Click to view our Accessibility Statement or contact us with accessibility-related questions
Showing 1 of 22 conversations about:
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 14, 2016
bookmark_border
$180 (at the lowest drop price) for a knife made from 154cm from a manufacturer I've not heard of? PASS.
Jun 14, 2016
grabes
11
Jun 14, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyDont pass, its an amazing blade!
Jun 14, 2016
Jperezlinares
3
Jun 14, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyMade by TOPS, at least original Cholera ;)
Jun 14, 2016
grabes
11
Jun 14, 2016
bookmark_border
JperezlinaresThese are hand made, hes got all the pics up on his instagram of him making them all.
Jun 14, 2016
Jperezlinares
3
Jun 14, 2016
bookmark_border
grabesGreater value for me 👍. Will check them.
Jun 14, 2016
VultureHQ
42
Vulture Equipment Works
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyHey KnifeGuy, Will here from Vulture. You haven't heard of us? That is something we will have to try harder at. Anyway what seems to be the reason for the "pass"? Was it the steel or the price? We are always interested in what everyone thinks and is the only way brands can evolve and improve products. Thanks, Will-
Jun 15, 2016
VultureHQ
42
Vulture Equipment Works
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
JperezlinaresYes TOPS was our original OEM manufacturer but now we are building in house and have made some great improvements. Will-
Jun 15, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
VultureHQI should probably have left this alone, because it's going to come off as negative and possibly impact your sales, but hey, you have asked, so I'll go ahead and answer.
No. No, I haven't heard of you, and none of my immediate friends on a knife forum (hint, the biggest on the web) have heard of you either. You just appear not to be a large shop making knives that a lot of people turn to. Maybe one day that will be different. I'm not concerned personally, as my knife needs are met elsewhere by companies whose products I know and trust. As for why this knife is a pass, it's twofold, which I felt I explained clearly in my initial post. Nearly $200 for a knife made in 154cm? No, sorry. Not even close. There are companies selling handmade bushcraft knives (in better steels) for that amount of money.
In the issue of fairness, I no longer purchase Benchmade products for this same reason. $130+ for a folding knife in 154cm? Pass. I'll save a little more and get something in S30v, which will be just as easy to sharpen, yet hold an edge longer, and multiple companies make quality knives in this price bracket.
And speaking of price brackets, you are more expensive than products made by proven folks like KABAR, Becker, Ontario, ESEE, some TOPS models, all of which are made from better steel and will take much more of a beating than your knife will. So...(shrug). Not sure what else there is to say.
I can't speak for others, but for me personally, a fixed blade is only used for one thing: hard work while out in the field on a campout or hike (I am not a military member so I have no need for a tacticool zombie-killing knife). That's why I tend to use one of my Beckers, one of my Swamp Rats, or even one of my several ESEE Izulas for those chores I need a fixed blade for. I've done stuff with my BK9 that I flat out would not trust your knife to survive, and did so at a little over half what your knife costs. Is what it is.
Now for folks that like the design, the tacticool name, and are aware of you as a company and believe you're worth supporting, then I imagine they will jump all over this. I am not one of them, and that's ok.
I wish you the best of luck.
Jun 15, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyHarsh, but fair. I see a lot of knife manufacturers these days leaning on reputations that just don't exist.
If a few people know, love, and carry your product, that's okay. If a few thousand do, that's even better. But what does all of this add up to?
Take ESEE for example. They manufacture quality products with a bulletproof (sometimes literally) warranty. They sell these products with their name behind them at a reasonable price.
Ka Bar sells the 5102 Big Boss for around 150$, and that comes with S35VN.
Most manufacturers are using modern techniques and equipment to build their knives. There's only so many ways to machine a steel blank, heat treat it, and sharpen it. Does the fact that this blade is "handmade" impress me? No, not really. In reality, there's probably very few steps to the procedure that are performed by hand.
I've never heard of this company, and I'm not super impressed with their offering, less so with the price. That doesn't make it a bad product. It just makes it a poor value for me personally.
