- Joined
- Feb 4, 1999
- Messages
- 5,786
This review is probably a little late as the Pioneer I has become the Pioneer II, but the knives are basically the same, and there are still a lot of the 1st generation Pioneers out there and available. Anyway, the Pioneer's exact specs can be found at: http://www.rekat.com
Estimating, it seems the blade is about 3" long with a 4" long handle. The blade looks to be 1/8" and is ATS-34. Mine is the clip point pattern, and I bought it slightly used.
The knife sports dual stainless liners and smooth G-10 handle scales, so it is pretty hefty compared to others. I like this weight, and it feels good in my hands. The Pioneer's clip point blade features a swedge on the spine and REKAT's tumbled "stonewash" finish, which is quite similar in looks to a light bead-blast. Some people think it looks messy, but I like it. I prefer a satin finish, but oh well! This reflects the sun nicely.
Anyway, the main feature of the knife is REKAT's Rolling Lock mechanism. The Pioneer I has the lock release on the front of the scale which suits me just fine. The release and thumb bob are a little hard on the thumb, but not too bad. The opening and closing is rough since the Rolling Lock is always in contact with the blade as it pivots, but you start to like that rough feeling as it tells you the lock is indeed functioning the way it should.
The REKAT is all work and no play. The G-10 handles are smooth and then textured in other places for a worn look, and the liners and scales are definitely hand finished (read: not perfect). I love the way the spine uses spacers and is completely open. Very cool. The lockup is great, but one main gripe is the clip. I can't get it tight enough or the blade opens really rough, since the pivot pin holds the clip, too. That is annoying to me as I like zero play in clips.
The handle fills my hands completely and has a great ergonomic feel to it. Being used to Spyderco Endura and Calypso, I like the fatter, wider handle of the Pioneer as well as its short length, which is perfect for my relatively small hands. The Calypso handle is way long compared to this. All in all the Pioneer is a very well-made, solid little pocket knife that should be looked into by anyone who uses their folders hard. It's a great knife with a great lock and the 1st gen. lock works just fine. I don't see it as inconvenient at all. A+ for REKAT, but don't expect all the finish work you may find on similarly priced folders.
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My Custom Kydex Sheath pagehttp://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/knifehome.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels
Estimating, it seems the blade is about 3" long with a 4" long handle. The blade looks to be 1/8" and is ATS-34. Mine is the clip point pattern, and I bought it slightly used.
The knife sports dual stainless liners and smooth G-10 handle scales, so it is pretty hefty compared to others. I like this weight, and it feels good in my hands. The Pioneer's clip point blade features a swedge on the spine and REKAT's tumbled "stonewash" finish, which is quite similar in looks to a light bead-blast. Some people think it looks messy, but I like it. I prefer a satin finish, but oh well! This reflects the sun nicely.
The REKAT is all work and no play. The G-10 handles are smooth and then textured in other places for a worn look, and the liners and scales are definitely hand finished (read: not perfect). I love the way the spine uses spacers and is completely open. Very cool. The lockup is great, but one main gripe is the clip. I can't get it tight enough or the blade opens really rough, since the pivot pin holds the clip, too. That is annoying to me as I like zero play in clips.
The handle fills my hands completely and has a great ergonomic feel to it. Being used to Spyderco Endura and Calypso, I like the fatter, wider handle of the Pioneer as well as its short length, which is perfect for my relatively small hands. The Calypso handle is way long compared to this. All in all the Pioneer is a very well-made, solid little pocket knife that should be looked into by anyone who uses their folders hard. It's a great knife with a great lock and the 1st gen. lock works just fine. I don't see it as inconvenient at all. A+ for REKAT, but don't expect all the finish work you may find on similarly priced folders.
------------------
My Custom Kydex Sheath pagehttp://www.geocities.com/CollegePark/Lab/1298/knifehome.html
Palmer College of Chiropractic
On Two Wheels