PackRat Outdoor Shop

[Mila]

I want to order a knife for BF:
http://www.packrat.co.za/CatDsplItemList.aspx?CatalogueCategoryID=80

1. Has anyone dealt with them?
They asked me to send my credit card details to their counts department..
I’m a bit hesitant.. Thi is the interwebz.. The information they
supplied were quick and friendly, but you never know.
2. Should I buy a combo blade or a normal straight edge blade?
3. Would you recommend another shop?

Thanx!!

 

[shadow_man]

I want to order a knife for BF:
http://www.packrat.co.za/CatDsplItemList.aspx?CatalogueCategoryID=80

1. Has anyone dealt with them?
They asked me to send my credit card details to their counts department..
I’m a bit hesitant.. Thi is the interwebz.. The information they
supplied were quick and friendly, but you never know.
2. Should I buy a combo blade or a normal straight edge blade?
3. Would you recommend another shop?

Thanx!!

Domain aka their website, has been registered since 2006 - so I highly doubt they are scammers. Hope that helps a little.

J

--
http://co.za/cgi-bin/whois.sh?Domain=packrat&Enter=Enter

Domain: packrat.co.za

Accounting info....
Date |Type| Cost |Invoices are E-Mail to....|Paid Date |ICnt| TrkNo |Billing Info
2006-02-21| N | 50.00|[email protected] |2006-04-07| 3 | 550436|MWEB Business
2006-07-28| U | 0.00|[email protected] |2006-07-28| 0 | 0|MWeb Business
2006-09-29| U | 0.00|[email protected] |2006-09-29| 0 | 0|Cymaziz Computer Services
2007-03-02| R | 50.00|[email protected] |2007-03-14| 1 | 727744|Cymaziz Computer Services
2008-03-03| R | 50.00|[email protected] |2008-03-17| 1 | 916816|Cymaziz Computer Services
2009-03-02| R | 50.00|[email protected] |2009-03-13| 1 | 1174349|Cymaziz Computer Services
2009-07-14| U | 0.00|[email protected] |2009-07-14| 0 | 0|Cymaziz Computer Services
--

 

[Mila]

ThanX!!

 

[ponder]

I would not worry buying from them, have not heard anyting bad about them before and have seen their site a good few times over the years.

 

[GPS]

2. Should I buy a combo blade or a normal straight edge blade?
3. Would you recommend another shop?

Combo blades looks cool, but are only practical if you buy a big blade. Not recommended. A sharp plain edge blade will outcut a combo almost everytime.

http://newgraham.com are an awesome online shop, but it will probably not be cost effective if you only buy 1 knife.

 

[bdt]

Also consider Kreature - down the years I've had nothing but fantastic service from them.

 

[bdt]

Combo blades looks cool, but are only practical if you buy a big blade. Not recommended. A sharp plain edge blade will outcut a combo almost everytime.

So, I should discount how VERY handy the serrations on my wee Byrd have been, specially in the field of wire stripping (exempli gratia your typical 3-core flex). Also, in times of bluntness on the straight (as it were) portion of the blade and I needed to slice me some biltong? ..you saying that's all been a waste of time?

 

[GPS]

You should have kept your knife sharp......

Best investment you can make if your into quality knifes is a good sharpener - Spyderco Sharpmaker delivers scary results.

 

[GPS]

To clarify my earlier statement: the serrated part of the blade is useful, but it leaves to little plain edge blade to do any work.

 

[bdt]

You should have kept your knife sharp......

My knife's blade makes like the moon: its sharpness waxes and wanes, likely because...

Best investment you can make if your into quality knifes is a good sharpener - Spyderco Sharpmaker delivers scary results.

I could do with one of these babies ..dammit, now I have to find one! (a pointer in the right direction wouldn't go amiss here...)

To clarify my earlier statement: the serrated part of the blade is useful, but it leaves to little plain edge blade to do any work.

Um, we're talking 6cm-ish of workable edge here, just how much do work do you subject it to?!

Meanwhile, you'll have to excuse me, I've been enchanted by the (al)lure of those rugged storage containers - what can I say, I'm smitten ..not to mention getting a little light in my life, eish. (I'm just glad they're Randburg-local, I'd hate to pay shipping on those boxes!)

...GOOD find Mila (and curses for the temptation!)

 

[ToxicBunny]

Damn some of the stuff on that site is awesome....

