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EDI GENESIS II
A Practical Folder Fit for Everyday Use
Dexter Ewing, Knife Reviews Moderator
Pics by WOW!
EDI is a relatively new company that has been catapulted into the spotlight with their Genesis I folder, Blade Magazines Best Buy of the Year for 1998. The use of premium materials and superb construction while keeping the price points low is what earned EDI a loyal following among knife users. Will Fennell, the founder and CEO of EDI strives to build knives that people will be proud to own and use. After Genesis I was launched, Fennell and Genesis designer Michael Collins began to work on a lower cost variation of this popular folder.
Basically, Genesis II is the same knife as its brother. Same style construction and materials but with one minor change. Instead of using G-10 scales, Fennell opted to employ GV6H, a Swiss Polymer Alloy. At first glance, one might easily associate GV6H with the better known Zytel. Fennell explained that GV6H is a much stronger material than Zytel. The key is in the fiberglass content of the materials. Zytel is about 12% fiberglass, compare that to 60% with that of GV6H. The advantage here is that GV6H is a very stiff and strong material without the added weight. GV6H is also very stiff; thus the Genesis II has only a single titanium liner. GV6H scales have a light texturing to them, providing the user with a secure grip. Also, the pocket clip on Genesis 2 cannot be switched to the opposite side of the handle. The reason for this is that the screws holding the pocket clip secure are threaded directly into the single titanium liner. On the inside of the knife, expect to find the same pivot structure the 4 inch long ATS-34 blade rides on a precision turned phosphorus bronze bushing, and pivots between two washers made of the same material. This translates into super smooth action, one of EDIs trademarks. Speaking of the blades action, ambidextrous thumb studs enable the Genesis II to be opened quickly and easily using either hand. Holding the handle together are Torx screws, inserted from both sides to ensure a tight and precise fit of the parts. Even the blades stop pin has two screws holding it in place. The knife rides comfortably, clipped to the lip of your pocket. The clip is EDIs deep carry clip that positions the knife below the pocket lip for discreet carry. Fennell told me that the clips are now sporting a new coating for increased resistance against abrasion and chipping. The coating is called Armor Tuff and is exclusively applied by Wilson Combat from Arkansas. Those of you who are into firearms are probably familiar with what Wilson combat does for firearms. From what Fennell told me, this new coating is a good move, as clips do tend to get scratched throughout extended daily carry. Besides the new coating for the pocket clips, the Genesis II also sports a refined laser etching on the blade. It is kind of a silver-gold color, and is quite crisp. I like how the light will reflect a bit off of the logo, sets it off nicely against the bead blasted blade.
Speaking of the ATS-34 blade, the stock thickness EDI uses for their Genesis folders is 0.115, a bit under the standard 0.125 that everyone else uses. The reason behind this is that the cutting edge is thinner than that of a blade that is 0.125 thick. Right out of the box, the cutting edge was hair-popping sharp. Running my fingers very lightly over the edge revealed a good amount of bite. In fact, all of the Genesis I and II folders I have and have seen all are this sharp out of the box. Sometimes when I receive evaluation knives, I usually will give them a few passes on my Razor Edge Razor Steel before putting them to use. But the Genesis II required no attention in this regard. Kudos to EDI on this consistency of sharpness! To briefly sum up the Genesis II in motion, the knife will sail through various materials while being easy to control - like a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon.
The Genesis II in action is pretty sweet. Due to the extreme sharpness and the relatively thin blade stock, it is one aggressive cutting tool. For starters, I used the knife to whittle on a hardwood branch. The Genesis II produced large, curled shavings (a sign that the edge geometry and sharpness are in harmony). The handle did not produce any hot spots on my hand, while the finger notch helped to keep my hand in place by acting as a built in guard. Also, while I was whittling away, I could barely feel the pocket clip pressing against the palm of my hand. It almost feels as if the Genesis II did not have a clip! On some of these clip carry knives, when you grip them hard you will be conscious of the clips presence. Speaking of the clip, it makes the Genesis II the most comfortable knife I have carried IWB (in waistband). Since the handle isnt sticking up to poke you in the abdomen, you will forget that the knife is clipped to your waistband. Its really that comfortable! Though the knife sits deep inside the pocket, it is still easy to retrieve and work the blade with one hand. The texturing on the GV6H scales are not too aggressive, it allows the knife to be slid in and out of the pocket easily.
