Update. Still carrying a SOG but a Flare now instead of the Flash II. The Flash was a Christmas present from a good friend and I carried it for 15 years nearly losing it half a dozen times. Feeling like I was pressing my luck I decided to de-commision it and picked up the Flare at Uncle Wally's for $30 I think. I miss the serations but am making due. Feels the same in hand. If this one comes up missing I won't be out anything besides a $30 knife I got at Walmart.
Snagged a Spyderco Street Beat LW today. Stopped by an appliance shop for an igniter & saw the knife display. I was surprised to see that some are Made in the USA, Taiwan, Japan & China. I may go back & snag these 2 & maybe a smaller folding. He had about 15 of those.
The only Japan steel I really have experience with has made me a believer. (mower blades of all things) 2 seasons/110 hours of mowing without a sharpening. Need to do that this year.
My experience over the years with Japanese steel & knives has always been very good. Taiwanese steel has been good as well but steel from Japan seems to outshine it.
2 new knives today. Wife wanted one too, so his and hers. Mines a mini Taggedout, hers a mini Buggout
Ozark Trail at Wal Mart $9.97. Thought I’d take a chance for that. Nice feel, smooth hinge and solid top lock. Looks very much like a copy of Benchmade Bugout. It’s blade is D2 tool steel so if the heat treat is good it ought to a pretty decent knife.
Condor Swamp Romper Knife (4.75") for Sale $66.81 I ordered a couple of these since I like the larger condor low drag so well it's my favorite large knife. Only about 50.00 each shipped after discount.
