Chinook I vs. Chinook II

[#416]

It has been hard for me to find a "one size fits all" blade for 24-7 EDC so in my regular rotation I have a work knife, a dress knife, and a hard use "tactical" knife.



However, I've had a hard time finding the right hard use knife for me. I've owned both a CE Gunting and a original CE Chinnok for about a year, and I love both knives, but I just wish I could put them in a blender and create the ultimate heavy-duty folder. I love the compression lock and ease of opereration the Gunting offers, but I find it uncomfortable to carry, so I should probably investigate belt sheaths or other options.



To get back on topic, the issues I have with my Chinook might be resolved with the Chinook II. I wouldn't know, because the only knife outlets I know in the Portland area that do carry <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> only have the basic models like the delica, endura, dragonfly, and native<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> The only way I'll see a Chinook II is if I buy one online, and I'm not sure I want to do that yet, so hopefully you dual-Chinook owners out there can help me with a few questions:



How is the weight? I know it has been reduced, but is it a substantial enough reduction that the Chinook II doesn't weigh down your pockets any more? Overall, how does it carry?



What about opening? My original Chinook is the sturdiest folder I've ever handled, but also the most cumbersome to open. I either have to change grips halfway through the opening process when using the hole, or I have to pop it open and then give a hard wrist flick. How does the Chinook II compare in deployment time? Can you open it in one motion now? Again, I've heard it is "improved," but by how much? Does it glide open like other lockback models, or is it only slightly less cumbersome than before?



I'm eagerly awaiting the Paramilitary, and have long thought it might be my ultimate hard-use Spydie, but all the praise the Chinook II has been getting lately has made me curious. What does everyone think?

[AllenETreat]

Here's my two cents worth ( Luke 21:1-2):

Both Chinooks are well made, but, want a good deal? SFO had some original Chinooks
in stock for $89.95!

I think their tel# (800)-828-1948(?)

I KNOW 1-(800)-525-7770 will get ya' to an operator for Spyderco Factory Outlet's number. Talk to Christina Glesser.

You can always work up to the II.

AET <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

"All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke ( 1729-1797 )

Edited by - AllenETreat on 1/29/2004 11:17:32 AM

[dialex]

I don't have a Chinook II and it's likely that I won't get one as I like the older model better. I reffer strictly to the aesthetics here as I don't carry the Chinook (my wife does) <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

<a href="http://users.pcnet.ro/dialex"><font color=blue>(my page)</font></a>

[The Deacon]

Don't have a Chinook I, only the II, but did grab a couple pics off the net, and size them for comparison. The attached pic should give you some idea of the visual differences. I added a marker to make the slightly shorter hole to pivot distance, which I feel would make the CII a bit easier to open, easier to see. By skeletonizing the liners and reshaping the blade, the weight has been reduced considerably. Action on my C II is smooth as glass, you sense you are moving a massive blade, but it just glides. My only complaint is I wish they'd place the tip down carry holes closer to the end of the handle, as I prefer minimal exposure, but then the "high ride for easy access" folks would be complaining.

Paul

[#416]

Thanks for the pic! I think the Paramilitary is still gonna be next on the purchase list, but I'll definatly keep my eye on the Chinook II. Maybe it's a good thing they don't produce the Starmate anymore, or I'd have even more temptation...