 

[bdt]

I want to order a knife for BF:
http://www.packrat.co.za/CatDsplItemList.aspx?CatalogueCategoryID=80

But Mila, is he even the knife type - much less the knife carrying type? ..for reasons I can't fathom , not all guys (as for gals, ha!) seem that keen to carry some kind of knife on 'em (but I suspect you already have the answer to this, else you wouldn't be doing it.

Note, the Byrd Crow is a sweet little blade: very unobtrusive for daily carry; when set for tip-up comes out of your pocket into your hand ready to have your thumb sweep the blade open and that curved bit right at the back of the blade is just right to put your thumb/index finger and NOT get cut. Also, I can almost always get past casino security with it (now and then an overzealous guard needs re-education is all.)

1. Has anyone dealt with them?
They asked me to send my credit card details to their counts department..
I’m a bit hesitant.. Thi is the interwebz.. The information they
supplied were quick and friendly, but you never know.
Thanx!!

Have now, as of today! OK, make that IRL 'cos we wanted ammo boxes NOW and it's a min drive to go round and pick up (they're totally down with you coming and fetching if you have that option - it saves you time and postage). Lovely people, can't answer your ccard concerns but, in working for an e-law lawyer I've come to understand that your ccard, and therefore, you, have much more protection via online transactions than at that restaurant at which you just had dinner.

 

[Mila]

But Mila, is he even the knife type - much the knife carrying type? ..for reasons I can't fathom , not all guys (as for gals, ha!) seem that keen to carry some kind of knife on 'em (but I suspect you already have the answer to this, else you wouldn't be doing it.

Note, the Byrd Crow is a sweet little blade: very unobtrusive for daily carry; when set for tip-up comes out of your pocket into your hand ready to have your thumb sweep the blade open and that curved bit right at the back of the blade is just right to put your thumb/index finger and NOT get cut. Also, I can almost always get past casino security with it (now and then an overzealous guard needs re-education is all.)

Have now, as of today! OK, make that IRL 'cos we wanted ammo boxes NOW and it's a min drive to go round and pick up (they're totally down with you coming and fetching if you have that option - it saves you time and postage). Lovely people, can't answer your ccard concerns but, in working for an e-law lawyer I've come to understand that your ccard, and therefore, you, have much more protection via online transactions than at that restaurant at which you just had dinner.

Thanx! They are lovely, I decided to take the chance and order from them. I know now where i'll buy my camping and other stuffies from in future Very nice.

Yes he is the knife type... I did not get it but he converted me and now i have one in my handbag too
I took the normal blade not the combo, gives me something to buy later on

 

[bdt]

I grew up having Victorinox (the one TRUE Swiss Army knife! (going by the can-opener at least)) always at hand. Hell, my ma (a delightul retired old bat!) pretty much always has one too - sure, it's in handbag-type areas but she's got one ..good on yer, Mila!

Oh, t'other day after picking up the first round of ammo boxen (me 'n my pals are now all two-up apiece (no comment)) I got me a lovely thick stuk of biltong and I gotta tell ya: that serrated edge at the base of the blade does a fantastic job of getting a rip cut started - better than just an edge-only blade ..'cos it's easier to keep the cutting action/edge on that part, where the smooth edge need more sharpening, more of the time.

You should consider another blade and, to do it right, a sharpening kit sometime in your future!

 

[Palimino]

I want to order a knife for BF:
Should I buy a combo blade or a normal straight edge blade?

Thanx!!

I can’t recommend a shop and I see you have already bought, but you should factor other things into any future knife-buying equations. All GF should take note.

The ideal is a combo knife that is so useful (as a tool) that it is transferred from clothes like a wallet. When BF removes it from his pocket 20 years hence, your thoughtful image will be evoked and he will regret dumping you. The ideal knife will take careful observation by you of his habits. I can only specify what is useful for me. Ideal pocket knife specifications follow:

It must be sturdy and long lasting – Swiss Army knife.
It must be of a convenient size so that it can be carried about. About 3 inches (closed). Not a massive self-defence dagger.
It must be flat – maximum 3 tools. Not a huge, impractical combo with that useless thing for taking boy-scouts out of horses hooves.

