- Joined
- Aug 3, 2004
- Messages
- 971
Well I requested a review for this blade, got a few pointers and now I shall attempt my first ever review! 
Be gentle...
Initial Impressions After ripping open the package outside the Bass Pro Shops here in sunny Orlando, I hefted the MA around a bit and played with the Roll Lock to get the feel for it. Everything out of the package was solid, shiny, and SHARP! All's well so far except a little play on the blade. Whipped out the Torx and fixed that one RIGHT quick and and in a hurry.
It Begins...
After I got home and fooled with the Roll Lock a couple THOUSAND times (more on the lock later) more I decided to give this little guy a light workout by cutting paper, string, and the like. It cut through everything I through at it with little effort and not to mention quite comfortably. As I failed to mention in Initial Impressions the handle is quite stout and fits mine perfectly which makes for a quite comfortable cutting experience.
Now when I got to work I decided to test it on a nearby palm tree that looked quite ominous like it was gonna attack me. I began by just hacking a couple palm branches (just in case my wife needed a fan whilst being fed grapes
) which the MA went through without any hiccups, rolls, chips, lock failures, blade play etc. which really surprised me for a folder. After the branches I decided to test penetration on the tree as well (I know, I know GASP! It's ok, read on). The blade penetrated quite well even through fairly thick bark. Now, it should be noted (if you live near the coast you'll know what I'm talking about) that sand had already by this time found it's way into, onto, and around the lock and it's inner working...not so much as a grain fell between the pretty bronze washers and the blade and even when there was a good bit on the lock...no failures and smoooooooth operation. So far, so good.
Thridly I decided to try a little woodcraft as I planned on carrying this little puppy anywhere and everywhere. I worked on some snare parts and feathered a stick for fire lighting. By this time the blade is no longer shave sharp but still has a very good "working edge." Now I decided to feather a second stick which proved to require a bit more effort but nonetheless the MA prevailed.
Finally after arriving home I decided to defend myself from the cardboard monster dwelling in my living room from my recent computer purchase. I draped a towell over the box and slashed and stabbed for a bit before turning some of the inner workings of the box into varitable confetti. Still, without sharpening from quite a bit of hard use, the MA tor through the cardboard and towel with ease.
The Roll Lock
I'll be brief...OUTSTANDING! Spine whacks at every conceivable angle and pressure, post penetration jerks towards the lock (double folded towel and cardboard, white knuckle test (with added vigor {upper body weight}), you name it; NOT A HITCH or even an inkling of failure.
Conclusion
If this knife wasn't designed for hard use, it performed perfectly. After all the stuff I threw at it, A few runs on a fine diamond and then a ceramic hone turned the edge once again into a shaving, slicing delight. Even aesthetically the blade suffered only a couple of minor scratches (I might throw in that a brillo pad was used lightly to remove some adhesive, not a scratch from it). I truly hold quite a bit of confidence in this knife, especially after what I threw at it. For 50 bucks give or take you've got a solid workhorse that will serve you well at home or abroad.
P.S. Sorry, I had some pics but I've no idea how to put em on here, the little box at the bottom of the screen says I can't add attachments. BUGGER!
Be gentle...
Initial Impressions After ripping open the package outside the Bass Pro Shops here in sunny Orlando, I hefted the MA around a bit and played with the Roll Lock to get the feel for it. Everything out of the package was solid, shiny, and SHARP! All's well so far except a little play on the blade. Whipped out the Torx and fixed that one RIGHT quick and and in a hurry.
It Begins...
After I got home and fooled with the Roll Lock a couple THOUSAND times (more on the lock later) more I decided to give this little guy a light workout by cutting paper, string, and the like. It cut through everything I through at it with little effort and not to mention quite comfortably. As I failed to mention in Initial Impressions the handle is quite stout and fits mine perfectly which makes for a quite comfortable cutting experience.
Now when I got to work I decided to test it on a nearby palm tree that looked quite ominous like it was gonna attack me. I began by just hacking a couple palm branches (just in case my wife needed a fan whilst being fed grapes
) which the MA went through without any hiccups, rolls, chips, lock failures, blade play etc. which really surprised me for a folder. After the branches I decided to test penetration on the tree as well (I know, I know GASP! It's ok, read on). The blade penetrated quite well even through fairly thick bark. Now, it should be noted (if you live near the coast you'll know what I'm talking about) that sand had already by this time found it's way into, onto, and around the lock and it's inner working...not so much as a grain fell between the pretty bronze washers and the blade and even when there was a good bit on the lock...no failures and smoooooooth operation. So far, so good.Thridly I decided to try a little woodcraft as I planned on carrying this little puppy anywhere and everywhere. I worked on some snare parts and feathered a stick for fire lighting. By this time the blade is no longer shave sharp but still has a very good "working edge." Now I decided to feather a second stick which proved to require a bit more effort but nonetheless the MA prevailed.
Finally after arriving home I decided to defend myself from the cardboard monster dwelling in my living room from my recent computer purchase. I draped a towell over the box and slashed and stabbed for a bit before turning some of the inner workings of the box into varitable confetti. Still, without sharpening from quite a bit of hard use, the MA tor through the cardboard and towel with ease.
The Roll Lock
I'll be brief...OUTSTANDING! Spine whacks at every conceivable angle and pressure, post penetration jerks towards the lock (double folded towel and cardboard, white knuckle test (with added vigor {upper body weight}), you name it; NOT A HITCH or even an inkling of failure.
Conclusion
If this knife wasn't designed for hard use, it performed perfectly. After all the stuff I threw at it, A few runs on a fine diamond and then a ceramic hone turned the edge once again into a shaving, slicing delight. Even aesthetically the blade suffered only a couple of minor scratches (I might throw in that a brillo pad was used lightly to remove some adhesive, not a scratch from it). I truly hold quite a bit of confidence in this knife, especially after what I threw at it. For 50 bucks give or take you've got a solid workhorse that will serve you well at home or abroad.
P.S. Sorry, I had some pics but I've no idea how to put em on here, the little box at the bottom of the screen says I can't add attachments. BUGGER!
