ESEE Avispa

Mine does not open as easy as a RAT 1, the frame lock detent takes a little more push to overcome it and initially get the blade moving.
 
I haven't changed mine from tip down. The clip does not engage the lock bar in that position on mine. I like tip down so I won't be changing it. My Rat 1 is much smoother opening than the Avispa. If you are familiar with the strong detent on the Zancudo you know what to expect from the Avispa. I will say that I like the Avispa better than the Rat though. It feels much better in my hand and I like the blade shape better.
 
Mine came amazingly smooth... Tight, smooth movement, not exactly easy to flip open only with the thumb, but I only had to touch the detent (read this "pivot screw" please, I must of have a brain fart when writing it...) to make it fly open without any wrist action.
Absolutely love the action on this one. I went trough 3 Rat1, 1 Rat II, one Zancudo, this is my 5th knife of (sort of) this family and all of them had rock solid blades no matter how hard you use it,
they don't show any blade play.
My Rat II was slight disappointment with the TO of the blade - it was getting dull just by looking at it, also the lock wasn't holding very well, the Zancudo is amazing knife, absolutely love it, it is only too small for my taste, I guess

I replaced the original clip on the Avispa with a BM clip that I had around, I only had to drill two of the holes to move it out of the spring.
I did try for couple days to use it with the original clip mounted on the other available options and I couldn't, it didn't work for me.
I like a lot the original clip because it gives me more purchase on the knife when I'm flipping it open, but the problem with the position directly over the spring was turn off.

This is how it looks now, it's acceptable for me, works just fine...it's not a big deal, I'll wait till they possibly have solution for the already sold knifes,
I do not want to elaborate whether they'll fix this in the future production...

drtd.jpg


This is a quick comparison with some numbers in mm with the Rat 1 ( don't mind my misspelling of the "Avispa" please, I was dead tired when I was taking the measurements for the pix..)
it will probably answer some questions how close it is to the Rat 1.

81f0.jpg
 
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My Avispa is breaking in very nicely. Smoothing out very well. Lockup is still solid.
 
Can someone give the weight of their Avispa, none of the usual sources list the weight-Thanks guys
 
I got one in the mail today, awesome knife for $28.00 bucks and some change. I got the orange handled one with stone washed blade. Blade is on center and came razor sharp. I like the feel of this knife, fits my XL hands well. Again for the price, this knife rocks. I will pick up more in the future for sure.
 
I just did the hair cut test on my leg, big bald spot on my leg now! This Avispa Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I just got mine today. The frame lock makes me like it just a little more than the Rat. I hope someone starts making custom micarta scales for it.
 
I want to say to those on the fence, get this knife. I am shocked that it is $28 and some change. I plan on many more in the future.
 
Lately the Kershaw/Emerson cqc-6k has been getting a lot of attention. I have and like them both. They both offer excellent value, but the avispa is a better knife.
 
shootist16 said:
Lately the Kershaw/Emerson cqc-6k has been getting a lot of attention. I have and like them both. They both offer excellent value, but the avispa is a better knife.
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Wow, that's saying a lot. I just might have to pick one up. Hows the opening for lefties? The thumb-stud looks very close to the frame, and not much radiused out because that is the lock side.
 
jstrange said:
Wow, that's saying a lot. I just might have to pick one up. Hows the opening for lefties? The thumb-stud looks very close to the frame, and not much radiused out because that is the lock side.
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I'm a lefty, and don't have any trouble with it. The lock bar cutout could be bigger, but it's not bad at all.
 
I had to cut up a box in the garage today, so I used the Avispa and went through it like a hot knife through butter.
 
The lockbar cutout for lefties is usable for me, but the thumbstud is noticeably shorter for that side, enough that I find it slower to open than the RAT 1. Cannot fault the Avispa for overall quality, but after carrying it for awhile, I find I still prefer the RAT 1, for me, it's more southpaw friendly.
 
It looked like it might be. I didn't want to judge it by looks alone though. To me the Rat1 looks like it might be similar because there is less cut out on the left side of that one too. Glad to hear it works fine though.
 
jstrange said:
It looked like it might be. I didn't want to judge it by looks alone though. To me the Rat1 looks like it might be similar because there is less cut out on the left side of that one too. Glad to hear it works fine though.
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The RAT 1 does have a little less clearance for that side to, but the thumbstud is the same height on both sides, so it negates it.
 
I'm not sure but the thumb stud could be threaded. Is it possible to remove and flip around for the lefties in the group?
 
FTR-14c said:
I'm not sure but the thumb stud could be threaded. Is it possible to remove and flip around for the lefties in the group?
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They are, I have flipped the one on my ESEE Zancudo so the taller one was on the left side, unscrewed it using 2 pairs of pliers, but the one on the Avispa I have not been able to do, either it's crossthreaded or has loctite or something, won't budge, even after I heated it up. :(
 
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