Recon1,

The S5 is an AWESOME knife that will go down as a CLASSIC for sure!

There isn't much wrong with the S5 as it was. Most of my mods were pretty minor tweaks except for satin finishing. Personally, I will ALWAYS prefer satin. Even on highly prone to rust SR-101.

I prefer both the looks and function of satin.

I would love the INFI version, but I can't justify the INFI price right now. I had hoped for satin INFI closer to $150. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I actually started stripping my SR-101 before the INFI LE price was posted.

But, for those who can afford it, satin INFI is HARD to beat! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />

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My thoughts on my modifications:

- Stripping and SATIN finishing - looks WAY nicer and cuts better in "some" cases

- Remove thumb ramp - feels better "to me" and offers more versatility "for me" - Some like the ramp though. Which I can appreciate. As far as ramps go, it is pretty good.)

- Remove front bump of Res-C and blend into single larger, smoother transitioning Res-C into metal guard - To me, all other Res-C handles felt fine. But, for me, somehow the S5's double-bump guard didn't feel quite right. I REALLY like the subtle improvement of this mod. But, others might not. (????). However, I would bet in a blind handling test, most would prefer my Res-C mod on the S5. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

- Enlarge and round out choil - To each their own. I like the rounded choil. It is more secure, more comfortable and less prone to blade edge corner nicks on index finger.

- Dropped the point - Just a personal preference for my uses. Works better for most of what I do. But, the factory blade shape is VERY good. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

- Slightly flattened the edge belly curve - Same as above.

- Convexed edge and most of blade - while retaining a sabre grind - I prefer my re-profiled edges..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> I will leave it at that. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

- Slightly rounded and polished spine - Slight aesthetic improvement IMO and slight improvement in feel. I like just a slight rounded spine vs. a full half round radius. I also sometimes do a flat grind with 45 degree bevels. That can look nice as well. I actually beveled my choil with 45 degree bevels, but the bevels don't show well in the pic. 45 degree bevels are a bit easier. Slightly rounded looks and feels a bit nicer IMO. But, just a personal preference and not a huge issue for function for most.


In the end, outside of satin, the other tweaks are just minor tweaks that work a bit better for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

The S5 is still a GREAT knife as it comes from the factory. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.