My Mini Recon 1- Plain Edge Spear Point

[kfcounts]

I received my MR1 SP last Thursday, but I wanted to give myself the weekend before I posted my observations.

Initial Impressions:

• I purchased the MR1 plain edge spear point from a vendor on the wide river online portal for ~$84 including shipping. I think that the cost is maybe $10-15 high for a knife this size, but this may settle out once the initial demand is met. However the cost is pretty much exactly the same as a S30V Benchmade Griptillian.
• The first time opened, I almost couldn't disengage the lock. The lockbar/tang/pin didn't want to disengage. This wore in, or loosened up a bit as I worked the action and its fine now, 4 days later. The lock spring is strong, but the effort to open is not at high as my Hold Out 3 (over a year old).
• The pocket clip was very tight, too tight.
• The handle thickness is exactly the same as my AUS8A HO3 (10mm). The G10 scales are less aggressive than those of the HO3 in its original form. The G10 texture isn't particularly grippy or tactile(ly) pleasing. Its just, OK. The shape is however, superb; curves just where they should be to fit the hand and the thumb. Great job on the thumb ramp for pushing or pulling the blade.
• The blade is a fantastic shape and outrageously sharp. The balance of the knife is perfect. It feels like an extension of my hand.
• I really, really, really wish the blade was not coated, because this MR1 would be a stunningly handsome with a polished or bead blasted blade.

Progress and Observations:

1. I fixed the pocket clip perfectly. I slid (2) quarters and (2) pennies under the clip and left them there for ~30 minutes. This deformed the clip slightly. You can just barely see light between the scale and the tip of the clip. The gap is the thickness of a single sheet of copy paper. This is perfect for my work Khakis and Lee jeans.
3. I opened the blade to a position that appeared to deflect the spring/lockbar the greatest distance and left it open for a couple of hours. This did lessen the force required to depress the spring to an "acceptably" high level. Its still much greater than I want, but its good enough that I won't return the knife. I will be leaving the knife open the rest of the day at work to see if this improves things any more. I can flip the blade open with a very forceful flick of my thumb and snap of my wrist (about half the times that I try). This is by far better than my attempts with the seasoned HO3. I cannot close the knife one handed at all.
5. I favor old style G10 textured scales like on the previous HO3 model. I know that many complained about the aggressive nature of those scales, but all you had to do (as I did) was lay the knife down on a piece of 400 grit sandpaper (on top of a mousepad) and gently sand down the sharp edges. You are left with a great finish that begs to be fondled. It gives a great tactile sensation. The new feel is meh; certainly not reason to return the knife, but this knife isn't one that you can't take your hands off of, like the HO3 (IMHO).

Conclusions:

This is an absolutely magnificent EDC knife. By that I mean that it is a near perfect size, weight, balance, blade shape and sharpness for my everyday carry. (My city has an ordnance restricting blades to 3" maximum). The ergonomics of the handle shape, thumb ramp, finger choil, notch for thumbstud, and blade shape are fantastic. I am hopeful that the lock spring tension will continue to lessen under continued workouts to the point I am able to open and close this knife one handed. I am committed to this objective, because I really am happy with this knife. Once this the spring issue is resolved, my only regrets will be the coated blade and the handle texture. Those are regrets due to my personal preferences, and not flaws of design or manufacture. I was torn between this MR1 and a Benchmade Mini Griptillian. For me and what I want, this MR1 was the right choice.

 

[jazzz]

I got the clip point, and it broke in quite quickly with opening and closing. I took off the clip and bent it at the front so it could actually go over seams (what's up with that?) and at the back so it was a bit looser. I also sanded lightly under the clip. It's now fantastic. Kinda wish we didn't have to do these things, though. Anyway, nice review. Enjoy your knife.