Blades! by The Edge

[Chamorro]

This is too long too copy all the info, so I'll just link to it and repost the pics.
http://pub227.ezboard.com/fregularguyfrm12.showMessage?topicID=1.topic
http://www.emersonknives.com/pics/knives/specwarb/large/SPECWAR-B-SFS.JPG
http://www.crkt.com/M16_ALUM.JPG
http://www.survival.com/images/atx51.jpg
http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/productimages/cqtmagnum_ruler_pic.jpg
http://home.att.net/~highperformancecutlery/scout.JPG
http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/images/spyderco/sc-36ge.jpg
http://home.att.net/~highperformancecutlery/master.JPG
http://www.osograndeknives.com/Al%20Mar%20Knives/Images/AL1005UBK4.jpg
http://www.spyderco.com/assets/product_images/medium/C64.jpg
http://www.topsknives.com/products_pages/productimages/cqtmagnum_ruler_pic.jpg

[Imahomer]

Personally, I'm very partial to the auto. knifes (push button types). I've got a beauty that is a Smith & Wesson, a couple of Benchmade and a knockout from East Germany. Those would be my "high end" auto knifes. I've got some of the cheaper, vintage look Stiletto types too.

[Chamorro]

Back on the old Fedora Lounge, The Edge posted about his EDC being a Columbia River Knives M16.

On that endorsement, I got this:
http://www.geocities.com/dancar99/CRKTM1614M.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imageserver.x/00000000/billky/aCRM1614Mboxjpg.jpg
http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/imageserver.x/00000000/billky/aCRM1614Mclpjpg.jpg
http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/10056981/Images/CRM16-14M.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/kevinsjo@sbcglobal.net/M1614M1.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/kevinsjo@sbcglobal.net/M1614M2.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/kevinsjo@sbcglobal.net/M1614M3.jpg

It's a CRKT M16-14 Military. Here are the specifications:

Closed length is 5.31". Blade length is 3.94" with a 3.88" cutting edge. Weight is 4.9 oz. The blade has a dual grind Tanto edge with Titanium Nitride coating and partial Triple-Point serrations and is made of tough AUS-8 Stainless Steel. Razor sharp. The blade pivots on Teflon bearings. The handle is strong HARD ANODIZED aircraft aluminum in military olive drab. The knife is assembled with Torx screws. This knife is equipped with the "LAWKS" SAFETY BLADE LOCK SYSTEM, and the CARSON FLIPPER which can speed blade opening and acts as a finger guard. Comes with a pocket / belt clip attached.

I was torn between this one and the CRKT M16-14SF (the Special Forces knife) but chose this one because the smaller, single Carson flipper seemed like it would be more comfortable for in-the-pocket carrying. I guess I'll just have to get that one later now that I know how nice these knives are.

Easily, the best pocketknife I have ever owned.

Thanks to The Edge. The boy sure knows his stuff.

[The_Edge]

Chamorro,

I had no idea that you were interested in getting a knife and that thread was quite sometime ago. I'm glad I could help in some small way.

You got a heck of a blade there! Beautiful! I'm glad that you got the aluminum scales for the grip instead of the Zytel. Much more durable and useful.

Now all you need is a Lansky pocket sharpener like the one I have pictured below. I've tried a number of different portable sharpeners and this one has worked the best for me. It is not for heavy duty sharpening of a dull blade. Just for honing an all ready profiled edge. Give your blade a few strokes on this every now and then, especially after hard use and you'll keep a razor sharp edge. They only cost around ten bucks. It will sharpen your serations too.

http://home.earthlink.net/~the_edge74/images/M16-13.JPG

[Jsoftz]

Actually, I was just in the neighborhood to buy a nice knife myself. Having just "finished" at Michaels (i've got a new job and am only going to work once a week or so) as a stockboy, I no longer have access to a handy knife. In the 8 months I carried a simple box cutter i've come to appreciate how handy one of these things can be. So now i'm going to get a good knife, where can I purchase this one and for how much? Only problem is, I can't carry it all day- at school it's outlawed. Thanks, Josh.

