Well finally I got to actually use a Regulator. I picked up one a Blade 2009 for Ted, but never used it. I ordered a new one, but gave it to a marine headed for Afghanistan. Thanks to the kind generosity of some fellow dogs who wish to remain anonymous, I got a new one last week. Just one look at this knife, and you know what it is. This is a combat knife. I am a bit old and slow for combat, but this knife is more than just a fighter. This Bowie is a great all-around field knife. It's a bit heavier than my SODLE, with a thicker blade. You all know the specs by now, so on to the review.


I did some light chopping on some very hard dry wood. The Regulator chops fairly well for pig sticker. We have seen it eat up 2 x 4s. It's a little slower on seasoned hardwood, but it gets the job done. I found that holding the handle toward the rear gave the best results. And the handle is comfortable to chop with.



In my hand, the SODLE chopped better, sinking deeper with each blow. But it has a thinner edge. The Regulator edge is touched up a bit, but pretty close to the factory angle. As one might expect, that thick blade works great for splitting wood.


The SR101 steel takes and holds a keen edge, and the thick blade actually did pretty well shaving wood for fire starting.

The knife balances right in front of the handle, and it felt like I could stick it. Thunk! First throw, it hit dead center and a little low, but stuck deep and with authority. Not wanting to bang up the handle with inevitable misses, I let well enough alone.


That wicked point works well for drilling holes in wood, too. And the knife does fine for baton work, although I would not advise beating on the handle.
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/Regulator014.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/Regulator015.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/Regulator016.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/Regulator017.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w64/rivershaman/SYKCO/Regulator018.jpg[/img]
In summary, I think this knife is a superb combat/utility knife in the tradition of the Marine Combat Knife, but much more robust and tough. I would prefer my SOD as a pure camp knife, but this Bowie can do a lot that would destroy most bowies its size. I like it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

HD - great review and pictures - thanks for sharing! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Great review Vic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />- I also like the knife very much for it's intended use. Thanks for the review- much appreciated <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Great stuff man. You've inspired me to take the days off I have this week and do a few little reviews of my own <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

HD - I was sitting on my patio next to a pile of seasoned (very dry) wood when I read your post. Your post made me curious so I pulled a particularly hard piece off the wood pile for a few strokes.

I didn't want to hijack your thread so I put a few pic's in my "Regulator Pics" thread. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/paperbag.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the pics! Mines on it's way!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I'm gonna beat on it when camping this year.

I don't think you'll be disappointed. The Regulator is a fine all-around field knife. Today is a nice warm day. I guess all my wildflowers (weeds) will have to go. Time to mow the yard this week. See that wisp of smoke? Time for Sunday Dinner! Nothing like a grilled steak, baked potato, salad and iced tea on a warm afternoon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif" alt="" />....steak......

Did you use your Reg to carve the steak off the cow? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

HD - when I was out chopping with my Reg a little while ago I found (as you instructed) that the leverage was much improved if I held as far back on the handle as possible. I didn't work at it long enough to get very sweaty, but my hands were getting wet and a little concern about losing grip on (and/or control of) the knife overcame me.

Do you ever use a "safety lanyard" for this type of application?

My thoughts exactly! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Excellent review Vic, and great pictures. And congrats on getting another Regulator - you certainly deserve one! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

It was a wonderful surprise, Tom. It's a heck of a knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />