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Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025

nate j · 385 · 11212

us Offline JonesE

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #180 on: June 11, 2025, 06:32:13 PM
Day 11

Decided to carry a Spyderco Military today. I had to look up the model number and it is a C36GBK. Blade steel is S30V which I know many are tired of seeing, but it has been an excellent steel for me. I am also carrying a trust Charge since it is Wednesday.



This Military has quite the story of how I got it. About eight years ago go or so, I was on the big auction site looking for something or other at the time. I happened to spot an ad from a sporting goods store that put up a listing for the knife. It was for $75.00 with free shipping. I couldn’t click  the buy it now fast enough. After the initial rush passed. I carefully read through the ad. It was a return. The seller posted quite a few pictures and I carefully review them all. There was no obvious signs of use or damage. So, I nervously waited a week for it to arrive. When it got here, I quickly removed it from the package and gave it a detailed inspection. The Military has an aluminum backspacer and one of the screws had cross threaded and stripped the threads out of the backspacer. You could put the screw in the in the hole and it would fall out. I got lucky in that the screw was in the box. At this point I looked for options and then ordered some titanium stand-off for the knife. I prefer the open back construction on the Military anyway. So all is good. Years later Spyderco switched to spacers in the Military line. This is one of the few times I have gambled and it worked out for me.

JonesE


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #181 on: June 11, 2025, 09:02:59 PM
Cool story, and cool knife. I'm thinking of getting a Military 2 at some point.

Day 11

Sometimes you just need a beater, and there isn't much beatier of a knife than the Mk1. More sawback tests on on the Block while I was trying to get rid of a stubborn holly bush. Did pretty well.


gb Offline gra_farmer

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #182 on: June 11, 2025, 10:45:59 PM
DAY 10

Got a little side tracked the last few days....have been focusing on getting a new toy, a charge XTI, as I miss placed my AL Charge....anyway the challenge continues

....in to the ring steps possibly my favourite Fallkniven knife, and I have a few....the TK2 in 3G steel, this knife really hits the sweet spot for a hunting and kitchen knife, with the capability to perform bushcraft duties




« Last Edit: June 11, 2025, 11:42:55 PM by gra_farmer »


gb Offline gra_farmer

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #183 on: June 11, 2025, 11:04:29 PM
DAY 11

I have been seeing a few larger folders, and with a nod towards the US, the Hogue EX-01....now I really like trying super steels, whatever the new modern metal chemistry is....my passion over the last few years is to try as many steel types I can get my hands on, and it has to be over 60 types now?

For some reason, I seem to have a lot of 154CM steel in the collection, and the EX-01 is a good example.



Now I really push my knives and expect the edge apex to hold, and I find that 154CM / VG10 / RWL34 / 14C28N really only lasts a day or two, before the edge needs attention. Really I am a S90v steel person, I like the edge on my blades to hold for a week of use....
« Last Edit: June 11, 2025, 11:44:04 PM by gra_farmer »


us Offline IMR4198

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #184 on: June 11, 2025, 11:21:31 PM
  If you want to help out in friend Gra's kitchen, you better know how to make a good mirepoix.  I like vegetables and appreciate good cooking.  Your experiences with the different modern steels were interesting. 
  After looking at friend BP's military steel, I might have to dig out something in that category for a cameo appearance.  Don't think I will replace the big CASE jack knife. 
  Enjoying all the other posts as well. 
Best wishes.  G
 :D


gb Offline gra_farmer

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #185 on: June 11, 2025, 11:46:28 PM
I make a lot of vegetable bases, they are the key to great cooking...and I do have some skill.  I used to hunt and cook a lot of game too


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #186 on: June 12, 2025, 12:19:35 AM
Vegetables are not.my thing...but y'awl are doing a great job. Keep it up! :2tu:
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #187 on: June 12, 2025, 02:09:21 AM
Day 11

Decided to carry a Spyderco Military today. I had to look up the model number and it is a C36GBK. Blade steel is S30V which I know many are tired of seeing, but it has been an excellent steel for me. I am also carrying a trust Charge since it is Wednesday.



This Military has quite the story of how I got it. About eight years ago go or so, I was on the big auction site looking for something or other at the time. I happened to spot an ad from a sporting goods store that put up a listing for the knife. It was for $75.00 with free shipping. I couldn’t click  the buy it now fast enough. After the initial rush passed. I carefully read through the ad. It was a return. The seller posted quite a few pictures and I carefully review them all. There was no obvious signs of use or damage. So, I nervously waited a week for it to arrive. When it got here, I quickly removed it from the package and gave it a detailed inspection. The Military has an aluminum backspacer and one of the screws had cross threaded and stripped the threads out of the backspacer. You could put the screw in the in the hole and it would fall out. I got lucky in that the screw was in the box. At this point I looked for options and then ordered some titanium stand-off for the knife. I prefer the open back construction on the Military anyway. So all is good. Years later Spyderco switched to spacers in the Military line. This is one of the few times I have gambled and it worked out for me.

