The CPM-S30V steel is almost as good as the Bos heat-treated steel from Buck The shorter blade makes it easier to carry, but I don't mind wearing my Buck belt pouch beneath my sport jacket.
When it has arrived i hope you will post a mini review; just basic stuff, like how it feels in hand, is blade solid when open, edge sharp or just o.k., etc ?
kj
I think as various states more and more relax (if not completely do away with) their insane (all based on a movie it has been said) switchblade laws, the more and more autos that will be seen that are made for EDC, not military and law enforcement customers.
Looks really sharp! Especially when compared to no-frills designs like the 06 that are primarily aimed at military customers. Thinking of that, you've got the Benchmade AFO (military issue, and I know of a guy here that EDC's one), Spyderco Autonomy (USCG issue, friend of mine carries one, who got one from his son in the USCG), and well, the 06. Most of the more prominent designs are made for military use, or are conversions of existing designs--i.e. Buck Folding Hunters and CRKT M16.
I had the Empower before I had the Buck 110 Auto Elite. The Empower is a good, solid, all-American drop point auto> I have yet to have it fail to lock open. The shorter (3.25") blade lends itself to easier carry than the Buck 110 Auto Elite. The deep-carry pocket clip serves quite well for most tasks. The clip point on the Buck allows for finer work, while the Gerber can be whipped out at a moment's notice and the cutting chore at hand can be readily addressed.
The Gerber is lighter and carried without people noting a carry pouch. On the other hand, in my "Dogpatch" of Northwestern Oregon (consisting of about 1800 people) the leather Buck pouch doesn't attract much attention.
The Gerber just disappears into my right front pocket awaiting my beck-and-call. The Gerber is right at home whether I'm sitting in church or walking the four blocks to the Post Office.
The locals are usually clad in blue jeans, ball caps and have tobacco-stained teeth. I'm usually dressed in a sport jacket, slacks and either a beaver/hare fur felt bowler or fedora in the autumn, winter and spring. During the summer months, i generally sport a Stetson Retro Panama or Bailey paper-straw pork-pie cover. (I am a bit of a "clothes horse"). As a "voice-talent/actor" I tend to be a bit eccentric and out of the ordinary, but that's just me.
I love great steel, a good auto knife, a good Bowie and a unique cane and/or a sword cane. As an old Navy Veteran, and the son of a UDT "Frogman"/Navy Rifle Team Veteran, I learned from the best and developed a taste for finer guns/blades and other fine things.
The new Buck 112 Ranger Auto and 112 Ranger Auto Elite are "mirror" images of the Buck 110 Auto that are smaller in size (3" blade) yet don't compromise on utility and cutting power. The 112 Ranger Auto has the brass bolsters and the legendary 420 High Carbon steel and brass bolsters. The only problem is that the brass bolster tend to corrode/pit when left in the hygroscopic (moisture attracting/retaining) atmosphere of the leather sheath/pouch. This is whey I opted for the 110 Auto Elite. (It has the nickel-silver bolsters that resist both corrosion and pitting).
If you buy the "standard" 110 Auto Folding Hunter or 112 Ranger Auto, you should polish the bolsters with either Flitz or Brasso, then give them a coat of Turtle Wax. This will help stave off the etching, fingerprints and weathering from leather pouch carry.
The locals are usually clad in blue jeans, ball caps and have tobacco-stained teeth. I'm usually dressed in a sport jacket, slacks and either a beaver/hare fur felt bowler or fedora in the autumn, winter and spring. During the summer months, i generally sport a Stetson Retro Panama or Bailey paper-straw pork-pie cover.
Captain your description paints quite the picture. I’d love to see a photo of you with some of your “Dogpatch” friends... talk about a study in contrasts!
The fact that I'm a bit of an "odd duck" when it comes to dressing like my neighbors doesn't bother me in the least. Anyone can dress like a nondescript slob, but it takes a strong personality and courage to be the "painted bird" of the neighborhood. Dressing well is its own reward. When the Enpower is in your pocket, you have quick access to a powerful cutting instrument that not only remains sharp, but looks good.
