I purchased the J. E. Made Zulu several weeks ago and it has not been out of my pocket since then. This is a truly amazing knife at its price point ($155 delivered from DLT Trading). Different knives appeal to different people, obviously, so I think its worth providing some context before getting into details. I am long-time knife collector and I have owned a substantial portion of Spyderco's catalog, starting in the mid 1990's. I also favor Benchmade knives and own and have owned dozens over the years. Somewhere around 2010 or so I started collecting custom knives. I do not work in an office setting--I am self-employed, so I can carry whatever size or style of knife I feel like. Over the last several years, I have moved away from carrying larger tactical folders to favoring smaller knives--not sure why. I have sold off quite a number of my tactical knives and I have lately been buying and carrying a range of non-locking folders. Before the last couple of years, my only slip joint knives were the UKPK, both in G-10 and Titanium, and the Spyderco T-Mag.
As I have started getting into slip joint knives, the standard traditional designs really did not do much for me. I suppose that this is because I have really come of age with modern folders--starting with a Economy / Standard (C05) which I carried for years. I rarely carry a folder without a pocket clip. I don't like having knives fall to the bottom of my pockets. I also really like modern materials -- both for handles and blades.
Given my likes and dislikes, I was definitely favorably inclined to like the J. E. Made Zulu. High-end steel, titanium handle, pocket clip, and high production values are all immediately evident. This knife is something new in the world of folders. The general pattern of the knife has traditional elements, but there is no mistaking this knife for a GEC.
My knife arrived with perfect grinds and the blade is absolutely centered. The pull is stiffer than most of my slip joint knives but I like that. There is a very nice snap to the blade at half stop and fully open or closed. The blade is exceedingly sharp out of the box. I cannot find a single flaw in the execution of this knife.
The handle that I have is checkered and with a faux bolster that is smooth. This is a really attractive combination of modern and more traditional elements. In the hand and in my pocket, this knife is a great size and weight. Light enough that you don't notice it when you don't need it, but feels substantial in the hand.
I will admit that I have tended to be skeptical about Chinese knives. This knife has really changed my perspective. When I compare this knife to the best that comes out of American factories from Spyderco and Benchmade, my J. E. Made knife is the equal of any knife I have owned.
As I write this, I have another J. E. Made knife on the way to my door. I'd love to know more about this company. I anticipate that J. E. Made could have a real impact among discerning knife people who want to carry a modern folder with traditional design elements.
As I have started getting into slip joint knives, the standard traditional designs really did not do much for me. I suppose that this is because I have really come of age with modern folders--starting with a Economy / Standard (C05) which I carried for years. I rarely carry a folder without a pocket clip. I don't like having knives fall to the bottom of my pockets. I also really like modern materials -- both for handles and blades.
Given my likes and dislikes, I was definitely favorably inclined to like the J. E. Made Zulu. High-end steel, titanium handle, pocket clip, and high production values are all immediately evident. This knife is something new in the world of folders. The general pattern of the knife has traditional elements, but there is no mistaking this knife for a GEC.
My knife arrived with perfect grinds and the blade is absolutely centered. The pull is stiffer than most of my slip joint knives but I like that. There is a very nice snap to the blade at half stop and fully open or closed. The blade is exceedingly sharp out of the box. I cannot find a single flaw in the execution of this knife.
The handle that I have is checkered and with a faux bolster that is smooth. This is a really attractive combination of modern and more traditional elements. In the hand and in my pocket, this knife is a great size and weight. Light enough that you don't notice it when you don't need it, but feels substantial in the hand.
I will admit that I have tended to be skeptical about Chinese knives. This knife has really changed my perspective. When I compare this knife to the best that comes out of American factories from Spyderco and Benchmade, my J. E. Made knife is the equal of any knife I have owned.
As I write this, I have another J. E. Made knife on the way to my door. I'd love to know more about this company. I anticipate that J. E. Made could have a real impact among discerning knife people who want to carry a modern folder with traditional design elements.