My Vacation EDC Updated

Old Knife Collection Part 2 - Schrade Knife

Part 2 in my old knife collection series.

Help me build my vacation EDC?

Unboxing of a...

STRIDER SLCC .190 S35VN TIGER STRIPED

STRIDER SLCC .190 S35VN TIGER STRIPED

Microtech Socom Elite Review

Leatherman Wingman Initial Review

XM-18 Show and Tell Series

Chris Reeve Knife Show and Tell

Small Sebenza vs PT Strider

Today's Use

My large micarta Sebenza go some use today through throwing away several boxes.  Its always the weekly chore in the eco friendly state that I live.  All cardboard needs to be recycled and cutting ridiculously large boxes down to fit into small trash cans must be done.  I support it and I get to play with my fancy tools!  That still doesnt explain why companies ship goods in boxes that are 12 times the size of the actual product.

Cut Test - June 2011

I did a knife cardboard cut test today with a video to be uploaded soon, but here is what I tested:

1) ESEE 3

2) Byrd Cara Cara

3) SOG Trident

4) Strider SNG

5) Spyederco Paramilitary 2 - CF s90v

6) Sebenza

7) Ontario Rat 1

Which do you think did the best at cutting cardboard?

Benchmade 710 Knife

The Benchmade 710 is an iconic folder for Benchmade.  Its popular due to long blade size, and unique recurve blade shape.  At the same time the handle isn't extra long.  People refer to this knife as a tactical knife.  I would consider it a good field knife for the military or overall outdoor use when a fixed blade isn't practical.

It has the standard Benchmade Axis lock which is always good.and then standard g-10 handles.  G-10 texturing can vary between manufacturers.  I consider this texturing very good.  Its rough enough to give good grip but isn't to rough to rip up clothing.

This isn't the knife to cut open the top covering of a wine bottle.  The long blade and 3.9 inches is unwieldy for small precise cutting.  This is the knife to use for recycling day if your standing in front of 10 cardboard boxes.

Overall and depending on your needs I recommend this knife.

Specs from the manufacturer:
Blade Length: 3.90"
Blade Thickness: 0.115"
Handle Thickness: 0.480"
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Blade Hardness: 60-62HRC
Blade Style: Modified Clip-Point; Ambidextrous Dual Thumb Studs
Weight: 4.50oz.





Here it is in the second column top right as compared to other Benchmade knives.

Hiking gear with the intent of photography

This is typically my gear for hiking and photos.  Let me know if you have questions.

ESEE 3 Fixed Blade Update May 2011

I like this knife a lot.  I barely use fixed blades but this one is getting some hand time for around the house duties, etc.  Don't laugh I'm a city slicker.  

Anyway check out my video regarding some rust that has easily developed on the knife.

Leatherman Charge TTi - 2 years later.

This is one of my most popular videos ever for some reason.  But I thought I would share with the group again and talk about this multi-tool a year or so later.

This is still a great multi-tool.  I consider it a premium multi-tool and is probably the only multi tool that I know of that uses S30v as a blade steel.  That is my favorite steel if you didn't know.  This MT is still a little bit large and heavy to carry in your pocket but it is good for weekend work or in cargo pants, etc.  The blade is really sweet looking and in function.  

After more than 2 years later it is still working properly, no rust on the blade, no broken parts.  Quality is still high and maintenance was low.  It didn't have high use, but it was used. 

The stuff I do like about it.

--Its high end.  Its fun to have your collection.

--Love the titanium and steel.  Titanium is the same stuff the SR71 Black Bird is made of (nerd alert).  Other high end knives are also made of this, such as the sebenza and the striders.

-Blade is ultra sharp

-Good shape / design of the tool.

-The locks work just fine and the blade can be used one handed.  Open and close.

-The fit and finish is better than the other Leatherman's.

-The grip and point of the pliers is better than most MT's.

Stuff I don't like:

-  It occasionally pinches me when using the pliers.  Let me repeat this that it occasionally pinches me when using it.. This sucks and is one of the reasons it isn't always my first choice.  Ouch!!

- Having the separate screw bits kind of useless.  You will never have them with you.  If you do have them with you then you probably have normal screw drivers with you as well.

-It was expensive relative to its peers.  

Alternative buys of the same or similar quality:

Recommendation:  Victorinox SwissTool Spirit.  - The knife doesn't have a point but the overall MT is as high quality or actually better in quality fit and finish wise, but not materials.

Overall recommendation after 2 years:  Still a "recommend" buy for those that don't mind spending just a little more.  You might consider wearing gloves for heavy use though.

Which should I buy? Sebenza, Umnumzaan, or Ti Lock?

The Sebenza

This knife is the classic CRK knife.  Go large if you can, and while I prefer the black micarta version, the plain titanium is the bee's knees as well.

Large Black Micarta Sebenza

The list of knives that I just really love

This is the list of knives that I just really love.  All time greatest hits I guess.

1)  Chris Reeve's Sebenza

2)  Strider SNG

3)  Spyerco Paramilitary

4)  Rick Hinderer XM-18

5) Victorinox Soldier