Sanrenmu 738 - very attractive budget knife

D

Dagon

Joined
Nov 12, 2007
Messages
1,932
Hi all,

Here's a heads-up towards a really interesting budget knife: the Sanrenmu 738. This is, as far as I know, a wholly original creation (unlike a handful of older models which are inspired by western designs). There is perhaps a hint of Benchmade there, yet no-one will take offense:

738.jpg


Some dry facts:
Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
Blade Style & Opener: Drop Point, Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs
Blade Steel: 8Cr14MoV (56-58HRC)
Handle Material: Carbon Fiber Inlays
Clip: Tip Down
Blade Length: 2.83'' / 72mm
Blade Thickness: 0.095'' / 2.44mm
Weight: 2.70oz / 76g
Open: 6.28'' / 160mm
Close: 3.57'' / 91mm

It is a very nicely made modern gentlemen/general leisure folder, the CF inlays are remarkable at this price, and in general the fit and finish is more than convincing, and it costs less than $10.
In addition, the liners are anodised which adds to the style.
The knife design is symmetric (something I usually prefer), and I think I will take the clip off mine, it looks better without.
The only negative point I could find is that the handle is (like with many Sanrenmus) a bit too short.

Next to the above impressions, I focused the first half of my latest review video on it; you may want to check it out if you want to see the knife in more detail:

[youtube]M5EGjzYb7Ek[/youtube]

Conclusion: in general, whoever holds it and examines it cannot say that this is "just chinese crap". It feels much better than that. I also think that it makes a nice gift. Strongly recommended !
 
Dagon,

Thanks, as always for another of your very informative reviews.

The 738 is everything you say, and a fine size for a gentleman's folder.

As with its stablemate, the excellent Sanrenmu 710, the 738 isn't perfect.

I have two of the 738s and one is badly off-center; not enough that it can't be used, but enough to make a collector unhappy. (Those who don't care for Chinese-made knives are probably saying, aha.....)

The second is nicely centered with no blade play, but the lock sticks enough that my thumb is sore from opening it. (And me without a lead pencil in the house.)

BTW, my 738s were replacements from Exduct, the dealer in China, for two defective Enlans. The linerlocks on the Enlans were weak and untrustworthy. They were the worst of the Chinese-made products I have come across.

The workmanship on the 738s is closer to that of the 710, still the best of the Sanrenmus I have seen.

In sum, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the 738. But, if you are picky, you might want to order more than one from which to choose.
 
Looks bigger by itself, but definitely seems more compact next to the other knife in your video. Clip is a nice option. Overall, nice little folder. Thanks for the review. :thumbup:
 
As with its stablemate, the excellent Sanrenmu 710, the 738 isn't perfect.
Click to expand...

That's a useful feedback - I guess I was lucky as mine doesn't suffer from these imperfections.
 
I am very happy with my 738 and I think you did an excellent review. I too was pleasantly surprised to find the liners and lock anodized.
The "Carbon Fibre" inlay to me does not seem like Carbon Fibre to me, but I geuss I may just be used to higher end knives with batter CF, but I think it's plastic, still like the knife though.
 
The 738 is just about a perfect size for pocket EDCing. It is virtually the same size as the small Buck Vantage Pro.

The difference is that the Buck has a very effective deep-pocket clip. The Sanrenmu has a traditional clip that leaves too much of the silver handle on display for my taste.

If that's an issue for you, you're better off just carrying this small folder in your pocket.

That quibble aside, the 738 makes a fine pocket EDCer.
 
Thanks for posting the review! I like the idea of that slipjoint; there aren't many like it to compare it to anywhere near that price point.
 
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