Archive for June, 2010
Wednesday, June 30th, 2010
first time i saw kawasaki klx 150 was awesome and the 250cc are more awesome, here the complete review of 2010 Kawasaki KLX250SF Review:
Engine
The KLX250SF powered by a compact liquid-cooled, 4-stroke engine, single cylinder. With the boring and stroke 72 x 61.2 mm, 249 cc engine move. A flat-top piston is combined with a combustion chamber provides compression ratio 11:1 pentroof. KLX250SF engine cylinder features electrofusion. Layers of ultra-hard in the aluminum cylinder subjected to offer superior heat transfer with light weight. Lightweight piston, piston pin and connecting rod enable higher revs.
Head valve DOHC 4-cylinder provide maximum valve area for optimum flow to boost low-end torque. 34 mm semi-flat slide CVK carburetor provides the optimal amount of fuel at all rpm, contributing to a sharp response, strong power, and fuel economy is excellent. A gear-driven balancing machine ensures smooth power delivery from idle to redline. On long trips, this means greater comfort and less rider fatigue. With electricity and starter Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR), which automatically picks up a valve at cranking rpm, start KLX250SF easy. Precise control of ignition timing, digital DC-current-powered Capacitor Discharge Ignition contributed to start easy and reliability in extreme conditions.
Dual high-capacity Denso radiators as used on our motocross bike KX provides superior cooling efficiency and contribute to space and weight savings. Very sleek and compact radiator cores and design features fins for excellent heat dispersion. Powerful three-phase alternator puts out 224 watts of power @ 5000 rpm. Environmentally friendly, a catalyser tube and secondary air injection system to ensure clean emissions. muffler equipped with spark arrester, meaning KLX250SF be able to access areas designated off-road.
Transmission ratio set the gear ratio closer to 6 gear ratios 5, facilitating the shift of overflows for increased performance. Modification of final drive ratio (42/14 – 39/14) matches the new ring road tires. Top gear reduced engine speed of about 100 rpm more than just 5000 rpm @ 100 km / h
Chassis
Frame and chassis components based on the KLX300R is the high level source KLX250SF-of performance. Chassis updates for improved road rideability SF and control. Wide, black coated, 36 spoke aluminum rims. KLX250SF box and the tubular steel frame high-tensile perimeter creates a package, a thin lightweight. The 25.5 ° and the steering head angle short wheelbase contribute to quick handling, while the high stiffness of the frame to ensure stability in a straight line.
Revised front suspension settings intensify road handling characteristics. 43 mm inverted front fork cartridge-style settings are equipped with the revised road to travel, springs, and 16-position compression damping adjustment. cartridges provide consistent damping force by minimizing aeration of the fork oil. 25 mm less travel for the stability of the road. Front fork travel: 255-230 mm. Fork guards to protect inner tube from the rocks and brush. Wide, black coated, 36 spoke, aluminum.
Front: 3,00-17, RK Excel
Rear: 4,00-17, RK Excel
Suitable performance tires IRC Road Winner:
Front: 110/70-17, RX-01F
Rear: 130/70-17, RX-01R
Union relations extracts reduce front-rear pitching motion, thus increasing the stability of the straight line and feels more planted on the corner. The nitrogen-filled remote reservoir rear shock has a 16-position compression and 8-position rebound damping and preload adjustment threadless. Revised settings for damping shock, spring, and complete the orientation of the road trip of more than KLX250SF. 25 mm rear travel is reduced to the stability of road.
Rear suspension travel: 230-205 mm.
Lightweight, highly rigid aluminum D-section suspension unsprung weight contributes to the decline. Suspension to allow for a wider selection of larger tires. KX-type chain adjusters allow racing proper adjustment of chain slack, helping to reduce the transfer of drivetrain power loss. new front disc brakes stopped offering impressive performance. A slide-pin, twin-piston caliper overcome the disc 300 mm semi-floating petal. Pin-slide, single-piston caliper operates the rear 240 mm petal disc.
treatment increased wheel stiffness radius of a thick (3.5 mm – 4.0 mm) contributes to lighter, smoother handling and offers greater durability for off-road ride. Digital instrument console-glance information. Dash features include a bar-graph tachometer, digital speedometer, digital clock, dual trip meter, and the neutral indicator light, the beam is too hot, tall, and turn signal. Front cowl and headlamp design provides KLX250SF an aggressive face. turn signal lens with clear sharpening Compact sporty styling.
