|
Stone River SRG2GLT Tanto Folding Ceramic Knife  This is virtually the same Stone River Outdoors (www.stoneriveroutdoors.com) ceramic knife that Jim used four years ago to skin and debone his Persian Ibex. (See Stone River Gear Ceramic Knives for that article.) Jim gave that knife, a model SRG2GLW, to his guide as an extra tip for a great hunt. His guide is still using that blade four years later. After dressing and skinning out countless animals, including Ibex, deer and elk, the knife is still sharp. The difference is the Tanto style blade on the SRG2GLT, which is ideal for straight cuts (excellent for cutting things like rope, cardboard and paper), versus the drop-point blade of the earlier folder. Mary prefers the Tanto style, while Jim likes the original drop point, which just goes to show we don't always agree on everything. However, we do agree on the quality of this knife. Specifications
The textured G10 handle is lightweight and guaranteed to last forever. For those not familiar with G10 laminates, they are produced by using glass woven fabric impregnated with epoxy resin binders and compressed under high pressure. They are incredibly durable, being unaffected by temperatures below 180C or moisture. In fact, G10 laminates are strong enough to have found a use in several industries as structural supports, gears and high tolerance machine parts in electromechanical equipment. You will never have a problem with the handle on this knife. Opening and closing the knife is very smooth, yet the blade is tight. There is no play or wobble. As with most of the Stone River knives, the hinge pin can be tightened with a small Allan wrench, if ever needed. There are thumb studs on both sides of the blade to accommodate opening the blade with either hand. The black zirconium oxide ceramic blade is razor sharp and will hold its edge about 10 to 12 times longer than equivalent steel blades. It is impervious to salt water and will not rust or pit. However, it has the same advantages and disadvantages inherent in all ceramic blades: it is designed for cutting flesh, hide and other relatively soft materials. Don't try to split wood, bone or other hard materials with it and don't cut on a hard surface or the edge might chip. Do not torque or pry with the blade or it may snap. Sharpen the blade with a diamond dust impregnated steel or wheel. Ceramic blades are so hard that conventional hard stone and steel sharpeners will not suffice. The knife has a positive brass liner lock to firmly hold the blade in the locked position. This design eliminates any stress on the ceramic tang, a common problem in traditional ceramic lock-back knives. The liner lock holds the knife firmly in the open position, yet is easy to release for closing the knife. The pocket clip holds the knife firmly in your back pocket, yet allows for quick and smooth access. In case you wish to attach a lanyard to the handle, there is a hole for that purpose. (It comes with a short lanyard to remind us that we can attach a longer one.) The three inch blade is ideal for anything requiring straight cuts, but is also very functional for everyday use. Speaking of everyday use, Jim has been using this folder for cutting polycord on the alfalfa bales around the farm. For those who have had no experience with polycord, it will dull the finest steel blade in short order. After five months of using the Tanto folder, it is still sharp enough to do the job. Only Jim would take it out and cut his steak at the dinner table. Well, that is not entirely accurate. I will do the same thing! (So will Chuck Hawks, Jack Seeling and some of the other Guns and Shooting Online staff members; they must have been raised in a barn. -Editor) As with all Stone River knives, the SRG2GLT folder comes in a black gift box with a magnetic closure on the lid. With an MSRP of only $89.95, it is a well worth the price. If you want one, but can't find it in your local sporting goods store, you can order it direct from Stone River Outdoors online. |