Fehrman Last Chance vs First Strike

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snipes1027

Joined
Dec 1, 2009
Messages
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I'm looking for a new blade in 3v and ended up between these two Fehrmans. I haven't handled any of his work yet but it comes highly recommended by anyone who I ask or has given a review. I'm looking for military/utility use and have come to the following debate. The first strike at Blade Size: 7.5" x 1.68" x .25", Overall Length: 13", reported weight 18oz has another 2 inches of blade over the last chance coming in at Blade Size: 5.5" x 1.68" x .25", Overall Length: 11", reported weight 15oz. However is that extra 3oz worth the 2 inches of edge or is the First Strike approaching more of a dedicated survival or camp knife. The two knives seem to be the exact same in every other aspect, it seems as though the FS is simply a 2 inch extension of the LC. My current deployment knife, Sog Gov-Tac only weights 9.6oz so its difficult to think about doubling the weight for 1.4 inches of edge. Granted the steels do not have the same density nor do the handles have the same weight but that is the gist of the argument. The last chance is still small and light enough to be used tactically and I would think still be able to admirably perform survival tasks should I have the need, although not as well as the first strike. Is the first strike just too big for most tactical use?

If Fehrman himself would weight in about his intended use for both designs that would be great but any opinion is appreciated, thanks guys, and sorry for being so thorough lol.
 
these are very high quality knives. bought a final judgment 2 months back & chopped hard mesquite trees for 35 minutes. knife would'nt still shave but it was still very very sharp. mesquite is about 25% harder than hickory./ take a look at the shadow scout--6/ 1.25/ & .19. 9 oz. w/o sheath.you are'nt strong enough to break this blade. i.m.h.o. is a better tactical knife than other 2
 
I would rather have the greater thickness of the FS or LC. I looked at the the shadow scout and ruled it out because it is thinner than any other model.
 
personal choice is fine however 4 years in the marine corps & `i did'nt see one kabar broken. ka-bars are 1095 with a fairly simple heattreat.
 
HERE ARE 2 PHOTOS OF SOME FEHRMANS I USED TO OWN

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FEHRMANS ARE GREAT KNIVES--TRY AND HOLD ALL THE MODELS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN
 
In my Opinion the First Strike is not going to be that useful. the extra length and weight will make it chop better.. but it will stop it doing everything else better.
The last chance is a good size and weight with perfect weightless balance in the hand. Easy to choke up for detail work.

I however modified mine because I found the design limiting and uncomfortable in my hand size. The First finger bump in the handle and the pommel made my hand hurt anytime I did any thing that caused hand compression like a hard hit.

Now, without the groove and the pommel gone its 1OZ lighter and infinitely more versatile in reverse grip, normal grip etc etc. As a tactical/Survival blade I think its one of the best I've ever held in the weight class. its a do anything and everything blade for certain.

You can easily get a knifemaker to do the same mods I did for about $30US.

Picture%20662.jpg
 
Hi Kyley,
First of, thanks for your vids on youtube. I think you are filling in the gap for Mr. Fehrman.
Second of, how do you feel about the handles on your Peacemaker? Why this one was no issue as opposed to a LC?

Thanks
 
Don't have a First Strike, but I do have a Last Chance. Its big enough that you can do anything you need to do in a survival/tactical situation. If you plan to do a lot of chopping you might look at the First Strike, but for most tasks it is unnecessary.
 
Kyley I really love the look of that last chance That little hump is part of the reason it held me from bitting the bullet on one. It looks great without it, and think a fehrman might be one of my next buys.
 
I am now leaning toward to the LC but my gut keeps screaming at me that its just too short. I think it is just because of the width of the blade. Without holding it mentally I am comparing it to other blades by width and it is making the length look smaller. In hindsight that sounds a little dirty but you get my point lol.
 
snipes1027 said:
I am now leaning toward to the LC but my gut keeps screaming at me that its just too short. I think it is just because of the width of the blade. Without holding it mentally I am comparing it to other blades by width and it is making the length look smaller. In hindsight that sounds a little dirty but you get my point lol.
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I don't want to turn you away from Fehrman because I just got a Peacemaker and it's great. But, take a look at Busse's Skinny ASH-1 and Tankbuster models.

