Comeuppance
Fixed Blade EDC Emisssary
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2013
- Messages
- 4,765
Theres a lot going on with this knife, and Im surprised at how much I like it.
(Full album here )
Its a big knife (4.25 blade, and about 9.25 overall), but, somehow, doesnt look like it. In the hand, it looks like this:
Not too bad. Compared to an 0801 with a 3.5 blade and an overall length of 8.25:
So, its pretty unassuming in the hand. I was pleased to find that mine not only had early lockup, but was dead centered and has a ceramic detent ball (which may be the most frustrating thing to photograph ever.)
It took me a while to figure out what it is that drew me to the knife. Its not some exotic steel, it doesnt have a strange or interesting blade or handle shape, the pattern on the handle really doesnt do anything for me, and I have no loyalty to the brand. Heck, I dont even typically get non-flippers.
What it came down to was that it felt like a choil-less SMF that I can use without hesitation. Cheap enough to replace, well-made enough to withstand quite a bit, and, crucially, no stupid choil.
Anyway, the beveling and machining on the back is gorgeous, even if there are some flaws in the anodization. The spine is jimping perfected, with large raised squares that lock into your thumb without causing even a little discomfort. It even looks good, too!
Now, back to why Ive made the arguably bold decision to compare it to an SMF - its a big, beefy son of a bitch.
Next to an 0801, comparing tips:
Side-by-side to an 0801:
This thing really is a damned monster, even though it doesnt look or feel like it. Theres some kind of optical illusion going on, and I assign blame to the strange anodization pattern:
I do also like that the clip is blue, and I also quite like how stupid huge the pivot is (full disclosure: took it apart. Its a pretty damned big pivot). The only negatives Ive noticed are that its a bit heavy (about 6.5oz) and it rides a little high in the pocket. Cosmetically, and specific to mine, I wish there were fewer flaws in the anodization. Honestly, though, since the design is pretty uninteresting to me, the spots are almost a good thing for me - it will keep me from babying it or beating myself up over the first blemish I cause.
I would strongly recommend the Ki4424 to anyone who is looking for a big, solid, slick folder without any functional bells or whistles. There's no flipper, no sick grind, nothing gimmicky - just a well-made stout-as-crap folder that won't send people running for the hills.
