I like it. It's a great knife.
I think I still prefer to carry my Comp. Finish SJTAC. But if I should decide one of these days to carry a 5" blade, the S5 will be my first pick.
The SJTAC is a GREAT knife IMO and very worthy all-round user that carries pretty well.
Personally, I just tend to prefer the smaller 5"/RMD/S5 for most of my carry for it's little bit better function at smaller detail task/chore uses that tend to compromise about 90% - 95% of my actual field knife use.
BUT, my favorite knife sized just slightly above my 5" competitors is my modified SJTAC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Some might justify and or prefer the Desert Jack or Satin Jack, but as I have mentioned before, the SJTAC's blade has my favorite all-round use blade shape - similar to the S5's <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
I have satin finished and full height convexed my SJTAC - along with removing the ramp and subtle handle mods. I prefer the taller blade and shape of the SJTAC over the slender height Desert Jack and I feel the taller handle on the SJTAC offers improved feel and control over the slimmer Desert Jack's (I don't have the Satin Jack). For my preferences, I think the extra weight is OK for these improvements (SJTAC vs. DJ)
For comparison:
S5CG.......= 6.75 ounces; .185” thick; 5.125” blade; 10.125” oal
Ratmandu (G10).........= 11.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
Ratmandu (micarta)....= 10.0 ounces; .189" thick; 5.3125" blade; 10.5" oal
SJTAC...(stripped)..= 13.0 ounces; .187” thick; 6.375” blade; 11.875” oal
Desert Jack (stripped).= 10.0 ounces; .175” thick; 6.0” blade; 11.25” oal
In the end, I still don't find the SJTAC a worthy chopper even with the extra length and weight. But, I really don't find I need to chop much on the trail. And the SJTAC is still pretty light for it's size, so it carries pretty well for it's size.
However, in most cases, I just don't find I utilize the SJTAC's extra length or weight enough over the RMD/S5.
But still, if and when I want to step up in size from my RMD/S5, my next step up is my modified SJTAC. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Then Camp Tramp or SARSquatch. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
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