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Kershaw Outcast?

DaleW

DaleW

Joined
Dec 22, 2006
Messages
2,194
I don't see the Kershaw Outcast mentioned much. With all the big high-end choppers going for big bucks, I would have through that something like the Outcast would be really popular. That's a lot of D2 steel for the money. They are going on Ebay for under $60.

Are they weird to use--- out of balance or something? I haven't been able to get my paws on one and it looks like a good survival tool.
 
DaleW said:
I haven't been able to get my paws on one and it looks like a good survival tool.
Click to expand...

I agree completely - it's looks like a great tool at a really good price. I haven't handled one myself either so I'd be interested in hearing from someone who has as well...
 
I've heard some good things about it but haven't had the chance to handle one.
 
I haven't handled one, but based on looks, it seems it would be a comfortable tool to use. But I agree with Ravaillac as far as the D2 steel choice. Do that knife in 1095, and I bet it would become more popular.
 
I like the size and shape of the blade but the handle is to small and round for my taste. I feel as though I would end up losing/throwing it when chopping with it.
YMMV

Allan
 
I like mine a lot, it's a great tool to make your way in the wood and a good chopper to. I do agree with Surviveal the handle is a bit small but with gloves on it's a lot better!!!
 
IMO it is an undervalued and under-appreciated tool.

I've been chopping, limbing, and batoning with mine for over a year with little effect on the blade. I can sharpen to shaving with the sharpmaker in minutes.

A para lanyard and wrapped handle is my favorite config.
 
i've heard a lot of good things about the outcast.... it seems like a great knife for the $$$.....

think i need an outcast......:D
 
DaleW said:
What problems would D2 have in this design?
Click to expand...

It is the completely wrong steel, high wear resistance (useless), low grindability (major problem), and low toughness (major problem). They have attempted to address the latter problem with thickening the edge which directly lowers the cutting ability / ease of sharpening, and curiously also indirectly lowers the toughness as it increase fatigue and chop slop. D2 is a nice steel for a small knife which is focused on precision
slicing.

-Cliff
 
Cliff Stamp said:
Horrible steel, horrible edge geometry. Buy a decent 12" machete with a 1/8" blade.

-Cliff
Click to expand...

By that do you mean a horrible steel for this application or that D2 is a horrible steel overall? I thought that D2 had a pretty good reputation, at least for certain applications.

(Never mind, saw your next post. Thanks)
 
D2 would make nice general 4'' fixed blade, But for a large knife like that the D2 is just too brittle.
 
oh ya, no doubt its a nice knife, Its just too bad they didnt make it in, even 1085, but 1095 would be nice :)
 
Strange. I do understand that Cliff has much more know how when it comes to steel but I have a 8" blade that I have used for cutting and chopping with no ill effects to the blade. It's 3/16" thick with a convex type grind. Maybe I'm missing something because I haven't had any trouble with sharpening. Haven't chipped the edge either. Maybe I got good D2 and all the rest sucks. lol.
 
I dont think thats so much the case, but you Must know what your doing to not have any problems. For someone who hasn't used, and is just buying into D2 its going to be a big change. Just curiuos what is your blade? Mabye if it was a custom the heat treat could be what makes it eaiser to sharpen.
 
Performance is relative, compare that blade with a low alloy high performance cutting blade from someone like Kirk and the difference is night and day.

-Cliff
 
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