On-street front fender contribute to the aggressive designs. Bright lights H4 (60/55W) provide safe lighting at night. Sealed, MF batteries reducing maintenance tasks. Seat shape using a rigid urethane so it’s easier to change seating position. Reduces seat height instill greater confidence for new riders and improve road handling. Seat height reduced 30mm (890mm -> 860mm). Off-road style rear fender of a two-piece construction. Tail light design provides enhanced visibility and contribute to KLX’s aggressive styling. Fast conversion front footrest gives the driver the option to ride the road surface of rubber and steel serrated for off-road
2010 Kawasaki KLX250SF – USA Specifications:
MSRP $ 5.599 USD
Engine: Four-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve single
Displacement: 249cc
Bore x stroke: 72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression ratios: 11.0:1
Cooling: Liquid
Carburetion: Keihin CVK34
Ignition: Digital CDI
Transmission: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain
Frame: Semi-double cradle, high tensile steel
Rake / trail: 25.5 degrees / 2.9 in
Suspension front / wheel travel: 43mm Inverted Cartridge Fork with 16-Way Compression and rebound damping adjustments / 9.1 in
Rear suspension / wheel travel: UNI-contract ® with Adjustable Preload, a 16-Way Compression and rebound damping adjustments / 8.1 in
Front tire: 110/70×17
Rear tire: 130/70×17
Front brake: disc 300mm semi-floating petal with two-piston hydraulic caliper
Rear brake: 240mm petal disc with hydraulic single-piston caliper
Overall length: 83.9 in
Overall Width: 31.3 ins
Overall height: 44.9 ins
Ground clearance: 8.9 ins
Seat height: 33.9 ins
Sidewalk weight: 302.1 pounds.
Fuel capacity: 2.0 gal.
Wheelbase: 55.9 ins
Color: Oriental Blue
Warranty: 12 months
Good Times Protection Plan 12, 24, 36 or 48 months
12 Month Warranty
2010 Kawasaki KLX 250SF image
Posted in gadget, technologies | 6 Comments »
Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Young people always want their vehicles to looks fierce and sporty, they had to do a lot of modifications on their car such as the addition of accessories and make the settings so the performance of their cars increase. generally, modification can be separated by two part there is simple modification and total modification.
simple modification
simple modification is modification that limited to maximize the physical appearance of their car or vehicles like adding billet grills, adding bumper and spoiler, while total modifications are modifications that alter the overall weight of the car which include physical changes and changes in the engine.
total modification
so what type of modifications are you? make sure that matches your taste and style.
Posted in car, tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
When the word Seiko is thrown around in casuall conversation,most consumers think good quartz watches. Even those that have come to recognize seiko with quality usually think in terms of the ubiquitous automatic,the 7s26. Here it is in a dejeweld version,the 7002.
While it can be agreed that the 7s family of movements are very functional,theres a economy of form that is readily apparent in the finish.
But it wasnt too long ago that if you bought a Seiko,You where getting a serious peice of horology.
I`d like to take a short step back in time,and show you some Seikos that really packed a punch. All of these save one are from my personal collection. All are heavily jeweled,most offer hand winding. For those that think of Seikos as a lower branch on the tree of horology,I offer these pictures. Unfortunately,I hav`nt listed these in eny particular order. I have removed the winding rotor in almost all examples,so as to give the reader a better look at “what makes them tick”. I will try to add what specifacations I know about the movement,but as always,if I Boo-Boo,or omit something,please feel free to correct me,or add aditional details I`m not aware of.
Let the show begin………….
Below is the Cal 5246. A high beat movement,its beating at 28,800 bph. Covered in 25 jeweles,it has a micro regulator. It can be handwound,both day and date can be quick set at the crown,and the second hand can be hacked (stoped for accurate time setting).
(more…)
Posted in gadget, review, tips | No Comments »
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010
seiko prospex scuba 200 m reviews
The PROSPEX, as the name implies, simply means “Professional Specifications”. It is Seiko’s answer to the professional world that desires nothing but the very best from their watches. As such, professionals and fans of the lineup alike have deemed it as the quintessential…
Posted in gadget, review | 4 Comments »
Monday, June 21st, 2010
INTRODUCTION
I’ve owned a large variety of watches in the past year. When money was coming in nicely and all was well, I had the luck of getting to “rent” (I say rent as I had to resell them in short order) two phenomenal Omega watches: the Speedmaster Professional and the 2254 Seamaster Professional. When things got rougher and a lot of my industry went out of work (we’re largely freelancers) I had to settle for something a little less. After a brief flirtation with Suunto watches, I returned to mechanical movements happily with Seiko’s 6R15 lineup. The Green Alpinist was my first, and ended up being just not quite my style. I reviewed earlier in the spring. While the outer appearance may not have suited me perfectly, the 6R15 movement was incredible. It kept time nearly as well as an Omega but for a fraction of the price. I found myself in -4 / +4 territory per day, and that was precisely where I wanted to be. Trading off the Alpinist, I decided to go for a watch I had casually looked at many times in the past.
