Browning Ice Storm SX Model 390 - pics

E

eric

Joined
Dec 29, 2002
Messages
132
So, there I was, minding my own business like I always do. I stopped by my favorite local knife vendor to pick up another Sharpmaker. Of course, I had to hang out for a bit and see what new items were in. The clerk pointed out that Browning had a recently introduced folder that used VG-10. To be honest, I had never really paid attention to Browning knives. This Browning was an Ice Storm SX Model 390. It's a liner lock folder with black matte anodized aluminum handles. The handles are relieved for easy access to the dual thumb studs. The stainless matte finished pocket clip is somewhat unusual. It is integral with the liner lock and it allows the knife to sit very low in the pocket (see pic). The VG10 blade was very sharp. It was able to easily cut through a 60-page catalog. I was unable to get the liner lock to fail, despite numerous vigorous attempts. Overall quality was very good. I was surprised to find essentially no other information on these knives. Price was about $60.
Pics at http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?selected=163609
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Looks like a great knife for the money. What do you think of the lock-up . . . any blade play?? Maybe more will turn up on it after the SHOT show gets done. Sure cannot find anything on it now!?!:(
 
Wow, that looks neat! I didn't expect something like this coming from a gun company realeasing knife models (like Colt or S&W).

I gotta check those out.
 
What do you think of the lock-up . . . any blade play??
Click to expand...
Lock-up is solid, with a tiny bit of blade play...very minimal. I did back off the pivot screw a bit, which may account for that. I'll be interested to see if Browning will release other models and if these catch on. They seem to be at a decent price-point and of good quality/material.
 
Just two days ago I have received complete FN HERSTAL press kit and catalogs for 2003 including Browning one. There is some deal of knives but I couldn’t find this one. I’ll ask them at IWA (Nuremberg, Germany, March 14-17)...

BTW, knives what gun manufacturing companies are firming with their logo like some kind of promotional items quite naturally are not made by themselves, just ordered to some knife manufacturer. VG-10 steel blade shows that this knife certainly is made in Japan, more than likely by the same facilities what make the knives for SPYDERCO, FALLKNIVEN, SOG, AL MAR and so on. So no reasons to assume it should have any worse quality.

Yeah, some time ago such knives looked, felt and really were somewhat onto cheapo side with nothing behind famous name. However I’m glad that recently famous firearm manufacturers tend to turn to noticeably better quality and used materials.
 
One of the first knives I bought was a Browning. Made in Japan, AUS 8 blade. I think Browning's knives are generally pretty good. The one I have is a bit stiff to open but quality of construction is good. I think the only problem is that their price point is somewhere between that of CRKT and Spyderco, while their construction isn't that much better than CRKT's though the steel they use tend to be better. Also, most of the knives they have are geared toward the hunter. They end up not attracting the fixed blade market of which they don't have very many models, and they don't end up attracting the folder market which tends to gravitate more toward tactical/utility designs.
 
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