8

7/21/2010 11:22:03 PM

Quote :

"Just got my new Delica 4 in the mail today"

Nice, what version did you get? Is it the full flat ground or saber ground? If saber ground, is it plain edge or partially serrated? VG-10 or ZDP-189? Handle color? In any combination I'm sure you'll love it, just watch out if it's ZDP-189 because that steel isn't stainless (It's definitely some good steel though).



This is not knife related, but I found this thing yesterday son.




I had the opportunity to handle this rifle and compare it with a higher end DPMS model (I know, DPMS isn't exactly a high end AR manufacturer, but they're considered decent by many and this was not one of their base model AR-15's) and the difference was ridiculous. I was also able to compare it to some AK-47's (A Mak-90 and a WASR-10). I like the design of the Sig 556 more than the AR-15 and the AK-47 in some respects. It's simpler to operate, yet it combines most of the ergonomic features of an AR-15, with the exception of the AR style charging handle. You still have a bolt release, mag release and safety in the same layout as an AR-15. The positioning of the safety and bolt release seems just slightly different from that of the AR-15, but for all intents and purposes the placement of those components is in the same layout as an AR. I really like the fact that the safety does not need to be rotated 90 degrees to go from safe to fire and vice versa, it's more like 60 degrees. The safety is very positive when it locks into place, it really feels rugged. I also like the fact that the receiver has protrusions which prevent over-rotation of the safety (Not that it's even a concern, but it's an attention to detail thing that I appreciate). The pistol grip is more ergonomic than a factory AR grip is for me. It's similar to the M249 pistol grip, it fills the hand nicely. The sling attachment points are very nice out of the box, I was really impressed with these because they allow single or two point slings to be attached. The barrel has 1 in 7" twist rate, which is ideal in my opinion because it allows you to stabilize 55gr to 77gr projectiles. I like the fact that I should be able to accurately shoot the heavy hitting 77gr 5.56x45mm loads.

One of the best things about this rifle is the trigger, it's absolutely ridiculous for an out of the box setup. I can't believe how light, consistent and smooth it is. It's a two stage trigger and take-up is short, light and smooth. When it breaks it's like a light single action trigger, it's extremely crisp. A consistent, smooth, quick, light trigger is one of the most important things in a defensive carbine if you ask me and this one is very impressive. I read that it's somewhere around 4lbs, which I can easily believe, it's an awesome factory trigger (I guess that's to be expected from a Sig though!). The forend is not super high quality, however, it will do exactly what I need it to do and I see no need to upgrade it at this time. You have short side rails for a light and laser, you have a bottom rail for a vertical grip, bipod or light and you have a top rail on the receiver for whatever rear sight and/or optics you'd like. I'm not really into attaching 4000 items to a rifle and making it 12lbs, but I will most likely install an optic, a vertical grip and I'll definitely be installing a flashlight. The factory iron sights are just fine IMO, the rear sight is a flip up sight that integrates into the rail when you flip it down. I actually like this, even if it is a bit more flimsy than aftermarket options. The rifle was clearly intended to have an optic mounted though. The buttstock is a 6 position telescopic unit of decent quality, I'd say it's of slightly higher quality than most factory AR telescopic stocks. The stock has a battery compartment which holds 2 AA batteries, a welcome feature.

Another thing that I really like about this rifle is the magazine release. With the DPMS AR-15, magazines would stick inside the mag well after the release button was depressed. You had to manually pull them out and it was a very tight fit and had a gritty feel to it. This was with a Colt 30rd magazine, mind you. With the Sig 556, magazines are forcefully ejected from the mag well. Even with the rifle held sideways they will shoot out like an inch or so and then fall out if you have it slightly tilted downward. Magazine removal is always very easy. If you hold the rifle normally the magazines simply get blasted straight out of the mag well the bottom. I like this because it makes any kind of reload you're doing that much easier to do quickly, the mag simply fires out into your hand. The factory Sig magazines are stupidly light btw, literally as light as a feather, which is always welcome (Especially since the rifle is a bit of a fatty at nearly 8lbs). I'll be picking up some Magpul PMags to compliment the Sig mags, but my initial impression of the Sig factory mags is that they are very good. All of the important components of this rifle scream quality.

