A while ago I came here asking about traditional knives with micarta scales. Orca8589 offered to send me his Benchmade NRA Canoe to see what I think of it. :thumbup: My old webcam can't really capture what the knife looks like, but I took a picture for size comparison with a Vic Classic, Ranger, and a quarter. For a better view, look here.
The Facts:
Length: 2.75" closed
Large blade: 1" 11/16 edge, (4" 3/4 overall)
Small blade: 1" 1/8 edge, (4" 1/8 overall)
Liners/Bolsters: Nickel-Silver
Scales: Black Linen Micarta
Blade Thickness: 5/64" (flat ground)
Blades: 8Cr14MoV
Fit and Finish:
Excellent tolerances, everything fits flush where it should. A couple small specks of light are visible between the backsprings. No play in the blades; if anything, they're a tad stiff to open and close. I expect them to loosen up with time. The backsprings could be a little stronger, in my opinion, but they still give a satisfying snap. The nickel-brass (er... nickel-silver :foot: ) is mirror-polished and honestly, quite purdy with the black scales.
Ergonomics:
For its size, this guy has some good weight to it - the liners are much thicker than most. It also feels very solid. The small overall size lends itself to a 3-finger grip, which I don't find to be the most comfortable, but that's to be expected of a knife this size. I do think the thinner and taller Vic Alox Classic feels a bit more comfortable, though. The micarta bulges quite a bit in the middle. At first I wasn't sure if I liked this, but it's kind of grown on me, and it probably makes the knife a bit easier to hold. The micarta itself is nice and grippy, more so than the Alox scales.
Other Thoughts:
I haven't done enough serious cutting to comment on the edge-holding or sharpening, no complaints so far. The fact that the Nickel-Silver never tarnishes almost makes me feel guilty. For now, this knife lives in my kitchen cupboard, where it gets called upon for opening the mail and chopping pills. I also noticed it matches quite nicely with my charcoal-gray suit, so it may become a dress-up knife as well. It's worth noting that the "China" and/or "NRA" markings may be frowned upon in certain social environments, but I'll leave you to make your own assessment...
Overall, I think this <$20 knife is well worth it's price tag. Salutes to Orca for passing it on to me :thumbup:
The Facts:
Length: 2.75" closed
Large blade: 1" 11/16 edge, (4" 3/4 overall)
Small blade: 1" 1/8 edge, (4" 1/8 overall)
Liners/Bolsters: Nickel-Silver
Scales: Black Linen Micarta
Blade Thickness: 5/64" (flat ground)
Blades: 8Cr14MoV
Fit and Finish:
Excellent tolerances, everything fits flush where it should. A couple small specks of light are visible between the backsprings. No play in the blades; if anything, they're a tad stiff to open and close. I expect them to loosen up with time. The backsprings could be a little stronger, in my opinion, but they still give a satisfying snap. The nickel-brass (er... nickel-silver :foot: ) is mirror-polished and honestly, quite purdy with the black scales.
Ergonomics:
For its size, this guy has some good weight to it - the liners are much thicker than most. It also feels very solid. The small overall size lends itself to a 3-finger grip, which I don't find to be the most comfortable, but that's to be expected of a knife this size. I do think the thinner and taller Vic Alox Classic feels a bit more comfortable, though. The micarta bulges quite a bit in the middle. At first I wasn't sure if I liked this, but it's kind of grown on me, and it probably makes the knife a bit easier to hold. The micarta itself is nice and grippy, more so than the Alox scales.
Other Thoughts:
I haven't done enough serious cutting to comment on the edge-holding or sharpening, no complaints so far. The fact that the Nickel-Silver never tarnishes almost makes me feel guilty. For now, this knife lives in my kitchen cupboard, where it gets called upon for opening the mail and chopping pills. I also noticed it matches quite nicely with my charcoal-gray suit, so it may become a dress-up knife as well. It's worth noting that the "China" and/or "NRA" markings may be frowned upon in certain social environments, but I'll leave you to make your own assessment...
Overall, I think this <$20 knife is well worth it's price tag. Salutes to Orca for passing it on to me :thumbup:
Give that little fella as much use as you can, they love to be put to work.