ARMY Knife

[MoDerN_WarRioR]

Hello!

This is my first post in the non-firearms section. I was walking through Big 5 today and noticed alot of their knifes on sale. One i really liked had a $59.99 tag on it but i asked if it was on sale and the employee informed me it was on sale for 15.99.

It is the ARMY1CS model knife. At that good of a sale price I had to jump on it. It was a total impulse buy but i have been wanting a knife to carry on me daily for a "Just in case" situation and this looked like the one. I did a Google search and found out this knife usually runs around the $26 range. So did I really get a good deal? Or was it just a waste of 17 bucks?

Does any one have any comments on this knife? Any one use this knife or have any opinions or reviews on it?

Heres the specs and a picture.

(http://www.jtvknives.net/servlet/Detail?no=559)

US Army Black Finished Part Serrated Linerlock Knife with Camo Handles. 4 1/2" closed. 3 1/4" black finish part serrated stainless blade with dual thumb studs and extended tang for easier opening. Digital camo rubberized handles with U.S. Army shield and stainless pocket clip.

- 3.3" blade, 4.5" handle
- 400 Series Stainless steel
- Aluminum MARPAT Camo handle
- 5.1 ounces

Thanks for any opinions!

 

[bikerdoc]

You got what you paid for - a 400 series steel made by Taylor.

Not my favorite steel or mfg.

Use it and see how it works out.

 

[mustang_steve]

Taylor brands also makes Smith&Wesson knive, schrade, and a few other brands. They make solid stuff, although cheap stuff.

I opened my S&W swat assisted open last night, and while the build was good, it could have been easily made better, there were rough edges on the metal washers and bearing surfaces, etc. I fixed all that and it opens better than ever, however it could have been done for a penny or so per knife at a manufacturing level.

The blade steel is excellent however, and the knife is very reliable and rugged...so it was worth my $25. If you want some serious quality at a low price though, compare it to a Gerber Paraframe, night and day. Of course my first decent knife was bought about 13 years ago (Benchmade Panther), so I'm a bit spoiled.

 

[MoDerN_WarRioR]

So i need some education in this area, and would like to know more about it. Taylor is the brand or company who produced the blade, and 400 series steel is the material of the blade right? Is the 400 series really soft metal?

Just from carrying it for a day it feels pretty sturdy so far... it has only been a day though. Its got a nice amount of weight letting me know its there, opens with the flick of my wrist easily. Im just concerned about the blade going dull quickly... is that probably going to happen? I do agree you get what you paid for. Im glad i didn't pay over $18 for it.

Thanks!

 

[rcmodel]

Just so you know, it has nothing at all to do with the U.S. Army, except they are paying to use the little logo badge.

Here is a blade steel chart showing the makeup of each type.

http://www.agrussell.com/Steel_Guide/a/73/

As you can see, many of the less expensive stainless 400 series steels have much less carbon in it then 440C or other tool steel used to make better blades.

Carbon is one of the things necessary for hardening and a good edge.

rc

 

[mustang_steve]

400 used to be a good steel, but there are far better alloys out there now.

For example, my Benchmade Panther, a knife I bought new in 1997 (first knife I bought legally (had to be 18 to buy a knife in that state at that time), all before were shady flea market or carnival stand dealers)....that knife was made of ATS-34, which is lightyears ahead of 440, but is now considered an obsolete alloy.

 

[bikerdoc]

Modern warrior.

Sorry for the short response, study RC 's chart and hang out here abit to learn more.

Pm with any questions

Doc

 

[hso]

When a manufacturer only says "400 Series" you should be suspicious as to why they won't tell you that the steel is 440C or 420HC since they should be happy to. OTOH, the other stainless steels in the 400 series aren't very desirable. You didn't waste your money, but you shouldn't have paid more than what you have.

 

[MoDerN_WarRioR]

Great information everyone! Thanks for the input. I used it to cut a box open today... WoW I know huh! LOL

Im happy with what im going to use it for, basic situation where you need a knife but dont have one, well now i will. When it comes to defense I would much rather have something stronger, more durable. No doubt in my mind though if I absolutely had to use something other than my hands, like if it came to a stick or this knife, I would use it.

Im going to look through this chart and look at some of the other defense posts on what knives people use to determine the next knife I will purchase. I was just tired of walking around with a little razor knife I use at work to cut shrink wrap open with for defense. I made a slight upgrade but this is the beginning for me in the knife world I hope!

THANKS!

 

[mustang_steve]

Sounds good, now is the time for the question....what kind of edge do you want on your knife?

Some people like utility edges on their defensive knives (30deg angle), which is more durable, but less "sharp" (however perfectly sharp for chopping motions). Others (like myself) go for a fine edge (15 degrees) which while far more fragile, is far sharper.

For example, my carry knives are sharp enough that I can often shave my arm with it. That's because I do use them as utility knives as well...so I'd like for them to cut paper, plastic clamshell packaging, threads, anything life throws at me.

So now's the time to figure out what edge is right for you...any 440 should hold a 20-25 degree edge easily, which is kitchen knife range.