The gas piston system has normal and high modes, so it can be fired even if you are in nasty conditions and you're unable to clean it. This isn't something that should ever occur during normal usage and you don't want to shoot it in the high mode unnecessarily, but in a "SHTF situation" it is nice to know you have it. Also, some carbines don't cycle frangible ammo very well (Lower pressures and sometimes even lighter bullets) and the high mode will allow you to cycle frangibles effectively.

The rifle itself is a slightly re-designed semi-auto version of Switzerland's SG 550 assault rifle. It's essentially a combination of a modified AK style gas system and charging handle mated to the more ergonomic AR style upper and lower receivers. The bore and buttstock are in a straight line, just like the AR, so muzzle rise shouldn't be bad at all (It will likely be slightly increased compared to a DI AR-15 though, due to the gas piston system). Anyway, I really like this design for numerous reasons. I have no problem with the right side AK style charging handle either, you simply charge it like an AK. You accomplish this by either reaching under the gun with your left hand, or you can tilt the rifle to the left with your right hand and reach over the top with your left hand and charge it. I think this is an excellent choice for a defensive or offensive carbine, particularly if you want AK type "mud gun" capabilities but you don't want to sacrifice the AR's ergonomics, lightweight magazines and the arguably better 5.56mm cartridge. This rifle comes with a lifetime warranty as well, something Colt and Arsenal do not offer. The warranty is a big deal to me, it shows that Sig is committed to their customers and to manufacturing quality.

As the Sig 556 comes out of the box, nothing really needs to be changed. I'm not really into modifying my firearms and I prefer to buy one that already has the features I want and already suits me in terms of ergonomics. This rifle has everything I wanted and then some. I also got an extremely good deal on it in my opinion, I wasn't actually looking for this rifle when I got it. I had wanted an Arsenal SGL-21, but when I saw the price on this and was able to handle and compare it to the AR-15 and the AK-47, I had to have it. Now I just need to snag a few accessories like a sling, optic and a flashlight (With a ring to mount it obviously).

7/22/2010 8:59:54 AM

ordered a SOG Stingray 2.0 off of woot.com today for $90.



http://sogknives.com/store/product419.html



I kind of liked the carbon fiber more, but they were sold out.

8/18/2010 1:16:36 PM

Quote :

"The Neck Babies are super nasty neck knives (The Baby UUK would be my pick). Nasty last ditch weapons for $95."

I don't see much reason to spend a lot of cash on that type of device. Check out the Cold Steel "The Spike". $40 MSRP. <$30 shipped on Amazon. I got mine for ~$13 used.
http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Wrapped-Handle-Secure-Ex/dp/B000MAZH4M

[Edited on August 18, 2010 at 1:34 PM. Reason : l]

8/18/2010 1:33:46 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6w_WtdNYT4

Fire Boss 802 (modified Air Tractor 802) dumping 730 gallons of water during a demo for the NC Forest Service.
It can carry 800 gallons but drafts 730.

8/30/2010 12:09:40 PM

Going through and cleaning everything in the safe today, thought I'd take a pic and share. Mostly old Case knives.

10/10/2010 2:21:33 PM

where is the aviation part of this thread?

10/10/2010 2:22:30 PM

^



there ya go

10/10/2010 3:53:11 PM

this isn't aviation but its cool none the less

http://www.physorg.com/news174031552.html

10/10/2010 5:03:28 PM

Quote :

"Mostly old Case knives."

What patterns do you have? I can't tell by the picture.

10/15/2010 7:05:54 PM

11/8/2010 3:58:33 PM

11/8/2010 4:01:07 PM

Yo son, why are all those images deleted?

