So, I have been dropping huge hints to the wife about what I want for Christmas. I think I want a new fixed blade. I need another one about as much as I need another gun; however, it is Christmas so...need doesn't have to be a requirement. I would like your opinion on the two I am looking at...and, as I haven't made up my mind yet, if you have a strong opinion/recommendation about a different knife I would welcome it. My requirement is I want more of a working knife than a survival, must be full tang, hold an edge, resistant against rust/corrosion. The first is made by Emerson called 'Government Mule'. I have a few of his knives and while pricy, they really are excellent: $270 154CM steel Blade G10 Contoured Handle scales Spear point Made in the USA nylon/kydex sheath V Grind Overall Length 10.2 in. Blade Length 4.8 in. Handle Length 5.4 in. Blade Thickness: .175 in Hardness 57-59 RC https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079NQ7J5C/?tag=survivalmonke-20 I came across this one from SOG sort of by accident, the SOG “Pillar”, and it caught my eye...A good hard steel that won't rust, holds edge...and costs a lot less: $152 S35VN Steel Blade MICARTA Handle Clip Point Made in USA (I think!) Kydex sheath straight-edge Overall Length 9.9 in. Blade Length 5 in. Handle Length: ? Blade Thickness: .160 inches Hardness RC 59-61 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N19FZ4X/?tag=survivalmonke-20
I find that with minimal over-molding for scales and thin guard designs, the blades will sometimes create hot spots when using them. That said, I have no hands on experience with either of these, I was just commenting on their design. YMMV, of course. I did a review of a fixed blade Buck a while back. I'll have to go back and get a link. I'd recommend that one in a heartbeat! Edit: Buck 632 Review
@AxesAreBetter "If I had the money, I would get the Emerson." Please elaborate. I ask because I know you indeed know what you're talking about so I value your opinion. Why the Emerson? Yeah they're great knives and I have been watching this one for a long time...but steel, shape, grip, why? @GrayGhost Reference that Buck 632 you reviewed, for the price it's a steal. I notice Amazon has sold out, except from some 'others sellers', and for good reason - it's simply worth the money. I wonder if the factory store has it? I might have to take another run down there but...it's a scary place as the knives - well - they talk to me... "Take me home, Bandit!" "No! Take me!" "No, Me! Take me!"
I like the Emerson best I'd choose the partially serrated myself and for the Bucks you would think you would either get a nice leather sheath or a usable kydex. I'm not a fan of Nylon
Have you actully had hands on both? No matter how good the knife looks and how nice the specs are, means nothing if it feels crap in your hand.
Last I checked, they were still in stock locally here. I'd be more than happy to pick one up and ship it to you, if you want it.
I am going to Walmart anyway tomorrow to look into obtaining one of these 'Reloadable Visa Prepaid Cards' so I will look first for this Buck 632. However, it will NOT be my Christmas present. It will simply be for the truck as took my old SOG Seal Pup knife from it to keep/use in the garage. So, let me check tomorrow at my Walmart first. But, thanks GG, very kind of you, but if I can buy one here and not put you to that fuss, I would rather do that. @runswithdogs "Have you actually had hands on both?" No. That is a problem with Emerson knives because they are really top end knives, high dollar, so not many stores carry them; however, I have two other Emerson knives (folder called Mini-Commander and fixed bladed, the old version called a Police Utility Knife) and both are excellent. I know I will love it. The question is do I spend that kind of money. I actually trust Emerson's quality but think they are a bit overpriced because of their fame. And, the SOG knife looks good for the money, also a $120 cheaper than the Emerson.
Emerson makes a better knife. It's a hair thicker, and I prefer the 57-59 HC to thepotentially 61 HC in case you stick it in something/someone, 61 is in the brittle range that starts making me nervous. Legitimately tougher knife, and if you are going to splurge, I would get the knife that would be harder to find twice. Haha.
Tha SOG your looking at is a rehash of the Seal, and thusly the same steel and quality! I like the Seal, but it dosnt hold it's edge if you put any thing like a useful edge on it! I would look for a good sized Bowie if I was you! It's really the best type of on it for general all round use!
@Ura-Ki "...I would look for a good sized Bowie..." I really don't want to get too big that it's unworkable, know what I mean? I got a BK2 Companion that's .25 inch thick but it's not very handy so seldom use it for anything. It sits there and looks big and pretty... So, I was sort of looking for something high-quality to replace my BK-16 which gets most the chores for which I need a knife. Anyway...AxesAreBetter likes the Emerson. And, you don't like the SOG so, that's 2-0, so it looks like it will indeed be the Emerson unless someone else jumps in here...
Hahahaha. The BK2 is more unwieldy than the BK9. I have a Cold Steel 1917 Bowie (which is a chunk) that feels better in the hand than a BK2. Was stunned the first time I held one. I like the Cold Steel SRK for the blade shape of the SOG. Price on cheaper one ($65+) in SK5 is crazy for the amount of knife you get, and the fancier version is insane. MUCH handier and lighter than the above options, different feel entirely. IF you want to try out a bowie, I recommend the Cold Steel Maurader or an Ontario if you want a starter option that is light and balanced. You ask good knife questions though.
I agree with this ^^^^ somethings need to be held prior to purchase. I did like the look of the Emerson but unsure about the handle but maybe it will fit your hand.
@AxesAreBetter Yep! You definitely know the BK2. It's great if you want to pry something of chop something but I got a crowbar and an axe so... Okay, I will look at the Cold Steel SRK. Amazon has it for $50 (Cold Steel 49LCK Srk SK-5, Boxed), link below. I never heard of the SK-5 steel though and will have to look that one up. I do like Cold Steel. I mean, what the hell, it doesn't have to be a $200+ dollar knife, right, just something that will scratch my Christmas itch. EDIT: It appears they also make a SRK using VG-10 San Mai steel but that one is ~$150 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BKK9Z6R/?tag=survivalmonke-20
Not familiar with either of those knives. But for what you describe, I love my Fallkniven F1! I know that handle is comfortable to use. And the blade is outstanding. The S1 is closer in shape to the ones you have. I had one and traded it. Prefer the F1. But that's just me.
I have heard the Fallkniven knives are excellent. The S1 does seem to resemble the Cold Steel SRK very much...
This site right here, I just recieved a catalog,However the prices seem to good to be true! https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr...udk.com//RK=2/RS=vBIiP.ZPrHDLyX5R8nY8lOZplTw- Any monkey can vouch for them?
Really cheap prices and quite a variety. I have never seen a knife like this. M48 Cyclone Fixed Blade Knife with Custom Vortec Sheath | BUDK.com - Knives & Swords At The Lowest Prices! one would have to be choosy with what they used it on because it would be a chore to clean it.
I've never dealt with BudK personally, but I seem to remember getting catalogs from them back before the internet was a thing.