New District 9 Knife

austonh

austonh

Joined
Jun 26, 2012
Messages
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There was a thread a few weeks ago about the new District 9 models that just hit the market. I had mentioned that I would get one and do a review.

If you were interested, here is the review:

[video=youtube_share;RYPT9UwnFsM]http://youtu.be/RYPT9UwnFsM[/video]
 
I have that one on the way, also have the District 9 branded version (non-anodized, non-Reate branded) currently. Going to do a comparison when the Reate version shows up.
 
Lost Cosmonaut said:
I have that one on the way, also have the District 9 branded version (non-anodized, non-Reate branded) currently. Going to do a comparison when the Reate version shows up.
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Cool, I think they are all made in the same place, so they should be identical aside from the anodization. Looking forward to your input!
 
austonh said:
Cool, I think they are all made in the same place, so they should be identical aside from the anodization. Looking forward to your input!
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They should be the same, but I'm going to take pictures of the guts to be sure. One major difference is the District 9 Storm is numbered, and all the Reate D9s I've seen aren't. I'm more wondering about fit and finish since one is limited and one is regular production.

It's easily one of my most favorite knives in my collection so far. Just incredible.
 
Thanks for the review. If you do any of the mods you talked about, please post some pictures!

And, regarding the backspacer, I wonder how it'd look if you took some low grit (1200+.) sandpaper to it?

I really like the look of these knives. They look like 400$+ customs, and have the specs to match. But, how do they fare quality wise compared to 400$+ customs?

And what was that new Reate model you were talking about? It's not on their site.
 
They've been teasing a new knife on their Instagram @reateknives. Looks like it's going to be a Wharncliff or a reverse tanto.

I don't have any $400+ customs in my collection (yet), but this thing blows away just about everything else I own in fit, finish and features. My higher end stuff is all ZTs and maybe a couple mid-tech level knives and the D9/District 9 Storm blow them all away in how nice the action is and the general feel.
 
I was wondering when a discussion would come up about these. I received one of the D9 Storm Flippers about a week ago and am very impressed with it so far. The fit and finish is second to none! My only criticism is that it's a pretty heavy knife at a little under 8oz. The flipping action on mine is outstanding also, it has a strong detent and very smooth action.

I compare it with $400-$500 mid techs and it holds it's own.
 
Lost Cosmonaut said:
They've been teasing a new knife on their Instagram @reateknives. Looks like it's going to be a Wharncliff or a reverse tanto.

I don't have any $400+ customs in my collection (yet), but this thing blows away just about everything else I own in fit, finish and features. My higher end stuff is all ZTs and maybe a couple mid-tech level knives and the D9/District 9 Storm blow them all away in how nice the action is and the general feel.
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Thanks.

What ZT's do you have? Do you have any of their bearing flippers?
 
ZT wise, I have the 0600, 801brwcf, 0560 and just sold my 0777. Midtechwise, I have the Mosier/Kendrick Burning Horizon, Guardian Tactical Helix, Guardian Tactical Mini Auto Helix, Reate Horizon A, LionSteel SR1 and SR2. Aside from the nitpicks I mention, it holds its own against any of those.
 
I'm really interested in buying one because I love the design. But the lack of any warranty and the fact I'd have to send it back to China if there were any issues with it initially is turning me off. Plus, there have been reports that their heat treating is really bad.

Love the look of the knife though, at some point I'll probably pick one up. But I hope places like BHQ or others will start to carry this model so if I have any issues I have an American company who will back it up. They currently have one of their models, but the D9 isn't available yet.
 
A Custom Knives dealer from Arizona has sold quite a few of these on their website and I imagine othe US sources will pop up soon. The knife is very high quality, I doubt there will be many warranty issues.
 
unwisefool said:
Ok no pics? Really guys? :(
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You don't like my 15 minutes of moving pictures? :(

District9_zpsd278f59a.jpg


IMG_20140825_132058_zps98754827.jpg
 
jac_solar said:
Thanks.

What ZT's do you have? Do you have any of their bearing flippers?
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Yes, I have an 0561 and I've handled an 0801. This thing blows them both away. I also have an 0550, an 0301, an 0200 and a 0650.

Revolverrodger said:
I try to avoid made in China stuff when I can.
Better to keep my dollars close to home
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95% of the goods in your home are more than likely foreign made. Such is our economy.

vernSL said:
I'm really interested in buying one because I love the design. But the lack of any warranty and the fact I'd have to send it back to China if there were any issues with it initially is turning me off. Plus, there have been reports that their heat treating is really bad.

Love the look of the knife though, at some point I'll probably pick one up. But I hope places like BHQ or others will start to carry this model so if I have any issues I have an American company who will back it up. They currently have one of their models, but the D9 isn't available yet.
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I haven't heard of heat treat issues with Reates, I have heard of soft heat treats on Kizers.

3486772093_sfrB9FW-XL.jpg
 
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vernSL said:
Where are you guys ordering them from? I'm looking for a storm model
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The Reate version you have to order straight from them. The District 9 branded version has been showing up at a Custom Knife store in Arizona and a place called Recon 1, just search under "District 9". They sell out pretty quickly when they show up, so you gotta jump. I was pretty lucky to get mine.
 
unwisefool said:
So are all the knives made by reate? I'm confused
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Yes. The plain Stonewash version is sold under the designers own brand, District 9, as the Storm Flipper and is limited and has a serial number. The Anodized version is sold by Reate and is called the D9 and has no serial number and as far as I'm aware, is not limited production.

I'm not sure there are any differences, that's why I'm waiting for my Reate D9 to show up so I can do a comparison. The Reate version is slightly cheaper.
 
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