12/7/2010 12:03:26 AM

Quote :

" What patterns do you have? I can't tell by the picture."

It's a little bit of everything. Mostly 70's era and some earlier in the upper half of the pic that my Dad originally collected.

12/7/2010 9:25:00 AM

Holy shit dude, that was awesome!! I love carrying my Randy Doucette Outsider. I don't carry it often, but when I do there is so much fucking bling in my pocket that women literally have orgasms on sight.

Damn that was fucking amazing son.

1/17/2011 8:48:23 AM

You ever flown a Skybolt? Thinking of co-buying an airplane in a year or two...leaning towards RV-4, but open to other ideas.

1/17/2011 10:01:34 AM

Yes, I actually have flown a skybolt. The thing I did not like about it was that it is the tightest fit I've ever seen (This was my impression from the front seat, although I don't recall the rear being much better). The opening at the top of the fuselage for you to fit in is very small. The canopy, as a result, is also extremely narrow as it rides on rails mounted to the opening in the fuselage. When you're in it, you almost feel claustrophobic. It seemed to fly pretty well, definitely not a Pitts or anything, but decent. I've been leaning more towards Citabrias and Decathlons lately. They're practical and fun, pretty roomy too. The RV-4 is probably a good idea too honestly. Definitely sit in a Skybolt before looking down that route any further though, you might not fit in it too well! If you fit, it's a cool and relatively rare airplane that is definitely fun to fly.

You know, an S2-A wouldn't be bad either, if you don't mind the flat bottom airfoil. It's great for positive g maneuvers. They're not too pricey usually either. I think a Decathlon is a great all around plane though and they're so easy to fly.

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 10:27 AM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 10:04:21 AM

It looks like one of the forum members has made the best decision of their life son. They are buying a Chris Reeve Sebenza. Just knowing that one individual has decided to do this makes it all worth it for me. My life purpose has been fulfilled.

1/17/2011 10:49:27 AM

That's fantastic, now end yourself please.

1/17/2011 11:03:24 AM

See, this is the type of thing I'm talking about. You honestly want me to kill myself. That is disgusting and I hope a suicide personally affects you during your life so that you wont be so nonchalant about it in the future. You know about the tww suicide that happened a few years back, right? Does the name Stiletto ring a bell? Nobody deserves to be told such things, especially when they are posting in threads whose topics are clearly marked. You can simply avoid this thread.

I'm not sure why people take ridiculous things I say so seriously. Skack might be getting a Sebenza. It's not that big of a deal, but I'm excited for him because it's such an amazing knife.

1/17/2011 11:21:24 AM

FUUUUUUUUUUU

I was trying to work out a trade on some incoming knives from the Las Vegas Knife Show or the Tactical Invitational, but the damned ebosshoss website is down!

I shot him an email, but I may just have to call instead now.

1/17/2011 12:21:04 PM

This woman has severe male sexual identity crisis as diagnosed by tdub.





This woman is so bad off that she cannot be repaired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LcTBxGxxYE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqeJJ1ZT4CQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ByDX7TMJc

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 4:44 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 4:34:55 PM

I really want to buy the Spyderco Tenacious but I shouldn't. But it's only $27.

1/17/2011 4:52:27 PM

Don't, it's a dangerous design. Go for the Delica man, you'll thank me later.

If you have to stick with that price range, find yourself an Ontario Rat 1 Folder in Plain Edge.

1/17/2011 4:53:26 PM

What's dangerous about it? And I definitely shouldn't be spending the money on a delica.

1/17/2011 4:56:16 PM

Every single person I know with a Tenacious has cut themselves. This vid will explain why (see next post, sorry).


I try to explain to people that there is actually a difference between cheap knives and expensive knives. If you must stay in that price range get the Ontario Rat 1 Folder, it's a much better design and at $25 it's a steal. Tenacious looks good and all at first, but it's dangerous man. That entire lineup (Persistence, Tenacious and Resilience) is dangerous for the same reason.

