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Pros: Weight, Handle Material, Overall Quality, Blade Material, Sheath/Scabbard, Materials, Finish, Blade Sharpness
Cons: None
Nice upgrade to the classic San Mai Tai Pan
Yes, the VG-10 San Mai laminated Tai Pan (with softer 420 steel outer layer to create the laminate) does have that nice layered look to the steel edges that this 3V model doesn’t, but that’s where the comparison ends. Both have an equally nice satin polish finish that looks great, with no graininess or flaws. The reviewer that says (based on the photo only, and not actually owning it) that he thinks the finish quality on the new CPM-3V model is inferior to the San Mai version is “mistaken” to put it as politely as this review will allow. Both are durable steels, but there is no comparison to how much longer 3V will hold an edge compared to VG-10, and the 3V is much stronger. Mine looks great, and I’m the pickiest guy in the world when it comes to knives. My sole minor critique, as DCA mentions in the accompanying video in the pictures, is that the grind gets a fraction offset as it approaches the last 1.25” of the tip, then corrects. It would take someone as picky as me to notice it, but that’s factory double edged hollow ground daggers for you. Unless it’s off by at least 1/32” or more it’s not that noticeable, and this isn’t off that much, perhaps a 64th for a half inch before correcting, and the centerline hits the tip on both sides correctly. I had heard about some sheath fitment issues with the San Mai SecureX sheaths, even though it’s the same model, but the knife clicks in place and is very secure with no rattling. And despite some Internet tales I read, this Kydex sheath isn’t going to dull 3V so I feel no need to have another aftermarket Kydex sheath made for it. Maybe that was the VG-10 steel model, but even that seems doubtful. It’s too bad they still don’t provide their old heavy black leather sheaths; I have one with a 9” Magnum Tanto that’s super nice, but that’s about the only thing they could have added here as this one works well. I’m listing weight as a positive since it seems to help balance the blade and give a more solid feeling to the knife. It feels good to me, but perhaps a fighting knife expert would want it to be a fraction lighter. (?) This will make a great addition to an original SOG Desert Dagger I put away, but is clearly an all around tougher, sharper and more bomb proof blade, plus the finish is flawless (based on the opinion of someone actually holding it! ;-))