THE INITIAL IMPRESSION
You’re greeted by a familiar sight when you pop open a box with a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Seiko. A white outer carton, and a stronger cardboard presentation box inside. Instructions (Japanese and English) for the watch itself and warranty info are usually packed in the white carton as well. Open up the presentation box and you’re greeted with a plastic wrapped Seiko with several hang-tags (in Japanese with Yen values) on a tiny pillow. While nothing particularly fancy, I’ve been keeping watch bands in this presentation box and swap them out often… that means the box itself has gotten a great deal of usage (above and beyond just bringing the watch to you) and has not shown any wear and tear. The box seems to be coated with an almost fabric like substance which appears quite durable.
The Sumo is, indeed quite large and immediately pops at you inside the box.
THE CASE
The Sumo has a very “Seiko” diver appearance about it. At first glance Seiko divers often appear to be a playful interpretation of the Submariner style. At closer examination, you’ll find much more to them. I lovingly refer to this particular watch as my “Cartoon Rolex.”
By “Find much more” I actually mean that this watch pays homage more to older Seiko divers, and bears a great deal of influence from modern Omega divers. The case itself reminds me a great deal of the 2254 I had, and the Planet Oceans I have held. It is close in heft and quality to the Planet Ocean, as it is a bit thicker than the 2254. The lugs too are curved in a very similar way, but do not end up “completing the curve” down to the connection with the pin. I would prefer that this curve continued in a Speedmaster Professional way, rather than terminating sharply as it does. This particular edge is at odds with the rest of the case; it simply is not finished as well. A little bit of polish by a watchmaker to soften this would go a very long way. All is forgiven though with the inclusion of drilled lugs. How on earth did I get by without these before? It’s so easy to swap things on and off with only one simple tool, and because of this I can actually change the watch in a matter of minutes every morning based on what I’m wearing on that given day. I understand the design motive of removing these for a clean surface, but they’re just so damned useful.
Another lovely innovation on this watch is the bezel guard. The bezel (described in depth later) is very thick, and without this guard I’d imagine it would be bumped frequently. It’s a great consideration and it plays well with the other curves on the side of the case. I haven’t seen anything like it on anything else, and others should really consider such a feature. At first I was concerned that my fingers might be pinched when turning said bezel by this guard… not at all. It is well finished and smooth, and the curve of the lug travels up to meet in in a way that ensures you’ll never be caught. Excellent design.
The bottom of the case is very nicely to fit around the wrist ever so slightly, and has no sharp edges in any way. The back is of brushed texture but has that nice Seiko Diver “Wave” emblem just as a Speedmaster would have the Seahorse in the center.
THE CROWN / THE MOVEMENT
I’ve opted to put these two categories together simply because the crown is an extension of the movement: it is the only part of the inside that you the wearer will interact directly with.
The crown itself is very slightly inset into the case of the Sumo, and when fully screwed feels exceptionally sturdy. It grips very easily and the machined “S” looks extremely nice in person. A few counter clockwise screws and the crown pops out. This at first felt a bit rough, as if there was a little sand in caught inside. Over the past two months this has smoothened out immensely and feels quite similar to the 2254 when unscrewing.
The crown wobbles a bit when fully unscrewed. I don’t particularly like this, but I do hand wind it frequently (I do miss that Speedmaster) and it hasn’t posed any problem thus far. The watch hacks when fully extended, and given that it runs ever so slightly fast (about +1 per day) I’ve only had to re-calibrate it for the atomic clock three times (I don’t like it going over 15 seconds fast) since I’ve owned it.
This leads into the movement itself, which is absolutely fantastic. As I mentioned before, this Sumo gains less than a second per day. A lot of physical activity or running around (I wore this watch while performing a large move, for example) and it will run perhaps closer to +2 per day. As a rule I wear a watch when I sleep, so I do not regulate it by placing it in a specific way overnight. Some would argue that this Seiko doesn’t beat at a fast enough rate, but you really can’t take such a complaint seriously for what is a very tool-like watch. This movement isn’t about horological fanciness, it’s much more about solid, reliable timekeeping.
