- Joined
- Mar 23, 2012
- Messages
- 2,177
I don't normally tout the knives I buy, whether expensive or budget. Everyone likes their own thing. However, some people on here may know of my opinion that a knife that slices well is the best sort of knife to have.
Enter the Avispa, from Blue Ridge Knives, designed by the folks at ESEE to be both a larger version of the Zancudo, and an improvement over their previous design, the Ontario Rat 1. In the latter, they have definitely succeeded. I'd also like to mention that this knife retails in the $25-$35 range, and I would call it THE knife to have if you're not ready to jump into the more expensive ranges yet. Either way, GET ONE!
As you can see from the photos below, the Avispa is a large knife, with a blade nearly equal to that on the Rat 1. It is also thinner, being a framelock, and for such a large knife it really disappears in the pocket. The handle was designed to be a bit wider to make up for the thin profile, and it does the job well. The nylon scale has a great texture and really holds your grip.
My suggestion is to keep the clip in the "tip down" position, as it really adds to the grip of the knife. I have also seen that the clip interferes with the lock bar somewhat in the "tip up" position.
The blade is AUS-8 steel, which will keep an edge through hard use for a day or two before needing to be touched up. I believe the ESEE guys favor this sort of steel because it is easy to maintain in the field, if need be. From the photos you can also see how thin the blade is; in fact it is thinner than any other knife in the lineup. Combined with a full flat grind, this blades cuts through nearly everything like butter, and puts many other knives to shame. Once you have this thing in your pocket, you may never leave it at home.
On to the pics!
Lock up is incredibly solid and makes a satisfying "thwack".
Knife in hand.
From left to right: Full Ritter Grip, Paramilitary 2, Avispa, and Rat 1
That's it! Hope you enjoyed my little review.
Enter the Avispa, from Blue Ridge Knives, designed by the folks at ESEE to be both a larger version of the Zancudo, and an improvement over their previous design, the Ontario Rat 1. In the latter, they have definitely succeeded. I'd also like to mention that this knife retails in the $25-$35 range, and I would call it THE knife to have if you're not ready to jump into the more expensive ranges yet. Either way, GET ONE!
As you can see from the photos below, the Avispa is a large knife, with a blade nearly equal to that on the Rat 1. It is also thinner, being a framelock, and for such a large knife it really disappears in the pocket. The handle was designed to be a bit wider to make up for the thin profile, and it does the job well. The nylon scale has a great texture and really holds your grip.
My suggestion is to keep the clip in the "tip down" position, as it really adds to the grip of the knife. I have also seen that the clip interferes with the lock bar somewhat in the "tip up" position.
The blade is AUS-8 steel, which will keep an edge through hard use for a day or two before needing to be touched up. I believe the ESEE guys favor this sort of steel because it is easy to maintain in the field, if need be. From the photos you can also see how thin the blade is; in fact it is thinner than any other knife in the lineup. Combined with a full flat grind, this blades cuts through nearly everything like butter, and puts many other knives to shame. Once you have this thing in your pocket, you may never leave it at home.
On to the pics!
Lock up is incredibly solid and makes a satisfying "thwack".
Knife in hand.
From left to right: Full Ritter Grip, Paramilitary 2, Avispa, and Rat 1
That's it! Hope you enjoyed my little review.
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