So the postman just dropped off a brand spankin new Mini 15 in BT coating with a plain edge. Initial thoughts are that the blade shape is AMAZING. Tanto tip for removing staples from paper, with just enough belly for slicing tasks. It feels a lot smaller than what I imagined since I have been EDCing a CQC-7V for the past week and the mini 15 definitely feels a lot smaller and tighter, even if they are the same size. I put it down to the sword-guard like handle really locking your hand into a grip. I have small-medium size hands and it fits nice and snug.
I also noticed they changed the pivot screw and when I took it apart, I saw they had some shiny glittery stuff on the washers. Anyone know what it is? Whatever it is, it makes for the smoothest opening Emerson I have ever felt. No grittiness, no blade jumping, no side to side. My 2010 Karambit was a nightmare to open/close since it was sooo sticky for the first month. My 7V was the same. This mini 15 opens and closes like a dream, very smooth no matter how loose or tight you have your pivot set. I also notice that my stainless steel liner seems glued to my g-10 scales, I don't know if this is intended though lol.
What I didn't like was this. Too much red loctite or whatever they use on the pivot screw. Made adjusting and opening the knife for cleaning really difficult. I cleaned my pivot screw off the loctite and added my teflon tape since I prefer that. Also, the blade is off centred by a small bit. I can't seem to centre it properly no matter what I do but Ill see if it breaks in after a few hundred openings. I think I have my larger washer on the titanium side, and the smaller washer on the stainless steel side. If I have it the wrong way, please tell me.
Anyway, this is an amazing knife. I will EDC it for about a month or so and come back with my thoughts. But first impressions are definitely very pleased with it. It is probably my new favourite Emerson, above the Karambit, Horseman, and 7.
I am trying to find my camera to take a few snaps of it since I think it deserves better than low-quality cellphone pics
Pics as promised-
I also noticed they changed the pivot screw and when I took it apart, I saw they had some shiny glittery stuff on the washers. Anyone know what it is? Whatever it is, it makes for the smoothest opening Emerson I have ever felt. No grittiness, no blade jumping, no side to side. My 2010 Karambit was a nightmare to open/close since it was sooo sticky for the first month. My 7V was the same. This mini 15 opens and closes like a dream, very smooth no matter how loose or tight you have your pivot set. I also notice that my stainless steel liner seems glued to my g-10 scales, I don't know if this is intended though lol.
What I didn't like was this. Too much red loctite or whatever they use on the pivot screw. Made adjusting and opening the knife for cleaning really difficult. I cleaned my pivot screw off the loctite and added my teflon tape since I prefer that. Also, the blade is off centred by a small bit. I can't seem to centre it properly no matter what I do but Ill see if it breaks in after a few hundred openings. I think I have my larger washer on the titanium side, and the smaller washer on the stainless steel side. If I have it the wrong way, please tell me.
Anyway, this is an amazing knife. I will EDC it for about a month or so and come back with my thoughts. But first impressions are definitely very pleased with it. It is probably my new favourite Emerson, above the Karambit, Horseman, and 7.
I am trying to find my camera to take a few snaps of it since I think it deserves better than low-quality cellphone pics
Pics as promised-
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