5.11 Knives....

I just got this 5.11 "Investigator" Friday and have carried it over the weekend.

SPECS

Investigator-Box.jpg


I'm actually planning a better review for the testing forum after a few weeks or so, but I will give you my initial impression.

The factory edge was good, shaved hair on my arm from the plain edge part, and the serrations are very well done. (I am assembling some different ropes and cords to test them on, so more later).

The ergonomics are great, sits in the hand very well, and all the edges of the G-10 scales are contoured with now sharp "hot spots".

Solid construction, full steel liners and a solid lock and ZERO blade play in any direction, bank vaults should lock this tight!

At first, the knife was a little stiff to open, but after being oiled and opened and closed several times, you can feel it getting smoother and opening easier as the parts "wear in". I can now "flick" the knife open, but it does take a sharp snap of the wrist to thumb it open. (I assume their liner lock models would be easier)

Overall, I really like this knife and could see myself buying other models in their line, I found out a Police Supply store about 10 miles from me is listed as a dealer for them, so I plan to go look at more model first hand.

Hope this helps, I plan on a better review with pictures soon.
 
I carry a 5.11 Tarani Journeyman Karambit everyday and have for almost a year. I have had no issues.
 
Hmmm...never heard of them but now I'll have to check them out. Don't forget to let us know how the testing goes!!! :thumbup:
 
They are well made stout folders. I like my Investigator a lot. Its not a thin slicer or anything but more a nicer inexpensive alternative hard use folder. Its pretty much heavy duty all around. I've mentioned the 5.11 knives off and on around here since getting this one. I have seen and handled all they make. The Investigator is my favorite of the ones offered and the only one I kept when I got them in a partial payment trade type deal.

STR
 
STR said:
They are well made stout folders. I like my Investigator a lot.

STR
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They owe you a kickback on mine. :D

I read what little I could find on here about them before I ordered, it was your post about the Investigator that pushed me over the edge to order one!

You were right, it's a heck of a knife for the money. :thumbup:
 
I was rather impressed with the 5.11 series of knives, though I wish they had bulked up the liners on the liner lock versions. The MSRP seems a bit high for an overseas production knife, seeing as (once again, at MSRP--I'm unsure of the going rate them) you can get a USA-made Griptilian for less. That being said they are indeed rock solid and well thought out as far as tactical knives are concerned. It's refreshing to see a "plain jane" tactical once in a while!
 
The First Responder looks to be the biggest of these knives with a 3.5" blade and nearly 9.0" oal. The specs I read for this one indicates that the liners are 3/32", or .090" thick, and made of steel. The G-10 grips are .080" thick and the blade is .157" thick. No weight was given, but I imagine it would be fairly hefty, probably around 7 ounces(?) The MSRP was $129, with the price at the place I looked being $115. It did list the knife as a framelock, but it is actually a linerlock. Looks like one I should try out!:thumbup:
 
I've got the investigator... Good knife with a few shortcomings... When closed with any force, the point of the blade would touch/hit the backspacer causing noticeable blunting... (I took the knife apart and ground down the back spacer, a bit, which resolved this issue) Also, the blade (I carried it on a trip to the Oregon/Washington coast this summer) was surprisingly rust-prone (bead blasted, FWIW)... While disassembled, I used a wire wheel on it to smooth out or brush the finish. I haven't seen it rust again, but have only carried it intermittently. Other than these two caveats, I really think it's a good, sturdy, little knife, (for a Taiwanese import.)
 
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