Get this one:

http://www.gpknives.com/ontario-rat-folder-8848.html

It looks like this one but without the serrations:

http://www.gpknives.com/ontario-rat-folder-8849.html



A Delica 4 Full Flat Grind, at just over $50, is a knife that will last you a lifetime if properly cared for. The steel (VG-10) is far better than 8Cr13Mov in terms of rust resistance, edge holding, etc. The design is far better too.

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-blue-frn.html

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 5:26 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 4:59:25 PM

Crap, I think that was the wrong vid.


This is the correct vid, compares the Tenacious and Rat 1. Shows the danger. Fast forward to 3:50 if you don't want to watch it all, I apologize for the mix up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRKqu-xBsdA&feature=related

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 5:18 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 5:18:26 PM

Yeah the closing is definitely an issue there. The Rat is just so damn big though. I'm really just looking for a new EDC that's decent sized, but not too big, and fairly cheap.

1/17/2011 5:27:09 PM

Ok, the only other knife I can recommend in that price range is the Ka-Bar Dozier Design Folding Hunter. It is good, but do NOT pry with it AT ALL. It does not have steel liners. It's very lightweight as a result, but it will not take heavy abuse. It uses AUS-8 steel too, I've owned one for a few years. They work well.

Will get a link in a moment.


Here are a few flavors. There are different sizes, blade shapes and opening mechanisms depending on whether you like thumb studs or thumb holes for opening. Some aren't in stock at this place, so I only linked the stuff in stock. These also come in pink or orange handles and both regular and large sizes come with either thumb studs or thumb holes (They call it a "notch" because spyderco patented the hole opener). I do prefer the thumb hole, it doesn't get caught on stuff and I you remove material rather than add it, so you save that tiny bit of weight. It's also ambidextrous, unlike the thumb stud, and that feature is useful at times. You can switch the thumb stud to either side you want, it's just that you can't open it easily with either hand at any given time. All of them are just fine though. At only $20, it's a decent knife. The regular model is a feather at 2.2oz and the large is still reasonable at just over 4oz.

Note: DO NOT GET THE CHEAPER KA-BAR FOLDERS. THEY ARE SOME OF THE SHITTIEST KNIVES IN THE WORLD, THE LOCKS DO NOT WORK PROPERLY AND THE STEEL IS SHITTIER THAN GARBAGE. THE DOZIER DESIGNS ARE THE ONLY GOOD KA-BAR FOLDERS.

Regular:

http://www.gpknives.com/kabar-dozier-folding-hunter.html

http://www.gpknives.com/kabar-dozier-folding-spear-point.html



Large:

http://www.gpknives.com/kabar-large-dozier-folding-hunter.html

http://www.gpknives.com/kabar-large-dozier-folding-hunter-with-thumb-notch.html

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 5:39 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 5:28:51 PM

Thank you for your help sir

1/17/2011 6:07:10 PM

No problem, please do report back on what you obtained and if you're enjoying it. It will serve as a reference for others who may need a budget folder. I'm only one data point, so it's good to have multiple opinions. My regular Dozier Folding Hunter served me well though.


Btw, these are examples of the custom version it's designed after (They cost around $650):

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=15549

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=15939

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=15548

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=14711

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=15547

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 6:13 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 6:10:32 PM

Nerdchick got me a spyderco H1, 3" blade for Xmas with yellow handle and I love it!

Do you approve, son?

1/17/2011 6:12:39 PM

Yeah, what is the knife though? H1 is the steel

It's a Salt Series for sure and all of those are good. Just wondered which model. Here are a few, you tell me which one is yours! I assume it's a Salt 1 or Tasman Salt, both of which I really like. If it's a Tasman, be careful cause that blade is nasty!!