THE DIAL / THE BEZEL
The Sumo has an excellent dial. Extremely readable, you are always able to tell where 12 o’clock is and everything has a wonderful rim of highly polished silver around it so even if the lume dies (impossible) you’re still able to catch light and quickly read it. The lume itself is absolutely phenomenal, and may actually keep you awake if you’re sensitive to light when you sleep. If I go to sleep at midnight, the watch is easily readable until the sun rises again, or if I have the blinds closed it retains its glow for beyond 7 hours.
The Hands are finished in identical fashion with generous lume, and will remain lit just as long as the dial. I find this style of hands to be much more useful than the Seamaster Bond style hands, and they do an excellent job for very quick (sub one second) glancing to read the time. The second hand does not have as smooth a sweep as a more expensive diver, but this is due to the slower beat rate of the movement. Again, I feel that this is an acceptable sacrifice.
The Bezel is by far the most pleasing thing about this watch. Large and easy to grip (though less easy to grip underwater) the bezel on mine is quite solid and has no play whatsoever. It squeaked a bit at first but now only makes two types of click: solid on each minute, and a smaller less solid click at the halfway between each. Frequently used for the timing of things (how long has that laundry been in the machine?) the bezel is incredibly useful around the house and shows no sign of wearing down / loosening so far.
This area of the watch is finished off with a Hardlex crystal. I’d of course prefer an AR coated Sapphire, but I see no reason to switch to one until the Hardlex is scuffed up. It may not be as clean / clear as a Sapphire but it is domed slightly so you don’t get a reflection from any angle that will obscure the view.
My Sumo is blue, and is far more subtle than the blue I’ve seen on the Ti Samurai. In direct sun light it’s a very rich blue that pops, and inside it is a darker navy blue. I’m glad that I was able to get this color rather than the black, as I think it goes incredibly well with the design.
THE INCLUDED BRACELET
The Sumo has a very interesting lug design for such a large watch: rather than taking a 22mm band, it takes a 20mm. This reminds me in many ways of the older Seiko divers with cushion cases, melded with the Omega curved lug. I personally like this design very much, but I can see some people being turned off by it.
Consequently, the included bracelet can at times look a little odd on the Sumo as it doesn’t really “flow” from the case design as many other bracelets do. While quite squeaky at first, the Sumo bracelet quiets and wears in very nicely over time, and ended up being a good though not perfect wear option for me personally. It is finished quite well with soft edges and a sturdy buckle, though I’d definitely like to see some kind of screw system for removing links rather than the pin and collar setup it has. The highlight of this bracelet is certainly its solid end links, which do try to make some sort of reconciliation with the case design.
I personally only wear the bracelet when I travel, and want a little extra security in keeping such a large and nice looking watch on my wrist. I really prefer the Sumo on my brown NATO strap, and with the black rubber band as shown below. Because of the 20mm lug size, you’ve got an incredible wealth of options for accenting a Sumo. And because of the drilled lugs, you can swap them off and on easily.
OVERALL
The Sumo is an excellent watch, and if Seiko had sold it for $1,000 rather than what it goes for now, I don’t think anyone would have complained. It is finished incredibly well for a watch at this price point, features a movement that keeps amazing time for a mechanical, and appears to be very sturdy. If you’ve been looking at the Planet Ocean and wishing that it were just a little less expensive or perhaps felt that the price would keep you from wearing it outside or while doing things that would fulfill its purpose, the Sumo might be a perfect watch for you.
sources : http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=277855
Posted in fashion, gadget, review | 2 Comments »
Saturday, June 19th, 2010
Gunung Gede and Pangrango are the first five parks that had distinction of launching Indonesias National Park Program. Located on Bogor, Cianjur and Sukabumi districts with cover area around 15,196 ha. It is the most accessible mountain to climb from Jakarta. By only 2 hours drive south of Jakarta and 5 ” 6 hours trekking, you will find a tranquil rainforest, self guided trail and a spectacular view of West Java from the peak.
The national park consists of twin volcanoes: Gede 2958 m above sea level (asl) and Pangrango 3019 asl. The two summits are connected by a high saddle known as Kandang Badak, 2400 m asl. The mountain slopes are very steep and are cut info rapidly flowing stream, which carve deep valleys and long ridges.For those fortunate enough to stand on the summit of Mount Gede in clear conditions the view is spectacular. Some people, including, it is said, Raffles, have claimed to be able to see the Java Sea to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south. Occasionally climbers with very good eyesight or maybe imagination ” have sighted Sumatra on the west! Mount Pangrango is less scenery, but more rich in flora than Mount Gede.
