This isn't really a long term review, but I'm very impressed with this knife.
I didn't buy this blade for defensive use as the name suggests (I have a CQB1 already for that
). I thought that the CQB1's blade shape would be a good utility blade, but it was too big and heavy to carry backpacking. I don't hunt or skin game, so my uses are more utilitarian for general cutting chores or food prep. My backpacking style also doesn't require chopping. I also wanted a stout tip that I wouldn't have to be too careful about breaking off.
When I received the CQB2, I was immediately impressed with the smaller handle, which fits my small hands well. It could be a little thicker, but the thumb ridges and the recessed palm and finger ridges plus the textured canvas micarta handle grips well. I only tested the wet grip when I was washing it, but it seemed acceptable.
The blade size was smaller than I had expected at 3.75", but it's still a good length. The blade is smaller version of the CQB1 (big surprise), it probably has proportionally deeper blade though (I haven't measured it to compare). The grind is a hollow saber grind with a bed blast finish. I don't have any expectations of real rust resistance with the ATS-34 blade, but I expect it will be fine in the backcountry with reasonable care. While it doesn't slice as well as the Moran Featherweight, I think it does the job for general chores. I suppose that not every blade can be flat grind VG-10
The sheath is kydex with a smaller version of the Tek-Lok, which personally, I prefer to the larger one, especially for this size knife. I don't wear wide belts though. The mini Tek-Lok has the same carry options as the full size one. I haven't played with the sheath position on the Tek-Lok since the vertical carry is what I use for this knife. I may try to find a source for another mini Tek-Lok for the Moran.
While I know that for some more money, my Dozier Slim Outdoorsman performs as well or better, and for less money, my Moran Featherweight will perform as well, but I still like the blade shape, handle size and grip, and the sheath of the CQB2 enough to add it to my favorites list for camping.
gm
I didn't buy this blade for defensive use as the name suggests (I have a CQB1 already for that
When I received the CQB2, I was immediately impressed with the smaller handle, which fits my small hands well. It could be a little thicker, but the thumb ridges and the recessed palm and finger ridges plus the textured canvas micarta handle grips well. I only tested the wet grip when I was washing it, but it seemed acceptable.
The blade size was smaller than I had expected at 3.75", but it's still a good length. The blade is smaller version of the CQB1 (big surprise), it probably has proportionally deeper blade though (I haven't measured it to compare). The grind is a hollow saber grind with a bed blast finish. I don't have any expectations of real rust resistance with the ATS-34 blade, but I expect it will be fine in the backcountry with reasonable care. While it doesn't slice as well as the Moran Featherweight, I think it does the job for general chores. I suppose that not every blade can be flat grind VG-10
The sheath is kydex with a smaller version of the Tek-Lok, which personally, I prefer to the larger one, especially for this size knife. I don't wear wide belts though. The mini Tek-Lok has the same carry options as the full size one. I haven't played with the sheath position on the Tek-Lok since the vertical carry is what I use for this knife. I may try to find a source for another mini Tek-Lok for the Moran.
While I know that for some more money, my Dozier Slim Outdoorsman performs as well or better, and for less money, my Moran Featherweight will perform as well, but I still like the blade shape, handle size and grip, and the sheath of the CQB2 enough to add it to my favorites list for camping.
gm
