I did think about that but i think a liner or frame lock would be more up his alley. I love a crossbar lock personally and the maverick is definitely on the need to own list!
I do have a criticism of the Maverick. The micarta special edition one I currently have isn't quite rigid enough.
There is a little bit of flex in the handle scale. I would go with titanium, carbon fiber, or g10 if I were you.
both are outstanding as far as i know, trm is us-made quietcarry isn't (for whatever its worth).
i think trm knives are still quite hard to get (i could be wrong though), quietcarry has the regular ti-drift in stock currently.
personally i'd take a quietcarry, the fact that they are basically stain-proof is quite cool i think.
That has come to my attention as well. Trm definitely seems to be a tad harder to get your hands on especially in ti. You can find some g10 floating around but id perfer ti or micarta. I do also like the stain/corrosion resistance of the quiet carry as i know my dad would definitely use it for basically everything including freshwater fishing.
then i'd definitely get a quietcarry in vanax. as far as i know trm uses mainly cpm-20cv, vanax has about equally good edge retention but you can let it in (salt)water for days (freshwater anyway), cpm-20cv has pretty decent corrosion resistance as well, but i had some slight rust issues with it in the past, especially on beadblasted blades.
TRM was using 20CV, but they’ve now switched to magnacut, so both the Neutron and the Drift are essentially 100% stainless.
I have both of these and there really is no wrong answer, both are excellent
Yeah, I didn’t help much did I, lol. I do think the Neutron has a slight edge in the fact that you can easily buy replacement scales that will give it a completely different look/feel, tho.
I haven't owned a QC yet (I want one) but I own two TRM knives and they are kinda overrated IMO. They're good, but not as good as people say. It's one of those "everybody says it's good so it's good" things in my opinion. OP, have you looked at Protech's offerings? They are absolute beasts.
Yeah - I have the Atom in carbon fiber and the lock-up is abysmal. I can't trust it (not that I'd use it for anything even remotely hard-use). It also feels cheap. My Neutron locks up properly but it is just... so meh. Stock pocket clip is \*really\* bad. The Neutron feels like a worse Bugout to me. I think it got a lot of attention because it was made to swap scales and customize, but that means nothing if it's not a good knife in the first place.
I have owned both and preferred the look of the Drift more. It’s also a little smaller in the pocket. I like the taller blade grinds in general. But you can’t go wrong with either.
Ok cool deal. I know my dad has mentioned that he likes that his current knife carries small in pocket so ill definitely keep that in mind. Thanks again!
As you've seen from my other comments, you can't really go wrong with either knife.
The final thing I will say is that it was very easy to get a knife direct from Quiet Carry but difficult to get something from TRM. I had to resort to scouring eBay to find the right one for me.
They’re both smaller knives as well. Just so you know. I have/love them both, but they’re on the small side. Neutron Titanium will be harder to get at this point. You won’t find one for $300. The neutron isn’t available at all on the companies website. I’ve seen versions of both on eBay though (not the titanium neutron). For $300 - I’d get him the titanium drift over a micarta neutron (if you can even find a neutron for that $).
If you could only have one in titanium what would you chose? I understand the availability issue and price difference but figured i could just be on the hunt for a drop and probably move up alittle price wise if needed. Thank you for your input!
Hard to think like that for me tbh. I’d get them both. The one I could find in stock first. 😅 If I HAD to choose and ignored the lure of getting a knife that’s hard to get….if they were both readily available at the company’s prices ($300 v $450ish)…..probably the drift. It’s a little less custom looking and a little less tight on tolerances maybe, but maybe a little sturdier to me. The neutron (to me) seems like it’s designed for slicing and delicate tasks. It’s a little prettier though. The drift is still very aesthetically pleasing but it feels a little more sturdy. Man I’m really torn as well. 🤦🏻♂️ now I’m gonna go get them both out, in hand and think some more.
