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?
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 $34.95. First, is it as good as it's hype - and, if it is, why the low price? What can anyone tell me?
CRKT makes good solid knives, not as fancy as many (witness the use of AUS 8 steel in most of their blades -a fine steel, easy to resharpen but not terribly sophisticated). I don't know this particular knife but going by the reputation of the company, it should serve you well.
" La rose est sans pourquoi, elle fleurit parce qu’elle fleurit ; Elle n’a souci d’elle-même, ne demande pas si on la voit. » Angelus Silesius
"There are problems in this universe for which there are no answers." Paul Muad'dib
My daily carry is a CRKT Ignitor. Again, it's not a fancy knife but it came from the factory sharper than any knife I've ever owned and it hold the edge well. Shortly after I bought it I damaged the clip CRKT sent me a new clip free of charge. For 30.00$ it's definitely worth the money.
" La rose est sans pourquoi, elle fleurit parce qu’elle fleurit ; Elle n’a souci d’elle-même, ne demande pas si on la voit. » Angelus Silesius
"There are problems in this universe for which there are no answers." Paul Muad'dib
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.
" La rose est sans pourquoi, elle fleurit parce qu’elle fleurit ; Elle n’a souci d’elle-même, ne demande pas si on la voit. » Angelus Silesius
"There are problems in this universe for which there are no answers." Paul Muad'dib
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.
Men freely believe that which they desire.
Julius Caesar
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.
You will more often be attacked for what others think you believe than what you actually believe. Expect misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and projection as the modern normal default setting. ~ Quintus Curtius
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.