Jun 15, 2016
VultureHQ
42
Vulture Equipment Works
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyWell KnifeGuy I don't know how to respond to that comment other than... "Ok'' So you know your comment came across as very mean spirited. I'm sure you will learn more about us as you poke around the internet and do a bit of research. I will make no excuses for our pricing, when you're at our size everything comes with a price and we are not afforded the pricing comforts that the big boys have.
On a side note - I personally take offense to your "tacticool" comment and urge you the next time you are passing comment you rethink your words. Some of us have put more into this country and the safety of others than you can imagine. I can over look your biased review and fanboy attitude of 1095 Steel but not this. Will-
Jun 15, 2016
VultureHQ
42
Vulture Equipment Works
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
grabesThanks Grabes for the support! Hope your loving that Sagewood sheath. You should post up a pic on our feed sometime I would love to see it. Will-
Jun 15, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 15, 2016
bookmark_border
VultureHQHey, you're a service member? If so, thanks for your service.
You came looking for criticism and it looks like you got it. Shame you weren't prepared for it, and shame you resulted to cheaply insulting someone's preferences instead of just saying, "Okay! Sorry my knife isn't for you!"
You know what makes me want to buy overpriced products even less?
When I find out they're made by narrowminded pricks.
See you next year when you mysteriously do a release in S30V or some other, better, steel.
Jun 15, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
VultureHQI considered how I was going to respond to this, but honestly, at this point, I just find you and your product both lacking. You mention mean-spirited? Honest criticism of your absurdly priced knife was "mean-spirited"?
Your knives? Overpriced and made of substandard materials. End of story. That you would charge $180 plus shipping for this knife with a kydex sheathe is hilarous. That you would charge $300 for this stock removal knife with a leather sheathe (according to you)? That seriously is an insult. As for poking around the internet, all I was able to find were several paid-for super glowing reviews on a few gear sites that I've not seen before. I DID get a laugh at your site where you talk about how you use only the finest materials. The direct quote:
"Vulture Equipment Works is an American equipment company who designs and manufactures the finest products possible for today's adventure / imaging professional. "
Huh, adventure/imaging professional. What is that exactly? Is that some sort of outdoor marketing sort of job? Kind of like the people who were paid to give your 154cm knives glowing reviews? LOL
To everyone reading this, I say this. This knife maker is a rip-off, and I urge you to spend your money elsewhere. In fact, I urge you to seek out the Knifemaker's section on Bladeforums.com, where wonder of wonders, you can have a COMPLETELY CUSTOM knife made with a leather sheathe AND a vastly superior grade steel (that will stand up to use that 154cm steel would fold or break from) for waaaayyy under these con-artists' price of $300. Hell, I paid for a knife with a leather sheathe with 3V(!!!) for under $200! But here, these nobodies are acting like their knives are worth what people with actual credentials charge? LOL No. Don't be fooled, gang.
Will, as for you yourself, I'm sorry, did you ACTUALLY try the "I'm using words that hint at me being a veteran so I can try to garner the respect from you that veterans are due" approach? You don't know me. I might be a veteran myself. A first responder. A law enforcement officer. So, that you actually tried to insinuate that me making fun of your poor quality knife's ridiculous name (and it is ridiculous tacticool nonsense, sorry) was somehow an attack on the defenders of this country is in poor taste. Shame on you. You take offense? Well, I take offense at your attempt in return. And just so we're all on the same page, I've screenshotted this response from you, so if you try to edit your amazingly poor taste response, I'll have the proof of it.
Lastly, what amuses me is that you call me a fanboy of 1095. That to me sounds like you're acknowledging that 1095 is better than the lower tier 154cm YOUR product is made from, and you've probably been told this countless times before and you're tired of hearing it. I see that you design other knives of yours using it, so if I was interested in one of those, THEN it'd be ok if I was a "1095 fanboy", wouldn't it? LOL Ridiculous.
Now, with that said, I once again bid you good luck. Sorry that this comments section wasn't all sunshine, roses, and people telling you how awesome your derivative design, too expensive knife is. It's not outstanding, sorry. I will candidly be very surprised if you manage to sell all 40 of them. Again, I bid you good luck.
