This is just a basic, preliminary review/impressions. Haven't done anything but shave arm hair with it yet....
Despite all the negatives I've heard about this knife, I bought one yesterday. Really, I couldn't pass it up at $15 (40% off); figured it was worth it just to see if the darn thing is worth a damn.
My initial impressions are good. Teflon pivot washer (or so the packaging claims), lock-tite on the pivot screw (or so the packaging claims). Very good fit and finish with the edge resting completely flush. Very sharp.
Now for the negatives. The lock does not appear to resist twisting forces well and I could see a quick failure if using it for things such a zip-tie removal (which I use my spydie for all the time). Despite the blade pivot be adjusted and threadlocked at the factory it still has a very slight bit of play (way less than any of my Gerbers though). I think it will be hard to maintain the edge without raising it off the frame when closed, or to remove the burr without doing the above. And its bead blasted. Shouldn't be a big deal with AUS6, but I don't like bead blasted finishes, then just seem to rust so much easier...
I can't comment on how well the edge will hold up yet, but I'm optimistic. THe rest of the knife seems much better than Gerber and maybe tied with my Spyderco Native S30V (NOT comparing it to the more expensive spydies). Form factor is great for low profile carry, though I don't like the single-sided handle for a frequent-use knife (plus its not lefty freindly at all). Nice laser engravin too...
Despite all the negatives I've heard about this knife, I bought one yesterday. Really, I couldn't pass it up at $15 (40% off); figured it was worth it just to see if the darn thing is worth a damn.
My initial impressions are good. Teflon pivot washer (or so the packaging claims), lock-tite on the pivot screw (or so the packaging claims). Very good fit and finish with the edge resting completely flush. Very sharp.
Now for the negatives. The lock does not appear to resist twisting forces well and I could see a quick failure if using it for things such a zip-tie removal (which I use my spydie for all the time). Despite the blade pivot be adjusted and threadlocked at the factory it still has a very slight bit of play (way less than any of my Gerbers though). I think it will be hard to maintain the edge without raising it off the frame when closed, or to remove the burr without doing the above. And its bead blasted. Shouldn't be a big deal with AUS6, but I don't like bead blasted finishes, then just seem to rust so much easier...
I can't comment on how well the edge will hold up yet, but I'm optimistic. THe rest of the knife seems much better than Gerber and maybe tied with my Spyderco Native S30V (NOT comparing it to the more expensive spydies). Form factor is great for low profile carry, though I don't like the single-sided handle for a frequent-use knife (plus its not lefty freindly at all). Nice laser engravin too...