|
Post by coupe89 on May 31, 2018 5:33:56 GMT
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on May 31, 2018 10:17:44 GMT
Both are not good knives.
|
|
|
Post by RickDastardly on May 31, 2018 10:34:22 GMT
Speaking as a knife nut who's been spoiled by high-quality blades... Personally I wouldn't touch either of them. What do you want to use the knife for? Or is it just for collection/fun/fondling? (nothing wrong with that, and in that case, if they float your boat, that's fine) Neither knife is made from good steel, for a knife blade. One specifies 440 (which one? Assume low-carbon 440A if not stated) and the other 420J2. Great for being stainless, not so much for anything else you would really want in a knife. The 420J2 is stated to have a hardness higher than 420J2 is usually got to, so take that advert with a big pinch of salt. I would take them both with a big pinch of salt. Those steels are sometimes used as liners, handle parts or for laminating the outer of a san mai blade, but not for the cutting edges. That said, they have been used in some well-known brands at the cheaper end of the market. But they probably made sure the heat treat was as good as it gets. If the steels are really well heat treated, the will be at best 'just acceptable' blades for light use. But they probably won't be. At least they are more likely to bend or dent than break or chip. If you use them a lot you'll want to carry a sharpener, and except to use it a lot. I could waffle on longer, but without knowing your intended use I won't
|
|
pgandy
Moderator
Senior Forumite
Posts: 10,296
|
Post by pgandy on May 31, 2018 13:19:26 GMT
It would depend much on your intended use. Personally I’d pass and look for a reasonable quality carbon steel knife. Aside from all that has been previously said I question the quality of workmanship. With the Commonmodel Rambo for instance with the unsheathed knife (half of their photoed knives) the butt plate and wood grip do not line up and this could cause a hot spot on your hand. If they can’t advertise a knife without this obvious flaw I would seriously question what they would send. The lines of the knife in general makes me question the tang.
|
|
|
Post by rjodorizzi on May 31, 2018 15:28:07 GMT
Same sentiments as above. I'd stay away from these unless you just want them to hang on a wall.
If you want a big outdoor survival knife I'd look at ESEE, granted WAY more expensive but a really solid knife. If you want something similar to the price I'd look at Schrade's big knifes. I'll be posting a review on their Leroy bowie today or tomorrow but that is a hefty survival knife that would serve far better.
|
|
|
Post by L Driggers (fallen) on May 31, 2018 17:20:17 GMT
Schrade's really aren't any better, just more chinese made.
|
|
|
Post by rjodorizzi on May 31, 2018 17:25:54 GMT
Schrade's really aren't any better, just more chinese made. For a $40 big knife you could do a LOT worse than the Schrade. I'm not saying it's Excalibur come to life but it won't just explode in his hand. I was trying to think of something in the similar price point. I've had no real issue with the Schrade fixed blades I've owned as long as you know them for what they are.
|
|
|
Post by coupe89 on May 31, 2018 17:50:14 GMT
I was looking for a good size knife at a price point where I will not feel like I am spending too much on a item just for fun.
|
|
|
Post by rjodorizzi on May 31, 2018 18:21:44 GMT
|
|
|
Post by Jordan Williams on May 31, 2018 18:32:36 GMT
I was looking for a good size knife at a price point where I will not feel like I am spending too much on a item just for fun. In addition to what you've been suggested, Windlass makes pretty decent knives. If you're wanting a large knife for fun they have a large 17" blade d guard bowie knife. I think it's around 80 dollars.
|
|
|
Post by AndiTheBarvarian on May 31, 2018 18:37:08 GMT
On the cheap side is the Cold Steel Black Bear Bowie Machete.
|
|
|
Post by rjodorizzi on May 31, 2018 18:41:33 GMT
I was looking for a good size knife at a price point where I will not feel like I am spending too much on a item just for fun. In addition to what you've been suggested, Windlass makes pretty decent knives. If you're wanting a large knife for fun they have a large 17" blade d guard bowie knife. I think it's around 80 dollars. I totally forgot about that one! Great recommendation www.kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=400928 $76 at KOA
|
|
|
Post by bebut on May 31, 2018 19:07:44 GMT
In the general price range I would look at Ontario. They have a few big bowies/ survival knives, carbon steel properly heat treated, comfy handles, decent sheathes.
|
|
|
Post by howler on May 31, 2018 19:26:03 GMT
In the general price range I would look at Ontario. They have a few big bowies/ survival knives, carbon steel properly heat treated, comfy handles, decent sheathes. At their price point, Ontario is light years beyond anything else.
|
|
|
Post by howler on May 31, 2018 19:29:55 GMT
Schrade's really aren't any better, just more chinese made. For a $40 big knife you could do a LOT worse than the Schrade. I'm not saying it's Excalibur come to life but it won't just explode in his hand. I was trying to think of something in the similar price point. I've had no real issue with the Schrade fixed blades I've owned as long as you know them for what they are. The Schrade models released in the last several years that use 1095 are literally game changers, price wise.
|
|
|
Post by rjodorizzi on May 31, 2018 19:34:06 GMT
For a $40 big knife you could do a LOT worse than the Schrade. I'm not saying it's Excalibur come to life but it won't just explode in his hand. I was trying to think of something in the similar price point. I've had no real issue with the Schrade fixed blades I've owned as long as you know them for what they are. The Schrade models released in the last several years that use 1095 are literally game changers, price wise. Totally! I buy more expensive stuff nowadays, but when I was getting started I would have killed for solid items in that price point.
|
|
|
Post by Adrian Jordan on May 31, 2018 20:35:32 GMT
What is the price range that you are comfortable with?
|
|
|
Post by RufusScorpius on May 31, 2018 21:11:29 GMT
I have to give a nod to Schrade knives. Yes, Chinese blades blah blah blah. But even in China, when you pay more, you get more and even venerable Western brands like Buck use Chinese made components. Brand names do tend to keep a fairly tight QC program at their China facilities- they aren't run like your common no-name sweat shop.
I have several Schrade knives and for the price they are brutally rugged and well made. Don't poo-poo the Schrades until you put one through the testing for yourself. I think you would be pleasantly surprised. You get quite a lot of knife at the price point. I would spend my money on a Schrade before any Ebay Rambo knock-off knife no question.
|
|
|
Post by MOK on May 31, 2018 21:31:45 GMT
I was looking for a good size knife at a price point where I will not feel like I am spending too much on a item just for fun. I can personally warmly recommend Windlass Steelcrafts' "Hunter's Companion Bowie" for that. It's frankly amazing at its price - big, well made, cool looking, and fun as all heck, all for $80.
|
|
|
Post by coupe89 on Jun 1, 2018 1:16:08 GMT
I was looking for around $50 Canadian
|
|