I'm checking out the Argus from crkt. It appears to be a very good blade and is currently available on crkt's site for $34.95. First, is it as good as it's hype - and, if it is, why the low price? What can anyone tell me?
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I'm checking out the Argus from crkt. It appears to be a very good blade and is currently available on crkt's site for $34.95. First, is it as good as it's hype - and, if it is, why the low price? What can anyone tell me?
CRKT makes good solid knives, not as fancy as many (witness the use of AUS 8 steel in most of their blades -a fine steel, easy to resharpen but not terribly sophisticated). I don't know this particular knife but going by the reputation of the company, it should serve you well.
My daily carry is a CRKT Ignitor. Again, it's not a fancy knife but it came from the factory sharper than any knife I've ever owned and it hold the edge well. Shortly after I bought it I damaged the clip CRKT sent me a new clip free of charge. For 30.00$ it's definitely worth the money.
As good as my Benchmade is, I've been less than thrilled with the sharpness, even when new. About 6 months ago, I sent it back for their lifetime sharpening and maintenance. The knife came back and was like new as they replaced all the fasteners, tightened everything and sharpened it. The level of sharpness still didn't impress. After I got it back, against all common sense, I sharpened it with a "Sharp n Easy" sharpener, which did make a difference. I love everything about the Benchmade's operation - what can you recommend for a sharper edge? I have zero experience with sharpening knives.
My experience in sharpening knives is about the same as yours.
The CRKT knives I've bought have all been shaving sharp (i.e. arm hair shaving sharp; I test that). Otherwise, Spyderco knives are always very sharp as are Cold Steel's.
I carried a CRKT M16 for about twelve years. I'd lost it twice and would find it about the time I bought a replacement. It has gotten very loose and sloppy so I finally retired it. I've had several other CRKT knives and commend them on having a broad range of folders that are lefty friendly, unlike many of the higher priced knives.
To take the blade to the "next level" without going overboard (40 grades of Japanese water stones, etc, etc) just get you a leather strop and compound. You can get knives pretty darn sharp with a stone where they'll knock off some hair, but they're never ultra impressive until you finish the job by stropping. Sharpening takes a little practice and paying close attention to blade angle but it's not that difficult of a skill to, um, hone.
CRKT knives are decent quality for the money workhorses.
As usual, I got exactly what I was looking for here! Thanks to all for the information you gave me. I'd love to be able to get the Benchmade really sharp by doing it myself. Now I'm inspired.