Blade styles?

[Bowlcut]

Im in need of a new knife. I still to this day carry one of those all metal US stamped Camlus "army" knifes with the awl, can opener, screw driver bottle opener, and straight blade. It does the work just fine. But I think I need a solid folder once again.

I used to have a Spyderco Clipit Rescue and that was my favorite knife ever. But dont know if that blunt point is all that great for a defensive/work knife. I need something to cut all the crap I put up with at work, and something to fall quick at hand for defense. I know you can slash with it, and would tear someone up pretty good. But no point means half your attack is limited. And appears they ahve changed the knife to have a funky cut on the back for your finger, I dont like the looks now.

So what would ya recomend. I do like the looks of the CRKT M16 and it is about the right size, but dang it Ive been a Spyderco fan longer. I love the hole, yea its a bit of a debate here .

So would ya rather have a tanto type blade in the M16, or something more like the Native with its spear point? Im really leaning toward the Spyderco cause Ive had one before. I have this Kiss from CRKT and not overly impressed with it. Yea not the best example but the only one I have....

 

[Kingcreek]

personally, I think the spyderco Wegner was one of the most useful designs they ever made. Too bad they DCed it. I esp liked the wegner jr. Spyderco makes so many patterns, something ought to suit ya.

 

[Jim March]

My personal take:

The blade shape/style in a fighter is NOT as important as grip ergonomics (can it slip from your grip in EITHER direction?), lock strength and overall strength. And make it as big as legally possible.

ONLY once all that is sorted out is the blade shape/type even on the radar (unless you're buying an extreme specialty piece such as a sheepsfoot for rescue purposes).

See also my recommendations at the bottom of:

http://www.equalccw.com/knifelaw.html

I need to update it a little...the new D2 version of the Axis AFCK is probably a wee bit better than the M2 version shown, and Cold Steel has a 6" Voyager-series big zytel folder which probably edges out the CSVG by a nose.

But for the most part, I stand by those recommendations...all will work well within their respective price points and size ranges.

 

[Kevlarman]

Well, bladeforums is down right now, so I guess I'll ask the question here.

What are the main differences between M2 and D2 steel? Both are high speed tool steels, but which one is "better?" I know Benchmade used to offer the AFCK in M2, but they have now switched to D2. Any reason why?
Can I still "punch through a steel drum" with blades (clip point style) made of D2?

 

[Jim March]

I'm not saying the D2 AFCK beats the M2 variant because of the blade steel. No, mainly it's because they reinforced the liner material in the D2 variant!

M2 is a slightly better steel, by a hair. Less stainless though. M2 is technically a "tool steel", versus "stainless", but in reality both M2 and D2 seriously blur the lines between the two (as do several other modern steels). Basically, D2 is "barely over the border into stainless territory" where M2 is barely across the same border into "tool".

 

[hso]

Both are tool steels. http://www.efunda.com/materials/alloys/tool_steels/tool.cfm

D2 - cold worked high carbon/chromium tool steel http://www.efunda.com/materials/all...ol.cfm?ID=AISI_D2&prop=all&Page_Title=AISI D2

M2 - hot worked "high speed" tool steel high carbon/chromium with moly

Moly provides a little better toughness.

Look here for good information - http://www.knifeart.com/steelfaqbyjo.html

 

[Iain]

If you are looking for a rescue style blunt tip knife there is this Meyerco Rescue One design. AUS-8 steel and a glass breaker on the handle. Mine is in the post.

 

[CWL]

CRKT M16s are great knives.

Skip the tanto tip though, no real usefulness. "American tanto" blades are just a fashion statement and not a practical design for fighting or chores. You won't need to pierce car doors with that knife (the blade will break anyway). I collected quite a few tanto-styles in folders years ago when they came out, they are pretty useless besides coolness factor.

Go with the spearpoint, it'll stick and poke through most of what you'll need it for. You will also be able to sharpen it yourself.

 

[brownie0486]

CWL:

I have tested the tip strength on the m-16 at www.folders-r-us.org .

In fact it was the first knife I tested for the site last year. The tip bent very easily in wood planks, see the report and photos of same on the site. It broke off after a few stabs and ripping it out.

I have another crkt in tanto config which will be tested to determine the difference between tip strengths, where this maker is concerned anyway.
That testing should ocurr before the end of the year.

I'm not a fan of tanto styled blades as well and own only one which is a custom bladerigger I picked up years ago when James first started. That knife is acceptable in a defensive role.

Brownie

 

[CWL]

Hi Brownie,

Did I say M16s were cheap? If broken, you can toss or regrind without any great reservations.

 

[Bowlcut]

Only reason i like a tanto is less likely to break the tip. i do find tantos a bit usefull at times. at my job, computer work, i need to cut into or cut up boxes or the tape they are closed with. a spear point is ok, but a tanto gets the job done just fine. i really liked my spyderco for this type duty as the very last seration created a perfect pocket to cut into boxes with and not worry about over penertration to scratch something.

I dont know if i want to concern myself with any sort of defensive roll dedicated or multi tasker knife right now. I still want another clip rescue, love that knife, but the new styles just arent my tastes. that non molded in clip worries me as i tend to break such things with my wide butt getting in and out of chairs and catching anything cliped on on the arms of office chairs. Think another clip rescue spyderco and a new sheath for my gerber multitool and ill be more than happy right now.....then maybe a native its growing on me