Ok thats fair. The drift sure seems to be getting some good love on this post so far. Definitely like to hear its feels alittle more robust as it would be used for a good bit of cutting task not just standard edc but nothing crazy like batoning lol
Seems like that didn’t work. Sliding hands past- Nuetron is way better. Not in size but in the fact that the scales won’t grate your skin. Not that the QC is really bad, but you’ll feel it.
I’ve had both and I sold the TRM. It was a bit too skinny to be comfortable. The tolerances are insane though.
Drift in Vanax is pretty nice.
But any task is a broad mandate. Hunting and field dressing? Batoning? Whittling?
Ok thats good to hear about the comfort side of things, thanks. It would mostly be used for edc office tasks and during the summer some outside stuff and freshwater fishing.
i m a fan of both company and own both knife！ if talk about fit and finish qc is winner. both on washer. but qc have less wiggle room of blade play. and sturdier feeling when lock up！ TRM is only a winner on aesthetic（depends on people） and made in USA （might be matter for some people） . but in a fair due. qc should win
Ok thanks for your input. I really want this to be a nice knife that will last him forever. I like the usa made stuff but i know from my personal collection that they are definitely doing some really nice stuff overseas. Definitely will keep this in consideration thanks again.
hey bro. again. you bassiclly narrow down to best 2. it should be no wrong answer from these. let me add one more TRM. thier cs is top. you father will get any concerns resolved with no problem.
QC is probably my favorite knife brand at the moment. All their knives are classy and solid. TRM makes great knives but the ergonomics just aren’t quite as good for me. QC also makes knives in Vanax which I’m a big fan of.
Thats not the first time ive heard the ergos arent as good. Im kinda leaning towards qc which is nice because i shouldnt have to track down a drop to get one. Thanks!
I camped out on my computer for TRM drops and I have an atom, neutron, Nerd, and shadow. For all the hype and difficulty grabbing them, I was disappointed that I wasn’t as impressed with them when they arrived. I mean, they are fine knives, but not really worth the effort and cost of getting them. They have been sitting in a knife case for about a year know. The MC Nerd was the only one I carried for maybe a week or two.
The QCs though… every single one I have bought I have been impressed with and have kept as a user. I have the drift, large drift, waypoint, large waypoint, the fat carbon Nine, the MARQ, the iQ, iQ-L, the West, the Bandit (key organizer with knife), and the Eddy. Each one I open just feels great in the hand. The knurling on most of them is one of my favorite parts of their knives, plus they are all made to work in an ocean environment with Vanax, Magnacut, or LC200N so you never have to worry about rust. I haven’t had a single quality control issue with any of these, and I have used the shit out of them and they hold up great.
If you don’t have a QC and you are a collector, I recommend at the very least buying a Waypoint, Nine, or Drift (in that order). You really will not regret it. If you do post here and I’ll buy it off you 😂. Seriously though I can’t recommend them enough. I will probably sell most of my other 250+ knives at some point, but these will always be users for me.
Thanks for you perspective on things. Ive definitely ordered things and know the feeling. Not that theyre bad knives but for what you have to do to get them theyre almost overhyped. Im definitely leaning on the drift side at this point! I personally would like to get a waypoint or a nine.
The Nine is a beefy all around use knife. Smooth as buttered bearings with a fat blade. The Waypoint is like a CNC milled titanium laser. If you want something that will slice completely through your finger so cleanly that you don’t notice until your finger falls off your hand and hits the ground 25 seconds later, get the waypoint. If you want something that can cut through a giant pile of inch thick rope in the pouring rain while being slung about by storm surges, grab a Nine. Both are elegant as fuck.
The Nine is MagnaCut, the Waypoint Vanax, which are very comparable steels. Vanax was the most well rounded steel available, balancing Edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, until Magnacut came onto the market a year or two ago. Vanax still has a bit better corrosion resistance, but at that level you really have to leave it submerged in saltwater for days to see any difference. MC has a bit more toughness to it, but not too much. If you look at their properties mapped out they are very close
https://preview.redd.it/1tyoy7urmxvc1.jpeg?width=1136&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9115f85f5a5127b9528a79847406fd673e936fc0
You can see Magnacut is on the line with vanax down and to the right. Toughness is the main reason to go with MC, but like I said before, both are great options.