Salt 1 (~3" blade):




Pacific Salt (Basically a larger Salt 1):




Tasman Salt (One of my favorites for budget lightweight defense):




Spyderhawk (A really big Tasman Salt):




Atlantic Salt:




Aqua Salt (The only one of these that isn't a folding knife):



[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 6:21 PM. Reason : T]

1/17/2011 6:19:00 PM

whoops. yeah, its the salt 1.

1/17/2011 6:21:46 PM

What would you recommend for a budget of 30-40 dollarbux for a folder? I have carried a couple different smith and wesson knives as well as a gerber applegate. I have been pretty pleased with all of them and was just curious as to what you think would fit the bill for me.

son

1/17/2011 6:22:20 PM

I don't like the $30-$40 range. Either drop down to the $20-$25 range or move up to the $50-$60 range.

Hopefully this wont come across as insulting or anything but the S&W's are not very good. Don't get me wrong, you can get by with one, but you'll be extremely impressed with the difference if you get a $50 Spyderco. The Gerber Applegate is actually an OK knife, but I don't prefer Gerber. I do find that Gerber produces usable stuff and is better than S&W, but they use much lower quality steels compared to Spyderco.

My suggestion, as I often do, is to simply throw in the additional $10 to bring yourself up to the level of a Delica 4 Full Flat Grind (~$53, which is a great price, I own a blue one and carry it often). If you want an EDC knife, that is the perfect choice. The handle is available in Blue, Brown, Grey, Green and Purple. It wont put up with any abuse because the blade is super thin, but it is an amazing knife for non-abusive tasks. If you feel you'll abuse it, you can get the standard Delica 4 with a saber grind. That one is only available with black handles. I will link them below. The Delica's have stainless steel liners, good handle texturing, VG-10 steel (VERY good shit) and are crazy sharp out of the box. They are also lightweight. The standard Delica 4 is not as light as a Salt 1, but still lightweight. The Full Flat Grind is as light as a Salt 1 because of the thin blade, but does sacrifice some ability to handle abuse. Spyderco knives also have an excellent warranty.

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-blue-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-brown-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-gray-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-green-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-flat-ground-purple-frn.html


Standard Delica 4 (Saber grind, stronger but not as good at cutting as the full flat grind which cuts like a laser beam):

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-delica-4-lightweight.html



If you prefer a larger knife, get the Endura 4 Full Flat Grind or saber grind. Color choices are the same and again the saber grind is only available in black. It's basically the same knife, just larger. If you want better cutting at the sacrifice of abusability, get the Full Flat Grind. That is my preference, but I don't have to dig staples out of wood and shit. If you do that, you need the saber grind (Hell, you really need a fixed blade if you want to pry a lot).

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-flat-ground-purple-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-flat-ground-blue-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-flat-ground-brown-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-flat-ground-gray-frn.html

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-flat-ground-green-frn.html


Standard Endura 4 (Saber grind, stronger but not as good at cutting as the full flat grind which cuts like a laser beam):

http://www.gpknives.com/spyderco-endura-4-lightweight.html



There are lots of options, but these are my go to recommendations because they're just so damn good for a beginner or someone who needs a quality knife that will just plain work. If you were willing to go into the $100-$150 range, you could really get something nice. If you could bump it up to $330, then you can get a Chris Reeve Small Sebenza and then you'll really be set. If you're a true knife user that knife will really do what you need. It will also literally last your entire life and never give you a single bit of grief. Even the $150 knives have minor annoying flaws, but you simply wont find these flaws in a Chris Reeve Sebenza. That's not to say the less expensive knives are no good, but things continue to improve as price increases. Admittedly, some expensive knives suck, you definitely have to pick the right ones, but the CRK Sebenza is truly the best production knife in the world. Unless you're really into knives and understand the differences, you wont be able to fully appreciate the Sebenza though.

