Lesche Predator digging tool (and others?)

[aj_chicago]

Tried this question on another digging tool thread and got ignored, so trying again. I'm a newbie, but learning fast. The ACE 250 makes it awfully easy! Getting pretty good at coins... detecting, pinpointing, retrieving. Been using a trusty knife that came with a hatchet set when I was a Boy Scout. Had it close to 40 years. I know I'm gonna break it if I keep it up and was thinking about investing in a good tool. Read opinions on the Lesche tools and decided that's the best bang for the buck, but here's the clincher question. Does a Lesche Predator have a sharpened/honed (like a knife) side edge opposite the serrated edge so a right hander doesn't need to grind it right out of the box? If not, do others?

 

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[Mi$$ouri Jim]

? ? ? ? I'll order the lesche and the hori hori and do a field test.
? ? ? ?And leave a whats good and bad list on each.
? ? Thickest and strongest blade, cuts best, resists bending, ergonomics of the grip and so on.
? ? ? ?Since i've never owned one, it will be unbiased, unless one of them offer money of course.
? ? ? They'll be shipped so it'll be a while before i post.
? ? ? ? ?If nobody really gives a 'KAHOOT' about it, let me know and i'll forget it.?
? ? ? ? Where's a good place to order the lesche?

I am interested on how the original hori hori / old "3-in-1" digger performs. Which hori hori will you be purchasing? There are knockoffs & also a stainless steel version. And there is a wooden handled & plastic handled one.
Let us know what you find.

 

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[rvbvetter]

? ? ? ? Mi$$ouri Jim;? ? I was going to order the hori from the link that? jk? left.
? ? ? ? Take a look and see what you think.? Any info would help.

? ? ? ? caratjuice;? Like you, i wish an independent firm would run tests on all the available brands.



Should i get the carbon steel hori?

 

[Mi$$ouri Jim]

? ? ? ? Mi$$ouri Jim;? ? I was going to order the hori from the link that? jk? left.
? ? ? ? Take a look and see what you think.? Any info would help.

? ? ? ? caratjuice;? Like you, i wish an independent firm would run tests on all the available brands.? ?



? Should i get the carbon steel hori?

It looks like it is what was known as the old 3-in-1 digger that was sold years ago. It had a curved blade, wooden handle & basically looked exactly like the one in the link. A lot of the oldtimers used to swear by it a number of years ago.
I have never used it myself so i cant offer an opinion on something I've never used.

 

[another _novice]

Here is another link with the same tool, but one has a longer handle:

http://www.ehardwicks.com/product_line/pros/SEN-P15.htm

The difference between the stainless and the carbon is just maintenance and hardness.? Stainless is harder to sharpen, but easier to care for. I prefer carbon.? I don't mind wiping it with a gun cloth once in a while. But if the lesche is stainless, you might try stainless if you are willing to accept the extra cost.

--I just looked at the stainless, and I think it's thinner steel; so my suggestion is to go with carbon steel.

? ? ? ? Mi$$ouri Jim;? ? I was going to order the hori from the link that? jk? left.
? ? ? ? Take a look and see what you think.? Any info would help.

? ? ? ? caratjuice;? Like you, i wish an independent firm would run tests on all the available brands.? ?



? Should i get the carbon steel hori?

 

[Mi$$ouri Jim]

I believe the lesche (and the predator tool) is made from "aircraft quality 4130 chrome molly heat treated and tempered virgin steel" as posted on their websites. Pretty sure it isnt stainless because it WILL rust lightly if not cleaned after each use. I basically just wash clean all the dirt off of it with water & dry it well. I dont use any rust inhibiter on mine as it doesnt really need it where i store it (i dont store it it a damp place).

 

[rvbvetter]

? ? ? ?Mi$$ouri;? ?Where did you get your Lesche Predator?

 

[Mi$$ouri Jim]

? ? ? ?Mi$$ouri;? ?Where did you get your Lesche Predator?

I have the red handled lesche (predator tools makes the black handled one.... they are basically the same) & bought it locally from clevengers's in North Kansas city. I Do plan on buying the black handled one from the Predator tools website (just to have a backup), but i keep putting it off. What I like about buying from predator tools is that they allow you to buy one without a sheath & it is a bit cheaper that way (I dont like the sheath anyway & dont need it).

 

[rvbvetter]

I'm going to check out local Home Depot. Just by chance they have both. If not i'll order them.


Thanks for the info. HH

 

[charlie]

I have a predator tool that I purchased from George's website (www.predatortool.com). It is the best tool I have ever used and I have used the gator digger, hori hori knives, marine combat knives, and titanium trowels.? However, it does not come with a razor sharp edge and may require some sharpening.

 

[hollowpointred]

i agree charlie the predator tool is great. the edge is ground down a bit but to really make a knife edge it will require some sharpening.it is super strong for prying plugs out of the ground. you would really have to lean on it hard to break it......and even then it may not break.if you are curious about the lesch go ahead and get it. it will be $30 well spent.

 

[gsmeiers]

Just for kicks, I measured the thickness of the hori hori.? It's a little thicker than 1/8 inch.? I see .4 centimeters? on the other side of the ruler. It is one substantial tool.

I looked at the stainless Hori Hori knife.. Looked like a very cool knife.. the only thing that deterred me from getting it was that there was no "stop" for my hands in case they slipped toward the blade.

I went with a Lesche Standard too -- so far, so good. Although, I plan on trying a few others.

Garrett

 

[aj_chicago]

Someone was interested in a long handled Predator tool way back there somewhere. Try here. http://predatortools.com/ I think after a lot of reading my initial question actually got answered! You need to grind the edge of a new Lesche Predator if you want it knife sharp. I have never used one, but I think I am spoiled with the knife the way it zips through sod around here, but I guess I'm willing to do a little grinding for the leverage and sparing of my old camping knife.