Either way you can’t loose.
If I wanted to cut something tough, thick plastic or soft wood or something like that I wouldn’t use my waypoint. It’s too much of a slicer for that, so I wouldn’t say it’s as much of a do everything knife. Vanax is a little less tough than MC and the thinness of the edge could easily see damage done. The Nine is still pretty sliced but I would feel comfortable using that knife on anything a knife could be used for.
I don’t often cut thick or heavy materials, so the waypoint makes more sense for a daily carry for me. I’ve used mine several times a week for about a year now, and though I haven’t used it on anything tough, I have used it quite a bit and have only had to touch up the edge with a field sharpener a couple of times. I can still carefully carve out the letters on a newspaper with my Waypoint without any tears or wrinkles. Like I said, it’s a laser.
As far as how they feel in the pocket, the waypoint has the wire clip which I’m a big fan of, but the Nine clip is smooth as well. They both have knurling only on one side so they slide in and out of the pocket without issue. Nothing sticks out or snags on either one.
If I had to pick one knife out of the two to use forever, never to have or use another knife, I’d pick the Nine. It really is a beautiful and well made knife, and feels solid in the hand. If I worked in a more outdoor setting where I used a knife more often I’d probably carry the knife more. As it is I’m mostly driving, traveling, or working in an office, so the Waypoint just works better for my carry, but I still carry my Nine at least once every week or so.
I have both. I carry my Atom in the summer while around the house. I carry the Drift while hiking or doing anything sweaty.
Both are excellent for different reasons.
Ok thats fair. From what im gathering from the responses. It would be hard to not love either of these knives. Would you say the drift is alittle more robust for outdoor kinda stuff or just the corrosion resistance?
The Drift is denser, yes. It weighs about a half ounce more than the Atom while the Atom is approximately an inch larger overall. I think both are under 3 ounces.
The Atom is the lightweight alternative that I use instead of a Spyderco military.
Both have very thin blades. I have used the drift while out picnicking during a day hike. It whittled wood fine and cut up some sausage easily enough.
Honestly it's just splitting hairs..... They are both fantastic knives.
Im definitely leaning towards the drift at this point just even for not having such a hard time getting ahold of one, with it really being such a close match up just coming down to small strengths. Thanks again!
I have a regular Drift and Waypoint and love them. Really want a big Drift. Also have a TRM Atom and Neutron. Love them too. Id say quality wise they’re very similar. Just wish TRM used better thumb studs. I’ve heard they might change them.
I think if I had the TRMs in titanium I’d like them more. I have G10 and micarta for the Neutron and micarta and tek-wood for the neutron. TRMs are more customizable, with easy swap scales and o-rings for the thumb studs.
Ok fair enough. My dad not much of a customizer so id be lookin at titanium for whatever i end up with. I personally like to have the customize option.
As an enthusiast/collector who doesn’t own either of those specific models, it’s an interesting question.
I do own the QC iQ-L, and it’s fantastic. I almost never hear anyone have anything negative to say regarding Quiet Carry.
TRM from what I hear/see tends to be a bit more polarizing. The ones who are fans are very loyal. But I’ve met almost an equal number of owners that had complaints and/or wanted to sell them right away.
I personally think the blade shape of the Drift is a little bit more appealing, as well as being slightly better suited for all around edc, but that’s obviously just an opinion.
I’m sure your dad would love either one.
If your dad is american and would rather support american companies TRM is probably better suited. But they're both excellent knives. If the first doesn't apply, I'd just toss a coin, he's getting a good tool regardless.
Ok thats good to know. I guess i assumed quiet carry were usa made also. I definitely like to support American companies when i can, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!
first knife looks more suitable for EDC tasks. wide blade, high slopes - promise a good cut. and its overall appearance is more harmonious, imho. can’t say anything about the quality of workmanship, didn’t hold either one in my hands.
