Review of Models 4 and 5 by Eric Hoeppner owner of BaGawkian Concepts LLC:
I would first like to take a moment to thank everyone at Stack Blades, located in Durham NC, especially Mr. Kevin Stack, who made this request possible. I reached out to Stack Blades as an avid knife enthusiast and asked to review one of their fine American made products.
What first attracted me to Stack Blades besides the awesome looking designs is the fact their knives are 100% USA manufactured.
These days dedication to USA made products can be hard to come by. I had the pleasure of corresponding with the owner Mr. Stack.
Mr. Stack sent me a Model 4 and a Model 5 to test. Both blades arrived in a cardboard box wrapped in bubble wrap and included a kydex sheath. The Model 4 is a smaller knife, roughly 7.75 inches in total length with approximately a 3.5 inch cutting surface. The Model 5 is the larger version, roughly 9.5 inches long with approximately a 4.5 inch cutting surface. The Model 4-5 are both Cerakoted in black powder coating for extended durability against the elements and rough usage.
The Model 4 sheath does not come standard with a pocket clip attachment but the Model 5 sheath comes with a Blade-Tech attachment.
The Model 4 has a black linen Micarta sculpted handle and Model 5
has a tanish colored Micarta sculpted handle. The Model 4 has two screws on the handle and the Model 5 has three screws. Each blade has jimping on top. I would personally like a little deeper or thicker jimping on each, buts that’s just me. There is plenty to help keep your thumb in place.
Both blades are extremely sharp right out of the package so take heed. They will cut to the bone with little to no effort.
The Model 4 is a lightweight blade that when carried is almost invisible for felt weight. I’ve worn this blade all day without any discomfort and while performing daily errands to yard work.
The Model 4 is by no means is a “little knife”. This thing is a monster. This knife tackles anything you can throw at it with ease and is a joy to use. I found it especially satisfactory to sit around and slice boxes open or stab packing materials. This knife feels at home in the hand and is comfortable to use for multiple tasks.
The Model 5 can be used for the same tasks but is at home for
projects requiring a larger and longer cutting surface. It too is extremely comfortable to wear all day long on your person or kit.
I can say on daily dog walks, both blades sliced through numerous vines, branches and vegetation with little to no effort. Both models flow smoothly when doing any sort of tasks and in any grip you choose.
I did a number of tests to include punctures into ballistic material. The Model 4/5 not only penetrated each time, but continued to cut numerous materials with ease. These knives have sliced cleanly through clothing of all sorts from shirts, shorts and jeans with ease. They made short work of ropes, made a different thickness and materials
All test cuts performed to date resulted in one slice one clean cut. The Model 4 is at home in smaller hands, but it fits nicely in larger ones as well. The Model 5 feels like a custom fit blade for larger hands.
I really appreciated the attention to detail on each sheath as the seems are blended together resulting in no gaps. I also really appreciated the folded down thumb rest to aid in blade removal on each sheath.
I have not seen this on other sheaths and really enjoy this added detail. Both blades fit snuggly in the sheaths with no wiggle or noise and stay secured no matter your preferred carry method.
These are outstanding blades produced by Stack Blades that will bring years of enjoyment. I look forward to future opportunities to test and evaluate other fantastic designs from this amazing company.
-Eric Hoeppner owner of BaGawkian Concepts LLC
