German Pocket Knife? - Page 2

Milu · 10-23-2003, 04:17 PM

I don't have that model. But I do have two Al Mar knives. I think they are great knives. Worth the $60? It's relative, it does the same job as a $5 Opinel that won't make you cry if you lose or break or some of the expensive models I collect. Would you be happy with it for ten years, would it last ten years? It depends on you and how you treat it. Fine knives like good watches and 911s are addictive. Important is to use it as a knife and not a screwdriver or prybar, don't lend it because it'll get abused, don't leave it lying around because it will walk, don't flash it and learn to clean and sharpen it.
Have fun.

pwd72s · 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Milu
Flipping a knife open like that works (I do it too), if you know how to hold it you only need normal lubrication. It does however, put a lot of stress on the knife, much more for example than a switchblade opening. It is appaerently obvious to a manufacturer that ones done it and it voids the warranty.
Sharpening with an arkansas stone is hard to learn but worth it, I think it is practically a zen experience. Schrade are still excellent value, I have one I think is called a sharpfinger. BTW I also don't feel dressed without a knife after carrying one all my life and I avoid flying when possible

When/if the NEED to flip it open quickly arises? The Buck warranty wouldn't be my concern...I've had this particular knife since the late 60's...it's still functions well despite the "stress"...It's the original model, the one sans the finger grooves, which I prefer...in a blade I may need to open quickly. Besides, a Buck folding hunter is relatively cheap. I used to think I didn't collect knives, that I used them...but, the search for the ones that "fit" led me to having far too damned many of them.

The "sharpfinger"? If you mean the short bladed skinning knife by the Schrade "old timer" line, which uses a carbon steel that is darned good....yep, I have one of those. Nice knife. Arkansas stone? Easy to learn how to use. In time you learn how to read the oil "wave" that forms ahead of the blade...plus gain a feel for the angle of the edge you want. When you can easily slice through a piece of note paper held in one hand? Yep, sharp enough for most chores. For shaving? Gillette! And just in case somebody here is thinking a combat knife? WWII style Ka-Bar is still among the top, IMHO...Lots of hype in the knife catalogs these days...here's a link to a pic of today's version of the hunting knife I prefer to carry. The catalog description is a bit confusing. Overall length is 9 1/4"...the blade itself is only 4 7/8", and the little scabbard stone comes in handy when you're cutting up an elk when you're far from the nearest road...It's blade shape works well for the fine work inside the body cavity, but is thick and sturdy enough for the cutting up chores, ie, quartering an elk. Overall, a well functioning hunting knife. If you only wish to carry one knife, it's the best all around design I've found. Of course, you wouldn't want to wear it in downtown Paris, but it works well in Oregon hunting territory. Function over all else, right?
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SCH153UH

Milu? When it comes to blades, I get the feeling you're into what is stylish & collectable, while I'm into what works. Neither approach is "wrong". We just disagree...

Nader · 10-23-2003, 07:59 PM

Pocketknives are a personal kind of thing where you can get the best that money can buy, and still not do too much damage to the pocketbook. When you also consider that it'll be with you practically forever, I say buy the absolute best, and you'll never look back. For me, it was Mel Pardue designed Benchmade automatic. Packages, letters, cords and fruit never know what hit them.

Milu · 10-24-2003, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pwd72s

Milu? When it comes to blades, I get the feeling you're into what is stylish & collectable, while I'm into what works. Neither approach is "wrong". We just disagree...

No. I am into what is stylish and collectable AND what works.

Nader:
Agree about the Mel Pardue Benchmade Auto. I'm not that enamoured with autos but that's one of the best in my drawer.

pwd72s · 10-24-2003, 07:02 PM

Milu? Really...No hard feelings. You're in Italy, right? I'm in Oregon, USA. Big difference in geography. And when it comes to blades, I'm mostly talking of what used to be...even here. This state has become an overpopulated "peoples republic".

Milu · 12:44 AM

Good Lord, No!
Yours is actually a very acute observation as it's only based on posts! I just happen to appreciate the stylish and the functional together. This in everything. I am almost a non cook, but I have Le creuset pans, I no longer work much on my cars but I use snap-on spanners, my favourite handguns are a Sig210 and a Detonics Scoremaster etc etc. Most of my friends would describe me as a label junkie, paying more for a designer label in all things, I actually see it as a guarantee of the quality of what I am buying, I'm indifferent to the status side of it - NO FUNNY COMMENTS FROM ISABO PLEASE!

I've never been to Oregon, but I'm shocked it's become an overpopulated people's republic., its not what I imagined (too many westerns as a kid I suppose) I feel the whole world is changing and my own ideals and values are no longer appropriate, it's one of the reasons I went to live mostly in Italy, it's just a little bit behind in the downward spiral, but it's catching up fast.

Hype in knife catalogues! I think they are hilarious sometimes! Shaving sharp - as you say gillette - one rarely wants a shaving edge on a working blade! And combat knives and "tactical" folders - don't get me started on the merits of desktop combat knives that would do more harm to the user than an enemy, my choice of combat knife would be the Gurkha khukri. This is the only edged weapon that intimidates me on sight! I think it is the shark of the knife world - it has reached a point in its evolution that it is totally fit for purpose and any change is superfluous!

BlueSkyJaunte · 10-25-2003, 07:13 AM

Milu,

I am an iaidoka and I would have to say the most intimdating thing you can see is a 29" blade in tameshigiri polish whistling around as some guy in a goofy-looking skirt swings it at your noggin.

pwd72s · 10-25-2003, 12:05 PM

That's why the USA military adopted the colt .45 auto as a sidearm. The .38 revolver officers then carried wouldn't stop sword weilding attackers...the .45 would knock 'em back a step or two.

Milu · 10-25-2003, 05:18 PM

Semantics and hair splitting time.

My understanding of iaidoka is that it is the art of being at one with oneself in action - the ultimate in control. In general I am not a hoplophobe, I am more concerned about the person than the weapon, so obviously a master with a blade is going to make a serious impression, as would a headcase chasing me with a chainsaw. However, I stand by what I wrote and without taking anything away from any edged weapon, the kukri is the only blade that intimidates me on sight ; ie just lying their on a table - I see it as pure martial purpose (even if it is used as a multipurpose instrument from wood chopper to brush cutter). This is of course my personal position, I know others who feel the same way about stilletos and others again about cut throat razors.

A broken penknife or sharpened screwdriver in the hands of an aggressor would also get my attention albeit much more easy to deal with than a real martial artist with a blade. I do not think I would be intimidated by a iaidoka - I think I would have been dealt with before I had time to be intimidated

I think the British adopted the .455 manstopper for the same reasons as the US and the 45acp. (A tag about bringing knives to a gunfight comes to mind)

pwd72s · 10-25-2003, 06:08 PM

Yep...as a local cop once told me: "Knives don't scare me...if he doesn't drop it, I'll just shoot the sad f***er!"