[Chamorro]

Retail price for this particular model is around 90 bucks or more depending on where you live. I got mine on eBay for much, much less.

[PrettyBigGuy]

I've got a CRKT M16-02Z! It has the same tanto style blade that yours has Chamorro but without the serations. It is certainly a great knife and since I've owned it, it has replaced my Cold Steel clipmate as my everyday carry knife. I highly recommend these knives to anyone who is in the market.
FYI, CRKT has great customer service too. About a year after getting this knife, 2 of the allen screws fell out of the pocket clip and were lost. I just recently got around to contacting the company and they sent me free replacements! Needless to say I applied loc-tite to them before re-attaching the clip and they haven't budged.
PBG

[The_Edge]

Jsoftz,

One of the best places I've found to buy knives at low prices is at Oso Grande Knives (http://www.osograndeknives.com). They have a huge selection and very competative prices. I recommend calling in your order because then you will be able to get an instant answer on whether or not the knife you want is in stock. Definitely try and find a store that sells them though so you can go in and look at them and hold the knife you are interested in before purchasing online. I was interested in the M16-SF that Chamorro mentioned until I actually held it in my hand. I found that the dual flippers got in my way a lot. I'm glad I didn't buy it from just a picture.

I also recommend Spyderco knives. Spyderco makes some excellent blades. Do your research though and don't just take my word for it.

When I went to school I carried a pocket knife every day from about 7th grade through graduation. Nobody cared back then. I'd sharpen my pencils with it right there in class. We live in much more paranoid times now. All the more reason to stay prepared.

Good luck in your search.

[The_Edge]

I've never had a problem with any of the tiny screws coming loose on my knife. I did loose the pivot screw one time though which was my fault. I wanted a faster action so I loosened it a bit too much. CRKT sent me a replacement free of charge. Excellent company.

[Andykev]

Did you hear the one about the guy who broughe a knife to a gun fight? I hate knives, having seen a good friend of mine screwing around and slicing severely his three fingers (he recovered).

When it comes to knives, give me a wooden handle and a very, very sharp blade. Cuts the tomatoes fresh from the garden the best! As for a defense weapon....gotta get too close for me!

[PrettyBigGuy]

Andykev,
Personally, I don't carry a knife with the intention of using it as a weapon. It is more of a tool to open cartons maybe as an emergency screwdriver. I really don't think I have it in me to intentionally hurt somebody with a knife.
Sorry to hear about your freind though. It looks like he learned his lesson the hard way!
PBG

[MK]

Agreed. I hope I never have to defend myself with a knife.

My military model Spyderco folding knife goes with me everywhere except on commercial aircraft....and England since 911. They were nutty about knives before 911. Now they are down right intolerant.

I use my knife daily for all kinds of things. Those few times when I don't have it, I find myself reaching for it to do something only to find it not there.
I see people trying to use keys, pens and all kinds of awkward things for tasks that a knife is much better suited for.

I don't know how other guys get along with out one.

[The_Edge]

Well said, PBG and MK. I carry my knives as tools first and foremost. Chance favors the prepared mind.

As for carry in England, and I could be mistaken, that it is lawful to carry a blade under three inches but it can not be locked open. A small SAK, for example, would probably not be a problem. The Spyderco "Pride" (http://www.spyderco.com/online_product_info.asp?sts=12%2F4%2F2003+10%3A14% 3A20+AM&pfid=SP+C72&mscssid=K6AUCTL2SRS99G9QHFA1NWPRPGFR9K0E) would make a nice European carry, I would think.

[Imahomer]

Well my Benchmade auto knife has helped me out on several occassions. I have to admit though, that I'm spoiled and hooked on the auto knifes and lucky enough to be able to carry them. I've got a pretty good assortment. I'll have to snap some photos and post them.

[Tmac]

My favorite everyday carry knife is a Cold Steel el Lobo, light as a feather and razor edge. That said, I usually carry a Buck or Gerber multi tool with me too. I almost never use the knife blade on them as they are clumsy, but the other features are handy. It's suprising the number of people who asked to borrow a knife, when what they need is a screwdriver. I have had a number of blades buggered up by these people so now always ask why they need a knife.

