I agree crutch, those knives above have a nice grind. One issue I have with the 16SF is the blade dosnt look very wide, so you are left with a limited cutting edge to start with. So you have a long pokey prybar.

One problem I have with Randalls is I'll order a knife and not be happy with the blade grind, you can get some with alot wider blades and a higher cut grind and those knives will have a better cutting geometry than one with a lower grind.

Leatherman - I haven't handled multiples of any particular model but if I understand you correctly your describing a high level of variability in the grind for a particular model. Is that correct? I know they are hand forged and no two are identical but I would think the grind lines would be pretty close between knives but not exact if no jigs are being used. Of course I don't don't know that for certain.

The point I was trying to make is that the #16 has balance/symmetry if you will. The SF model doesn't have that to me. That is just my opinion. Apparently some love it. I wonder if some order the SF not knowing the #16 is available with a double hilt or the "dive knife" moniker leads them to believe it is duty specific. On the other hand, does the "Special Fighter" moniker entice some to order that model thinking it is something more?



Like Tom says, you will have variations because they are hand made, part of the beauty.

I like this discussion and needed to form an opinion,to this end I picked out a model 1 a 16 a 16sf and 14,after weighing up the pros and cons and considering all the angles,I have come to the conclusion that I like em all

Oh Neale..."AMEN"!!
As much as I hate to disagree with the "Crutch" (and "others") I find the #16-7" Special Fighter a great addition to the catalog (and non-catalog...It's one of very few in "both") line-up! The arguements I've seen posted against it hold no water for me. What's the difference between arguing that the standard Model #1 design is the only way we should accept that blade design, and yet accepting the #14 and #15 "CDT" as being just fine? No Crutch: I know you didn't say that, but the point and question are both valid.
A Spl. Fighter carries less weight than a #14 and offers full, exposed tang construction. The most perfect fighting Bowie design ever, cloned with the most popular VietNam era design...Sounds like a "win-win" to me!...Just sayin'
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: I ain't real wild about it in the standard (4 finger) configuration..."FOR ME"!!...CCS

hi , i did a test with tree steel. 440b randall, 440c herberts, cpms30v my wife spyderco pinc. i took 500ml of rain and added half salt teaspook.

after i put tree knife in the water for 5 hours

results when i took the knife

after 17 hours
440c

440b

cpms30v

results after washing. randall has only a black point

but..........other two steel rust


sponge report as usual

Like I said...It's Stain"less"...not stain"proof". Interesting test.
Best, Capt. Chris