P.S. Also, if my response irritates you, do try to remember, you responded to me, asking for more details as to why I wouldn't buy your knife. :)
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyDamn, dude. Go grind your axe elsewhere. This is neither the time nor place for it.
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataI think it stems from the fact that William was asking for feedback, then decided to pull the military card when things didn't start going his way. It's distasteful. As the other dude pointed out, no one knows who anyone is on the internet. I could be a really smart dog for all anyone knows, or cares.
It irritates me that he would pull this card for that reason. I've worked with a number of military personnel before, none of them would ever dream of using their experiences as leverage to sell a product on the internet.
But more to the point, what does any of that have to do with the knife? Nothing. It has nothing to do with the knife. Most military dudes use issued items built to barely reach the required specifications. Mil-Spec often means "built by the lowest bidder". Some personnel will obtain their own items when allowed, but even if Will is saying "This is the knife I wished I had in the service," which is a stretch, his former service record, whether it exists or not, does not qualify him as a knife manufacturer.
Mr. Edgar, if you are a former servicemember, or a current one, know that I salute your service. I was not allowed to serve for medical reasons, so I tried my best to support the Army as a civilian. However, I don't give a flying f*ck about your service when it comes to selecting a quality knife. Implying that makes me sick, and you should think on the values you may or may not have learned in the service before exploiting them for profit.
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
EphramTheNerdFeedback is one thing. 8-paragraph, BITTER rants are another. Let's keep it constructive.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataBitter? LOL ok. Do you need a tissue? Something for those singed feelings? Angling for a White Knight discount with Will?
Absolutely ridiculous.
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyWeak jab. Your towering soapbox rants speak for themselves: bitter and butthurt. Is VultureHQ your competition? Because it's becoming clear that you have ulterior motives.
You know, it's curious. For a "Knife Guy" you do an awful lot of talking about knives and absolutely no buying -- you've not participated in a single knife drop since you joined in 2015. What gives?
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataBitter and butthurt? Your reading comprehension seems to be poor, as I'm not either of those things. However, I notice that you appear to be mounting a defense for Will, why is that? In fact, the one who appears to be bitter and butthurt here is (gasp of shock) YOU. Do you work for Vulture? Did you buy one or more of his knives and you're irritated at my entirely factual, valid points pointing out that you could have purchased far better knives for less money? Well hey man, not sure what to tell you. Is what it is. I understand that not many people use proper paragraphs or sentence structure these days, but rest assured that I am neither of the things you claim. Sorry.
So listen, here's what I suggest you do. Get over your butthurt feelings, and go back and read this entire exchange. Look at my initial post. It was simple and direct. A one-liner, really. I'm not a knife maker, but if I was, and saw a single comment like that on the internet, know what I'd do? I'd COMPLETELY LET IT SLIDE. What does the opinion of one person matter? Right? Right?
Instead, Will responds, and has some snide "Oh, you've never heard of us? Huh" noise, and so my first response to him was in depth and candid, and NOT insulting to him personally. He decided to take it that way, and then insinuate that he was a veteran, or that he had veterans who work for him, as though that means my valid, factual criticisms of his product are suddenly null and void. Ha, no. That's not how that works, sorry.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy your water-carrying discount, man. Cheers. I don't know you, and have nothing against you. I'm also not concerned with what you think of me, but let's be clear. I know a white knight attempt when I see one. I'm willing to let this entire matter drop if you are.
If you are NOT, then my next response is going to start posting links to better knives than Will's knife in this drop. And (snaps fingers) wouldn't you know it? ALL of them are made of better steel, and are less expensive. LOL Trust me, man. It'll be fun.
Have a good day.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataI don't buy knives here because there hasn't been a single knife sold on Massdrop that I couldn't purchase elsewhere for less money. Truth be told, the majority of my purchases on Massdrop have been from the Fine Writing community (lately, anyway).
