- Joined
- Jan 11, 2001
- Messages
- 2,750
I have now had my Levitator for a little bit and here are my impressions:
Blade: Even though it only measures out to be roughly 2" in length the blade is full of utility. The drop point (almost modified wharncliffe) has a high hollow grind which cuts most materials with ease. The blade is made of 154CM and as always holds a great edge. I tested it by breaking down some Christmas boxes and it still shaved afterwards. The only disadvantage to a knife this size is...it's size. It would be very difficult to slice some materials and foods because of the tiny blade. Still, as an EDC, it works.
Handle: The handle is made of anodized titanium with one slab decorated in a knot design and the other with the lock cut-out. There is one stainless liner on the lock side and there is a small lanyard hole. There is very little flex to the handle and it seems pretty solid despite it's size. Unfortunately large handed individuals will find little to hold on to.
Lock: I've yet to really experiment with the Levitator but it seems like a very solid system. There is a pin attached to the handle which when lifted (by depression of the handle cut out) releases the blade so that it can be opened. Then when the blade is rotated out, the same pin fits on the knife tang wedging it open similar to where the axis bar fits in the 710. It is a pretty difficult concept to explain, Benchmades website does a much better job. A disadvantage to this lock is that it is very noticable (part of the handle) and that it is slow to open (really a two handed knife). And although it is possible to open the knife one handed (released the pin and flick), I think that it would place alot of stress on the stop pin which is quite tiny IMO. Still, there is no blade play whatsoever and I really can't think of how this lock could wear besides loosening of the pin and handle.
Overall: My overall opinion of this knife is that it is very similar to a Dick Atkinson small framelock. The knife is VERY light and the lockup is great. Still this knife has it's limitations. If you pick one up (popular price seems to be upper $60's) I don't think that you will be disappointed.
Thanks,
Matt
Blade: Even though it only measures out to be roughly 2" in length the blade is full of utility. The drop point (almost modified wharncliffe) has a high hollow grind which cuts most materials with ease. The blade is made of 154CM and as always holds a great edge. I tested it by breaking down some Christmas boxes and it still shaved afterwards. The only disadvantage to a knife this size is...it's size. It would be very difficult to slice some materials and foods because of the tiny blade. Still, as an EDC, it works.
Handle: The handle is made of anodized titanium with one slab decorated in a knot design and the other with the lock cut-out. There is one stainless liner on the lock side and there is a small lanyard hole. There is very little flex to the handle and it seems pretty solid despite it's size. Unfortunately large handed individuals will find little to hold on to.
Lock: I've yet to really experiment with the Levitator but it seems like a very solid system. There is a pin attached to the handle which when lifted (by depression of the handle cut out) releases the blade so that it can be opened. Then when the blade is rotated out, the same pin fits on the knife tang wedging it open similar to where the axis bar fits in the 710. It is a pretty difficult concept to explain, Benchmades website does a much better job. A disadvantage to this lock is that it is very noticable (part of the handle) and that it is slow to open (really a two handed knife). And although it is possible to open the knife one handed (released the pin and flick), I think that it would place alot of stress on the stop pin which is quite tiny IMO. Still, there is no blade play whatsoever and I really can't think of how this lock could wear besides loosening of the pin and handle.
Overall: My overall opinion of this knife is that it is very similar to a Dick Atkinson small framelock. The knife is VERY light and the lockup is great. Still this knife has it's limitations. If you pick one up (popular price seems to be upper $60's) I don't think that you will be disappointed.
Thanks,
Matt