I have noticed that our society has gotten "kinder/gentler" that a pocket knife produces an amazing amount of alarm, shock or horror when pulled out for some simple task.

[The_Edge]

Originally posted by Tmac

I have noticed that our society has gotten "kinder/gentler" that a pocket knife produces an amazing amount of alarm, shock or horror when pulled out for some simple task.

Ain't that the truth! Sheeple drive me crazy! (and it's a short drive.)

[Indy Magnoli]

Chamorro, that's a great looking knife. CRKT has sure come a long way. I remember when they only offered a half dozen different styles... but I've always loved them. A great knife for the money!

Regarding the clip placement, do you find it easy to get out and open one-handed? Edge, where do you prefer your clip? My Emerson has the clip on the butt end and I've always found this set-up easier.

Kind regards,
Indy

[Chamorro]

The Carson flipper makes it very easy and FAST when opening with one hand. As for the clip. I like it on the other end.

[Indy Magnoli]

You like it on the other end? The other end of my knife or yours? http://www.indygear.com/forum/images/smiles/eusa_think.gif ;)

Kind regards,
Indy

[The_Edge]

I prefer pocket clips to be fastened at the pivot end with the blade point down when folded and in my pocket. The reason being is because I carry my knife in my left pocket and deploy with my right hand. When I reach across my body and grab the knife my thumb is automatically placed near the thumb stud. I've carried this way for years.

There is no right or wrong way to have a pocket clip. It all comes down to personal preference.

[The_Edge]

Here is a photo of my new "toy" along with the bullwhip (my own creation) that I hike with:
http://home.earthlink.net/~the_edge74/images/hiking_whip.jpg

It's a Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk made by the American Tomahawk Company. The head is 1060 steel with five sharpened edges (though I only have the primary chopping edge razor sharp). The handle is 14" of solid acetal. This thing is awesome! Darn near indestructable. Hundreds of our troops over in the sand box are using this exact same model for all kinds of things like digging, breaking and raking windows, climbing, busting locks, hacking through doors, etc. It is even being included in breaching kits for the Army's 3rd Brigade 2nd Infintry Division under the Rapid Fielding Inititive (RFI).

[Imahomer]

That is a very nice piece. It looks like it's definately top of the line too. What do those run?

[The_Edge]

Originally posted by Imahomer
That is a very nice piece. It looks like it's definately top of the line too. What do those run?

Most places, including the ATC website, carry this model for $169.00. I purchased mine online at Botach Tactical for $119.00.

Definitely check out the ATC site and look at their products. All of their hawks are of the highest quality.

[The_Edge]

Picked up one of these at a gun show this past weekend:

Sharpmaker 204 by Spyderco
http://us.st3.yimg.com/store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1774_75665334

It comes with instruction booklet and video but it is super easy to use. I got my pocket knife razor sharp in just a few minutes.

I've been looking to get one for a long time. Finally found it at a good bargain.

[The_Edge]

Here are a few pics of my tomahawk with the paracord wrapped handle I put on it a few days ago. There is a woven strand that goes down the back of the handle and up the other side. Makes for an excellent grip. I tried a few different styles of wrap before I found I liked this one the best. I had to drill a new hole in the handle in order to get the woven strand to go up and down the correct side.

http://home.earthlink.net/~the_edge74/images/VT_wrapped.JPG http://home.earthlink.net/~the_edge74/images/wrapped02.JPG
http://home.earthlink.net/~the_edge74/images/wrapped03.JPG

[Chamorro]

How do you carry it? Does it have a sheath?

