What NEXT???

Nathan Ihrke

Nathan Ihrke

Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Messages
864
So, I pre-ordered an ESEE Folding HEST which will come in like 45 days or so. Problem is I've got the bug. I'm just itching to get a new knife with anew steel I haven't tried yet (I've got VG-10, S30V, 154CM). I'd like to keep it under $150 and either a small fixed blade or folder. Any suggestions would be awesome
 
Hi Nathan -

How about a Kershaw Speedform II in elmax?

I think you can still find them - 2bkc may have one in the sale thread....

best regards -

mqqn
 
Speedform 1 is larger, has Ti Framelock, and Wire-EDM pocket clip machined out of a solid billet of Ti. Tip down only.
 
..a new steel I haven't tried yet (I've got VG-10, S30V, 154CM). I'd like to keep it under $150 and either a small fixed blade or folder.
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A few that come to mind, each in a different steel:

1075 carbon steel. Condor Bushcraft or Bushlore, $25.
Crude but very durable construction. Price is right.

420HC. Buck Special, Pathfinder, or Woodsman. $50-$60
Just received a Pathfinder after owning a Special for many years. Excellent finished quality, practically unbreakable handles.

D2. Queen Drop Point hunter. $50.
Don't have one of these, but they sure are pretty.

440C. Canal Street Cutlery drop point. $80.
Beautiful!

1095 carbon steel. Ka-Bar / Becker Combat Utility. $75.
Mine is an older Camillus-Becker, but I'm confident these Ka-Bar versions are just as nice.

Case SS. Fixed-blade hunters. $45-$60.
Not sure the technical name for their steel, but these knives with the leather handles are well put together and quite attractive.

DIN 1.4116. Ka-Bar hunter. $30
Never heard of this steel, but knife looks OK. For thirty bucks, might be interesting to try.

Hitachi White Steel. Kanetsune Japanese Hunting knife. $120-ish.
These are really nice. Super-sharp out of the box, with rc 59-61. I think they produce knives using Hitachi Blue Steel as well.

AUS-10. AG Russell Hunters Scalpel. $20.
Can't think of any other knives offhand that are made with this steel. But the Hunters Scalpel is a great little tool. rc 59-60.

A2. Various models from Bark River. $?
Bark River uses A2 quite a bit. Their prices have risen significantly over the past few years though, so I'm not sure what you'll find in the $150 range.

12C27. Mora stainless models. $10
These get rave reviews from users in the Wilderness sub-forum. For something a bit fancier and better finished, Karesuando uses 12C27 also in their stainless blades.

----------------------

That should keep you busy for a while. :D
 
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Nathan Ihrke said:
How do the I and II compare, because I'm a sucker for frame-locks
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I don't have the Speedform II, but I have the I and it is an awesome knife that Kershaw has once again put out there! It is a very solid feeling knife with excellent lockuo. I love the fit/finish and how the light plays off of the handles showing one as light colored and the other as a darker color. The blade is slender in height, but robust in construction as it is .157" thick. The Elmax steel is great so far. Although I seem to like the M390 steel of my Volt a bit better.

The Speedform I would be a great acquistion.:thumbup::D
 
hoopster said:
Have you tried a Caly3 carbon fiber with zdp-189?
Click to expand...

I have their Michael Walker and that thing is a laser beam. That my swamp warden and RC 4 all get scary sharp.

Bob W. you put out a lot of options with a lot of prices :eek: i'm impressed with your diverse knowledge I now get to look up all those knives though which should be fun
 
If you're looking for something new to try out, get a spyderco Pacific Salt. I picked one up for the fun of having a 'rust proof' knife and its survived an ocean trip and several lake outings without a mark, and it holds an edge much like AUS-8
 
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