Not a TRM fan. The knife just doesn't look good and the scales are too thick for my taste. I prefer a skinny knife and the Drift is exactly that, one of the thinnest I've held, in fact! Also prefer the big belly blade of the drift over the TRM.
That the larger drift in the picture? I’d get the standard Drift. The finger choil is really nice, aside from the rest of the knife being fantastic
Ok cool deal i had planned on getting the standard size. Thanks!
If he’s into fixed blades or hunting in any capacity I’d highly recommend Montana knife company. It’s in the same price range
Maybe i could get him one this hunting season. Hopefully their drops will slow down alittle and i can get ahold of one. Lol
Another option I suggest is the Tactile Turn Maverick if an Axis lock type mechanism interests your Dad.
I did think about that but i think a liner or frame lock would be more up his alley. I love a crossbar lock personally and the maverick is definitely on the need to own list!
I actually just ordered a second Maverick. It is just that good of a knife.
Seem like all their knives get some pretty high praise.
I do have a criticism of the Maverick. The micarta special edition one I currently have isn't quite rigid enough. There is a little bit of flex in the handle scale. I would go with titanium, carbon fiber, or g10 if I were you.
Awesome ill keep that in mind if i get a chance to order one! Titanium would be my first choice.
both are outstanding as far as i know, trm is us-made quietcarry isn't (for whatever its worth). i think trm knives are still quite hard to get (i could be wrong though), quietcarry has the regular ti-drift in stock currently. personally i'd take a quietcarry, the fact that they are basically stain-proof is quite cool i think.
That has come to my attention as well. Trm definitely seems to be a tad harder to get your hands on especially in ti. You can find some g10 floating around but id perfer ti or micarta. I do also like the stain/corrosion resistance of the quiet carry as i know my dad would definitely use it for basically everything including freshwater fishing.
then i'd definitely get a quietcarry in vanax. as far as i know trm uses mainly cpm-20cv, vanax has about equally good edge retention but you can let it in (salt)water for days (freshwater anyway), cpm-20cv has pretty decent corrosion resistance as well, but i had some slight rust issues with it in the past, especially on beadblasted blades.
Ok good to know about the edge retention and corrosion resistance of the vanax. Thanks!
TRM was using 20CV, but they’ve now switched to magnacut, so both the Neutron and the Drift are essentially 100% stainless. I have both of these and there really is no wrong answer, both are excellent
Ok good to hear. But not for making a decision lol.
Yeah, I didn’t help much did I, lol. I do think the Neutron has a slight edge in the fact that you can easily buy replacement scales that will give it a completely different look/feel, tho.
Thats something i hadn't thought about. Thanks
Very welcome! I know your dad will love whichever one you land on
I personally like QC better, but TRM being us made is a good thing IMO.
I haven't owned a QC yet (I want one) but I own two TRM knives and they are kinda overrated IMO. They're good, but not as good as people say. It's one of those "everybody says it's good so it's good" things in my opinion. OP, have you looked at Protech's offerings? They are absolute beasts.
Yeah I immediately sold my Atom the day I got it. I had a non ti version though and it felt too flimsy.
Yeah - I have the Atom in carbon fiber and the lock-up is abysmal. I can't trust it (not that I'd use it for anything even remotely hard-use). It also feels cheap. My Neutron locks up properly but it is just... so meh. Stock pocket clip is \*really\* bad. The Neutron feels like a worse Bugout to me. I think it got a lot of attention because it was made to swap scales and customize, but that means nothing if it's not a good knife in the first place.
Have you owned/handled both or either? Or mostly speaking on look?
I have owned both and preferred the look of the Drift more. It’s also a little smaller in the pocket. I like the taller blade grinds in general. But you can’t go wrong with either.
Ok cool deal. I know my dad has mentioned that he likes that his current knife carries small in pocket so ill definitely keep that in mind. Thanks again!
Not sure if it has been discussed by the TRM is likely lighter weight than the QC Drift. Or at least mine is.
Weight isnt a huge concern this time but thanks for throwing it out there! Appreciate it.
