New LE 530-1303 REI Exclusive

Ship to store is a good deal. :thumbup: I'm trying to figure out whether this can wait until the next 20% off sale for members - probably won't, and I probably won't. :)

tatfiend said:
I just ordered the LE CF REI 530 to be sent to my local store for pickup. Been a REI member since they opened their Eastbay SF bay area store which I believe was their first store outside the Seattle area. I think that was in the early to mid 1970s. I know, dating myself.
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JNewell;

Pretty limited quantity at 175 made and with the interest shown here I do not expect availability to last too long. I could be wrong though.
 
They'll probably be around for 2/3 more weeks, but not much longer. If I had the funds, I'd certainly pick up one more.
 
Maybe we'll luck out with an REI coupon while they're still around. Regardless, I'm happy that mine is on a big brown truck today.
 
I had free shipping with this item. Why would ship to store be a better deal?
I don't want to buy another one but this thread tempts me to do so.
 
I received my yesterday 530-1303. First impressions of my first 530:

The fit and finish is perfect. The herringbone pattern is beautiful —*it gives the scales an almost "bio-mechanical" look with a subtle reference to H.R. Giger without going overboard (CRKT Ripple). The blacked out hardware blends in very well with the carbon fiber as well.

I could see how the herringbone pattern would actually make for some nice wear with regular carry, as the CF might polish on those raised edges. From the factory, the ridges already look a bit shinier than the flats of the scales.

As far as the design, it's nice. Super light. I was worried about the slimness of the handle, but it's plenty comfortable for the tasks this knife will see. The Axis lock studs are a little finicky due to the hollowed out design and they require pinching to actuate, so they're not as comfortable to use as the standard stepped/pyramid studs on most Axis locks. The thumbstuds are similarly small (same as the Aphid), but still easy to flick with the thumb without much trouble. No, they're not as easy to use as the standard studs found on say, a Griptilian, but they make sense with this super light and slim design.

Overall, this one is a keeper.
 
Blade and Flame said:
I received my yesterday 530-1303. First impressions of my first 530:

The fit and finish is perfect. The herringbone pattern is beautiful —*it gives the scales an almost "bio-mechanical" look with a subtle reference to H.R. Giger without going overboard (CRKT Ripple). The blacked out hardware blends in very well with the carbon fiber as well.

I could see how the herringbone pattern would actually make for some nice wear with regular carry, as the CF might polish on those raised edges. From the factory, the ridges already look a bit shinier than the flats of the scales.

As far as the design, it's nice. Super light. I was worried about the slimness of the handle, but it's plenty comfortable for the tasks this knife will see. The Axis lock studs are a little finicky due to the hollowed out design and they require pinching to actuate, so they're not as comfortable to use as the standard stepped/pyramid studs on most Axis locks. The thumbstuds are similarly small (same as the Aphid), but still easy to flick with the thumb without much trouble. No, they're not as easy to use as the standard studs found on say, a Griptilian, but they make sense with this super light and slim design.

Overall, this one is a keeper.
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Nice review, thanks! :thumbup:
 
Blade and Flame said:
I received my yesterday 530-1303. First impressions of my first 530:

The fit and finish is perfect. The herringbone pattern is beautiful —*it gives the scales an almost "bio-mechanical" look with a subtle reference to H.R. Giger without going overboard (CRKT Ripple). The blacked out hardware blends in very well with the carbon fiber as well.

I could see how the herringbone pattern would actually make for some nice wear with regular carry, as the CF might polish on those raised edges. From the factory, the ridges already look a bit shinier than the flats of the scales.

As far as the design, it's nice. Super light. I was worried about the slimness of the handle, but it's plenty comfortable for the tasks this knife will see. The Axis lock studs are a little finicky due to the hollowed out design and they require pinching to actuate, so they're not as comfortable to use as the standard stepped/pyramid studs on most Axis locks. The thumbstuds are similarly small (same as the Aphid), but still easy to flick with the thumb without much trouble. No, they're not as easy to use as the standard studs found on say, a Griptilian, but they make sense with this super light and slim design.