Getting There
Visitors usually enter the park by one of four gates :
- Cibodas Gate (Cianjur) is the main entrance and the site of the park Headquarters. It is located about 100 km from Jakarta/2.5 hour drive; 89 km from Bandung/2 hour drive.
- Gunung Putri Gate (Cianjur) is close to Cibodas and can be reached via Cipanas and Pacet.
- Selabintana Gate (Sukabumi) is 60 km from Bogor/1.5 hour drive, and 90 km from Bandung/2hourdrive.
- Situgunung Gate (Sukabumi) is 15 km from Selabintana in the direction of Bogor.
- Except from Situgunung, Mount Gede and Pangrango summits may be reached on clearly marked trails.
Where to Stay
Accomodation in the park is in simple guesthouses. The park also provides some camping grounds, including one at the Alun-alun Suryakencana, a flat area near the top of Gunung Gede. There are many hotels, villas and bungalows in the Puncak Pass-Cipanas area. This area is quite close to the Headquarters of the park.
Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.
Moving Around
You can go around Selabintana Park and Cibodas Park, if you didnt have a plan to climb or hike.
Dining Guide
Before start hiking or climbing, be sure that you already eat, or you can bring some food and drink from your place. Otherwise, you can buy some food and non alcohol drink on the nearest supermarkets for your supply during your activities on mountain.
Souvenir Tips
Among the mountains in West Java, the twin volcanoes Gede-Pangrango are very famous for hiking and mountain climbing. There are 4 trails to go up to the summits of of the mountains; two trails are from Cibodas, one from Gunung Putri and another one from Selabintana, Sukabumi. Climbing the mountains and watching the sunrise from the top or the crater wall of Gunung Gede are the most exciting attractions for visitors.
Travel Tips
Permit :
All visitors must buy a ticket when entering the park. Recreational visit tickets can be obtained from ticket hatches at each of the four gates. In addition, mountain climbing permits are required:
When living the main trail from Cibodas gate to Cibeureum Waterfall in order to climb to the hot water stream/Air panas.
When turning off the trail to Cibeureum waterfall of Selabintana, Selabintana Gate, Beyond Bobojong camping ground upon entering the National Park proper from Gunung Putri Gate.
Should you wish to climb the mountains you must obtain the permit either at the National Park Headquarters, Cibodas or at Selabintana Resort Office.
Register at the National Park Office:
- Monday-Thursday 07.30 – 14.30
- Friday 07.30 – 11.00
- Saturday 07.30 – 13.30
Tools & Equipment
- Minimum hiking gear : hiking or climbing shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag (if staying on the mountain overnight), raincoat, waterproof clothing, flashlight and medical kit.
- Carry enough food and drink (non-alcoholic).
- Do not climb alone, preferably there should be at least three people in your party and preferably you should be guided by someone with knowledge of the trail.
Conservation Tips during climbing
- Take nothing but picture : have respect for untouched nature by trying not to cut through thick foliage of places where animals may be living.
- Leave nothing but footprint: Pack in pack out. All garbage should be brought back to civilization and disposed property.
- Kill noting but time: Hikers and campers should never molest of otherwise disrupt the natural flow of things in the woods. Stay relatively quiet and you are likely to see animals and birds at work and at play.
- Try and stick to established trails when hiking. Hike in a single file to minimize the chance of widening a trail.
- Use biodegradable soap and wash away from water resources such lakes and streams. Dispose of waste water in a shallow hole dug with a trowel.
- Build only one small fire, if permitted, and use only existing fire pits.
sources : www.kicktheworld.blogspot.com
Posted in travel | 3 Comments »
Friday, June 18th, 2010
The name Gede Pangrango is actually composed of the names of two twin volcanoes, Mount Gede (2,958 m) and Mount Pangrango (3019 m), which are located about 100 km south of Jakarta. The area comprising the two volcanoes was declared as National Park by Agriculture Minister on March 6, 1980 and became one of the first five national parks in Indonesia.
When Gunung Gede Pangrango was declared as National Park in 1980, it covered an area of 15,196 ha. In 2003, the Ministry of of Forestry issued a decree expanding the park to include production forest and nearby protection forest making the total area of 21,975 ha.
