What is your favorite model and why?

[allen456]

As the title says, what is your favorite model and why? Is it the blade shape? Is it the handle config? Is it the astetics? Is it the intended use? I would love to hear your thoughts. If you have a story to go with it that was the determining factor, please share. Thank you for all the support!!!!!!

 

[BP_]

I can't believe no one has posted here yet! I'll throw one out there..

I'm loving the look, style, and perceived ergonomics of the Arowana. I've just been waiting to get my hands on one to try for myself, but definitely my favorite of your lineup. that 5/32" looks to be at home in ANY environment, from the kitchen to the camp, all the way to the backwoods.

 

[Warrior108]

It's not that I haven't put thought into this question. On the contrary, it has probably kicked off an internal argument that can only be described as epic (and I think that word is over-utilized these days). HOW can you pick just one to be your favorite?? :-D


This is coming from a standpoint where my primary use is concealable EDC, the legal blade length is 5.5" and unfortunately, I don't get out enough for bushcrafting to be a primary use.

Favorite W.A. Surls - So far it seems to be the Big Palmer in 3/32" for me. The handle is just super comfortable, the blade shape and handle feel together make for a very sweet "form follows function" package. The blade length is long enough to do well for slicing an apple, is an overall great slicer after that and I just find it versatile. The Big Palmer goes very well in one of Bud's Hiking Buddy ambi sheaths, which I wear around 4 o'clock vertically and it conceals really well. Because the handle is shorter, it doesn't end up poking me in the ribs like other models. I've probably EDC'd this one the most among the models that I own.

Just to make mention: The Palmer blade shape and size is very close to the Big Palmer. The Palmer handle is short enough to reduce the grip by a finger. Hence, I'll tend to go with the Big Palmer unless I need a bit more concealability and then the Palmer will fit my HB Big Palmer sheath and can be worn horizontally around 2 o'clock. The blade doesn't go as deep and the handle doesn't stick out as much but the offset is concealability.

An Inlander should be headed my direction next week and I'm excited to try that out. The Moray is probably the next Surls on my list.



Favorite Fiddleback - I'd have to say that I started out feeling like a smaller blade/knife would be needed for EDC and I love the Handyman model for comfort and blade length/shape function. But I'll thank Chris Linton for swaying me otherwise. (read below) After having gotten a better comfort level with larger knives/blades for EDC, my favorite Fiddleback is the Old School Ladyfinger in 3/32". Its just great at any task I throw at it. After that, I don't think I've met a Fiddleback that wouldn't tie for 2nd place. I have handled a newer version Ladyfinger (with a guard and slightly different shape) and it would definitely fall in place behind the Old School version in my preference.



Favorite Osprey K & T - I was lucky enough via Instagram to remotely land this Blade 2016 Osprey K & T Hunter with 1/8" CPM 154 TT in bog oak. My main reason for the purchase was bog oak fever and I bought it thinking it would be a safe queen due to the largish size. However, the handle shape and overall weight and feel are just fantastic and so damned comfortable that I swap it into my carry rotation fairly often. This is actually my only OKT at this time but the Apache and Warthog are next on the list. I'm guessing the Apache will give the Hunter a run for its money and the Warthog might give the Big Palmer competition for more concealable EDC. I honestly don't know how close the Fiddleback Hunter is to the OKT Hunter but should check that out first-hand at some point.



Overall and generically: I prefer a spear point, thin 3/32" blade, tapered tang, CPM 154 steel, nice proportion of blade height to length and guardless or minimal guard. I honestly can't decide which is my favorite among the 3 listed above.


Now, ask me this question 2 months or a year from now and you might get different answers.

 

[Peroni1973]

Truth is it's too early for me to pick a favourite and as I've only purchased two it'll be a 50:50 call. Big Palmer & Rocky Mtn Nessmuk

I'm happy to have 6 Fiddlebacks and I like to think that they're all users - truth is whilst they all get used, they don't see nearly enough work time. Of those my KE Bushie with Curly Koa scales - O1 - Tapered 1/8" is honestly my most frequently picked up knife. I love the Handyman and the Toboggan too...



Still I've been searching for a Nessmuk pattern with thin enough blade stock but a comfortably profiled handle for some time. Allen's Rocky Mtn Nessmuk seems to tick all my boxes and I can't wait to get it in hand.

Great thread, I'll keep an eye on it with interest...

Thanks all,

Ben

 

[ncrockclimb]

I'll play, but I am not listing just one!

Moray - I have purchased two of these, and they are awesome. My wife and my mom use them daily and love them. The ergonomics are spot on and the blade geometry makes these knives awesome slicing tools. I intend to post a longer review with pictures, but suffice to say that it my family's go-to knife in the kitchen.

