Pretty Cheap.....

[UnknownVT]

actually pretty good looking (to my eyes), and cheap -

Spotted at a local WalMart priced at $20 for the whole set

.... less than $7 per knife - that's really cheap -
so what's the catch?

That's 420 stainless steel - which is regarded by some as "junk" steel.
However CRKT are using it in a lot of their knives - I have been EDC'ing a CRKT Ichi (review linked) which only has 420 - and admittedly I consider myself a "lite" user - the blade and edge has held up well - I have only had to retouch the edge once, and only by stropping on cardboard.

The look and feel of these knives is pretty good, and they do look pretty, and probably very servicable -

Fixed Blade (comes with a nylon sheath)

The handle on the fixed balde seems a bit on the small side - even though it fits me reasonably well - I can see it being too small for big hands.

Stockman -

two bladed and the clip blade seems short for the handle size.

One-hand opener -

This one feels heavy for its size.
But it is essentially a Frame-Lock (not bad for less than $7)

Hopefully the pictures show that these knives are pretty well made.

Obviously there will be variations in the burl wood - I had 6 packs to choose from.

Although these probably will be bought for the looks (and I think they are good looking) they do look and feel servicable - with the understanding they are 420 steel.

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[drano]

to my knowledge, theres quite a difference between 420j2 and 420hc
so i wouldnt compare the CRKT steel to this set.


btw... if your interested in the folder... get the aus8 version from knifekits.com and just slap those burl scales on.

 

[UnknownVT]

to my knowledge, theres quite a difference between 420j2 and 420hc
so i wouldnt compare the CRKT steel to this set.

Sorry to contradict you -
BUT the CRKT Ichi is 420J2 - please look at the review that I linked above.

this is from the CRKT catalog page -

Also right on the CRKT.com web page of the Koji Hara Ichi
QUOTE:
Blade: Length: 2.50” (6.4 cm)
Thickness: 0.096” (0.245 cm)
Steel: 420J2, 54-56 HRC
Closed:Handle length: 3.25” (8.3 cm)
Open:Overall length: 5.625” (14.3 cm)
Weight: 1.9 oz. (54 g)
UNQUOTE

If you go through the CRKT current catalog you can see for yourself quite a few knives use 420J2.

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[yablanowitz]

As stated above, there is more than one 420 stainless. Heat treat is critical to getting good performance out of any steel. In my opinion, it is even more critical in 420 than, say, S30V. The only real experience I have that may relate directly to these is a Winchester branded, made in China, three blade stockman I got in a lot of knives I bought some time ago. It sharpens about as easily as Velveeta cheese, and holds an edge nearly as well.

You get what you pay for. I would be pleasantly surprised if I found 3/$20 knives usable. YMMV

 

[UnknownVT]

You get what you pay for. I would be pleasantly surprised if I found 3/$20 knives usable. YMMV

While not disagreeing that heat treatment can make a huge difference in knives - and no, I do not know how well, or badly heat treated these knives are.
(Important Note: this logic means one could have any S30V or ZDP steel that's poorly heat treated - so basically "junk" too - probably less than any 420J2 that's well heat treated)

However I will give at least two notable examples of knives at about or less than $7, that are more than merely servicable.....

Opinel #8 and smaller

Victorinox 3.25" paring knife (as low as $3)

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[Gramps]

The only way to find out how those blades perform is to try them out, and while I am unlikely to buy them and do that, I would be more than interested, UVT, of your impressions after some testing. This I will say...those are a mighty handsome set of knives with very appealing wooden scales. However, "the proof is always in the puddin' ', so to speak....so no one can tell you that they aren't worth a darn until they have been used and evaluated.

-My best

 

[babakanoosh45]

Unknown, If you like the way they look and feel and they fit your budget, Then enjoy. That is what it is all about. Don't worry what other people think about your purchase or choice in knives or steels. Just make yourself happy. Nice set for $20.00 Bud! ~baba~

 

[MORIMOTOM]

i say if they perform to your satisfaction, they are great! if they dont, you are only out $20.

 

[yablanowitz]

I suppose I really should have added that I have never found a steel that made it clear through a hard day at work Some hold up better than others, and that particular Winchester stockman definitely falls in the "others" category. I have a number of Opinels, the oldest of which I have owned for 33 years, and they are great knives, unbeatable for the price in my opinion. It is also obvious where the money is spent in the Opinel, and it isn't in the handle.

Buy 'em if you like 'em. Use 'em or just look at 'em. It is your money and your choice. I just wanted to suggest you keep your expectations in line with the price tag. If their performance is like my stockman, you won't be disappointed if you don't expect much. If their performance is like an Opinel, you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[vetkaw63]

I would be interested in UnknownVT's evaluation. I have read his reviews on several forums and am always impressed. Please keep up the good work.
Mike

 

[UnknownVT]

Thanks for the comments.

Actually as a group all combined you have given a very good balanced view.

One should not have any high expectations of a knife set that's only $20 for 3 - which seems to have spent the money on looks and the handle material. Price alone is not a criteria - since there are many world-class knives that are low priced.

Although the steel is 420 (most probably J2) - it should not be condemned outright - as reputed companies do use this steel in their knife blades (eg: CRKT) and by my anecdotal evidence it works pretty well.

It is probably right to be suspicious of the steel regarding heat treatment etc. since the knives are so cheap thus likelihood may be higher -

But by the same logic poor heat treatment can apply to any steel, including premium ones - eg: S30V, ZDP - name your favorite....
no steel is immune -
we might be able to assume/expect a premium steel to be well heat treated - the likelihood is higher? ....
..... but aren't we now being naive?

Exactly as pointed out - even if the steel turns out to be "junk" - one is only out $20 - and the knives will still continue to look good (to me, YMMV), whereas with a single high priced "premium steel" knife ........