I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on knives in my lifetime, and have had hundreds of knives come and go from my collection. Big names, small names, customs, production knives, all the big names and people. I have a $700 custom knife in my pocket right this instant*. I will spend money on quality. I will NOT spend money on lower tier quality at this stage in the game. I have a good idea what something SHOULD cost, and what it shouldn't cost. That's how I've come to understand what constitutes a good deal...and what's not a good deal. Your mileage may vary.
*This isn't even a bragging thing, a friend of mine has a collection of Rocksteads that makes me weak in the knees whenever he posts up pics.
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataI'm primarily here to find cool stuff that can be found elsewhere cheaper. I've discovered many a great product on Massdrop, and haven't bought one.
I have a suspicion that KnifeGuy has similar gripes with the available "deals" here.
The minute I find a decent deal on something, I'll be happy to join the drop, but so far all they've gotten from me is ad revenue. /shrug
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyI'm interested. KnifeGuy, what would you spend your money on instead of this knife? For me, I'd be looking at Ka-Bars.
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyHey, if you're willing to drop it that's fine with me. Reference my post here:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/vulture-equipment-cholera-mk2/talk/448304
But your thinly-veiled threats are INTENSELY amusing. I'll have to defer to Vulture on whether or not he wants to continue the dick measuring contest with you and your "links".
LOL
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataFrom my perspective, he did, or at least tried to, then the manufacturer of all people tried to oddjob the situation my storming in and saying "Some of us have served this country in.... blah blah blah."
You know what this reminds me of? It smells an awful lot like that infamous 4chan copypasta where that dude pretends to be a Navy Seal and Charlie Sheen's some dude, in obvious satire.
You want to keep it constructive. Manufacturer wants to Deploy his Ordinance to the Ground. Meanwhile, I'm just here laughing and staring at a terribly named knife at an alarmingly high price.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
Data"Intensely amusing"? Ahhhhh man, good times. However, continuing d-bag attempts at condescension means it's Go Time. So, let's get this ball rolling.
Hello Massdrop! Good afternoon! Did you have $180 and need a new fixed blade? Well, have I got some suggestions for you! I know what you're thinking, who is this Knifeguy person? Well, nevermind about all that. I'm a no one who doesn't like it when people charge too much for substandard materials and basic designs. Data (who appears to be a butthurt Vulture employee) wanted me to recommend some good quality knives to you all for much better prices than can be found on this drop, so let's get to that! :D
Ok, then!
So, you need a tacticool knife, eh? Gotta do that whole sentry removal thing at midnight, but want to be able to make fuzzsticks that afternoon to get a fire started? You say you want a quality knife that's made of better-than-154cm-steel, has an ACTUAL long-proven track record of military, tactical success, and is also made right here in the Good ole US of A? Good deal, then you're going to want a classic Kabar knife. Available in half-serrated or non-serrated and HALF THE PRICE of the Vulture Cholesterol. This is the real deal, no marketing hype needed. So cool, even "adventure/imaging" folks will love it.
What? You want something handmade, high end, and indestructible? You want a knife made of a steel that can be used to chop your friend's Vulture Coldsore in half? Then you need to step to the top. Time to call Swamp Rat and get a Rodent 4.
Also American made, and 100% badass. It doesn't come with a sheath, however, on Bladeforums, you'll be able to find a Kydex bender and have a nice basic sheath (like the Colorguard here comes with) made, and you'll be in business for around the same price. 154cm for nearly $200 or SR101 for nearly $200...YOUR CALL!
Hmm? Oh, absolutely. I agree with you, a good indestructable blade backed by the absolute best warranty in the business, plus American made, and better-than-154cm-steel is your jam? Then the ESEE 5P-TG is for you .
Hmmm...you only have like HALF the money this Vulture Corduroy costs? Not to worry, there are still better knives to be found. Have a look at yet another made-in-America, better-than-154-cm-steel knife that's backed by a company who's been around for awhile: Becker Short Clip Point
I could go on, but this is already another novel length post, and I wouldn't want Post-Length-Commander Data to come chastise me again. LOL Folks, DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO OVERCHARGE YOU.
Good day.
