How good is it as a fire striker (back of blade?)
855502
I got no idea,... i did use it to pull out A BIG OL, SPLINTER OUTA me foot, yesterday- handled the problem great!
256865
My son will often carry the sword on his back (down your shirt with the hilt sticking up past your collar ala "Blade the Daywalker"). This technique is useful so you can first throw the two Nerf Klaw Hatchets in each hand and then draw the blade and finish off your stunned opponents.
635855
Steel doesn't matter at all with a ferro rod(firesteel). All it needs is a hard, sharp corner. You can spark a firesteel with a piece of glass. The spine of this is decent for this though. If yours were to need a touch up you could do it with a few swipes of a file.
2019961
The blade is of the gauge and configuration of a decent steak knife. I wouldn't split logs with it. I would not de-burr ferrous metals with it. Aluminum, maybe, but only occasionally. Mine tests at 56 R(c). Don't try to pry anything with it. It takes and holds a good edge, what one would expect from a decent pocket knife. 'Hard' use might want a beefier blade. The locking method is super secure, though, and the handle is forever, even though there is no metal liner. I like this blade, and recommend it, but it isn't for everyone, and everything. Close, though.
1133616
I've found that it's good for impacts, I bought mine for protection from bokken strikes and it's great for that. It could probably save you from a few slashes but it would get shredded. Stabing could be problematic, the seems between the pads are tough but I think a fixed blade or a double edged blade would penetrate it. To be clear I have only taken blunt object strikes in mine. The only body armor I KNOW will stop blades is chainmail and Dragonscale.
1832831
I had to scratch a lot of the coating off of the Flint striker to get a decent spark, however sparks are still not long lasting you need quick catching material to get a fire going, I used dryer lint, and have lit 3 fires.
2151910
Yes. The blade is high carbon steel and will create good sparks off of a modern fire steel or any natural flint material.
589042
Plain and simple the knife is awesome. 1095 High Carbon, bow drill divot, full tang, black coating... What else can you ask for? It's worth every penny, most TOPS knives are. Great bushcraftin knife, it comes with magnesium and ferrocium rod combo as a fire starter in a kydex sheath. The fire starter isn't all that great, it will work, but an Exotac fireRod wil fit the hole perfect and it is a badass fire starter. The kydex sheath has great retention and the knife will not fall out. This is the work horse knife that can take a lickin and keep on tickin. I'm sure it will outlast our life span and you'll be handin it to your son one day as a gift.. It is my favorite knife because of the quality and how perfect it fits my hands. I'm actually buyin a 2nd one soon so I can give one to my dad. Buy the TOPS B.O.B, this is too good of a knife not to have. Take care and God Bless.
159411
It doesn't look like it. Don't get me wrong is sharp as heck. I love mine especially for the price. I expected a cheap crappy sword i could use like a machete, but it actually feels really sturdy. And for the price i can actually use it and not worry about messing it up because i can just buy another one of i do. And do far it's been tough. My son and i have taken it out and cut through all kinds of stuff. 3 or 4 milk jugs full of water etc. It feels like it could take off a small appendage or at least do a lot of damage trying.
79730
First let me say that "Battle ready swords" all have carbon steel blades, those with stainless steel are very most often wall hangers (there are exceptions such as those made for the collection of "Lord of the Ring" etc , those are not inexpensive and are very well made and are work of arts, stainless steel is great for blades of 12" or less (there are many different grades of stainless steel) however once the blade is over 12 or so inches, it becomes very brittle. Now back to your question, this particular sword is designed for people learning the art of cutting (go to Youtube you will find many videos on that subject), it has a very nice sharp blade & yes you sure could use it for self defense BUT you should have at least some training on the different types of cuts & slashes, of course if your attacker has a firearm, escaping may be the best option! You also need to see the dimensions of space available since it is not a small blade. My favorite is the CAS HENWEI TACTICAL WAKIZASHI, it is the smaller sized sword, the blade is 20", razor sharp and very quick and agile, check it out here, it is not cheap but well worth it.