There were some cutting tasks I undertook with the Genesis II that required quick cuts. Take knife out of pocket, open it and make the cut, close knife and put it back into the pocket. With the Genesis II, it was discovered that the blade would go easily through tough materials such as garden hose and plastic lawn edging. And how about cardboard? The tired cliché of a hot sharp edge passing through a chilled dairy product applies here! It effortlessly plowed on through with a pull stroke. Whittling on a hardwood branch produced large, curled shavings with minimal effort. The sharp blade sunk in with little pressure. In all, the Genesis II has plenty of bite for a plain edge knife, thanks to the excellent edge geometry and relatively thinner than usual blade stock.
EDI fans take note the company is planning to introduce special versions of the Genesis I folder outfitted with high performance blade materials A2 tool steel and Talonite. The A2 version will sport a beautiful Chromium Nitride coating that gives off a pretty matte silver color. The Talonite version, unveiled at the 1999 Blade Show to the delight of many knife enthusiasts, is slated to sport gold TiN coated liners and clips that will contrast very nicely with the black G-10 handles. Keep your ear to the ground for these two new versions they certainly will be hot sellers!
For those of you who could use a good solid performing work knife at a comfortable price, EDIs Genesis II folder is it. EDI packs a lot of features into this knife, some of these features are not found on knives that cost about $50 more. Essentially, what the buyer gets in return for their money is a well built, practical tactical folder. EDI is a small company that has a great start in the knife industry with their Genesis I and II folders, look for more good things to come from them in the future. Retail pricing for the bead blasted versions of the Genesis II is $110, while the black bladed versions run a bit more at $130. Should one opt for the bead blasted version - EDI, as well as the author, highly recommend the use of Sentry Solutions Tuf-Cloth to guard against corrosion. Will Fennell and EDI are to be commended for bringing out a high quality, practical use knife at relatively lower price points. For more information on the Genesis II, contact EDI Knives at 1034 S. Brentwood Blvd, Suite 1950, St. Louis, MO, 63117-1219.
Visit the ALL NEW EDI web site at www.ediknives.com
For dealers <a href="http://www.ediknives.com/links.htm">Click Here</a>
------------------
Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com
A Practical Folder Fit for Everyday Use
Dexter Ewing, Knife Reviews Moderator
Pics by WOW!
EDI is a relatively new company that has been catapulted into the spotlight with their Genesis I folder, Blade Magazines Best Buy of the Year for 1998. The use of premium materials and superb construction while keeping the price points low is what earned EDI a loyal following among knife users. Will Fennell, the founder and CEO of EDI strives to build knives that people will be proud to own and use. After Genesis I was launched, Fennell and Genesis designer Michael Collins began to work on a lower cost variation of this popular folder.
Basically, Genesis II is the same knife as its brother. Same style construction and materials but with one minor change. Instead of using G-10 scales, Fennell opted to employ GV6H, a Swiss Polymer Alloy. At first glance, one might easily associate GV6H with the better known Zytel. Fennell explained that GV6H is a much stronger material than Zytel. The key is in the fiberglass content of the materials. Zytel is about 12% fiberglass, compare that to 60% with that of GV6H. The advantage here is that GV6H is a very stiff and strong material without the added weight. GV6H is also very stiff; thus the Genesis II has only a single titanium liner. GV6H scales have a light texturing to them, providing the user with a secure grip. Also, the pocket clip on Genesis 2 cannot be switched to the opposite side of the handle. The reason for this is that the screws holding the pocket clip secure are threaded directly into the single titanium liner. On the inside of the knife, expect to find the same pivot structure the 4 inch long ATS-34 blade rides on a precision turned phosphorus bronze bushing, and pivots between two washers made of the same material. This translates into super smooth action, one of EDIs trademarks. Speaking of the blades action, ambidextrous thumb studs enable the Genesis II to be opened quickly and easily using either hand. Holding the handle together are Torx screws, inserted from both sides to ensure a tight and precise fit of the parts. Even the blades stop pin has two screws holding it in place. The knife rides comfortably, clipped to the lip of your pocket. The clip is EDIs deep carry clip that positions the knife below the pocket lip for discreet carry. Fennell told me that the clips are now sporting a new coating for increased resistance against abrasion and chipping. The coating is called Armor Tuff and is exclusively applied by Wilson Combat from Arkansas. Those of you who are into firearms are probably familiar with what Wilson combat does for firearms. From what Fennell told me, this new coating is a good move, as clips do tend to get scratched throughout extended daily carry. Besides the new coating for the pocket clips, the Genesis II also sports a refined laser etching on the blade. It is kind of a silver-gold color, and is quite crisp. I like how the light will reflect a bit off of the logo, sets it off nicely against the bead blasted blade.