[Edited on January 17, 2011 at 6:49 PM. Reason : t]

1/17/2011 6:34:11 PM

I bought my Delica 4, partially due to this thread, over the summer. I've carried it virtually every day since and it sees a very heavy amount of use and an even heavier amount of fondling. It leaves nothing to be desired, especially for the price(I paid $53 shipped). Spyderco4lyfe.

1/17/2011 7:01:18 PM

I'm glad you took the time to report back on your experience. Thanks dude!

1/17/2011 8:58:59 PM

Quote :

"You know, an S2-A wouldn't be bad either, if you don't mind the flat bottom airfoil. It's great for positive g maneuvers. They're not too pricey usually either. I think a Decathlon is a great all around plane though and they're so easy to fly. "

To be honest, I've never flown a Pitts, but I'm kinda intimidated by them at this stage in the game. Not sure that's really an airplane I have any business owning, yet. I'm guessing that even an S2-A will be pricier than a Skybolt, Citabria, or RV-4.

I'm not terribly worried about the cockpit dimensions in the Skybolt. I'm only about 5'8".

I'd consider a Citabria, but I think an RV would probably outfly it and definitely outrun it, for only minimally more money. Decathlons, I believe, are gonna be more money than I want to spend.

1/17/2011 11:14:06 PM

Yeah, the RV-4 is definitely a good airplane. I don't think you'll be disappointed with one. As you said, if you want bang for your buck it's a good choice.

I mostly mean shoulder and head width in the Skybolt btw, the opening in the fuselage where your head sticks out is really narrow. You'll most likely see what I mean if you sit in one.

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 6:09 AM. Reason : t]

1/18/2011 6:08:12 AM

looking for a good VALUE (under $50) fixed blade knife...nothing fancy, just something decent

ka-bar peter janda fin (D2 steel, tanto, serrated and smooth) for ~$36: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D0M9IM/
ka-bar peter janda fin (D2 steel, drop point, serrated and smooth) for $40: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H8QZL2/
ka-bar bk11 becker necker (1095 steel) for $33: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N1CBB6/

suggestions? is D2 or 1095 better for stabbing someone daily use-type stuff?

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 12:36 PM. Reason : links]

1/18/2011 12:22:28 PM

I have other suggestions, I will be back tonight and will give them. Hold off in the meantime my son. I'm workin right now and just dropped in to check on shit.

1/18/2011 1:02:04 PM

my current daily-use knife that i take backpacking all the time is the mora 511 (an eriksson model, same as the discontinued 510 with the only difference being an added finger guard)...it's a no-frills bushcraft knife with a carbon steel blade that's about 3/4 tang...i picked it up in sweden 4 years ago when i was doing my undergrad research there because EVERY SINGLE ONE of the swedish students we were working with in the field had one...it cost a whopping $5 there and i wish i had bought a dozen since it is by far the best value knife i've ever owned

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv221/qbakty/Merchandise/Mora/03.jpg
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv221/qbakty/Merchandise/Mora/05.jpg

anyway, while the knife is still in good shape, i'm looking for a replacement for regular use and backpacking, hence the ka-bars...it looks like the becker models will be the best, given that the 1095 "crovan" that ka-bar uses is 52-100B and will be better for my purposes than D2 (which is harder and retains its edge longer, but is a bitch to sharpen and isn't as tough)

1/18/2011 2:43:18 PM

Yes, the Moras are decent knives for the money. They work pretty well on a budget for sure. There's definitely better stuff out there but I don't have a problem with Mora knives.

