- Joined
- Oct 27, 2014
- Messages
- 74
I just purchased a Guardian Tactical Helix Nano and wanted to share my very positive first impressions. I ordered direct from GT and chose blackwashed blade and clip, satin hardware, and jade green G10 scales. My last review was of the auto version of this knife, the Mini Helix, so i have borrowed some crossover verbiage from there:
The Helix Nano is, in my opinion, the perfect EDC knife design. It is the right size for daily carry. And being a manual action knife with a sub 3" cutting edge, it is a very versatile blade that can be legally carried in most places. CPM-154 is perhaps my favorite stainless blade steel and Guardian Tactical's heat-treat is known to be first-rate; on par with Microtech if not better. So you know the cutting ability is top-notch for any appropriate task.
The robust "leafy" blade provides the right amount of belly for most tasks while retaining an aggressive drop-point. It has an interesting compound grind, similar to Microtech's "nightmare", and incorporates a nice functional choil. It is notably beefier than the Mini Helix (see photos), which is a good thing. The skeletonizing on the blade is a nice touch which is likely intended to help lighten the blade for fast flipping. Added thumb studs provide some purchase on the blade in the event that it does not fully open, however these do not act as the blade-stop. Ceramic ball bearings and a very strong detent make flipping a joy. No special technique involved...just press hard and the blade flies out. Lockup is absolutely flawless along all axes. It utilizes a sub-lock with replaceable liner. Very pleasant to close.
The sculpted G10 handle (also available in CF an Al) feels phenomenally ergonomic in my hand. It is long enough not to leave my pinky begging for a lanyard, although it does offer the option with a lanyard hole that doubles as a glass/skull crusher. Jimping is in the right place all around. I usually prefer a deeper clip than seen here, however without a lanyard the exposed end makes for a smooth and pleasant draw. The sculpted backspacer with "icepick" jimping and built-in lanyard hole/skullcrusher really is nice.
As far as overall quality I must say that this knife leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. If I were given the chance to design my ideal knife and have it built to my spec, I don't think I could do any better than what already exists as the Helix Nano. No matter what blade finish or handle material you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a knife that rivals any production, midtech or custom at ANY price point. But you're paying the same price as an entry-level Microtech or mid-level Benchmade or Spyderco.
I recommend this knife to anyone.
The Helix Nano is, in my opinion, the perfect EDC knife design. It is the right size for daily carry. And being a manual action knife with a sub 3" cutting edge, it is a very versatile blade that can be legally carried in most places. CPM-154 is perhaps my favorite stainless blade steel and Guardian Tactical's heat-treat is known to be first-rate; on par with Microtech if not better. So you know the cutting ability is top-notch for any appropriate task.
The robust "leafy" blade provides the right amount of belly for most tasks while retaining an aggressive drop-point. It has an interesting compound grind, similar to Microtech's "nightmare", and incorporates a nice functional choil. It is notably beefier than the Mini Helix (see photos), which is a good thing. The skeletonizing on the blade is a nice touch which is likely intended to help lighten the blade for fast flipping. Added thumb studs provide some purchase on the blade in the event that it does not fully open, however these do not act as the blade-stop. Ceramic ball bearings and a very strong detent make flipping a joy. No special technique involved...just press hard and the blade flies out. Lockup is absolutely flawless along all axes. It utilizes a sub-lock with replaceable liner. Very pleasant to close.
The sculpted G10 handle (also available in CF an Al) feels phenomenally ergonomic in my hand. It is long enough not to leave my pinky begging for a lanyard, although it does offer the option with a lanyard hole that doubles as a glass/skull crusher. Jimping is in the right place all around. I usually prefer a deeper clip than seen here, however without a lanyard the exposed end makes for a smooth and pleasant draw. The sculpted backspacer with "icepick" jimping and built-in lanyard hole/skullcrusher really is nice.
As far as overall quality I must say that this knife leaves absolutely nothing to be desired. If I were given the chance to design my ideal knife and have it built to my spec, I don't think I could do any better than what already exists as the Helix Nano. No matter what blade finish or handle material you choose, you can be confident that you're getting a knife that rivals any production, midtech or custom at ANY price point. But you're paying the same price as an entry-level Microtech or mid-level Benchmade or Spyderco.
I recommend this knife to anyone.
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. Thanks for posting :thumbup:! It looks to me a solid little knife. The design it's maybe not my cup of tea and find this a bit too much on the "tactical" side, but it's interesting, far from being trivial and - at least "on paper" - it seems to me it still retains a decent cutting capability in spite of its strongly characteristized design and shapes. Enjoy her in good health!
