Bee EL-01B Folding Knife

J

jerm03

Joined
Apr 27, 2011
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89
This looks like a good sturdy camping knife. The price is right on ebay. I have been thinking about the Kershaw Whirlwind, but may go for the BEE. Any thoughts?

I suppose it compares well with the Ontario RAT 1 which I have.
Thanks,
Jerry
 
Kershaw and Ontario are both stand up companies with original designs and outstanding warranties. I'd definitely pick up either one of those before the BEE, but I'm sure it's not a bad knife as well.
 
I've got the Bee (the uncoated EL01) and I like it very much for the price. Well made, nice design. I bought it at exduct and for 10 euros it was delivered. The steel is the same as the steel in the spyderco tenacious. It is not a supersteel, but for me it is very acceptable, the edge lasts long enough and is very easy to resharpen.
Only problem is that it is hard to keep them, a lot of people around me are willing to pay a few euros more for them than the 10 I paid. I am now carrying my the fifth I ordered.
 
I have the Bee EL-01B and it is truly a "ZT0200 for those on a minimal budget", as it is such a sturdy linerlock folder.
Personally I find the recent EL-02B even more attractive, and just as sturdy.
 
I just got a EL-01 today and it far exceeded my expectations for a $10 dollar knife. It's amazing...after you clean it up. Like many knives from China, this was a little dirty with g10 shavings, dust, and that yellowish grease and red and white loctite. It was perfectly centered and locked up tight before I disassembled it, but the action was a little gritty. After taking it completely apart, cleaning and oiling it, it's perfect.

It flips open with minimal wrist flick and the detent is strong enough that it will stay closed until it is purposely opened. Here are some pics:







 
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You won't be disappointed with the Bee EL-01B a very study, well built knife, perfect for outdoor camping tasks, great work from China.
 
Check out my post on pocket knife as razor. This & EL02 come on top with same sharpening & stropping.

Having said that, the factory edge is too obtuse & the bevel is not really straight. Reprofiling is needed IMO.
 
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