Edit, I removed the links, but will leave the names so folks can go get a better knife for a lesser price. :)
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
EphramTheNerdI'll be the first to admit that Massdrop is usually at its strongest for products that aren't available AT ALL from another source -- the keyboard stuff and the many Massdrop Exclusives are the main reasons I come here. Amazon and its vendors are quick to adjust prices in competition with Massdrop and they ship a lot faster, so sometimes it just doesn't make sense to join the drop. That's why this drop stood out to me: in 10 minutes of searching I didn't see any Vulture knives for sale at 3rd party vendors. Knifecenter has a listing for ONE older model of the Cholera and it's marked Discontinued. That was remarkable (to me anyway).
I've managed to find a few knife deals worth joining. They do happen.
As I said, I'm not joining the drop (for unrelated reasons) but I'd like to if it comes around again. Debates about steels aside, it's an attractive knife at a decent (not amazing) price that I wouldn't mind owning someday.
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyHey, cool. Flagged.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataOh, we're doing that now? Sweet. I'll do the same. Thanks.
I've also removed the links, and left the names so folks can go find them on their own. :)
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyLOL you edited. This is fun.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataI did, because you were a crybaby about it. But then, you're a Vulture employee, and didn't like people being shown how many knives there are out there which are better than your company's. :D
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyI lost it at "Vulture Cholesterol". Oh man, great shit.
There should be a drop for popcorn. Massdrop, I'm in.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
EphramTheNerdCareful, Data the Vulture Equipment employee (with the way he's raged on here, I bet he's their marketing guy) will flag you for mentioning popcorn. I bet Vulture sells popcorn too. Like $45 a bag. LOL
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyLOL, now I'm an employee.
Jun 16, 2016
EphramTheNerd
13
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuy$45? Better be one of those giant carnie bags or I'm giving my money to the boy scouts.
You know what? Give me a few minutes and I'm sure I can find some links to better bags of popcorn on the internet. $45 is highway robbery.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataWell, you're certainly carrying the water like one. Ironically, you're vehemently defending a product you decided not to purchase for "unrelated reasons". Those reasons couldn't possibly be "I don't have nearly $200 to throw at this knife.", could they? The extreme irony here is that you could actually buy a better knife for half the price. Wonder if those "unrelated reasons" would resolve themselves then.
This whole thread really brings to mind the guy who was the KAI/Kershaw/ZT rep on Bladeforums. It's the same sort of nonsense that got him kicked to the curb: not being able to take any criticism whatsoever about their products. Will would do well to learn a lesson here. There are always going to be people on the internet who aren't impressed by your product, and when you see those people, it's best to let it slide. If you don't...well, they may respond with a detailed analysis of the shortcomings of your product in full, which everyone can see. You may not enjoy seeing it.
There's a lesson to be learned here..
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuyHard to take anything you say seriously after rants like those. The way you handle yourself and share what you know is as important as the knowledge you are trying to share with others. You may actually know your stuff, but nobody will give you the time of day and try to learn anything from you if this is how you act.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
EphramTheNerdWhat? Better, cheaper popcorn? FLAGGED.
LOL
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
livingspeedbumpI am not concerned with being taken seriously. I am not here to make friends, or anything of that nature. Truth be told, I rarely engage in these sorts of threads because of the ignorance and the water carriers it brings out. I type nearly 80 words a minute, sorry I don't post up in monosyllabic soundbites. It's always entertained me that people see multiple paragraph responses and instantly label them as "rants". Understand, I don't personally care one way or the other if people buy this knife. Those who do, I consider to have done so through a lack of knowledge, knowledge of what's out there, and knowledge of what makes an exceptional knife.
I also invite you to see my first post in this thread. It was a one liner which clearly and concisely expressed the issues I have with this product. Instead of letting it slide, the knife maker asked for clarification (which I gave), which he then took offense to. Then I took offense at the "RESPECT ME, WE'RE VETERANS" insinuation. It snowballed from there. Then Data here decided to try his hand at carrying the ball. That hasn't worked out for him either. At this point, it should be obvious that I'm whiling away a somewhat slow afternoon at work. And what better way to do that than arguing about knives?