Bison - I had one and sold it. I regret that sale more than any other sale I have ever made. IMHO, it is the best knife in that size on the market and Allen should make more.

Arowana - I don't own one but fondled them extensively at Blade. I prefer a thicker steel, and when the right one in 5/32" comes available I am going to snag it.

 

[Southern Gent]

Not only is Allen's Patch knife my favorite of his, but it is my most favorite and most carried fixed blade knife since picking it up a couple of months back. It is quite possibly my most carried of all I own (fixed or folder) and I wear slacks or a suit every day. It is just the right size for EDC and can be carried ISP leaving plenty of room in the pocket for other essentials without it feeling crowded. The profile is ergonomic and does not offend or get a stare when pulled out around "sheeple". I've used it for yard work, gardening, kitchen duties, making cocktails, opening letters, packages and boxes, and my favorite use so far has been bringing it with me several times to a fine steak house I frequent. I had a good conversation with the owner about why I would rather not cut my $50 steak with one of his $2 made in China knives. I recommend it as a must have for anyone who reads this post because there is absolutely ZERO percent chance you can't find a multitude of daily uses for this knife. We all love knives, we all love lots of knives, but many seem to be just suited for specific tasks. This knife is not one of those. All of Allen's knives I own are comfortable and useful for a multitude of tasks, but for me, the Patch has been my favorite companion and I do not see that changing short of the zombie apocalypse, at which time I'll EDC an Arowana.

 

[Scotcha]

I need a patch!! In cross sawn oak to match my Bison [emoji3]

 

[trestle]

1. Arowana in 1/8" or 5/32" with synthetic scales, no white pinstripes. There was one that was perfect but it sold before I had a chance to buy.

2. Patch in 1/8" with synthetic scales, no white pinstripes. Still waiting for the right combo, this looks like a pretty awesome EDC knife.

 

[schmittie]

My favorite is my solo Surls, this Arowana. 3/32 A2 makes for a great slicer. This is my most used custom knife, as it stays in the kitchen. Love it




This handle is fantastic. I'd love a hunter with a 3.5" blade and this handle.

 

[Onedog]

I honestly can't pick a favorite W.A. Surls knife. I have a good size and varied collection of Allen's work and most of them get used.

I'll start by saying that the Outlander is my favorite knife, period. Since a kid I've been a huge fan of the Bowie and the Outlander is the coolest and best interpretation of the Bowie I have ever seen or held. It's my favorite knife by any maker in any style. If these were different times I'd carry one all the time. That being said, I've yet to really put one to good use. They've mostly been looked at and held; the handle is crazy comfortable, btw. When I finally have a little time I plan on field testing one to see what it's capable of.

Now, there are several other knives that Allen makes that I use a lot.

The Arowana is a very versatile knife. At first I thought it to be a good kitchen knife. I then read Hasco's review and saw all that this knife is capable of. I bought one in 1/8" A2 with a full hight grind and have used it in the kitchen as well as outdoors. Both food and fire prep. Large and small jobs. It's just a great all around knife and I highly recommend one.

The Moray is an outstanding kitchen knife. When I sharked my Starry Night Moray Phil (Comprehensivist) told me I wouldn't be disappointed. I definitely haven't been. I literally use it everyday for nearly everything I do in the kitchen. Just get one if you don't already have one.

The Kanati is a fantastic woods knife. It's a great blade profile, similar to the Arete, with a very comfortable handle. At times I'd like the handle to be a little longer and have a slightly smaller guard but overall it's a great, smaller size, hiking knife.

The Inlander is a fantastic EDC belt knife. Great blade profile and super comfy handle. It's a great size for EDC belt carry. A smaller knife that can do some big jobs. It also has a very high cool factor.

Finally, Allen makes a great selection of smaller EDC type knives. The Patch, the Pocket Puukko, the Palmer, the Quartermaster and the Canebrake are all great EDC knives. I usually have one of them on me in an ISP. The first 3 are just great all around EDC knives. They're comfortable and very versatile. The Quartermaster is just a beautiful, elegant, fixed blade. It can preform just about everything you would ask of a fixed blade but with a touch of style. The Canebrake is just awesome. I really like this knife a lot. Great blade profile. Pointy and super useful. I would really like to see a slightly larger version of the Canebrake. The blade profile is just awesome. Maybe one with the Big Palmer handle.

Allen, like Andy, offers a wide variety of blade types and sizes. I wouldn't think it would be too hard to find a knife that's ideal for you. Just be warned, trying to choose a favorite might be tough.

 

[swaybacksteve]

The Matador...cause it's the only one I have currently. A2 3/32" it works as my Santoka in the kitchen.
Sunday Brunch, fresh from the garden tomatoes, basil, zucchini. lamb sausage made from ground lamb from a butchering last fall.