Mouse or Navigator?

[scolby]

I assume some/may of you have handled both. The comparison would be between the Almite Navigator, plain edge with slotted scales or the Mouse.



The obvious difference is ATS-55 vs. VG-10. Beyond that however, how does they stack up for everyday use against one another? i.e. Handle comfort, thumb rest, tip control.



Any observations would be welcome. I like the looks of the Mouse a little better perhaps, but I also like the blue almite vs. grey almite.



"Chance favors the prepared mind" - Louis Pasteur

[tortoise]

Mouse all the way! I love the Mouse, I carry the Mouse nearly every day. Try a search under my name here and at BFC and you should find numerous threads and reviews on this great little knife. It cannot disappoint you.

[The Stare]

I think that the recent discussions on value, "bang for the buck" etc., really come into play on this choice.

Using Knife Center prices, there is no way I can see the Mouse as being worth $5 more than the Wegner. Using Blade Tech's price, I can't see the Mouse costing only $5 less than the Wegner.

I'm too groggy to do the math homework in my head right now, but whatever percentage of $55, $45 is -- somewhere around 80%, I have trouble seeing the Mouse being worth 180% of the price of the Navigator. It mostly boils down to the value of VG-10 over GIN-1.

I've handled the Mouse. It is a great little knife. Haven't handled the Navigator. But, "sight unseen" would take the Navigator and buy the Calypso Jr Ltwt, since the two cost about the same as the Mouse. No way can I see the Mouse being worth nearly as much as the other 2.

Of course, YMMV.

Stare

[Philip357]

I have a G10 Navigator (well, I have 2 actually) and since 2 weeks I have a Mouse.
One of my Navigators is EDC since over a year (I bought the second in case I would lose the first) and I believe it is a great knife :
. handle : the best I have ever experienced in a small knife => no slip possible in either grip
. lockup : very good, the lockback will lift up a bit (1/2 mm) after prolonged use but enquieries on this forum revealed that this does not harm the security
. cutting ability : ouch, very sharp
. edge holding : very good + easy to sharpen

. stain resistance : I always thought great, but last week (during my holliday in NY) I had 3 brown rust spots on the blade (I guess I should put on a bit more Tufglide ; I have to admit I have very salty transpiration, the backstrap of my stainless steel S&W 686 in 357 mag is pitted from oxidation)
. sheepleresistance (new word <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> ) : I take it with me on all my flights ; no problem

Mouse : I only have had it for a very short time so no long term report :
. handle : very comfortable for inwaistbandcarry ; a bit slippery to hold ; gets scratched very easily
. lockup : no problems for the moment (1-2-3 ... - 10, yep I still have my 10 fingers)
. cutting ability : very thick blade and a good steel should provide enough power ; the blade was not &quot;scary&quot; sharp upon delivery
. edge holding : time will tell
. stain resistance : time will tell
. cuteness : first prize <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[Jazzman]

I have a slotted almite Navigator and a Mouse. Which one do I carry? The Mouse hands down. I like the Navigator alot and the grip is awesome, but I just like the feel of the Mouse better. VG10 really is awesome. Mine is shaving after about having it for a month and constantly using it. The shape is an excellent utility design and flies well too. I have no gripes about the handle but the light color almite does show scratches moreso than the Navigator.
Good luck,
Matt