Jun 16, 2016
AlexPk
7193
Community
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyAlright. This has been fun, but I'm dropping in to say this is getting pretty derailed. Constructive feedback is always welcome, but let's leave snide remarks and personal insults on the chopping block. Any further bickering without substance will be moderated or deleted. Thanks everyone.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
AlexPkUnderstood. I am good to go in bowing out of this afternoon entertainment. I will not post again unless a post is made directed towards me, or which references me or my comments. I have edited out the links in my comment above, so I presume the rest of the comment will be allowed to remain?
Jun 16, 2016
Data
2004
Data
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyNot "vehemently" defending anything, actually. I've only ever responded to the character of your posts and not the facts (loosely) presented by them, because my issue is solely with the aggressive tone and bullying style with which you write. It's completely unecessary, downright toxic, and, frankly, has no place here. If you can't muster a minimum threshold of civility in your comments - because that's all you seem to do on Massdrop, if your profile is any indication - then you're welcome to keep your opinions to yourself. Have you ever heard the phrase, "you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"?
If there's a "lesson" to be learned here, it's that when it comes to discourse with TuffGuy: HARD PASS.
Jun 16, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
DataOdd, I don't see a Moderator badge next to your name. As you aren't a moderator; I'm curious as to why you didn't simply contact an actual moderator over my "bullying, downright toxic" posts (as you put it). Literally half this page was you attempting to put me in some sort of "place", which failed, incidentally. Next time you decide that you're the one who needs to police others? Don't, because you're really, really terrible at it. Also, let me be clear. I will share my opinions as I please, whether you like it or not. In response, you will also be welcome to keep your opinions of my posts to YOURself. Also, I got a great laugh at your closer. If only you'd taken your own advice from the beginning. Now then, as I told Alex, I will refrain from posting here. My comments remaining and guiding others on to better knives is good enough for me. In closing, you may want to take the advice of the ACTUAL moderator and let this go.
Have a nice day.
Jun 16, 2016
AlexPk
7193
Community
Jun 16, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyAll good. Thanks for understanding.
Jun 16, 2016
Antibacterial
319
Jun 17, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyCmon dude .... Kabar.....1095cv Scrapyard Sr101 a modified Ball bearing steel ftom memory. Esee ....differentially heat treated 1095. Becker 1095cv.
None of these steels are better than 154cm ...should you be looking for stainless steel. Some folks value that factor. Your acting like its 440a.
Jun 17, 2016
KnifeGuy
342
Jun 17, 2016
bookmark_border
AntibacterialGood morning! Great post, you raise some good questions for the fans at home.
In response, I'd like to ask. Have you personally ever used a knife with any of the steels from the knives I listed in a wet, humid environment? Have you in fact ever used any of the specific knives I listed in a wet, humid environment? Because here's the fun part. All of the knives I listed will do just fine in a wet, humid environment*. But you knew that, right? I mean...(spreads hands) right?
If you've decided that you need need NEED a knife with stainless, you're admitting to one of a few possibilities.
- You are a diver, and need a dive knife (in which case the Vulture Cauliflower is DEFINITELY not the knife you want). - You are new to knives and don't know anything about different steels, but you live in a humid environment and have heard that stainless steel is what you need. Nothing else will do. - You are a guy who camps/hikes/performs super spec-ops tacticool sentry removal in a wet environment and don't ever take care of your equipment. Also for some reason you store your killin' knahf in a bucket of salt-water...or blood.
If one of these three describes you, then you get a pass (well I'll be judging you harshly if you're the third one). If NOT, then all I can say is "cmon dude", you know better. Seriously? 1095 is not only stronger than 154cm and will hold an edge longer (which would be why so many knife companies make such great, durable knives with it) it also does just fine in wet, humid environments. Most knives in 1095 come with a coating, but can have a patina applied as well, both of which will make rust a complete non-factor. And SR101, well we all know how indestructible THAT steel is. Also, I personally have camped during some of the worst rainy seasons that Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Alabama have to throw at us, and I've done so with knives made of 1095, 3v, 01, A2 steel, SR101, you name it. Pretty much everyone I know has done the same thing.