789655
The wood seems to be bamboo not really sturdy it wood break I am sure if you hit someone with the sheath but for holding the sword its fine.I cant say what type of steel it is it looks to be two types as it has a nice blend looking pattern where the edge is one metal and the back of the blade is another.It does hold an edge well it seems my son sharpened it and its scary sharp cut my thumb just checking it.Now is it a real fighting sword no I am sure it wouldn't hold up but it does look nice for the price and would be a nice present for a amateur collector.Do note its super bright red scabbard not wood color like he picture seems. The wood seems to be bamboo not really sturdy it wood break I am sure if you hit someone with the sheath but for holding the sword its fine.I cant say what type of steel it is it looks to be two types as it has a nice blend looking pattern where the edge is one metal and the back of the blade is another.It does hold an edge well it seems my son sharpened it and its scary sharp cut my thumb just checking it.Now is it a real fighting sword no I am sure it wouldn't hold up but it does look nice for the price and would be a nice present for a amateur collector.Do note... » Read More The wood seems to be bamboo not really sturdy it wood break I am sure if you hit someone with the sheath but for holding the sword its fine.I cant say what type of steel it is it looks to be two types as it has a nice blend looking pattern where the edge is one metal and the back of the blade is another.It does hold an edge well it seems my son sharpened it and its scary sharp cut my thumb just checking it.Now is it a real fighting sword no I am sure it wouldn't hold up but it does look nice for the price and would be a nice present for a amateur collector.Do note its super bright red scabbard not wood color like he picture seems. « Show Less
1466773
No. However, The heat treatment seems to be unique - in a good way. The feel is right , the blade has heft and won't break on you unless you run over it with a tank. And the shape is Bad - Ass!
1545910
I cannot say for certain but by the way steel filed as I changed the edge angle and how it took a razor sharp edge from my whet stone and has kept the edge through use I believe that it has a very good tempering for its application. If it were harder it would be too brittle and would break and chip like the Gerber hatchets.
234313
I suppose you could, jeopardizing the hone of your knife. The spine of the blade would likely not be sharp enough, so the hone would be needed to emit spark. I would use the striker for striking and the knife for cutting. But that's me.
2133924
this knife is more of a survival knife it is extremely durable and well built, if you want a combat knife look at the LMF II by Gerber. This knife is definitely not for daily carry it is to bulky therefor it cant really be used for defense. If you are looking for a tactical fixed blade knife go with a cold steel kobun. I love that blade it is extremely sharp, way sharper than the gerber when it arrives. hope my response can aid you in the search for a fixed blade knife
2162440
There is a exposed metal portion on the top of the blade for striking the fire starter (steel on steel). It is only a small area but enough to strike the steel. However, there will be some discoloration on the protective coating of the blade, but considering the blade is stainless steel and will not rust, the coating is more for looks. I will say that if you are buying this for weekend camping trips or little bushcraft, you cannot go wrong. If you are buying this for extreme survival, look elsewhere, like the kabar becker line (my favorite) or any other high carbon steel blades.
1521054
IMO yes. The traditional sheath would require you to fasten a fire steel in some other way or carry it elsewhere. If you don't see yourself needing a fire steel then save a few dollars. Me? I always have one. They're very reliable and the Mora rendition, especially with the Black, is a very good striking combo. As for the sharpener, it may help in a severe situation, but I sharpen mine on waterstones and strops when I return from the field. Again, it could prove handy in a pinch, but I've never tried the sharpener. The securing system for the ferro rod works very well - it's not going to come loose. Personally, I see no reason to NOT to get them unless you're really counting ounces - and personally I wouldn't cut the fire steel to shave weight. The Black is the best Mora I've ever used. If you decide to pick one up, I also highly recommend these additions. I hope you enjoy whatever knife you decide on. Cheers!