Leatherman Skeletool

12/31/2012 by Billy

-Price Paid: $69.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Leatherman Skeletool:

I carried the skeletool for over a year as part of my EDC. It's an ok multi-tool if you don't normally use much for tools on a regular basis.

The pliers are ok but the first hard work I put them through they twisted a bit and I was unable to get them to twist back into propped alignment. The wire cutters never really worked to well at all so I didn't use them to much. It comes with 3 bits but can only carry two bits at one time. One bit in the screw driver and one in the spare slot for carry. The other bit gets put somewhere and lost so hopefully it's not a bit you need haha. The blade on the skeletool came pretty sharp and is easy to sharpen. The best thing I think about this multi-tool is the fact it is very light weight. I replaced the skeletool with the Leatherman Blast and I never looked back. If your looking for a light duty multi-tool and don't plan on doing anything more than light duty tasks than it's certainly worth looking at the skeletool, but if there is a chance you will be using it for medium to heavy tasks then go with the leatherman blast, or wave.

SOG Seal Pup

12/31/2012 by Billy

-Price Paid: $59.00
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

SOG SEAL PUP TEST:

AUS 8 steel
High quality nylon sheath (yes)
Shaving sharp out of box(yes)
Full tang (yes)
Serrations good/bad?(good)
Extremely Light weight(yes)
Good ergonomics (yes)
Excellent grip while wet (yes)
Cuts cordage extremely well(yes)
Batons through wood (yes) very well
Cuts/stabs through tin/aluminum (yes)
Works as can opener (yes)
Holds and edge well (yes)
Function ability in winter (good)
Sparks with fire steel (yes)
Worth the cost Cost $59 (yes)

The new seal pup is what i used for the test and is made with AUS 8 steel, the old version is made of AUS 6.

1: Cut open cocoanut,still very sharp after.

2: Pounded tip into a dead tree and tried to pry a piece of wood and bent the tip. I was able to bend the tip back with no chipping or breaks to the tip or the rest of the blade. I think the metal is to thin at the tip to pry something heavy or really hard.Was able to pry smaller dead trees with no bending. Recommend if prying to get the knife in far enough to reach the thickets part of the blade.

2: throws lots of really good sparks with a fire steel when using the serrations. I used the serrations so I didn't dull my blade. I used the serration closest to the handle since I wouldn't be using that part as much as the rest of the blade and serrations.

3: edge held up very well after batoning through wood.there was alot of shock felt through the handle while batoning but wasn't so much I had to stop.still able to push cut through 550 cord (no slicing)

4: I do not recommend serrations on a survival knife however they do work great for throwing sparks with a firesteel and the serrations on this knife held up very well to batoning and cutting and show no visible damage after tests.

5: works well as a can opener although not recommend unless you have to use your knife.was not able to push cut through 550 cord after using as a can opener but still held a pretty good edge.still slices 550 cord well. ( bring a can opener )

6: had no difficulty using in the rain and soaking wet. Did not slip in the hand and was able to keep a strong grip on the handle. (would also work great as a dive knife.)

7: sharpening the knife isn't hard, I was able to get it very sharp even tho I suck at sharpening, so anyone with better sharpening ability than myself should have no problem with getting a razor sharp edge

8: the knife feels great in the hand, however the handle is hard and has alot of shock transfer to the hand when batoning through wood.

SHEATH:
the sheath is in my opinion is a very good quality sheath. it does take a little breaking in to get the knife to go in and out of it easy, but all it takes is to put the knife in the sheath and leave it in there for a day. I like how it is capable of attaching to a back pack, vest or a belt. The sheath is capable of left or right carry. It has a pouch on the front that I use for a fire steel and sharpener and it holds them very well with no rattling. All in all I think the sheath is great and give it a 5 out of 5

The KNIFE:
over all this is a very good, strong knife that is extremely light weight, easy to carry and does pretty much any and all tasks that you throw at it. It handles abuse very well and despite the serrations it makes a decent knife to take in the woods. If I could only have one knife with me in a survival situation I would probably not bring this knife. I would us something heavier like the Becker Bk2 because it's a straight edge and is very thick and can pry the hardest stuff you throw at it. But again the SOG Seal Pup can and will do the job pretty well if it is the knife you chose as a one knife option.

