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Post by MOK on Apr 20, 2011 14:27:59 GMT
I recently got the Hanwei Banshee, due to the low price and favorable reviews here and elsewhere, and while there are some minor issues, I am quite happy with it indeed. Thanks, SBG, and especially Shootermike! I might post an actual review with photos later... but I digress. Now I'm looking for a small utility knife I could attach to the Banshee's scabbard, like a by-knife, just for the kicks and convenience - surprisingly or not, there are lots of little things you can't really do with a heavy two-foot blade. Like whittling, eating or cleaning your fingernails. So, I'm looking for a general purpose utility knife. Something simple, single-edged, slim and otherwise compact, preferably with a hard "tactical" sheath with holes suitable for tying it to the Banshee's scabbard with paracord (I made a sling for the Banshee out of some paracord, inspired by the rope slings used on traditional dha). Also, the cheaper the better. I suppose some kind of neck or boot knife would be the most likely match for my criteria. Some possibilities I've been weighing are the Böker Kwaito, or the Cold Steel Bowie Spike. The Kwaito seems to be well liked, while I've heard some negative things about the Spike series, primarily the steel being too soft. If anyone could tell me more about these two (especially the Kwaito), or suggest something else, I'd be grateful. The most helpful post will get karma and a gold star!
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Apr 20, 2011 15:24:35 GMT
Hello MOK ! I'll try to help you out. Please take note I don't have many small knives and I never even held a CS Spike or Boker Kwaito, so take what I type with a pinch of salt. The CS Spikes seem like decent small knives, They are small, very light and look decent. On the other hand, their grips aren't very ''grippy'' and the blade seems delicate. I know nothing about the Kwaito, but personnaly, I think it is a great looking blade (however the lack of guard irks me). Personnaly I'd also suggest these knives ; www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... l?s=KABK11 www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... l?s=KABK14 Kabar/Becker neck knives. I've seen many people express lots of love for them on knifeforums.com. They are between 35 and 50 $, depending on where you shop. They are less slim than the Spikes and Kwaito, but not too chubby-looking and I think they'd make a decent companion to the Banshee. Here are a few other suggestions ; CS Finn Bear and pendleton Lite Hunter : www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... l?s=CS20PC www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... ?s=CS20SPH Buck Bucklite Fixed-blade, here's the 3 1/4'' blade version www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... s=BU673BKS All short blades, rumored to be reliable. Plus, they're dirt cheap.
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Post by MOK on Apr 20, 2011 16:13:33 GMT
I like the look of that Ka-Bar Becker Necker, even if the name sounds like they had Dr. Seuss for a copywriter. Gotta see if I can find a local retailer that carries those. You'd think the Finn Bear would be right up my alley, what with me being an actual Finn and all, but... eh. Having handled one, I gotta say I'm unimpressed. It's tough and all, but really, it's just a regular ol' puukko with an overly simplified grip shape. You can find better ones for the same price at any hardware or sports store up here, IMO.
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Apr 20, 2011 18:08:34 GMT
Yep, come to think of it, I too heard one reviewer give flak to the Finn Bear because of its handle ... Should've thought about that before suggesting that product ... BTW here's another suggestion ; the Buck Omni line, fixed-blade knives. I have one of the folders of that line (and I reviewed it ; viewtopic.php?f=33&t=3175 ). They look nice and well-made. However, they are a bit chubby-looking compared to the Banshee... Anyway, check it out if you want.
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ghost
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Post by ghost on Apr 20, 2011 19:55:53 GMT
I do have a CS Spike - the Tanto version. The steel is good, but the knife is primarily a neck knife - it's great for "defense" similar to some boot knives. However, as a utility knife...it would downright suck. The grip is very small - a very likely chance that your hand can slide up onto the blade. Also, it is very very uncomfortable. It is sturdy, but too light for any heavy use. (it won't handle whittling/carving well) I would not recommend a Spike. It looks like you want a relatively small fixed by-knife so how about the Tops Shango? bit pricey, but looks like it'll do the job. www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... s=TOSHGO01 Ka-Bar Adventure Piggyback: ($12ish) no idea about its durability. www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store ... l?s=KA5599
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Post by MOK on Apr 20, 2011 22:17:52 GMT
Oh yeah, that Shango does look great, but yeah, it is a bit pricey. But I think I found something that might fit: the CRKT Dogfish. It's the right size, the right price, looks cool, and the reviews seem universally positive except for the loose sheath (which shouldn't be a problem with the setup I have in mind). I've had some other CRKT knives before, actually I still have a Bear Claw somewhere around here, and so far I've always been happy with their quality...
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Apr 21, 2011 17:36:42 GMT
Update us when you get your new blade, and don't forget to karma someone, I wouldn't mind having my 36th karma point
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Post by MOK on Apr 21, 2011 18:12:55 GMT
But 35 is such a nice, round number!
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Sébastien
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Post by Sébastien on Apr 21, 2011 19:33:51 GMT
But I like even numbers
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Post by randomnobody on Apr 21, 2011 19:35:37 GMT
If the Smite was still around, I'd give you one. (I kid.)
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Post by gator on Apr 22, 2011 2:32:16 GMT
I can vouch for the Ka-Bar Becker Necker, it's a handy little knife. It's also made of high carbon steel, which is purely a personal preference on my part, but I prefer it to stainless.
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