Decided to try my hand at a dangler, it may or may not stay. I just use some aluminum hardware I had at the office, if I like it I’ll swap the hardware to stainless I have at home. I thought about a snap so you could take it off easier but I don’t want to loose it due to a popped snap.
Nicely done. Altho, imo, you should reverse the screw head side to the back and have the nicer side in front. Looks cleaner, nicer. Not that it matters. Ok, it matters Unless you had a suitable reason for it.
No reason just wasn't paying attention when i put it together, Ill do it when I get home and put the stainless hardware on.
Any more impressions from those who have used the PR4 in the field? Videos of your experiences are even more helpful. I like the concept of the thinner 1/8" spine, particularly with no jimping, but wonder if push cuts will wear more on the thumb with the less rounded spine on the PR4. The ESEE 4 & 6 are comfortable to me if I choke up and my thumb rests beyond the jimping. I know there are always gloves, but... Anyway, its great to have these new options!
I'm sure this will get taken out of context... =) But I almost always tend to use a fist grip or reverse fist grip when using a knife. Very seldom do push cuts for anything. So it wasn't designed with them in mind. Probably wouldn't be very comfortable for long with the handle the way it is and the 90 degree spine. Hope this helps!
Thanks Patrick. Always interesting to hear (or better see) how others use steel. I must say that I like the straightforward design of the PR4 though I normally do not warm up to spear point blades. Personally, I don't hand drill and my Lightening Strike doesn't get out often. I'm thinking the PR4's 1/8" blade could make it a light weight standalone for hikes, general goofing off whittling, and a good intro into the Camp Lore line.
I love that black-oxide-stone-wash finish ESEE/Rowen has put on the PR4 and the Expat cleaver. I wish all ESEE knives were finished like that. I also think it would increase sales. We all know how vain people are about outward appearances.
I carried my PR4 on a trip this weekend where we covered about 80 miles of trails and forest roads in the Tacoma in one day. It handled fire prep, general camp use, and food prep very well. Needless to say it was a rushed trip, but I still got a few photos I'll post in another thread. However, here was a fireside shot of the PR4 pulling some good curls.
I’ve got to play with mine a little at the office, it does make som nice curls on a chunk of poplar I have there.
Got my PR4 today and took a few comparative photos. First is a look at the spines of the 4, PR4, & 3. I tried to align the blade's sharpened edge. Note that the background has 1"squares. The PR4 thickness near the handles are the same as the 3's; however the 3 quickly tapers down. Even still, the PR4's balance point is further back just behind the first screw due to the longer handle. Next, a side profile of the three knives again aligned with their starting edge. Finally, the same comparison with the Laser Strike. Note that the taper shape, grind, and spear point are similar. I normally pocket carry these and the Izula's but wanted to try the PR4 leather sheath for a lighter belt carry around the yard and on hikes. My all round favorite, the ESEE 6, will be carried when there is wood to be split and the Junglas will still be the principal for chopping and general mayhem.
Ok so I finally got the time to wax my sheath Before After Smells like honey still, I used pure bees wax and a heat gun on low. I didn’t have the facilities to melt toe wax and dunk the sheath, we’ll see how this holds up I may dunk later.
What material are the scales made of? G10 or Micarta? If they are Micarta has any one dyed the scales yet?
I also have a set of natural jade micarta scale blanks that I will try my hand at making a set of handles for this one.