My suggestion, if you're considering the Becker Necker, is to get the Rat/ESEE Izula instead. The Becker is good, yes. I just think the Izula is better. If you really are set on the Becker it will work just fine though. The other nice thing about the Izula is that bad ass ant, better looks and they come in nice colors like pink (Which I love, lol)! My opinion is that it's got a better heat treatment and a better blade and handle shape. Here's some insane evidence to support that claim:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrlvqrZQKY


If you want the actual review it's here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUpjruZK_fk&feature=related




Here are a few Izulas (Three different colors), these are some of the lowest prices you'll probably find on an Izula btw:

http://newgraham.com/store/product/5716/IZULA-Black-RCIZULAB/

http://newgraham.com/store/product/6040/IZULA-Olive-Drab-RCIZULAOD/

http://newgraham.com/store/product/5719/IZULA-Desert-Tan-RCIZULADT/


If, after using the knife for a while, you find that you desire handle scales for your Izula (They will aid in twisting torque, the kind of motion you use to flick off chunks of wood you've just cut):

http://newgraham.com/store/product/7277/ESEE-Izula-Handle-Scales/

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 8:10 PM. Reason : t]

1/18/2011 8:07:47 PM

1/18/2011 8:10:07 PM

That one definitely has a different canopy than the one I flew. Looks really good though!

The one I flew was like this:



It may not look bad, but there is no "bubble" to that canopy, the sides are vertical and it's very narrow. It doesn't fold open either, it slides forward. You'll see what I mean if you get the chance to fly one with this setup. Hell, even with a better canopy, I don't think it will be any wider at the top of the opening in the fuselage. Your head room will improve but it will still feel like it's closed up over your shoulders.

I don't think it would be a deal breaker for me, as the plane is damn fun to fly, but I'm just saying you should make sure you fit in it. It's one of the only planes I've ever flown where I was immediately like "Woah, the shoulder and head space is TIGHT". It felt like bailing out would be a bit harder than any of the other canopy entry/exit style planes I've flown.

An Extra 300L is great, for example. It's roomy and non-claustrophobic, but you still feel like you're part of the airplane. You don't feel disconnected. A Stearman, on the other hand, is so "loose fitting" that it's somewhat disconcerting to do aerobatics in. Especially since it feels that way on top of having an open cockpit, lol. The Skybolt, on the other hand, felt like it simply forces you to be one with it. I do think you'll like the hell out of it if you fit it well though.

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 8:24 PM. Reason : t]

1/18/2011 8:11:02 PM

yeah, I feel like I prefer sliding canopies for that exact reason...ease of bailing out if I ever had to.

Realistically, I think the RV-4 will be a better choice...aerobatic enough for my purposes, and a better XC platform. I've flown an RV (and been a passenger through an acro sequence). Flown an RV-6 a few times (did an aileron roll, but no other acro, other than the owner doing a few wingovers if you want to count that).

Biplanes often have weird flying characteristics, and they're definitely slower (although with that comes more drag for making downlines). They are boner-inspiring, though.

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 8:33 PM. Reason : ]

1/18/2011 8:29:42 PM

Yeah, biplanes are really cool. They sacrifice a lot for the cool factor, but that's ok. Visibility is really bad, for example. You get the worst of high and low wing aircraft, lol.

I do like the way they fly when they're set up right. The S2-C flies really well, but I definitely prefer the Extra without even a moment's consideration. Even the Extra 200. The one biplane I would REALLY love to own is the S-1-11B.

The thing about the biplanes is that the price of a Pitts S2-A, S2-B, S1-S or S1-T is so reasonable compared to an Extra. That's probably what I'd realistically end up with if I wanted a bit more than a Decathlon offered.

I must say, despite the cool factor of biplanes, a sleek aerobatic monoplane is really nice in terms of looks and cool factor. My heart rate goes up when I get near an Extra. The only downside is the massive price. I'd also definitely take a look at an Edge 540 if I were spending Extra cash.

[Edited on January 18, 2011 at 8:43 PM. Reason : t]

1/18/2011 8:35:17 PM

oh yeah, all of those unlimited-class aerobatic monoplanes will rape a Pitts or whatever else. they're all also way out of my price range.

I suppose I could probably do certain Yaks or a One Design, but they're mostly (or maybe all?) single seaters, and more performance than I need (or probably have any business with for quite a while). I'd rather have something more easygoing and practical.

