This review is for the Okapi model 1979/E, which is a slipjoint in carbon steel. I'd like to thank a forum member, Karl, for the knife.
Specifications: The handle on the 1979/E is made of a single piece of resin-impregnated wood. It is 4.25" long, and tapered, like all Okapis. The "E" in the model designation, by the way, indicates that the handle has an inlay. The inlay consists of a moon and stars, and is stainless steel. The blade is 3.5" long, and ends in a clip point. The left side of the blade has a nail nick, and has OKAPI over CARBON STEEL stamped into it. It is carbon steel, and has an angle of about 20 degrees. The knife also features a stainless steel shackle, attached to the blade pivot pin.
Impressions: The 1979/E is a slipjoint, meaning the blade doesn't lock open. Still, it's a very useful tool. the blade has a semi-squared tang, allowing it to stop opening (or closing) in the half-way position. When open, the blade is held open with a stiff spring. I used this knife for some minor stuff, including opening mail and boxes, and trimming leather. It did a good job, as expected of carbon steel. there were no failures of any kind, and the blade had no play in it even after work. Maintenance seems easy; just wipe it dry and then wipe it down with a Tuff Cloth. I can't comment on resharpening, because I haven't needed to resharpen the thing. It's still very sharp. You can find these models on-line for about $5, which is a steal for this quality of knife.
I apologize for the low quality of the pictures. I really need a tripod to steady the camera...
The first picture is the knife closed, with the inlay showing.
The second one is the knife closed, showing the back.
This one shows the knife open.
The last one shows the knife in the half-way open position.
Specifications: The handle on the 1979/E is made of a single piece of resin-impregnated wood. It is 4.25" long, and tapered, like all Okapis. The "E" in the model designation, by the way, indicates that the handle has an inlay. The inlay consists of a moon and stars, and is stainless steel. The blade is 3.5" long, and ends in a clip point. The left side of the blade has a nail nick, and has OKAPI over CARBON STEEL stamped into it. It is carbon steel, and has an angle of about 20 degrees. The knife also features a stainless steel shackle, attached to the blade pivot pin.
Impressions: The 1979/E is a slipjoint, meaning the blade doesn't lock open. Still, it's a very useful tool. the blade has a semi-squared tang, allowing it to stop opening (or closing) in the half-way position. When open, the blade is held open with a stiff spring. I used this knife for some minor stuff, including opening mail and boxes, and trimming leather. It did a good job, as expected of carbon steel. there were no failures of any kind, and the blade had no play in it even after work. Maintenance seems easy; just wipe it dry and then wipe it down with a Tuff Cloth. I can't comment on resharpening, because I haven't needed to resharpen the thing. It's still very sharp. You can find these models on-line for about $5, which is a steal for this quality of knife.
I apologize for the low quality of the pictures. I really need a tripod to steady the camera...
The first picture is the knife closed, with the inlay showing.
The second one is the knife closed, showing the back.
This one shows the knife open.
The last one shows the knife in the half-way open position.