This national park is formed by sub-alpine natural forest which is rich in biodiversity. Besides sub-alpine ecosystem, it also represents a distinct diversity of ecosystems: a montane ecosystem, a sub-montane ecosystem, a marshland ecosystem, a lake ecosystem and a savanna ecosystem. The sub-alpine ecosystem is characterized by grassy meadows of Isachne pangerangensis, edelweiss flower (Anaphalis javanica), sentigi (Vaccinium varingiaefolium) and violet (Viola pilosa). Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park is also a refuge of endangered species such as Javan Gibbon (Hylobates moloch), panther (Panthera pardus), Asian wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus) and Red Frog. (more…)
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Thursday, June 17th, 2010
Using tens of thousands of matchsticks, David Mach creates detailed models of animals, symbols or historical figures.
53-year-old David Mach, from Scotland, has a passion for art and matchsticks, so he decided to combine them and create unique masterpieces. Using a clay mold he creates a plastic or fiberglass model of whatever he wants to create, and then begins the process of sticking matchsticks on it, one at a time. Most of his creations are made with tens of thousands of colored-tip matchsticks, imported from Japan, and take months to complete.
Along with his wife, who helps him run his art studio, David March has so far created over 350 matchstick artworks. They sell for anywhere between $30,000 and $52,000, but they don’t always make it to the auction, as the duo sometimes set them aflame at art exhibitions. With that many matchsticks involved, you can imagine the effect is truly impressive, though short.
Photos via Denoirmont
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Thursday, June 17th, 2010
The roaring engines fixed to a large wooden boat are finally quiet. Nothing can be heard but the rifting little waves, lapping against the vibrant paint on the sides of the vessel that gracefully slows down. Native birds hop on the tip of a small tree in one of the deserted islands in the distance.
Raja Ampat or ‘Four Kings’, is the name given to these islands and comes from a local myth. The four major islands found here are Waigeo, Misool (which is home to ancient rock paintings), Salawati, and Batanta.
Underwater enthusiasts flock to this region because it offers the world’s best marine sights. Two days earlier, some of these travelers had been at a deafening corner of a tourist trap in Bali. Once they took their flight to the bird head of the island of Papua everything changed as they embarked on a diving tour of a lifetime. In the Raja Ampat islands, divers can explore vertical underwater walls. The thrill of drift diving is another great challenge. These are the awesome experiences you will find in Raja Ampat.
(more…)
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Monday, June 14th, 2010
Masters of Defense came around in the late 90’s and produced some deadly designs, all of which were collaborations with well-known knife makers or martial artists and self-defense instructors. After they were sold to Blackhawk!, these were made with cheaper materials such as 440C steel instead of 154CM steel, and the Duane Dieter name was removed from the brand.
I’m not sure exactly when the transition occured, but this model is pre-blackhawk, and is incredibly well made. It harkens back to the days of the old Microtechs, and certainly brings back great memories of the all the top-quality US-made knives of yore. Its no secret that Blackhawk! is not liked by many in the online knife-world, but I really can’t comment on their quality since I never owned nor have I handled their products.
The Dieter CQD has fantastic ergonomics, and is designed to work well in a gloved hand, since many military users often wear gloves when operating their knives. The grip-tape is fantastic for retention and there are two ridges on the front of the handle that prevent your hand from slipping onto the blade. The blade is a modified spear point design by Vaughn Neeley, founder of Timberline Knives.
There is a discreet saftety on the thumb ramp of the handle, which works well. The carbide glass-breaker is also at the front of the handle, making it impossible to use unless the blade is closed. This is probably a good idea. The back end of the handle has a line/seat belt cutter, which is well concealed so that you can’t accidently cut yourself with it. The reversible pocket clip is only for tip down carry, which is also probably a good idea since otherwise you might accidently catch the line cutter on your pocket and cut that up.
Blade is black, and razor sharp. This Masters of Defense version was available in Bead Blast as well as Damascus and PVD coated blades. The current Blackhawk version appears to only be available in black.
The CQD is probably my favourite automatic knife in my collection at the moment, with a quality unmatched by any automatic in this price range. While I can only speak for the MOD version, this is still relevant to collectors purchasing on the secondary market. The Blackhawk version, while designed in a similar style, may not have the same level of quality in the finish.
Blade Length: 3.75”
Overall Length: 9.5″
Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel
Blade Finish: Black PVD coating
Handle Material: CNC Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum
Posted in gadget, review | No Comments »