[Nathan Flowers]

The Vietnam Tactical Tomahawk is very nice, but I personally like Ryan Johnson's Talon Tomahawk. A few SF guys I know shelled out their own dough for these because the spike can punch through a kevlar helmet.

http://www.rmjforge.com/images/EagleTalonMainPage/CrashAxe/Copy%20of%20October2002A%20021_small.jpg

They can be seen here, but he is only selling to military and/or Law Enforcement this year because they are demanding them at such a high rate due to the current conflicts. If you talked really nicely to him, you may be able to get one, though.

http://www.rmjforge.com/eagle_talon.htm

[The_Edge]

Originally posted by Chamorro
How do you carry it? Does it have a sheath?

Yes, it comes with a sheath (or caracci) that allows it to hang very comfortably from a belt. The one I received is black but I wish I had gotten the OD green like the one pictured. It is a very well made sheath but if you are looking for a rapid deploy sheath this is definitely not it. Try Survival Sheath Systems (http://www.survivalsheath.com/flash.htm) for a concealment rig. I may upgrade to one in the future.
http://store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1741_4696253http://store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1741_4541178

Zohar,

Not to nit-pick, but the Vietnam Tactical from ATC will punch through a kevlar helmet as well. There is a video clip on the ATC website showing this very thing.

However, I did look at the RMJ Forge site when I was researching tomahawks and really liked the look of their product. Price and availablity turned me away. I hear that the wait time is approximately two years.

If you like the one piece construction of that one I suggest the Brend Fighting Hatchet made by ATC. Much more affordable. http://us.st3.yimg.com/store5.yimg.com/I/botach_1776_9321197

[Nathan Flowers]

Oh I certainly don't doubt it will punch through a helmet as well, as I've seen the video too :)

I should have specified, I like the Talon because of how the beard is shaped similarly to an old Tomahawk I have that was made from a rasp. The one-piece construction is interesting, but I've always liked wood handles better. I do realize however that if I were in field combat conditions, zytel or all-steel construction would be preferable.

[The_Edge]

Originally posted by Zohar
Oh I certainly don't doubt it will punch through a helmet as well, as I've seen the video too.

Touche' ;)


Originally posted by Zohar
I should have specified, I like the Talon because of how the beard is shaped similarly to an old Tomahawk I have that was made from a rasp. The one-piece construction is interesting, but I've always liked wood handles better. I do realize however that if I were in field combat conditions, zytel or all-steel construction would be preferable.

I agree, that Talon is a wicked looking tomahawk. I like that hooking beard as well. Very cool. In fact as far as ATC hawks go I really prefer the look of their Rogers Rangers hawk simply because it has that classic Amaricana look to it. But I chose the VT because of the handle material. I'm a newbie when it comes to tomahawks so I went with a material that I couldn't f*ck up. :p

[farnham54]

G'day, gentlemen.

I've just registered here, but I know most of you from COW. These two forums compliment each other nicely.

My EDC is a Leatherman Pulse. I had a Wave model for a year, but misplaced it. Very useful thing to carry around; I especially like the Pulse because every tool on it (save the pliers--which makes sense) locks open. Keep in mind, however, this is not a 'self defence' carry--it's a utility carry.

I've done a fair bit of reading into self defence in general, particularily with knives. My conclusion is that if someone comes at you with a knife, and you have less then a gun, give them what they want! . In a knife fight, there are no winners. One guy goes to the hospital, the other the Cemetary.

However, I can't count the number of times I've just needed a blade or a screwdriver and DIDN'T have my Leatherman with me (always in School--against the rules). So now, everywhere I go, be it a formal function or a backwoods adventure, my leatherman is securely on my belt or in my pocket.

Airplanes are still a problem, though :(

Anyway, A pleasure being here and I hope to learn much as the months go on.

High Regards,

Craig Whitton

[The_Edge]

Farn,

I get the sense that you and I are kindred spirits. Welcome aboard.

-Kyle

[farnham54]

Thanks, Edge. After reading over a bit of the stuff posted in the Observation lounge I feel oddly refreshed to see that I am among folks who still think and decide based on facts and morals; such an attitude is greatly lacking in University life where there is an interest group for EVERYTHING and the one who whines the loudest gets it their way...Anyway, enough rambling from me!

Thanks for the welcome, it's a pleasure to be here.

Regards,

Craig