Thanks guys! That's what I thought.
Very solid points sir! I suppose what I meant was more along the lines of the Duke (or the whole FBF production line) being a solid substitute for CPK, just due to the way it's made. Not necessarily a replacement for a specific model. It's very comparable in looks, machining (for apparent reasons), quality (lower than a CPK, IMO, but still better than a lot out there) and function. It is precision machined, has beautiful removable scales (a huge plus for me), and it's a high performance, thinly ground blade which is actually made to cut. Just like CPK. After so many years of brutish blades, I'm overjoyed to have found knives which are actually intended to cut!
I'll certainly have to look into saving up some funds and just wait to score an HDFK directly, or via proxy, as you say. I do know a handful of members here from other forums who may be willing to proxy for me, but I'll have to focus on the funding first.
I will say, that FK 2.0 has me very intrigued. The 5" to 6" blade length, especially without a choil is likely my favorite size for a general purpose belt knife. Works well for just about everything I do. From fire prep to food prep, and giving me a little (perhaps false) comfort when alone deep in mountain lion territory.
I'm a user, but I appreciate high levels of fit and finish and as well. Always have. I'm also a member of Ground SAR here in BC, and when we go out, there's a chance that any gear you take might not come back, depending on what goes on. Technically, it is covered and will be replaced if destroyed or damaged, but a CPK wouldn't exactly be the easiest thing to go get a replacement of.
Two years ago, when I went through my 36 hour survival exam, I chose the humble Buck 119 as my primary blade. Not because I didn't have anything better, or stronger, but because I simply enjoyed the way the 119 felt in hand, and cut. It is a light and nimble blade, and cuts very well at a low price point, and is easy to find locally in brick and mortar stores.
There was a province wide fire ban, so no fire prep, and we were carrying our normal packs with our normal personal gear, including a tarp. So all I really needed to do was tension cut and de-limb some saplings for a road block tripod.
Took out 3 or 4 wrist thick, green Alder saplings this same way. All in all, the 119 did its job flawlessly, and I absolutely adore how light weight it is for it's size. It has enough length that when used with a snap cut, it actually carries enough force to effectively limb saplings, but is light and nimble enough for fine cutting tasks. This, combined with the full handle, allows you to really bear down on the knife when tension cutting.
Of course, the 119 has its obvious downsides as a primary wilderness blade. The lack of a full broad tang, and the clicking in the handle when force is applied side to side, as well as the free floating guard, keep me from carrying it regularly. I'm actually alright with the steel, and find it performs about as well as 1095, albeit less tough.
That said, the Duke seems to be the perfect replacement for the 119, with CPK like qualities.
They're both roughly the same size, the 119 is 7.5oz with a neutral balance, the Duke is 8.5 oz with a neutral balance... The 119 is a deep hollow primary which lends to great cutting ability, but the Duke with it's 5/32" thick stock and high flat saber grind absolutely blows it away.
The Duke also has an insanely comfortable handle, and it really lends itself well to controlling the edge with great certainty and comfort.
Honestly, I think this FBF Production Duke is becoming a favorite because it retains all the things I love about the 119, with a lot of the things I love about CPK, and modern blades in general.
That said, I will absolutely be trying to source a CPK when I can!
TommyGun56
Those are absolutely gorgeous! That top one is identical to the one I had originally purchased, but I gotta admit, that maroon micarta is just sexy!