JonesE

Always satisfying when you roll the dice and it pays off.  I’ve had some that worked out great, others I got burned on, but win some, lose some I suppose.


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #188 on: June 12, 2025, 02:10:36 AM
Day 11

This is the 2009 A.G. Russell Texas Ranger knife, a folding hunter.  The blade measures over 4.5” long, and nearly an inch wide at its widest point.

Blade steel is the pedestrian 8Cr13MoV, and handles are black micarta with stainless steel bolsters and Texas Ranger shield.

The knife weighs 6.8 oz, which certainly isn’t light, but also not terrible for a folder this size.  It carries surprisingly well in my RF pocket next to my wallet.

F&F is excellent, and lock up is tight with no blade play in any direction.

Perhaps my favorite feature of this knife is that what looks like a traditional long pull is actually ground in such a way that it can be used to thumb the knife the open, making it OHO without any unsightly holes, thumb studs, etc.


us Offline WECSOG

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #189 on: June 12, 2025, 05:10:11 AM
Sorry I missed this one! Looks like y'awl are having a lot of fun. Maybe next year.


us Offline IMR4198

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #190 on: June 12, 2025, 12:51:36 PM
Day 12

    No, I didn't accidentally drop my CASE in the dirt.  I carefully placed it there for the boring photo. 
Best wishes.  G
 :D  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #191 on: June 12, 2025, 08:44:13 PM
Day 12



Rockin’ the Military and my first modded Leatherman. I got the Gen 1 Surge in the first year or so when it came out. A few years later I transplanted the jaws from a ST300 into it and it has been this way ever since. I did have to do some filing on the outer edges of the jaws to get the handles to fully close. Leatherman fixed that issue on the gen 2 by slightly redesigning the handles. It is still a joy to carry.

JonesE


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #192 on: June 12, 2025, 08:45:44 PM
Always satisfying when you roll the dice and it pays off.  I’ve had some that worked out great, others I got burned on, but win some, lose some I suppose.

Yeah, my batting average is not so good. So, I have been mainly sitting on the bench lately.

JonesE


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #193 on: June 13, 2025, 03:15:33 AM
Day 12

This A.G. Russell Folding Hunter is a “civilian” version of the knife I showed yesterday.  Identical except for the shields and yellow delrin slabs instead of black micarta.

Visually, I prefer the brighter color, but tactilely I prefer the micarta.  The micarta is a bit grippier while the delrin is kind of slick.

I’m not usually a fan of knife fobs, but have to admit the simple leather one that came on this knife is pretty handy for pulling it out of a pocket.


us Offline cody6268

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #194 on: June 13, 2025, 04:29:33 AM
Day 10:

Morakniv Companion SE. I recently gave my plain old Companion to a buddy of mine for a work knife; and ended up getting the serrated version to replace it, as I wanted something that could cut brush/woody vines, rope, and twine better.


Personally, I prefer the Companion to the Basic. Better handle, better handle to blade ratio (just over 4" blade compared to about 3 and a half), and a sleeker sheath that doesn't hang up as much.  I'm buying another plain stainless, as well as the carbon steel HD version. These are normally around $15-20, but the Companion and Companion Safe (honestly, I wish I'd got the red-handled "Rescue" version with blunt tip for baler twine use). Do they make the Companion in standard blade thickness, but carbon steel?  I find the HD blades on models like the Robust a little too thick for general use (but OK for hacking, chopping, and heavy use in general).

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  




us Offline cody6268

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #195 on: June 13, 2025, 04:30:22 AM
Day 11:

More of the same.

Figured I'd just go with a work knife for simulated "work'".

  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #196 on: June 13, 2025, 05:51:47 AM
Day 12

What's that big knife cutting a piece of cake at the drive in?


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #197 on: June 13, 2025, 12:36:20 PM
Day 12

What's that big knife cutting a piece of cake at the drive in?

Looks like a Case 65 pattern to me.  How do you like it so far?

Food duty is definitely an area where a big knife has an advantage.  What kind of cake?


us Offline IMR4198

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #198 on: June 13, 2025, 01:15:48 PM
Day 13

   I saw the cake cutting photo.  What I couldn't figure out was why someone would calmly cut cake while just to the left lie a deadly East Indian Spotted Mamba.  Brrrr.  A little more investigation showed it was just two paper plates and some clear plastic spoons.  A case of optical confusion.
    The rain held off long enough to crank up the weedwacker and mow several sizeable areas of weeds.  The second session of wacking started out badly after I caught a fingernail in the works as I was trying to crank the ancient thing.  CASE folder doesn't have a nail file, so I had to substitute a 58mm Swiss thingie instead. 
     Nothing bad happened last night.  Aside from the possible beginnings of a nuclear conflict.  Nothing bad on Werecoyote Trail anyway.  It was surprisingly comfortable sleeping under the bed.  Naturally I had placed pillows and spare blankets to make a fake IMR in the bed itself.  There is still plenty of time for something bad to happen.  Friday 13th is just getting started.  Use all precautions.  Best wishes.  G
 :D  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #199 on: June 14, 2025, 12:32:26 AM
Day 13

This is the (sadly discontinued) SOG Spec Elite II.  I used it to open a fresh box o’ smokes today.

