Hi,
I bought two Bear & Son knives to check them out. I've not seen much said about them here, so I thought I'd write a review.
First up, a #230LRCP liner lock single blade Peanut. With, as it states on the package, High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade. Which as far as I can tell from my searching is 440A. Even though I'd prefer something better, it's an adequate steel for the uses that most slippies are put to. Even if it isn't the best choice.
The lockup is surprisingly good and strong with no side or vertical play, and shows about 50% engagement. And the liner lock is notched so it not only butts up to the back of the tang, but also fits over the top, (like a SAK one-hand opener). When closed, the blade runs dead true down the center.
The down side is the fit and finish isn't the best. Rounded edges were left sharp and sharp edges were left rounded. It's not a real smooth opener or closer either. And there are some gaps on the pivot end of the knife.
The real disappointment was the edge on the blade. I wish I had taken a photo of it out of the package. But it was about as badly ground as it could get. Not only was it dull, but there was a big low spot in the middle of blade. You can kind of see the remains of it in the open blade photo. I spent 3 hours with my Lansky, reshaping and re profiling the blade to a usable shape. But after all the work it's shaving sharp and a pretty usable little knife.
I'm not really sure if a locking Peanut is a real break through in knife design, but if you need one here it is. And for under $20, you can have a 100% made in the USA knife.
To BE Continued.
I bought two Bear & Son knives to check them out. I've not seen much said about them here, so I thought I'd write a review.
First up, a #230LRCP liner lock single blade Peanut. With, as it states on the package, High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade. Which as far as I can tell from my searching is 440A. Even though I'd prefer something better, it's an adequate steel for the uses that most slippies are put to. Even if it isn't the best choice.

The lockup is surprisingly good and strong with no side or vertical play, and shows about 50% engagement. And the liner lock is notched so it not only butts up to the back of the tang, but also fits over the top, (like a SAK one-hand opener). When closed, the blade runs dead true down the center.

The down side is the fit and finish isn't the best. Rounded edges were left sharp and sharp edges were left rounded. It's not a real smooth opener or closer either. And there are some gaps on the pivot end of the knife.

The real disappointment was the edge on the blade. I wish I had taken a photo of it out of the package. But it was about as badly ground as it could get. Not only was it dull, but there was a big low spot in the middle of blade. You can kind of see the remains of it in the open blade photo. I spent 3 hours with my Lansky, reshaping and re profiling the blade to a usable shape. But after all the work it's shaving sharp and a pretty usable little knife.
I'm not really sure if a locking Peanut is a real break through in knife design, but if you need one here it is. And for under $20, you can have a 100% made in the USA knife.
To BE Continued.