Temperance or Cuda jr. ?

[TWBryan]

Trying to choose between two knives I'm considering. One is by camillius the CQB Cuda jr, micarta handle ats-34 steel 4" blade. The other is the Spyderco Temperance nylone-rubber handle, 4 1/2 " blde VG-10 steel. Sheaths for both are Kydex. Thinking of it as a boot knife or weapon of last resort. Appreciate any constructive comments.

Thanks

TWBryan

 

[hso]

Temperance is a better cutter while the CQB Cuda is a better sticker.

Do you have any training for fighting with a knife?

 

[TWBryan]

I'm familiar with the basics of knife fighting-weapon out,everything else behind,long stick beats short knife. Are you saying the Cuda won't have as good an edge as the Temperance? Thanks for reply.

TWBryan

 

[JJE]

I used to have the CQB-2 and still have a Temperance. Both of these knives come with excellent carry sheaths. As hso says, the Temperance will cut better - it's a flat grind like a kitchen knife. It's not that the edge is better on the Temperance - it's just designed overall as a better cutter. For occasional utility use, of course, either knife will cut - they're both knives! But if you are going to process a deer, prepare a meal, or do a job that requires a lot of cutting - you'll be happier with the Temperance.

Although they have similar blade lengths, the Temperance is a lot bulkier to carry - the blade (and therefore the sheath) is wider, and I believe that the handle on the Temperance is longer and thicker. I carried the CQB-2 pretty often when I owned it, but I never considered carrying the Temperance - it's just too big for my liking. Some people do carry them, and like I said, the sheath is excellent. If you use a wide belt, I think that the Temperance comes with a standard Tek-Lok which fits wider belts than the mini Tek-lok that came on my CQB-2.

Even though the Temperance looks like a kitchen knife, it definitely is useful as a "fighter". I believe that Spyerco supplied Temperance trainers at some of its MBC "martial bladecraft" classes. That's another point to consider - Spyderco makes trainers for the Temperance, but Camillus doesn't offer trainers for the CQB line. If you carry a knife that may be used as a weapon, you should train to use it, and the best/safest way to train is with a trainer that is identical to the live blade.

 

[hso]

"Are you saying the Cuda won't have as good an edge as the Temperance?"

No, what I mean is that the blade shapes and handles lend themselves to different defensive knife styles.

The Cuda is set up for the saber grip and the blade style is designed primarily for thrusting. Nothing wrong with the Cuda blade at all. It'll cut.

The question is what your experience and knowledge are since both are quality knives, but oriented towards different defensive styles. With what you've said about your knowledge of knife defense I'd advise getting the Cuda.

 

[tellner]

They're both fine knives. Pick the one that's more comfortable in your hand and easier to draw. You might also look more closely at the one that is a better tool. You'll use it for everyday tasks infinitely more often than you use it to fight with.

 

[TWBryan]

JJE-thanks for the info, at this point I may put off the purchase a little longer. I can get a cuda for $50 the temperance would be $60-$70. I may use that discretionary fund to buy bullets or ammo. I do have a cold steel mini-culloden I might carry instead as it has similar qualities to the knives in mention. I appreciate the reply.

HSO-Thanks for the advice,the Cuda is tempting for the price,but I may have to discipline myself to spread my money around more efficiently. Thansk for the reply.

Tellner- Both items would be mail order, no decent blade shops where I live . Thanks for the reply


TWBryan