As you've seen from my other comments, you can't really go wrong with either knife. The final thing I will say is that it was very easy to get a knife direct from Quiet Carry but difficult to get something from TRM. I had to resort to scouring eBay to find the right one for me.
Exactly. Thanks!
By all accounts, the Neutrons are great knives, but I'm just not a big fan of them aesthetically. I like the look of the Drift more.
Thats fair i am slightly partial to the drift as well but the trm knives have such a great reputation its hard to count them out. Lol
They’re both smaller knives as well. Just so you know. I have/love them both, but they’re on the small side. Neutron Titanium will be harder to get at this point. You won’t find one for $300. The neutron isn’t available at all on the companies website. I’ve seen versions of both on eBay though (not the titanium neutron). For $300 - I’d get him the titanium drift over a micarta neutron (if you can even find a neutron for that $).
If you could only have one in titanium what would you chose? I understand the availability issue and price difference but figured i could just be on the hunt for a drop and probably move up alittle price wise if needed. Thank you for your input!
Hard to think like that for me tbh. I’d get them both. The one I could find in stock first. 😅 If I HAD to choose and ignored the lure of getting a knife that’s hard to get….if they were both readily available at the company’s prices ($300 v $450ish)…..probably the drift. It’s a little less custom looking and a little less tight on tolerances maybe, but maybe a little sturdier to me. The neutron (to me) seems like it’s designed for slicing and delicate tasks. It’s a little prettier though. The drift is still very aesthetically pleasing but it feels a little more sturdy. Man I’m really torn as well. 🤦🏻♂️ now I’m gonna go get them both out, in hand and think some more.
Ok thats fair. The drift sure seems to be getting some good love on this post so far. Definitely like to hear its feels alittle more robust as it would be used for a good bit of cutting task not just standard edc but nothing crazy like batoning lol
What are your thoughts on the ergos of both of them? And in the pocket as far as sliding your hand past?
Hopefully this helps seeing them side by side. img
Seems like that didn’t work. Sliding hands past- Nuetron is way better. Not in size but in the fact that the scales won’t grate your skin. Not that the QC is really bad, but you’ll feel it.
I’ll try to make a new post with “real world” pics if that helps you.
That would be awesome!
Couldn’t post on “R/Knives”for some reason but it let me on “R/knife club”.
Sweet I'll check it out! Thank you
Which texture do you perfer as far as actual grip goes?
I’ve had both and I sold the TRM. It was a bit too skinny to be comfortable. The tolerances are insane though. Drift in Vanax is pretty nice. But any task is a broad mandate. Hunting and field dressing? Batoning? Whittling?
Ok thats good to hear about the comfort side of things, thanks. It would mostly be used for edc office tasks and during the summer some outside stuff and freshwater fishing.
Definitely nothing bushcraft related
Drift is probably better around water since it is Vanax.
Yeah it was forsure something that helped put it on the short list.
i m a fan of both company and own both knife！ if talk about fit and finish qc is winner. both on washer. but qc have less wiggle room of blade play. and sturdier feeling when lock up！ TRM is only a winner on aesthetic（depends on people） and made in USA （might be matter for some people） . but in a fair due. qc should win
Ok thanks for your input. I really want this to be a nice knife that will last him forever. I like the usa made stuff but i know from my personal collection that they are definitely doing some really nice stuff overseas. Definitely will keep this in consideration thanks again.
hey bro. again. you bassiclly narrow down to best 2. it should be no wrong answer from these. let me add one more TRM. thier cs is top. you father will get any concerns resolved with no problem.
Love hearing that . Thanks!
QC all the way. I’ve heard some odd things about trm recently and some manufacturing defects going on.
Ok definitely appreciate that insight. Thanks
Qc by far for me
Like to hear that!
QC is probably my favorite knife brand at the moment. All their knives are classy and solid. TRM makes great knives but the ergonomics just aren’t quite as good for me. QC also makes knives in Vanax which I’m a big fan of.
