking bar makes when it engages seems a little rinky dink. Beefing up the thickness would do the trick, in my opinion. Then again, I haven't heard much about lock wear or failure with the production EDC's, so maybe that's the proof in the pudding.

Professor.
 
LOVE the EDC, think it's a huge bargain in 154CM. Can't see the money for the Talonite version -- unless you're dying to try Talonite. The AG Russell D2 version for $100 less than Talonite looks pretty sweet.
 
Originally posted by 92degrees
LOVE the EDC, think it's a huge bargain in 154CM. Can't see the money for the Talonite version -- unless you're dying to try Talonite. The AG Russell D2 version for $100 less than Talonite looks pretty sweet.
Click to expand...

Thats one of the advantages of being a dealer. I can get the Talonite version for not much more than the D2. :D

I just wonder if the talonite will outperform D2 or 154CM.
 
Hey Shootist,

I'd say yes. I don't want to start a flame war, or get Cliff Stamp thowing +/- numbers at me. But I have D2 and 154CM, and the Talonite simply cuts longer. It may need more of a sawing action to accomplish the cut, but it will cut long after the others have quit.

My opinion, no yelling please!:D
 
Well, I see!:D

Then I would definitely go with Talonite. I have the custom version and think Talonite rocks.
 
Dennis, why don't you just go for your Dream Knife? Have Phil B. make you a talonite Wegner. ;)
 
A talonite framelock Wegner would be the **** for sure. That is definitley a thought.
 
First, let me state that I like the Talonite ECD a lot…I think it’s an excellent value and a great design. My only minor “complaint” (more of an observation, really) is the level of finish on the Talonite blade. It’s noticeably cruder than the finish on the 154CM version that I own…it shows fairly pronounced grind lines and you can feel discernable “ridges” when you draw a fingernail across the blade surface. None of this affects the performance of the blade at all (it cuts superbly); it’s just an admittedly minor cosmetic deficiency. Since it’s my understanding that Talonite is significantly more difficult and time-consuming to finish than cutlery steels (not to mention the much greater material cost), I think the level of finish on the Talonite EDC is an acceptable compromise at its price point. It’s just not quite as refined in appearance as the 154CM version. In my experience, the Talonite blade has performed at least as well (and I suspect a little better) than the 154CM EDC.

Also, I agree with the earlier posters…it would be nice if the frame lock was just a tad beefier. I doubt that I’ll ever stress the knife enough to test the lock, but it’s always reassuring to see an overbuilt lock ;).

Jim
 
Dennis:

I think a bit of cost/benefit analysis has to kick in here. As a dealer, you will have a financial advantage most of us don't enjoy. That said, the Talonite EDC goes for roughly $100 more than the 154CM version. I have both, and I am very impressed in every way, but one has to make a serious evaluation as to whether the Talonite version is worth that much more money.

Is it good? It sure is, and I love mine. It finds a way to be on my person every day. Very pricey, however.
 
I love the talonite EDC. If you are concerned about the cost just think about how much longer you get to cut with the talonite before you really have to sharpen it. Between the Mini Talon and the talonite EDC I don't know which one is grabbed the most...I love both of them...with all the citrus fruit I cut I NEVER WORRY about a bit of staining.
TALONITE RULES
 
Dennis, get the Talonite EDC. There isn't a thing I'd change about it, including the thickness/beefiness of the handles (sorry Professor, as much as I normally agree with you on things (I think), I adamantely have to disagree with you on that one). Well, there is one thing I'd change about it if I could, that would make it absolutely perfect. I'd put some sort of opening method other than a stud. An elliptical hole, oval, or something. In fact, I've removed the studs from both of mine (D2 and Talonite versions). I don't need them for the purpose I carry the EDC. It will never be used for social work, by any means; I've always got at least one other, bigger, one for that. ;)

You really should consider also getting the D2 version. Heck, I'm considering getting the 154CM version (maybe even the 420HC) just to complete the set; although with all the steels (and metals) out there nowadays, I've almost sworn off 154CM and ATS-34. :rolleyes:

Get the Talonite EDC. I can't imagine you'd ever regret it.
 
rockspyder - I'd also like an alternative opening method on the EDC. I want a flipper!!! :D
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
rockspyder - I'd also like an alternative opening method on the EDC. I want a flipper!!! :D
Click to expand...

Hey, you know, that's not a bad idea, Buzzbait!
:cool:
 
I'd really like to see Camillus beef up the thickness of the frame and lock to be closer to what DDR's customs are. Please don't get me wrong, I think you get a lot for your money with Camillus' EDC series in general (moreso than most production knives out there), but when I handle mine, the feint "clink" that the locking bar makes when it engages seems a little rinky dink. Beefing up the thickness would do the trick, in my opinion. Then again, I haven't heard much about lock wear or failure with the production EDC's, so maybe that's the proof in the pudding.



Professor,
I would put the strength of the thinner, but fully hardened steel frame against a comparatively soft titanium frame twice as thick.
why add unecessary bulk....
Stainless steel makes for a MUCH better lock than Titanium....
 
As far as I'm concerned the EDC lives up to it's name. I've been using mine for a couple of months now and I am alternating it with a Brad Duncan Mini-Whiplash. The whiplash has a "Sharpfusion" blade, that is a stellite core sandwiched between 154CM. Both blades are exceptional and have handled everything I've thrown at them. The Talonite EDC is comparatively a bargain at about 1/3 the cost. I strongly recommend one - you won't be disappointed.

Ken
 
What a Deal!! You can get a 154CM version of the EDC for about $50, or you can get a Talonite blade which is about half as strong (check tensile strength which translates roughtly to flexural strength which correlates to its ability to take abuse when prying, twisting, and doing all those things we should never do with a knife but end up doing frequently with an EDC). A few claim the Talonite holds an edge longer, but that's open to question, particularly when compared to 154CM, which takes a better edge in the first place.


The Talonite blade may cut almost as well as the 154CM blade in some applications, not so well in others. Sure, the 154CM version takes a better finish and looks sharper but, if you can't be bothered to ever clean and lubricate your knife, the Talonite is absolutely corrosion and stain-free. Essentially no maintenance is required except for occasionally knocking out the crud, which I'm sure is still too much maintenance for some.

And finally, I can get ALL(?) those advantages of Talonite at only FOUR TIMES the cost of the 154CM-bladed version!! The only real draw-back I see is having defend my decision to pay that premium for the latest buzz-word in blade materials and not look too foolish in the process.

But, hey, if that's what spins your wheels, why not? It makes for fun strings on this board.:D :D
 
If I didn't know any better, I'd say your jealous.

Save your pennies and join the Talonite Club. That'll make you sing out of the other side of your mouth!

:D :D :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top