:)
 
Sufler said:
I don't want to turn you away from Fehrman because I just got a Peacemaker and it's great. But, take a look at Busse's Skinny ASH-1 and Tankbuster models.

:)
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I can't find those models on the busse site, if you could provide links to your recommendations that would be appreciated.
 
snipes1027 said:
I can't find those models on the busse site, if you could provide links to your recommendations that would be appreciated.
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hey, snipes.

You won't find them on their site because Busse works a bit differently - they come out with a model and produce it for a few months and then it's off. The Busse Skinny ASH1 was made a few years ago, but go on the Busse forum/exchange here and you'll find 'em for sale. The Tankbuster is a more recent introduction and it's readily available on the exchange and other online places.

Couple of links for you...

http://www.bussecollector.com/catalog/

http://www.knifetest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=455

http://www.hogcult.com/knives/busse-combat-skinny-ash/

http://www.hogcult.com/knives/busse-combat-tank-buster/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtGkveiRDGQ
 
The busses have always looked good I'm just not a huge fan of the mystery infi steel. I know it has done very well in tests and so forth and I am not doubting its performace at all. I just like to have something I know everything about. The 3v used in fehrmans can be easily found on crucible and there ya go, everything you need and easily comparable using their charts to many other steels. Infi, not so much. I just like to know exactly what I'm betting my life on is all. Plus I like the ease of access that Fehrman provides as opposed to a company like Busse. I know they make good products but their line is always changing, as you pointed out.
 
snipes1027 said:
The busses have always looked good I'm just not a huge fan of the mystery infi steel. I know it has done very well in tests and so forth and I am not doubting its performace at all. I just like to have something I know everything about. The 3v used in fehrmans can be easily found on crucible and there ya go, everything you need and easily comparable using their charts to many other steels. Infi, not so much. I just like to know exactly what I'm betting my life on is all. Plus I like the ease of access that Fehrman provides as opposed to a company like Busse. I know they make good products but their line is always changing, as you pointed out.
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True. That's why I have the Skinny ASH1 and the Peacemaker. The reason I recommended those two models (Ash1 and Tankbuster) is because they seem to fit what I think you're looking for. The Skinny has proved a very versatile blade and its chopping power (at 6.5" blade from micarta to tip of blade) makes this blade my favorite as of right now. As for the mystery... I'm not into any of it... I relied on others' experiences with the steel and their reviews helped make my choice on the Skinny Ash1. I'm not a Hog... but the Skinny Ash1 is one heck of a great design.

Other than that... maybe you should give Eric a call. Talk to him directly and explain your concerns... I'm sure he'll point you toward the right model or maybe design a new one on your input - never know.

:thumbup:
 
I did really like the design of the skinny, especially if I could get one with black handles or a design like fehrman's in a dark color, and I have seriously considered calling fehrman himself about this. It seems that he has a certain blade style in series with final judgement, first strike, and last chance with reductions in the main body blade length respectively. It would be easy to do the same thing except with a 6.5 inch blade, putting the knife directly in between the LC and FS. I sent him a pm about the thread but haven't seen a reply so if i still feel the same way when I have the money together I will certainly ask him about it.
 
snipes1027 said:
I did really like the design of the skinny, especially if I could get one with black handles or a design like fehrman's in a dark color, and I have seriously considered calling fehrman himself about this. It seems that he has a certain blade style in series with final judgement, first strike, and last chance with reductions in the main body blade length respectively. It would be easy to do the same thing except with a 6.5 inch blade, putting the knife directly in between the LC and FS. I sent him a pm about the thread but haven't seen a reply so if i still feel the same way when I have the money together I will certainly ask him about it.
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Take a look at Ken Lunde's Busse photo gallery.

http://lundestudio.com/knives.html

Go to YouTube and search for busse skinny destruction test - you'll see how much this blade can dish out.

The canvas black micarta is what's most similar to Fehrman's. Black 'black' would be the paper version. I def. recommend you call Fehrman - they always pick up. Email might take a bit.
 
Good point, I already called about the dimensions on the Short Stop because they weren't on the site and he picked right up.
 
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