For those of you Massdroppers who are reading along and don't know that much about knives or knife steels, I can tell you with certainty: don't worry about your knife rusting. Are you camping during monsoon season? Just make sure you wipe your knife down each day, and when you get home, store the knife OUTSIDE of the sheath until everything is good and dried out. Remember, campers, hikers, military personnel, and outdoorspeople of all walks of life have carried 1095 steel knives for decades and decades with no issues whatsoever. You and your brand new 1095 knife are going to be fine.
Lastly, Antibacterial, to respond to your final point, ALL of those steels are better than 154cm, because if you're buying a knife based on the idea that you need "stainless", you're using a complete non-issue in your decision making process. Buy the stronger, cheaper knife and use some common sense and you're going to be fine. Millions of people use 1095 in nearly every environment on the planet. Swamprat SR101 and Busse INFI (not in the range of this discussion, but similar in properties to SR101) have also been carried all over the place. ESEE tests their knives in the jungles of South America, and if they didn't work in that environment, Jeff Randall wouldn't be making them in 1095, would you agree that that's a reasonable assessment?
To be perfectly honest, my comments towards 154cm aren't intended to make it seem like a garbage steel. It's not. 154cm is a completely decent steel. It's not bad. However, it's absolutely not worth $190 (or $215 or whatever, or $300 with a leather sheath). It's just not. For the record, I wouldn't pay $200 for a knife in D2, any 440 variant (as you mention). Those are steels that in my estimation are on par with 154cm. I would stack Buck's Paul Bos heattreat 420 up against 154cm in most applications, personally. If I for whatever reason decided that I wanted a stainless steel knife, and I was paying $200? That knife better be made of S30v at a MINIMUM. But that's just me.
Have a good day, man!
*You know, the sort of environment that the Internet tells you that you need a stainless steel in
Jun 17, 2016
Antibacterial
319
Jun 18, 2016
bookmark_border
KnifeGuyCheers for your reply.You make some good points and I generally agree with them. Nobody needs a stainless knife.nobody needs a steel knife.Our ancestors survived the greatest environmental apocalypse we've ever faced with stone tools.Every habitable continent was colonised with stone cutlery.Of course those people were survivors and not mollycoddled suburbanites.mind you a steel knife is gonna make life easier.... PersonallyI suspect the sr101 to be more rust resistant followed by the 1095 CV and then plain 1095. I personally prefer carbon steel fixed blades, but I can imagine somebody selecting a SS knife as the edge on a microscopic level should be less likely to be eroded than a carbon steel knife -of course this could be remedied on the carbon knife in moments with a few swipes of a stone. There is certainly a place for stainless steel knives I think....and there is a benefit for some users in not having to perform the same amount of maintenance. Fallkniven knives are extremely popular. Personally I'd choose differentially heat treated carbon over laminated stainless ......but I do own laminated stainless to use if I choose. I live in the subtropics.....with mango trees in my yard. There are more factors in knife choice than monetary .......Some may enjoy that these are limited run knives .....and they can converse with the designer maker.some may like these are US made by an American using US materials. Someone might just like the design and that's OK. How do you feel about Entrek knives? They aren't priced so differently and they use an even older steel being 440c. Here's a quote from their site: "At Entrek USA we don't care what the glamour steel of the month is and we don't believe all the hype. Yes some steels are tougher than others, some are more corrosion resistant, others rust so fast you can actually watch it happen, but any steel with enough carbon in it to harden with a proper heat treat will make a useable knife. All Entrek USA knives are made from 440C Stainless Steel." Indeed even Esee make a 440 version of their 3 &4 knives. (Never liked the 4 --IMO the blade length to grip ratio is off but that's just a quibble) There is a demand for SS knives. I note also that Tops made the previous version of this knife in 1095. Yes the price is cheaper but price is not the lone deciding factor.
Jun 18, 2016
View Full Discussion