Fallkniven have been on my mind lately. I hate to stray from the Busse family, but if they don't make what I need...

Hopefully the Vex will be close enough for now.

I've not even been home to see it yet, but I'm more excited about this than just about any other I've ordered.

I have the Benchmade Nimravus (Tanto, serrated), but have never used it. Bought it for its eyecandy qualities years ago...

It does, however, feel incredible nimble in hand!

Were I to go for a Nimravus today, I would not go for a serrated and tanto version.
I am sure a plain edge, non tanto, would work great with game. The blade is very slim and thin.

Oh noooo! Usually when I allow myself to get that excited about something I end up being a little disappointed.

A 411 suits my needs perfectly. The blade length is just right and the handle is perfect.

I love the Vex, both new and old, for the amount of usable blade in such a small package. It is the non-Koyote Little Big Knife.

Say what?



Congrats on the new Vex Gary!

Vex in hand...my first thoughts...

POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES

1) The overall size is very nice.
2) The 4.0" of cutting edge is about what I'd want in a knife of this type.
3) It feels surprising nice in the hand.
4) FFG - this is my favorite profile.

NEUTRAL ATTRIBUTES

1) The handle is just a little small. Its right on the cusp of being too small.
2) If sex-appeal is important to you - this isn't the right knife for you unless you think Uma Thurman is hot (insert puking icon here)

NEGATIVE ATTRIBUTES

1) Its too heavy. Its not a tank, but its not as nimble as it could be due to the weight.
2) The blade is too thick. This could be 20% thinner. The weight issue is a result of the blade thickness.
3) I could see cutting myself if my hands are wet (blood, sweat, rain) because you have to use the choil to fully grasp this one.

FINAL ANALYSIS

The Vex is step in the right direction. We have plenty of choppers, fighters, and hard use survival options. The Vex compares favorably to the ESEE 4. Ironically, I was nearly ready to give up my "Busse only" rule and order a couple of ESEE 4's when I ordered the Vex.

The Vex isn't perfect, but its a nice knife. I've not tested it yet, but I'm pretty sure it will not unseat the Leaner Meaner as my favorite "small" non-skelly. I think its a great "lower cost" alternative to the LM.

Evaluation #2...

The blade shape is very nice. It isn't a "small scale" knife. Its more of a "small medium sized blade" if that makes sense.

I like it - a lot. My wife likes it - a lot.

If it had these changes it would be AWESOME...

1) Thumb ramp and/or jimping.
2) 1/8" blade thickness.
3) 1/4" longer handle.
4) 1/16" additional scale thickness (each side)

Of course, I'd probably find something to critique if it were exactly as I'm describing. Please just understand - I'm not a fanboy - I'm a real world user type guy.

Anyway,
I would recommend it to anyone wanting a thickish SR101 bushcrafter. I'm definitely keeping mine!

I agree about the weight. The last Vex I bought I ordered it through the CS in order to get a clip point and swedge to cut down on some weight. I also went with micarta since it is lighter. I have some knives at the CS having some work done, and when I get them back I will send them to Kestrel Knives in California to have them all skeletonized (I also did this with the SAR5 and a few others). I will finally have the lightweight Swamp Rat knives I always wanted.

Adam,
I'm actually thinking about pulling the scales off one and "tool dipping" it. It think it would make an awesome skeleton. I could see milling some jimping and a bare area on the spine for ferro rod strikes.

I think your mods make A LOT of sense.

I like this knife, a lot. I appreciate the recommendation. Its going to get a work out when I have time.

I dipped a couple of knives. The kydex sheaths started pulling the dip off so I removed it altogether. If you do it I recommend using leather sheaths.