For those of you wanting a plain edge version, Tim @ Felinevet has a few of the special SwissBianco run left in stock:
Two key differences from the regular issue New Soilder: undated Plain Edge main blade and a corkscrew [with mini jewelers screwdriver] instead of the Philips head screwdriver.
These are really good tools - perfect backpacking knife or toss it in your day bag while you're in the city. I consider them an outstanding bargain for the amount of utility you get.
Short review: The locking cap opener/pry bar/flat head screwdriver tool is a lot larger and beefier than your typical Victorinox cap lifter or or combo tool. Standard can opener, awl, and corkscrew - can't add much to what's already known about these implements. The saw came with some burrs on the teeth - this seems standard. Haven't got a chance to try it out, but the saw is very long and it has a strong backspring.... very important on a non-locking sharp implement.
Main blade came sharp and the new opening cutout is easy to manipulate one-handed. The tip is kind of blunted - again, this is standard. It has a good snap and resists closing when applying pressure to the spine. The "locking" liner is hardly a locking instrument... it's designed more as a way to keep the blade from closing than an actual locking spring. Does that make sense? You have to look at how it's designed to understand better. From Doug Ritter's excellent review
here:
The liner lock is also different from most such conventionally constructed locks in that it doesnt so much lock the blade in place as prevent it from closing. The blade still has a conventional backspring that actually holds the blade open (and makes it more difficult to open). The liner lock simply prevents it from closing inadvertently. It does not have what we in the industry refer to a solid lock-up. There is definitely vertical play in the blade when open until the tang contacts the lock. Not so much play as to be a problem, per se, but they certainly approach this concept from a different mindset. Anyway you look at it, however, its a whole lot better than the non-locking blade of the standard Soldier, the issue SAK up to now (which, by the way, is being discontinued).
Manipulating the lock [kind of like a backwards liner lock] is easy and took little time to get used to. Handle ergonomics are very good... the black 'rubber' part surrounding the olive drab scales feels softer and provides good traction. Everything is rounded and it feels excellent in the hand.
Whether it's the standard serrated version or the SwissBianco run, pick one up from Felinevet [your money goes to an excellent cause & Tim is Good People]- you won't be disappointed! :thumbup:
)
On some knives you can dull out the edge by pushing down on the blade and making it come in contact with the inside of the handle. I've only seen this on about 7 various models/makes.
