I have had a crewman for about a year now. I like it. I am from the "sharpened pry-bar" school and like having a robust metal thing to abuse when needed. I have cut my way into car doors, punched holes in ammo boxes, dug holes, split wood, pried things open and in general abused it. It seems thick enough to withstand my rough treatment without the weight of a thicker knife. Weight does become an issue for me.

It has some drawbacks. It is difficult to slice veggies thin because of the thickness of the blade and its shape. It is so thick that most tough veggies (squash, carrots etc) crack rather than cut.

It is a bit clumsy when doing fine tasks because of its weight and size, but with practice, I am getting better.

People react quite negativly to it. Can't figure that one out. Must be the "height" of the blade. I have another knife just as long that never gets the comments that the crewman does.

It is an inexpensive knife so I don't mind hanging over the bow of a boat to cut a line (whoops...) or doing other things which put the knife at risk. I also carry an expensive benchmade folder which I am reluctant to abuse or risk.

I have removed the handles (keep 'em in my BOB in case I need them) and have the handle wrapped in paracord. I prefer this as it makes the knife thinner. Rides in my EDC pack easier. Paracord is easily removed to make the knife easier to clean when doing "dirty" things. (Remove the paracord before getting it "dirty" ). Then just throw the knife ( now just a metal slab) into boiling water to clean. I hate knives with fixed (riveted or othewise bonded) handles which can not be removed for good cleaning.

I have also extensivly modified the sheath to make it a "high carry" instead of as shipped. Does not get in the way so easily, but I think it poses more of a risk to my ribs and stomach in case of accident when carried that way. Still, I prefer high carry.

The edge is easy to sharpen to a very good working edge. No tricks here. A very simple wedge shape.

Works for me.