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[mp510]

I noticed they got some other promo Christmas knives in at my local wal-mart too. I didn't buy any of those sets, however I did pick up a $5 folder. Before the flame wars start about the use of a cheap knife for EDC, I can go down to a local gunshop and pay the clerk $15.95 for the same knife, still in Wal-mart Christmas packaging. Actually, mine is very useful, and has served every need that I have had for it.

 

[yablanowitz]

No flames from me. If it works for you, you're ahead of the game. I just expect to shell out a few dollars more when I buy a knife. I hope those extra dollars buy me:
1) Better materials. Even when everything else is equal, I'll take S30V over any 420.
2) Better heat treat. It isn't simple to properly heat treat knife steels, especially the newer ones. I expect that to cost more.
3) Attention to detail. I don't expect a production knife to be perfect in every detail, but the extra money usually ensures the primary grind will be the same length on both sides of the blade.

I have a lot of inexpensive knives, and I have a lot of cheap knives. They all sit around gathering dust, because they just can't handle the demands I make of the knives I carry. As a result, I don't bother buying inexpensive knives anymore, lest they turn out to be cheap knives. I may miss out on some good knives with this philosophy, but it makes it easier to save up for knives I can count on to be good.

 

[tom19176]

I have a large knife collection, but every year I have bought a few of those three for $20 sets. Last year I bought four of the Remington three pcs sets for $10 each set a few weeks after the holidays. The large lock back has been a EDC for a few months and has held up great. They are cheap knives but they are worth the price as users....

 

[Keith Montgomery]

They are even cheaper when you get them on ebay for $10.00 for the set.

 

[mp510]

No flames from me. If it works for you, you're ahead of the game. I just expect to shell out a few dollars more when I buy a knife. I hope those extra dollars buy me:
1) Better materials. Even when everything else is equal, I'll take S30V over any 420.
2) Better heat treat. It isn't simple to properly heat treat knife steels, especially the newer ones. I expect that to cost more.
3) Attention to detail. I don't expect a production knife to be perfect in every detail, but the extra money usually ensures the primary grind will be the same length on both sides of the blade.

I have a lot of inexpensive knives, and I have a lot of cheap knives. They all sit around gathering dust, because they just can't handle the demands I make of the knives I carry. As a result, I don't bother buying inexpensive knives anymore, lest they turn out to be cheap knives. I may miss out on some good knives with this philosophy, but it makes it easier to save up for knives I can count on to be good.

You raise some good points. If I didn't have experience with that make over the past ~year, I would be less willing to take the risk. And, I love more expensive knives.

I agree that 420 is not wondersteel as well.

Some of them do have cosmetic issues as well. The clerk (they were behind the Sporting Goods Counter) got the pleasure of my examining each one for buffing, grind, and obvious assy flaws. I chose the one that was in the best shape.

I found this model be a diamond in the rough- one that works though it really shouldn't. I have seen plenty of wally knives and multi-tools that I would never touch. :thumbup:

 

[UnknownVT]

I found this model be a diamond in the rough- one that works though it really shouldn't. I have seen plenty of wally knives and multi-tools that I would never touch. :thumbup:

As pointed out by another poster who has used these 3 knife sets, they are usable - "servicable".

I don't think any of us had high expectations of them - but they are pretty and cheap... and usable

- we just shouldn't expect too much of them.

However the latter can said about almost any knife.....

WalMart also sells Victorinox SAKs, Bucks and Kershaws - which have fine reputations .......

--
Vincent
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2006
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2005
http://clik.to/UnknownVT2004
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent

 

[rebeltf]

to my knowledge, theres quite a difference between 420j2 and 420hc
so i wouldnt compare the CRKT steel to this set.


btw... if your interested in the folder... get the aus8 version from knifekits.com and just slap those burl scales on.

Yea , that folder did look darn famaliar.

I'm surprised to see such pretty wood on cheaper knives like that. Pretty neat IMO.

UnknownVT , I too enjoy your reviews , I have bought (selectivly) a few cheaper blades over the past couple years , just out of curiosity.

Lately I bought a cute like Rukko at Ace , it sort of looks like something Spyderco might make , it was a PITA to sharpen but after say 20 minutes of reprofiling , it now cuts like a charm , naw it wont last long I know but it did satisfy my curiosity.

I also got a Marbles slipjoint not too long ago , whole cost including shipping was under 20$ , I am very impressed with this knife , the scales are beautiful polished bone stag , all three blades came almost razor sharp OOTB , the snap and walk/talk is wonderful. The Chinese factory that made this Marbles did a fantastic job.

 

[combs6136]

Hi, I have bought a few cheap knives and my biggest complaint is losing screws....Just use some locktite on all the screws and you will be ready to go..........But all the comments about the steel are right on....carl

 

[cutlerylover]

I saw that exact set while in the sport section at my local Walmart...I was there to buy another Brinkmann Maxfire LX flashlight (let me tell you this flashlight is awesome for the price compares the same with a surefire G2 and all for $18) Anyway I saw that exact set on the way to get the flashlight, I stopped, picked it up, looked at ti fro a while, lol...I was really thinking about buying it, but I figured for $20 I can just save up a bit mlore to buy one better folder...I ahve to say this might be a nice giftmto someone who doesn't really use thewir knives heavily...Or maybe for a collector who can display these knives...I am sure they will perform ok but when I think of good knives Winchester doesn't pop out in my mind...Plus thats just the name (most of the time companies like that - gun companies - auction off their name to be used on cheap china made knives) So the quality is questionable and liek it has already been said the heat treatment on the blade is the most impiortant thing with these lower quality steels...

But all that aside still only $20 for 3 nice looking knives...Hmmmmm, maybe for the display case but not for my pocket anyway...