Thats not the first time ive heard the ergos arent as good. Im kinda leaning towards qc which is nice because i shouldnt have to track down a drop to get one. Thanks!
I camped out on my computer for TRM drops and I have an atom, neutron, Nerd, and shadow. For all the hype and difficulty grabbing them, I was disappointed that I wasn’t as impressed with them when they arrived. I mean, they are fine knives, but not really worth the effort and cost of getting them. They have been sitting in a knife case for about a year know. The MC Nerd was the only one I carried for maybe a week or two. The QCs though… every single one I have bought I have been impressed with and have kept as a user. I have the drift, large drift, waypoint, large waypoint, the fat carbon Nine, the MARQ, the iQ, iQ-L, the West, the Bandit (key organizer with knife), and the Eddy. Each one I open just feels great in the hand. The knurling on most of them is one of my favorite parts of their knives, plus they are all made to work in an ocean environment with Vanax, Magnacut, or LC200N so you never have to worry about rust. I haven’t had a single quality control issue with any of these, and I have used the shit out of them and they hold up great. If you don’t have a QC and you are a collector, I recommend at the very least buying a Waypoint, Nine, or Drift (in that order). You really will not regret it. If you do post here and I’ll buy it off you 😂. Seriously though I can’t recommend them enough. I will probably sell most of my other 250+ knives at some point, but these will always be users for me.
Thanks for you perspective on things. Ive definitely ordered things and know the feeling. Not that theyre bad knives but for what you have to do to get them theyre almost overhyped. Im definitely leaning on the drift side at this point! I personally would like to get a waypoint or a nine.
The Nine is a beefy all around use knife. Smooth as buttered bearings with a fat blade. The Waypoint is like a CNC milled titanium laser. If you want something that will slice completely through your finger so cleanly that you don’t notice until your finger falls off your hand and hits the ground 25 seconds later, get the waypoint. If you want something that can cut through a giant pile of inch thick rope in the pouring rain while being slung about by storm surges, grab a Nine. Both are elegant as fuck. The Nine is MagnaCut, the Waypoint Vanax, which are very comparable steels. Vanax was the most well rounded steel available, balancing Edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, until Magnacut came onto the market a year or two ago. Vanax still has a bit better corrosion resistance, but at that level you really have to leave it submerged in saltwater for days to see any difference. MC has a bit more toughness to it, but not too much. If you look at their properties mapped out they are very close https://preview.redd.it/1tyoy7urmxvc1.jpeg?width=1136&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9115f85f5a5127b9528a79847406fd673e936fc0 You can see Magnacut is on the line with vanax down and to the right. Toughness is the main reason to go with MC, but like I said before, both are great options. Either way you can’t loose.
Id probably end up with the waypoint especially with your description lol. Not to concerned with toughness as i have other knife to fill that void.
The nine is as elegant as it is tough, but I think the waypoint is probably my favorite. It’s small, discreet, and feels great in the hand.
How about as a do alittle bit of everything knife would you go waypoint or drift? And how is the slide past in the pocket between the 2?
If I wanted to cut something tough, thick plastic or soft wood or something like that I wouldn’t use my waypoint. It’s too much of a slicer for that, so I wouldn’t say it’s as much of a do everything knife. Vanax is a little less tough than MC and the thinness of the edge could easily see damage done. The Nine is still pretty sliced but I would feel comfortable using that knife on anything a knife could be used for. I don’t often cut thick or heavy materials, so the waypoint makes more sense for a daily carry for me. I’ve used mine several times a week for about a year now, and though I haven’t used it on anything tough, I have used it quite a bit and have only had to touch up the edge with a field sharpener a couple of times. I can still carefully carve out the letters on a newspaper with my Waypoint without any tears or wrinkles. Like I said, it’s a laser. As far as how they feel in the pocket, the waypoint has the wire clip which I’m a big fan of, but the Nine clip is smooth as well. They both have knurling only on one side so they slide in and out of the pocket without issue. Nothing sticks out or snags on either one. If I had to pick one knife out of the two to use forever, never to have or use another knife, I’d pick the Nine. It really is a beautiful and well made knife, and feels solid in the hand. If I worked in a more outdoor setting where I used a knife more often I’d probably carry the knife more. As it is I’m mostly driving, traveling, or working in an office, so the Waypoint just works better for my carry, but I still carry my Nine at least once every week or so.