1/18/2011 8:54:31 PM

Btw, in reference to quagmire's post, if you can afford it, I recommend getting a knife made by Kyley Harris. His knives will outperform literally anything on the market. At the prices he charges, he LOSES MONEY. I know him quite well in fact, he is up front with all material costs, time investments, etc. He makes knives as a hobby, not a business. You may pay near $200 for one of his knives in D2, around $150 or so in O1. This is subject to change, but I suggest contacting him and just making the investment.

The biggest thing is that he offers convex grinds and excellent handle shapes and materials. His blades provide incredible amounts of comfort and grip in every conceivable hold. In terms of function, you absolutely cannot beat his knives. He has owned "the best" custom and production fixed blades and is brutally honest about their performance. He set out to manufacture knives that would outperform those and he has succeeded. If it tells you anything, he is building me 3 different knives as we speak, one small (cKc friction folder in O1), one medium (cKc Thrive in CPM-S35VN) and one massive (cKc Turmoil in O1, it's about like a tanto sword in terms of length. It's got a 14" blade, 19.25" overall). All are convex ground with convex edges. All will outperform most anything on the market. Even knives that will cut as well cannot perform as well because literally none of them utilize the handle innovations he does. I don't understand why most other companies and makers don't see the light, they all follow convention rather than thinking outside of the box. Well, actually I do know, what sells is the shit that "looks good". His designs don't look the same as others at first, but they are genius.

Above any Becker Necker or ESEE Izula, I suggest his cKc 1.0 knife. It is absolutely awesome and is so far beyond those knives that there is literally no comparison whatsoever. The convex grind takes it to another level and his O1 is far better than those production knives in 1095 in my opinion. His "D2" is far better than 99% of other makers' (Production or custom) because of the heat treat he is using and the fact that it's Uddeholm Bohler Sleipner steel. Trust me, it's ridiculous. His edge geometry is so good that every person I know of who obtained an O1 knife from him has said it was the best knife they'd ever owned. The edge holds well and re-sharpens in literally 30 seconds on a strop. It's probably some of the best steel around. Yes, I'm aware that it's not a super steel, but the key to O1 is that it is field sharpenable in seconds and holds an edge quite well. Most super steels are not easily sharpened in the field, making them shitty field knives. For a true survival knife, O1 and D2 heat treated in the manner he has his knives done, are some of the best steels in the world. His D2 is even more awesome than his O1 and requires very little increase in time spent on a strop to maintain the edge. His knives may seem expensive, but the investment is so worth it. You're getting an amazing deal on his knives, the actual value is so much higher than a $50 Izula or a Becker Necker it's not even funny. He is making neck knives too btw, I doubt they're expensive at all, maybe under $100 and they will perform better than anything else in their size range as well.

Just talk to the man, he will tell you everything you want to know. He has almost 700 videos out explaining what his philosophy is, showing him grinding knives, knife designs, insanely abusive knife tests (Pounding through and cutting metal, trees, leather an aluminum paddle, etc).

Here's him using the D2 cKc 1.0 and you will see the amazing performance for yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuRBu-oIexE


Here's the prototype cKc folder, look at how easily this shit cuts wood. The convex grind is ridiculous. Keep in mind that the folders he sends out will not have the flaws the prototype has, they will perform even better. The "detail work" at 8:10 will really show you how nasty the convex grind and convex edge can be on wood.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV3PQyh5bEw


IN FACT, he sent an earlier model knife he was making to Bluttruth4U, the dude who made that Izula video. Blunttruth4U said it totally blew the Izula out of the water, there was no comparison. Unfortunately, I think Blunt went to jail, lol. He disappeared for a long time, came back and was living in a friend's house and had sold most of his knives. Then he disappeared again. Thus, he never made a video of the cKc knife he got from Kyley, lol.

[Edited on January 19, 2011 at 5:31 PM. Reason : t]

1/19/2011 5:13:25 PM