Disclaimer: if you are into the latest super steel, modern materials, precision machined parts, fidget toys, novel lock designs, then stop reading and thank me for saving you time
Why buy this knife? Perhaps you appreciate simplicity, traditional knives from around the world, or basic, utilitarian tools that anyone can own. It is just wood and steel, and has an understated elegance. Also, it's $10 (including shipping) at the end of 2022. Is it even worth $10? I have paid more for worse knives. In fact, I think it is a good knife.
This knife is just four parts: blade, pivot pin, steel bolster, and beech wood handle. It weighs only 1 ounce. The blade is "stainless" German steel, which some say to be 420. I have found this steel to take a very keen edge, and have enough edge retention to finish whatever task you started. The factory edge is adequate for cutting things, but a little time with a stone and strop, and you will have a razor. This is a friction folder, which means it has no lock or back spring to hold it open. Only friction at the pivot keeps this knife open or closed. Normal cutting forces on the blade will push the blade open. Blade length is 3-1/4 inches, and the closed length is a hair under 4 inches. Blade stock is 0.070 inches, or just a hair under 2 mm. To me, this is a full sized folding knife.
It is impossible to look at the knife without comparing to the Opinel. They have similar construction, except Opinel models 6 and above come with a locking ring. MAM does make a liner lock version of this knife, but I decided to try out the non-locking version because I've never owned anything like it. Folks say the Opinel feels more sturdy, and I would agree. But the MAM knife is not fragile. It can handle daily cutting jobs and would be right at home in a lunch pail with cheese and salami. As long as you don't use it like a pry bar or hammer, this knife will serve you well. I prefer the boxy lines of the MAM to curves of the Opinel. The MAM also comes with a lanyard hole.
One important skill to have with this knife is the ability to tighten the pivot. The best way I found to do this was with a C-clamp. You will need to cover the hole on the moving jaw with a flat piece of steel, and the idea is to squeeze on the ends of the pivot pin. When I first applied oil to my handle, the pivot loosened to the point I was worried about the blade opening in my pocket. A good squeeze did the trick. You can also use pliers, or peen the pivot with a punch or hammer. My knife now requires a firm pull to open and a firm push to close. The closing force is on par with some slip joints, and the blade will not snap shut.
The blade has an interesting grind. Both sides are flat, but one side is vertical. I presume this is related to the operation of the liner locking version. In practice this did not hinder my use of the knife. In the kitchen, this knife excelled. It is basically a paring knife, so that was no surprise. I was able to carve a butter knife in pine; the blade made precise cuts and the handle was comfortable. This knife also carves nice feather sticks and has a square spine to strike ferro rod. At 1 ounce, it is a pleasure to carry. Just throw it in your pocket and it disappears until you need it.
Was I ever in danger of cutting myself without a lock or back spring? No, because I was aware of the potential of the blade closing, and I used the knife accordingly. 95% of the time, I just used it like any other knife, fixed or folding.
If this was your only knife, could you make it work? Absolutely. This was the only knife I used for a week and I never found it wanting. This would be a great knife to bring on a backpacking trip because of its light weight and capable blade.
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. Have fun, let me know how it goes.
