ESEE Zancudo

efreedma

efreedma

Joined
Feb 26, 2014
Messages
369
I just got my ESEE Zancudo in the mail today and I am very impressed with this little blade. I can't believe this is a frame lock with decent steel for $30. I really can't find a reason this thing is so cheap. Fit and finish on this blade is perfect. Blade centering is perfect, it is razor sharp and has absolutely zero blade play. Does anyone else have one of these and is yours as perfect as mine? Still can't believe I got this blade for under $30, it's at least a $70 blade.
 
I agree....the Zancudo is a slick knife. So are the RAT folders. I prefer the RATs because of their size/shape. Both are great knives for the price though. IMO they're the best inexpensive knives out there--all most people would really need.

It looks like the Ontario Utilitacs may fall into the same category but I haven't purchased one yet.

Too bad higher-end folders can't be priced with the same cost efficiencies.
 
I think these are made in the same place as the Rat 1 & 2, in Taiwan. That would be one reason why the cost is so low.

EChoil said:
I agree....the Zancudo is a slick knife. So are the RAT folders. I prefer the RATs because of their size/shape. Both are great knives for the price though. IMO they're the best inexpensive knives out there--all most people would really need.

It looks like the Ontario Utilitacs may fall into the same category but I haven't purchased one yet.

Too bad higher-end folders can't be priced with the same cost efficiencies.
Click to expand...

It's pretty obvious to folks that have been around the block once or twice why the costs for steel and AUS8 are not quite the same as it is for Titanium and ELMAX.
 
I feel the same way about mine. Great knife: thin, cuts great, easy to sharpen, inexpensive.

RevDevil is right, this is just the right price for these materials.

But it would be fun to see this exact knife in full titanium and elmax. It'd be more expensive though, and you'd be comparing it to different knives...
 
RevDevil said:
I think these are made in the same place as the Rat 1 & 2, in Taiwan. That would be one reason why the cost is so low.



It's pretty obvious to folks that have been around the block once or twice why the costs for steel and AUS8 are not quite the same as it is for Titanium and ELMAX.
Click to expand...

Rev beat me to it!
 
Great value, excellent fit and finish, and made by Paul Chen's factory in Taiwan....



I bought over a dozen of these last year, and they were XMAS gifts for family in South America...they all still talk about how neat they are.
 
Mine took some tweaking because the detent was ridiculous but now it's amazing. I prefer the ergos, framelock and blade shape to the rat 2.
 
That is actually what I was looking for when I purchased this one. Did not realize I bought the Zancudo until after the fact. Oh well looks like I just have to buy another knife. Darn...
 
Alnamvet68 said:
Great value, excellent fit and finish, and made by Paul Chen's factory in Taiwan....



I bought over a dozen of these last year, and they were XMAS gifts for family in South America...they all still talk about how neat they are.
Click to expand...

I find that quote amusing, considering that the RAT II is a great knife in its own right, and the Zancudo just...well, isn't that great. I was hoping that the Avispa was going to be better, but instead they just put a larger Zancudo blade onto a RAT 1 handle. I guess then, that the Avispa just wants to be the RAT 1. :p
 
Quiet said:
I find that quote amusing, considering that the RAT II is a great knife in its own right, and the Zancudo just...well, isn't that great. I was hoping that the Avispa was going to be better, but instead they just put a larger Zancudo blade onto a RAT 1 handle. I guess then, that the Avispa just wants to be the RAT 1. :p
Click to expand...

Bingo! :D that is funneh!
 
RevDevil said:
It's pretty obvious to folks that have been around the block once or twice why the costs for steel and AUS8 are not quite the same as it is for Titanium and ELMAX.
Click to expand...

Yes, after a couple more blocks and some education they begin to realize what cost 'efficiencies' are.
 
Quiet said:
I find that quote amusing, considering that the RAT II is a great knife in its own right, and the Zancudo just...well, isn't that great. I was hoping that the Avispa was going to be better, but instead they just put a larger Zancudo blade onto a RAT 1 handle. I guess then, that the Avispa just wants to be the RAT 1. :p
Click to expand...

You know what they say, "small things amuse small minds...":D

Really, I like the RAT's, but have always preferred a spear point blade, and the Zancudo & Avispa have just that.
 
Alnamvet68 said:
You know what they say, "small things amuse small minds...":D

Really, I like the RAT's, but have always preferred a spear point blade, and the Zancudo & Avispa have just that.
Click to expand...

I can't even be offended, I've been amused by some pretty dumb stuff in the past. LOL :thumbup:
 
Quiet said:
I find that quote amusing, considering that the RAT II is a great knife in its own right, and the Zancudo just...well, isn't that great. I was hoping that the Avispa was going to be better, but instead they just put a larger Zancudo blade onto a RAT 1 handle. I guess then, that the Avispa just wants to be the RAT 1. :p
Click to expand...

You just won the internetz today! :thumbup:

Seriously, that gave me a good chuckle.
 
Has anyone figured out a way to smooth out the opening of the zancudo? I have to use two hands to get it open. Aside from that I love this knife. I just got the avispa in the mail today and I am loving it so far.
 
cb4life_30 said:
Has anyone figured out a way to smooth out the opening of the zancudo? I have to use two hands to get it open. Aside from that I love this knife. I just got the avispa in the mail today and I am loving it so far.
Click to expand...

I found that placing my thumb upon the stud and extending it outward is one of the best methods.
How are you doing it with two hands??
 
I am just opening it like a traditional folder. I was thinking about swapping out the washers to see if that helps.
 
cb4life_30 said:
Has anyone figured out a way to smooth out the opening of the zancudo? I have to use two hands to get it open. Aside from that I love this knife. I just got the avispa in the mail today and I am loving it so far.
Click to expand...

I've never had an issue with mine. It opens smooth and easy, with a nice snap. I ordered an Avispa today to replace my Rat1 as a beater knife. Why?
I prefer framelocks and the Avispa is thinner in the pocket.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top