Tools on the knife – this is where your observation comes-in. You need to examine a fairly wide selection to get the right combination. A dedicated sporting or outdoor shop would have an array to choose from. I have found that the most useful items to have (while keeping the size down) is a blade (of course), a Philips (star) screwdriver of the right size to take the covers off a desk top computer, a corkscrew (so you can cut a cool ‘McGyver’ pose with that bottle of wine) and a bottle opener. The bottle opener has other tools in it. A wire stripper (a hole) and the top operates as a flat screwdriver. Because the knife doesn’t try to be all things, it should be reasonably cheap. He will always remember you.

 

[bdt]

All GF should take note.

The ideal is a combo knife that is so useful (as a tool) that it is transferred from clothes like a wallet. When BF removes it from his pocket 20 years hence, your thoughtful image will be evoked and he will regret dumping you. The ideal knife will take careful observation by you of his habits. I can only specify what is useful for me. Ideal pocket knife specifications follow:

It must be sturdy and long lasting – Swiss Army knife.
It must be of a convenient size so that it can be carried about. About 3 inches (closed). Not a massive self-defence dagger.
It must be flat – maximum 3 tools. Not a huge, impractical combo with that useless thing for taking boy-scouts out of horses hooves.

Tools on the knife – this is where your observation comes-in. You need to examine a fairly wide selection to get the right combination. A dedicated sporting or outdoor shop would have an array to choose from. I have found that the most useful items to have (while keeping the size down) is a blade (of course), a Philips (star) screwdriver of the right size to take the covers off a desk top computer, a corkscrew (so you can cut a cool ‘McGyver’ pose with that bottle of wine) and a bottle opener. The bottle opener has other tools in it. A wire stripper (a hole) and the top operates as a flat screwdriver. Because the knife doesn’t try to be all things, it should be reasonably cheap. He will always remember you.

Waahahaha - dude, priceless. Only, to be accurate what you're talking here about here is a multi-tool.

Although Leatherman's latest knives do blur the line somewhat, they are still technically a multitool with the blade as the main feature. But, alas and alack, if you're going to specify a corkscrew (which makes sense in this context) Leatherman gets sidelined, sacrilege though it may be.

 

[Palimino]

Waahahaha - dude, priceless. Only, to be accurate what you're talking here about here is a multi-tool.

Although Leatherman's latest knives do blur the line somewhat, they are still technically a multitool with the blade as the main feature. But, alas and alack, if you're going to specify a corkscrew (which makes sense in this context) Leatherman gets sidelined, sacrilege though it may be.

I am not arguing with you about the kifness of a multi-tool. This [the multi-tool] is another debate. My point is a gift which is a useful tool that you carry **at all times** in your pocket. There is no shlep, it is as habitual at your wallet or watch and probably less of an issue than your cell phone or keys. A Leatherman requires a belt pouch (extra shlep and rules it out for larnie clothes) as it is too big and bulky for the pocket.

Viva! Swiss Army knife. Viva!

 

[bdt]

... My point is a gift which is a useful tool that you carry **at all times** in your pocket. There is no shlep, it is as habitual at your wallet or watch and probably less of an issue than your cell phone or keys.

I'm not dressed unless I've got the Leatherman on my left hip and wee folder in right pocket.

A Leatherman requires a belt pouch (extra shlep and rules it out for larnie clothes) as it is too big and bulky for the pocket.

Viva! Swiss Army knife. Viva!

PAH! I've, on different wedding (some idjits getting hitched isn't nearly enough of a reason to make me go nekkid!) occasions HAD the Leatherman on its belt clip or in the jacket pocket, but I'm not going to be separated from it! And yes, definite vote for the SA knife - has to be the Victorinox one though, no question about that.

 

[Palimino]

I'm not dressed unless I've got the Leatherman on my left hip and wee folder in right pocket.

I think we may have different styles. I ride a bike a lot and it was necessary I devise a method to carry stuff. I settled on a small backpack (see my backpack blog) and trained myself to treat it as an indispensable item, like a woman’s handbag (a fine repository for essential crap). I had the space and there are pre-packed computer toolkits (with major tools included). It fitted exactly into the front pocket. So, rather than going the multi-tool route, I carry full size tools.

However, my son decided that he would buy me a ‘surprise’ gift (multi-tool) for my birthday. It was necessary that I spec. the multi-tool so that he bought something I wanted. Leatherman is overpriced for what you get (there are others). I specified a set of needle-nose pliers and the Philips screwdriver. In addition, a calibrated metal ruler would also be useful. The rest of the tools didn’t matter.