Speaking of the ATS-34 blade, the stock thickness EDI uses for their Genesis folders is 0.115, a bit under the standard 0.125 that everyone else uses. The reason behind this is that the cutting edge is thinner than that of a blade that is 0.125 thick. Right out of the box, the cutting edge was hair-popping sharp. Running my fingers very lightly over the edge revealed a good amount of bite. In fact, all of the Genesis I and II folders I have and have seen all are this sharp out of the box. Sometimes when I receive evaluation knives, I usually will give them a few passes on my Razor Edge Razor Steel before putting them to use. But the Genesis II required no attention in this regard. Kudos to EDI on this consistency of sharpness! To briefly sum up the Genesis II in motion, the knife will sail through various materials while being easy to control - like a scalpel in the hands of a surgeon.
The Genesis II in action is pretty sweet. Due to the extreme sharpness and the relatively thin blade stock, it is one aggressive cutting tool. For starters, I used the knife to whittle on a hardwood branch. The Genesis II produced large, curled shavings (a sign that the edge geometry and sharpness are in harmony). The handle did not produce any hot spots on my hand, while the finger notch helped to keep my hand in place by acting as a built in guard. Also, while I was whittling away, I could barely feel the pocket clip pressing against the palm of my hand. It almost feels as if the Genesis II did not have a clip! On some of these clip carry knives, when you grip them hard you will be conscious of the clips presence. Speaking of the clip, it makes the Genesis II the most comfortable knife I have carried IWB (in waistband). Since the handle isnt sticking up to poke you in the abdomen, you will forget that the knife is clipped to your waistband. Its really that comfortable! Though the knife sits deep inside the pocket, it is still easy to retrieve and work the blade with one hand. The texturing on the GV6H scales are not too aggressive, it allows the knife to be slid in and out of the pocket easily.
There were some cutting tasks I undertook with the Genesis II that required quick cuts. Take knife out of pocket, open it and make the cut, close knife and put it back into the pocket. With the Genesis II, it was discovered that the blade would go easily through tough materials such as garden hose and plastic lawn edging. And how about cardboard? The tired cliché of a hot sharp edge passing through a chilled dairy product applies here! It effortlessly plowed on through with a pull stroke. Whittling on a hardwood branch produced large, curled shavings with minimal effort. The sharp blade sunk in with little pressure. In all, the Genesis II has plenty of bite for a plain edge knife, thanks to the excellent edge geometry and relatively thinner than usual blade stock.
EDI fans take note the company is planning to introduce special versions of the Genesis I folder outfitted with high performance blade materials A2 tool steel and Talonite. The A2 version will sport a beautiful Chromium Nitride coating that gives off a pretty matte silver color. The Talonite version, unveiled at the 1999 Blade Show to the delight of many knife enthusiasts, is slated to sport gold TiN coated liners and clips that will contrast very nicely with the black G-10 handles. Keep your ear to the ground for these two new versions they certainly will be hot sellers!
For those of you who could use a good solid performing work knife at a comfortable price, EDIs Genesis II folder is it. EDI packs a lot of features into this knife, some of these features are not found on knives that cost about $50 more. Essentially, what the buyer gets in return for their money is a well built, practical tactical folder. EDI is a small company that has a great start in the knife industry with their Genesis I and II folders, look for more good things to come from them in the future. Retail pricing for the bead blasted versions of the Genesis II is $110, while the black bladed versions run a bit more at $130. Should one opt for the bead blasted version - EDI, as well as the author, highly recommend the use of Sentry Solutions Tuf-Cloth to guard against corrosion. Will Fennell and EDI are to be commended for bringing out a high quality, practical use knife at relatively lower price points. For more information on the Genesis II, contact EDI Knives at 1034 S. Brentwood Blvd, Suite 1950, St. Louis, MO, 63117-1219.
Visit the ALL NEW EDI web site at www.ediknives.com
For dealers <a href="http://www.ediknives.com/links.htm">Click Here</a>
------------------
Best Regards,
Mike Turber
BladeForums Site Owner and Administrator
Do it! Do it right! Do it right NOW!
www.wowinc.com