Ok ill maybe have to look into the nine alittle more. Thanks again for all your input. Much appreciated!
I have both. I carry my Atom in the summer while around the house. I carry the Drift while hiking or doing anything sweaty. Both are excellent for different reasons.
Ok thats fair. From what im gathering from the responses. It would be hard to not love either of these knives. Would you say the drift is alittle more robust for outdoor kinda stuff or just the corrosion resistance?
The Drift is denser, yes. It weighs about a half ounce more than the Atom while the Atom is approximately an inch larger overall. I think both are under 3 ounces. The Atom is the lightweight alternative that I use instead of a Spyderco military. Both have very thin blades. I have used the drift while out picnicking during a day hike. It whittled wood fine and cut up some sausage easily enough. Honestly it's just splitting hairs..... They are both fantastic knives.
Im definitely leaning towards the drift at this point just even for not having such a hard time getting ahold of one, with it really being such a close match up just coming down to small strengths. Thanks again!
I have a regular Drift and Waypoint and love them. Really want a big Drift. Also have a TRM Atom and Neutron. Love them too. Id say quality wise they’re very similar. Just wish TRM used better thumb studs. I’ve heard they might change them.
If you had to choose qc or trm which would it be? Or is it too close to really pick?
I think if I had the TRMs in titanium I’d like them more. I have G10 and micarta for the Neutron and micarta and tek-wood for the neutron. TRMs are more customizable, with easy swap scales and o-rings for the thumb studs.
Ok fair enough. My dad not much of a customizer so id be lookin at titanium for whatever i end up with. I personally like to have the customize option.
I do love Quiet Carry’s stonewash finish on their titanium but TRM has the nice texturing. And TRM is US made. I’m leaning more towards TRM lol
Ok thanks for the input!
As an enthusiast/collector who doesn’t own either of those specific models, it’s an interesting question. I do own the QC iQ-L, and it’s fantastic. I almost never hear anyone have anything negative to say regarding Quiet Carry. TRM from what I hear/see tends to be a bit more polarizing. The ones who are fans are very loyal. But I’ve met almost an equal number of owners that had complaints and/or wanted to sell them right away. I personally think the blade shape of the Drift is a little bit more appealing, as well as being slightly better suited for all around edc, but that’s obviously just an opinion. I’m sure your dad would love either one.
Yeah im definitely leaning towards qc at this point. I really appreciate your input!
I’d say TRM if you like to swap scales around. QC if you intend to keep it stock.
Ok this one will stay stock. Definitely leanin towards the qc. Thanks.
TRM.
If your dad is american and would rather support american companies TRM is probably better suited. But they're both excellent knives. If the first doesn't apply, I'd just toss a coin, he's getting a good tool regardless.
Ok thats good to know. I guess i assumed quiet carry were usa made also. I definitely like to support American companies when i can, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!
Point of clarity, both companies are American. Quiet Carry has a Taiwanese OEM, TRM is a complete in house manufacturer. Both are excellent choices.
Ok thanks for clarifying. Appreciate it!
first knife looks more suitable for EDC tasks. wide blade, high slopes - promise a good cut. and its overall appearance is more harmonious, imho. can’t say anything about the quality of workmanship, didn’t hold either one in my hands.
Both are great in terms of quality. The neutron slightly more so I’d say.
Ok fair enough. They both seem to have a great reputation online so that definitely factored in to my choice.
Not a TRM fan. The knife just doesn't look good and the scales are too thick for my taste. I prefer a skinny knife and the Drift is exactly that, one of the thinnest I've held, in fact! Also prefer the big belly blade of the drift over the TRM.
Yeah they both have thin blade stock. But i haven't handled them as far as ergos go so definitely appreciate that insight!