I would recommend this knife to others and is defiantly worth the price.

If you have any questions please post a comment and also if there are any other tests you would like to see done with this knife please ask and I will be more than happy to do it.

Cold Steel Scottish Dirk

12/30/2012 by Billy

-Price Paid: $200.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

The Dirk, It looks, for a lack of a better word amazing. However I took the dirk into the bush as just a basic tool. Using it for cutting rope mostly, and what ever tasks I may need it for as well as having it as a possible weapon incase of a cougar attack since I live in an area with lots of cougars,wolves and bears, and have encountered all of the above many times at a close distances. I do not bring it with me anymore though as I believe it to be unreliable for most tasks. Just cutting through some card board the piece between the blade and the rosewood handle started coming loose. I'm not sure if the blade is full tang or not and if it is not then I believe it to be a safety issue with that piece coming loose. Also the metal piece on the leather sheath that covers the tip of the blade while sheathed fell off while walking through the bush and posed another safety issue as the tip was sticking out and could easily stab a leg while walking.The dirk came pretty sharp but not shaving sharp or anything but sharp enough to do basic tasks. It feels great in the hand and the rose wood handle looks great. I was a little disappointed due to cold steels reputation for great quality knives and getting my first blade from them and having so many things go wrong. The Dirk now unfortunately sits on display on top of my entertainment center. I have since glued the loose piece of the handle and the metal piece back on the sheath but it is a shame to be just sitting on my tv stand rather than being in use.
Cold Steel, I Hope you get those defects fixed for future buyers of this dirk because I think it could be something really awesome if it is as functional as you advertise.

Benchmade 580 Barrage

12/30/2012 by Billy

-Price Paid: $147.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Benchmade 580 Barrage Review:

I have owned the 580 barrage for over a year now and it hasn't left my side since the day i bought it. It comes with me where ever i go.This is the best pocket knife I have ever owned by far! The pocket clip on it is strong and i have never had a problem with it at all yet.the blade deploys smooth and fast using the thumb studs, and locks up nice and strong with no blade play from side to side or up and down.the blade is centered in the handle perfectly when closed and does not rub along the side.the blade is easy to sharpen although holds an edge for a long time so as someone that can't sharpen knives to overly well like me that's a very good thing haha. The blade came shaving sharp out of the box. I like how it carries nice and low in the pocket for better concealment however I put a small paracord lanyard on it for faster retrieval from my pocket. I have never had any part of the knife break, be damaged or fail in any way. it has a safety but I never use it for the simple fact I am no worried it will open in my pocket but the safety does work though for anyone that has the concern of it opening in their pocket.it feels great in the hand and have had no hot points while using it. Not only is it functional and will hold up to pretty much anything you throw at it, it looks pretty bad ass in my opinion as well. This is a great quality knife and is kind of an HEC (high end carry) knife. There are cheaper knives out there but i also believe you get what you pay for so I don't mind spending $100 or more for something like this. I payed $147 for this knife here in Alberta Canada but people In the united states can prob get this knife cheaper. I would recommend this knife to anyone.

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Kershaw Rescue Blur

12/29/2012 by Carson

-Price Paid: $65.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

I just got the Rescue Blur the other day and so far I LOVE IT! I have the all black one and it looks amazing! I just became a volunteer firefighter and if someone you know or a loved one dose something in police work or firefighter this knife is from them! i have nothing bad to say about the knife. This is my first Kershaw knife and i love it.

Buck 112

12/29/2012 by John

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

This knife has durability. I use it from hunting to self protection. In my opinion, it is one of Buck's best knives. It was my grandfather's knife before he passed. It still looks brand new though.

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Kershaw Oso Sweet

12/28/2012 by agile_1

-Price Paid: $18.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

I just got my OSO Sweet today - and I am impressed. Keep in mind that this knife cost me $18 on Amazon. This is an inexpensive (well under $20 knife) and this review is based on knife features found at that price point.

Overall - I call it an 8. Great big 3" 8Cr13MoV blade that snaps right out there - faster than either of the Leek blades that I own. It is a little heavier blade and that probably helps with the snappy deployment. The deployment lever is well placed and easy to manipulate. It's fairly sharp out of the box. I have gotten sharper edges from Kershaw, but not at this price point.

