- Joined
- May 19, 2008
- Messages
- 1,534
I am, like many of you on BF, always looking for a new bargain type blade to modify or just to use around the house as a beater. In the recent past the RAT-1 and Utilitac II folders have fulfilled this role quite admirably. This led me to investigate the new Lansky Responder. The design is that of Mikkel Willumsen and I personally think it is a great looking folder. It is manufactured in China. However, the few reviews I found online indicated that it was a fairly good value for the money. I know that there have been quite a few General Forum posts lately regarding which knives are decent value-type EDC folders. The Responder is not the standard fare so I thought I would posts some pics and a short review (my first!)
So here goes nothing...
Lansky Responder (EDC model. There is also a X9 version with Sandvik steel and G10)
Blade steel is 3.5 inches of 440C. Flats are satin and grind is stonewashed. Thickness is 0.15 inches.
Total length is 7 inches.
Total weight is 6oz
Handle material is green and black nylon.
Has flipper and opening hole. What appears as thumb-studs are really bladestops.
Liner lock
Manufactured in China and arrived in clamshell.
Here is the knife fresh out of the package.
First impressions were that it seemed at least as good as the RAT and Utilitac if not a little on the heavy side. Flipper actually worked without wrist flick. Despite the weight it is easily pocketed and the ergos are very good in the hand. It came shaving sharp. I was unable to move the blade in any direction testing play.
I promptly disassembled it to prep it for acid stonewashing.
Here are the pics of the innards.
Tang and lock interface. A tad dimunitive IMO but seems to provide enough stability for "normal use" I would imagine. Blade proper is 2oz.
Liners. These are full and heavy. 2oz total. I fully intend to skeletonize these soon.
Pivot. That white lock-tite is a real beast to get loose.
Pocket clip. 2 position. Tip up or down. Pretty deep carry clip.
Blade with washers. Note that it comes with nylon washers. Although they perform surprisingly well, I believe bronze/phosphorous washers would be a big complement to the action.
3 piece scales.
Backspacer with brass bushing inserts. Initially I thought it might be made of aluminum but it appears to be steel. 1.5oz. I believe a G10 or aluminum version would help in the weight department.
I attempted to drill out the liners but my bits are completely worn out so that will have to wait. I did a quick acid etch/stone-wash and reassembled. Flipper is even smoother and blade sits well centered in the liners.
Status post etch, stonewash and wicked edge.
Overall impression: I paid $12.75 for this knife. The shipping brought the total to $18.74. Do I honestly think it will replace anything in my collection? No. However, in my opinion, it was well worth the money I paid if for no other reason than to practice some modding skills without fear of ruining an expensive blade. I think it is very much on the level of the RAT-1 and Utilitac II. Yes, it is 440C and not a high end super steel but for every day carry (at least mine) I think will be fine.
To me it is a "cool" design with adequate materials and put together good enough to handle a little abuse if need be. My only real criticism would be the weight. At 6oz total it's a little on the chunky side. In time, I think I can remedy some of that myself by replacing or modding the backspacer and liners. If you are looking for something different that seems to be a lot of folder of the money, I think it fits the bill IMO.
Thanks,
So here goes nothing...
Lansky Responder (EDC model. There is also a X9 version with Sandvik steel and G10)
Blade steel is 3.5 inches of 440C. Flats are satin and grind is stonewashed. Thickness is 0.15 inches.
Total length is 7 inches.
Total weight is 6oz
Handle material is green and black nylon.
Has flipper and opening hole. What appears as thumb-studs are really bladestops.
Liner lock
Manufactured in China and arrived in clamshell.
Here is the knife fresh out of the package.
First impressions were that it seemed at least as good as the RAT and Utilitac if not a little on the heavy side. Flipper actually worked without wrist flick. Despite the weight it is easily pocketed and the ergos are very good in the hand. It came shaving sharp. I was unable to move the blade in any direction testing play.
I promptly disassembled it to prep it for acid stonewashing.
Here are the pics of the innards.
Tang and lock interface. A tad dimunitive IMO but seems to provide enough stability for "normal use" I would imagine. Blade proper is 2oz.
Liners. These are full and heavy. 2oz total. I fully intend to skeletonize these soon.
Pivot. That white lock-tite is a real beast to get loose.
Pocket clip. 2 position. Tip up or down. Pretty deep carry clip.
Blade with washers. Note that it comes with nylon washers. Although they perform surprisingly well, I believe bronze/phosphorous washers would be a big complement to the action.
3 piece scales.
Backspacer with brass bushing inserts. Initially I thought it might be made of aluminum but it appears to be steel. 1.5oz. I believe a G10 or aluminum version would help in the weight department.
I attempted to drill out the liners but my bits are completely worn out so that will have to wait. I did a quick acid etch/stone-wash and reassembled. Flipper is even smoother and blade sits well centered in the liners.
Status post etch, stonewash and wicked edge.
Overall impression: I paid $12.75 for this knife. The shipping brought the total to $18.74. Do I honestly think it will replace anything in my collection? No. However, in my opinion, it was well worth the money I paid if for no other reason than to practice some modding skills without fear of ruining an expensive blade. I think it is very much on the level of the RAT-1 and Utilitac II. Yes, it is 440C and not a high end super steel but for every day carry (at least mine) I think will be fine.
To me it is a "cool" design with adequate materials and put together good enough to handle a little abuse if need be. My only real criticism would be the weight. At 6oz total it's a little on the chunky side. In time, I think I can remedy some of that myself by replacing or modding the backspacer and liners. If you are looking for something different that seems to be a lot of folder of the money, I think it fits the bill IMO.
Thanks,