Made in Japan with VG-10 steel, it features SOG’s reliable, intuitive, and fully ambidextrous ARC lock.

Weight is 6.7 ounces, which won’t make anyone’s ultralight list but isn’t awful for a folder with a 5” blade.

The blade has dual thumb studs, but the action is buttery smooth, and the knife easily opens with just a wrist flick.


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #200 on: June 14, 2025, 03:28:05 AM
Day 13



Happy Black OXide Friday.

JonesE


us Offline Farmer X

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #201 on: June 14, 2025, 04:40:20 AM
Another great day. I must say that new 6265 looks terrific! :tu:
USN 2000-2006

Culling of the knife and multi herds in progress...

If I pay five figures for something, it better have wings or a foundation!


us Offline WECSOG

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #202 on: June 14, 2025, 06:45:30 AM
Another great day. I must say that new 6265 looks terrific! :tu:
I agree. It's making me want one.


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #203 on: June 14, 2025, 06:49:35 AM
Day 13

Here's the folding hunter in decent light, along with the spiffy belt case it came with. It's a hefty knife, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. Something this big definitely feels like it should have a lock. At least the Sabacc had a half stop. Will continue to carry and see how it goes.


us Offline IMR4198

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #204 on: June 14, 2025, 01:44:44 PM
Day 14

     That's the sort of knife case that I used to have for my 6265.  Keep an eye on that thing.  Unless CASE has changed something, it might sprout some nice white fungus.
      I made it through Friday the 13th with no problems.  As far as I know.  I took down the garlic and placed it back in the kitchen where it belongs.  I think I might leave the strings of fishing line with the cans on them.  They sort of brighten the place up.  What I assume was a raccoon got tangled up in one of the lines last night.  I heard the thing clanking and jangling to the top of the hill. 
      Might need to post a CASE photo.  Best wishes.  G
  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  
       


us Offline JonesE

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #205 on: June 15, 2025, 02:28:09 AM
Day 14



Working on some projects I have been putting off for the past week or so. The wife has an engagement this afternoon with some friends in Seattle and my son’s were out with friends. Since the house was quiet. I decided to redo the trim in the master bedroom. I ripped out the old trim and cut and installed the new trim. Tomorrow or some time next week, I will sand the trim and caulk and paint it. My modded ST300M helped pull nails and the Military got used as a marking knife. Got in a hurry a couple of times and the Military almost gave me a spyder bite.

Hope you awl are having a wonderful Father’s Day weekend.

JonesE


us Offline IMR4198

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #206 on: June 15, 2025, 02:34:42 AM
   Seems like a slow day here, Jonesey.  Thanks for saving me from being the only one posting.  That's a nice photo.  I like deWalt stuff.  Best wishes.  G
 :like:


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #207 on: June 15, 2025, 05:41:02 AM
Something this big definitely feels like it should have a lock.
:think:
I feel like the idea that folding knives need a lock, especially once they reach a certain size, is one of those myths we should be busting.

IMO, any task that can safely be done with a folder can safely be done with a slippie.  If one has a task that can’t, then a fixie is probably a better option than a locking folder anyway.

The main advantage I see with locking knives is when they have OHO capability.  I do find that quick and convenient, especially when they are also OHC.

With large slippies in mind, here is my…


us Offline nate j

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #208 on: June 15, 2025, 05:47:49 AM
Day 14

Rough Rider clasp knife in 440 with brown burlap micarta slabs.

A pocketful of sharp steel for under $20…


us Offline BPRoberts

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Re: Giants of June/Big Blades Challenge 2025
Reply #209 on: June 15, 2025, 06:05:05 AM
Day 14

I'm broadly pro slipjoint. I think my concern is that I'm more likely to somehow "catch" a big blade on something, and the larger blade will have more leverage. I have closed a slippy on myself exactly 0 times in my ~3 decades of knifing, so it's probably more paranoia than reasonable. I've definitely scoffed at other people's arbitrary "I'd never carry a knife more than 2" without a lock!" pearl clutching before. Either way, I carried the 6265 again today, but no uses. I am looking at some locking jumbo trappers that aren't quite as big, but certainly still hefty. Probably back to the Spidey tomorrow, we're helping a buddy of mine move, and I think the OHO will be handy.

« Last Edit: June 15, 2025, 06:26:12 AM by BPRoberts »


 

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