Build quality is an 8 as well. Seems solid and well built. The knife does seem blade heavy. The knife weighs 3.2 oz. The liner does not look to be skeletonized but the nylon scales are very lightweight. The blade locks well and looks well centered when closed. The satin clip is easy to slip on and off a pocket. The scales have a light texture that is easy on the hands and gives up a little on the grip.

Ergo are a 7 - based on the scale texture and grip purchase. It's comfortable enough to grip. I have pretty big hands and it fits me well. It's just that there is no jimping and the scale is so light that it really does not add much to grip security. The fore-finger groove is nice and deep and the flipper lever is well placed when deployed. Nice little thumb ramp built into the frame and scales. The Oso Sweet is a little on the wide side due to the nylon scales, but they add to the grip. Very little in the way of jimping. There is some on the back spacer but that really doesn't do anything to secure the grip. Plenty good enough grip for a light duty knife.

Value - 9 because of the price point. Not a full featured knife but solid and basic. If you are looking for an everyday light duty beater this is a good candidate.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley

12/22/2012 by Dragan

-Price Paid: $130.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I always wanted to get Spyderco Gayle Bradley because of the all good reviews but when I finally bought it, wow,what a surprise.Knife totaly blown me away,from fit and finish,steel quality M4,looks,weight,and finaly performance.Used it to cut anything,from paper to food prep.Easy maintenance just rinse in water,dry it well and I put a drop of mineral oil on blade,its perfect.Best knife for money out there could be easily better than lots of more expensive knives and custom ones.Excellent job Spyderco.

Cold Steel Recon 1

12/20/2012 by agile_1

-Price Paid: $63.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

I have been casually collecting knives and the Cold Steel Recon 1 caught my eye recently. Amazon had it for $63 so I picked up the plain spear point.

PROS: Overall it's a decent knife. Large. Functional. Sturdy. Light (5.3 oz) for its size. Very thin - about .5". I really like the 4" AUS 8A blade. The finger grooves in the G10 fiberglass laminate handle lets you get a great grip. The lock back seems secure and strong but I need both hands to close the knife.

CONS: Thumb ramp is shallow. Thumbs stud is nearly useless for opening. I find it much simpler to just pull the blade out. (I have been spoiled by assisted openers.) But the thumb stud looks to be removable so I may do that just make it that much lighter. The handle is just not all that comfortable (using the ZT0200 as a reference). Very flat sides on a thin knife make for tough ergo's.

The price seems to be a little on the high side for what this knife is. I'd say $40 - 45 would have been more reasonable.

Kershaw Tilt

12/17/2012 by Ethan

-Price Paid: $400.00
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

I was lucky enough to get a Kershaw Tilt this late. The price I paid for this knife is a bit high, but even so, this knife is worth every last penny and more. The carbon fiber scale is great looking and very well machined. The ergonomics are fantastic any way you hold the knife, although the sharp corner of the pocket clip may be slightly uncomfortable. The cutting edge on this knife is made from Vanax 75, supposedly a very rare supersteel. The rest of the blade is 420 stainless. The liner and locking side of the knife is titanium, as is the pocket clip. The frame lock is very strong, and is cut out in an ingenius way so that hyperextension is impossible. Overall, this knife is pretty much uncompromising in both materials and engineering. If you can find one, get one.

Spyderco Paramilitary 2

12/17/2012 by Ethan

-Price Paid: $110.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

I'm surprised this knife doesn't have more reviews. Most anyone who owns one will tell you it is a great knife. It comes razor sharp out of the box and holds an edge fairly well. The blade is full flat ground, which makes it a great slicer. The compression lock is strong and easy to use one handed or two handed. There is a four way pocket clip that slips on very easily, yet is very sturdy. The jimping on this knife is superb. The g10 handle scales are thick, yet the knife still remains light enough for EDC. I highly recommend this knife to anyone.

Victorinox Cadet

12/17/2012 by Ethan

-Price Paid: $20.00
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

This knife is a great EDC multitool. It's thin and lightweight. When you put it into your pocket it just disappears. It also looks great with the alox handle. I'm getting one or two more just in case I lose this one. It has all the essential tools you will likely use most. This is a great knife and if you dont have one, get one... or three