BobrazI would highly recommend a Moki Kronos. Those old Al Mars were made by Moki, they are still the best knife factory. Puzzles me why they don’t sell..
808lifeThanks for the suggestion! I did not know Moki as a brand of knives. I quickly checked them out, the knives are really nice, but I'm not too crazy about the handles. Definitely needs some more 'research' on my end 😉
ForciteAh thanks! I think I really would like one now!
But, for about the same price, I'm buying a Great Eastern Cutlery Farm & Field Bull Buster Sodbuster (model reference 215118). Same general form factor, but the blade is a bit longer and is high carbon steel and it has a half-stop and the retention is very solid (no need for a mid-back lock, really).
It's got Delrin (aka plastic) handles unfortunately. Other handles exist (OD green or black micarta), but they are mostly long sold out or sell at a higher price. Even the price on this 215118 models varies widely, and the model is less and less available.
I think I'll pull the trigger today.
ForciteIn the end I bought the Bull Nose, the smaller version, which is much more pocketable. Their Delrin is pretty nice (I have another model with Delrin scales), and the orange allows you not to lose the knife by inadvertence.
ForciteOh yes it's very nice! Are you a convert to slipjoints, like I have become? I have bought a few, mostly as collectables (but intend to carry the Bull Nose): Benchmade Proper 318 and 319, Civivi Rustic (I cut myself each time I handle it - so it's going to stay a safe queen), Kizer Lundquist Feist, Three Rivers Manufacturing Atlas, Zero Tolerance 0230 (odd shape, excellent construction, but wanted it as collectable, not going to carry it).
The only problem with the GEC knives is their steel, which are not stain resistant and necessitate some maintenance, but that's OK on that price range...