Overall, this one is a keeper.
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Great review!

One of the drawbacks of carrying a larger blade (and an issue I always faced in the past) was carrying, lets say an 810, 275, or that new ergonomic nightmare the 7505 in regular shorts/basketball shorts when on walks with my dog, or mountain biking.. etc. etc. Larger knives way down light shorts/pants, and they get really annoying.. The 530 is virtually weightless so it makes for a good carry in the lightest of garments.

After about a week of carry so far, I’m still as excited to use it as the day I got it - I’m eyeing the 3550 now for patrol :) Simple designs my friends save you a headache.
 
On shorts; I work for myself and live in them during the summer months. My 530 makes for one of a few perfect carry knives because of its ability to disappear. The list: 350, 525, 530, 907, 14210...and of these the 530 is at the top of the selection.
 
Yes, the light weight of the 530 is awesome. 1.98 oz on my scale. Seems kind of amazing for a 3.25" blade. And despite the featherweight design, the carbon fiber scales on this LE feels stout, half-length liners and all.
 
JNewell said:
Ship to store is a good deal. :thumbup: I'm trying to figure out whether this can wait until the next 20% off sale for members - probably won't, and I probably won't. :)
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Just got a mailer from REI stating that there will be a $20 gift card with purchase of $100+ starting June 21. For me, this ends up being better because the purchase would also qualify for a dividend rebate and there are things I plan on buying at REI anyway.
 
jlhwan said:
Just got a mailer from REI stating that there will be a $20 gift card with purchase of $100+ starting June 21. For me, this ends up being better because the purchase would also qualify for a dividend rebate and there are things I plan on buying at REI anyway.
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Yes, that actually looks like the best deal - thanks. :thumbup:
 
jlhwan said:
Just got a mailer from REI stating that there will be a $20 gift card with purchase of $100+ starting June 21. For me, this ends up being better because the purchase would also qualify for a dividend rebate and there are things I plan on buying at REI anyway.
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Damn! That is a better deal. Might have to pick up another. Thanks for the tip!
 
After carrying for about a week, I can't understand why the 530 is so underrated :confused:

Great knife, slices unlike anything I've ever seen!
 
Neuron604 said:
I had free shipping with this item. Why would ship to store be a better deal?
I don't want to buy another one but this thread tempts me to do so.
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The local REI is reasonably close and having the knife sent there makes sure that if a shipper loses it then it will be replaced by REI. Also no chance of a package disappearing from my doorstep.
 
tatfiend said:
The local REI is reasonably close and having the knife sent there makes sure that if a shipper loses it then it will be replaced by REI. Also no chance of a package disappearing from my doorstep.
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REI isn't discount and the annual dividend isn't what it could be; but their offer of having items held in their local stores is, next to their no questions asked return policy the reason I shop there. :thumbup:
 
P_Meticulous said:
After carrying for about a week, I can't understand why the 530 is so underrated :confused:

Great knife, slices unlike anything I've ever seen!
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Man, you are so out of it. :rolleyes: If it ain't "hard use" and "tactical," it just ain't...ain't. :rolleyes: ;) I agree about the 530, but it certainly isn't a knife for guys who want to take off wheel covers with their blades. Ordered one of the -1303s to keep the REI LE family complete. :thumbup: May order another before they're gone.
 
JNewell said:
but it certainly isn't a knife for guys who want to take off wheel covers with their blades.
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LOL thats what tools are for ;) I have a tool-bag in my trunk, along with a go-bag (with an assortment of goodies ;)) Hub-cap vs. Pain - no issues :D

I'm a firm believer in using the right tool for the job, I'll save the Macgyver stuff for TV

The jokes on the guy who has a brick in his pocket, to open a box, or cut some fruit LOL :rolleyes:;)
 
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