Knife review : Pradel Yatagan

Knives :

This review consists of :

Specifications

This knife was a gift fom from knife maker Geoffroy Gautier ( Gamma Brand) who mirror polished the blade and thinned the edge a little. Basic specifications :

Initial Impressions

Initial impressions/observations :

It may seem like a lot of issues with fit and finish, however these are very small issues and the knife has to be very carefully examined to really make them stand out.

Stock testing : main

The initial sharpness was low to moderate :

Some numbers :

On carving wood compared to the #1260 Mora the Pradel Yatagan :

Through making a dozen slices it had a 10% (5) advantage over the Mora. This difference is so small that unless you are counting cuts it would never be seen. While the Yatagan does have a thinner edge, in general with light force that was being used here (15-20 lbs) the cuts were shallow so it was more about the edge itself not the primary grind. The Mora also had a slight leverage advantage as it is sharpened right back to the handle. In general then, they both are in the same class for light wood carving. In extended use, making 1000 slices, :

Through ten points on on some 1x0.5" pine making 2" points :

In a chopping comparison against a slightly modified Fiskars Sportsman Axe (edge has slimmed down increasing chopping performance by 10-20% depending on wood type) :

Food

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Field

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Grip

Ergonomics :

Security :

Durability :

Miscellaneous :

Edge Retention

As a very basic check on edge retention, through 1000 slices through pine :

edge retention in kitchen use

Overview

Overview :

Comments and references

Comments can be emailed to YouTube Playlist of in the following thread Pradel Yatagan

Most of the pictures in the above are in the PhotoBucket album.

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