WE Knives? Another high end Chinese company?

[Hackenslash]

I'm pretty sure they've been making knives for a while now for other companies (wouldn't be surprised if Spyderco accidentally had a hand in this, they have one that looks suspiciously like a Rubicon) so they already have the equipment and experienced labor. All that was required was their own design and probably an even higher level of QC.

Knife being from China and the given price. I'll hold judgement until there are more user reviews instead of "look at this pretty knife"

I think the Rubicon comes out of Taiwan, so I'm not sure how WE could be part of it's manufacture. I don't really get a "Spyderco" feel from this knife; their China manufactured blades are more "low-end" than this. I agree though that it does seem like they must have been around for a while to offer such polished products. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that they made parts for Qtrmstr or CKF. According to KnifeCenter they've been around since 2000, so I guess it makes sense that they've been manufacturing for somebody else.

In terms of in-hand use, I can only say good things for my 601 which I've carried a fair bit over the last several months. I work in an office environment during the week, but am working to fix up an old house on the weekends, so it's seen a wide variety of light to medium duty (although I don't carry it everyday). Service and support might be a concern. The knives ship with a proprietary tool and some spare hardware, but I'm sure getting factory level service would be a no-go...but that's something I accept for a knife that's half the price of equivalent offerings. Some Blade Forums members who are a lot more skilled at reviewing a knife than me have had great things to say about WE. Trust me, they're not just a "pretty knife".

 

[henkh]

I did hear the rumour about WE manufacturing for QRTMSTR. CKF i have no knowledge except they have connections with Kevin John. And they are a pretty decent period in the markt as OEM manufacturer. So equipment and experience is available.

In the Netherlands the local reseller acts as a sort of service point to accept and fulfill service requests as result of an agreement with WE Knife Co. I can imagine that a smaller reseller in the USA like BLADE101 can do the same for warranty issues. They seem to have a decent relationship with WE also.

I just can't wait on the next models although the Massdrop exclusive at this point doesn't have quite the looks to me as with the other models so far.

 

[strategy9]

I like bladehq, and I just looked at their WE lineup for the first time. I like the 601, and really like the look on that 604i.

But while I'm not against free market and foreign competitors, taken from the 601 "description", they specifically target market vs. the American brand,

"WE Knife Co. has created a titanium folding knife that easily rivals the top U.S. brands."

And I got mixed emotions about that. "easily rivals", I mean, c'mon, maybe it's true, idk, but as an American, that just seems a little slap in the face ish to say.
Some nice designs though.

 

[Hackenslash]

I just can't wait on the next models although the Massdrop exclusive at this point doesn't have quite the looks to me as with the other models so far.

Um, yeah. The MD exclusive is kind of an ugly duck. It's got similar lines as the 604 but a way whack color scheme and finish. And...the drop shaves a penny off MSRP. Whoop!

 

[benzy2]

I haven't heard anything bad about their quality. I'm not overly blown away by the looks of their knives though the 604 isn't bad at all. The others don't seem to connect to me all that well. If the design was appealing to me though, they seem like a well built knife from all accounts. Plus I've heard nothing but rave reviews about Vlad and his service.

 

[xICEMANx]

I like bladehq, and I just looked at their WE lineup for the first time. I like the 601, and really like the look on that 604i.

But while I'm not against free market and foreign competitors, taken from the 601 "description", they specifically target market vs. the American brand,

"WE Knife Co. has created a titanium folding knife that easily rivals the top U.S. brands."

And I got mixed emotions about that. "easily rivals", I mean, c'mon, maybe it's true, idk, but as an American, that just seems a little slap in the face ish to say.
Some nice designs though.

It's true though. It should be a wake up call to US manufactures. Honestly it's good for us as it may drive up quality in US made knives to compete with them. I'd say ZT is close.

 

[Spydesense]

I just received this 603A today. I haven't found anything I'm no happy about with it so far...awesome knife!

 

[MattBPKT]

Looks sweet.

Would you guys tend to bucket the new chinese kids on the block in the same category?
- WE Knife
- Reate
- Kizer
- Stedemon
- Rike

 

[sharp_edge]

I will not. Kizer and Reate have been known and their knives have been bought much more and reviewed more than the rest in your list, at least as far as I know.

 

[Misanthropia]

Looks sweet.

Would you guys tend to bucket the new chinese kids on the block in the same category?
- WE Knife
- Reate
- Kizer
- Stedemon
- Rike

I would keep everyone in that list but Kizer, who has way less strict QC, as evidenced by a lot of variation in detent strength across models. I own, or have owned a knife from each of these brands.

 

[Frunkey]

I just picked up a 605 from BHQ. I was curious to see what this company is all about. I was truly skeptical about this knife and this company, but there was something about this knife that really made me want to get it.

I'm not going to lie, this little knife is awesome. I have owned many high end modern production folders. This WE Knife 605 stands shoulder to shoulder with any other manufacturer. Especially at this price point. It's not perfect, but for a fledgling company, I think they are on to something great.

Thoughts:

This is a 3-inch blade that weighs 4.0 ounces. the blade shape is a modified drop pint with a harpoon swedge and forward finger choil. It sort of reminds of a Spyderco Domino. The 605 is his angry Chinese cousin. Easy to pocket, easy to carry. Lightweight and small but fills the hand well, and with multiple available gripping positions, it will fit almost any hand size. Blade is well ground with no major flaws in the satin grinds. Came very sharp from the factory, no need to sharpen yet. I've cut some paper, some cloth, and a box with ease and no wear on the blade finish. Lockup is solid with no play. Last but not least, it is simply a joy to handle and fondle. Flips well, detent is strong. I am pleasantly surprised by this knife and think it will stay in rotation for a long while.

Let's discuss features:

• 6Al4V Titanium scales milled on both sides of the handle scale. Display side is milled for grip and all edges are soft. Inside is milled out for weight savings.
• Semi-integral construction is very solid.
• Contrasting anodized titanium hardware.
• Hardware inserts from the lock side so no hardware shows on presentation side.
• This particular version is anodized in an almost OD green color. It is awesome and very uniform! And the knives come in a large array of colors and combinations.
• Blade is S35VN, which is a perfectly excellent blade steel seen on more expensive knives.
• Unique grind with harpoon swedge.
• Forward finger choil and forward thumb divot on the blade for multiple ergonomic gripping methods.
• Almost mirror satin finish on blade with contrasting black stonewashed DLC
• Nearly "naked" blade and handle without excessive branding/billboarding/stupid fonts
• Ceramic ball bearing washers with steel liners on the handle scale side.
• Ceramic ball detent.
• Steel lockbar insert.
• Flipper and Thumb hole (which does not work well for thumb opening, but once broken in, works magically for Spydie flicks!)
• Milled and anodized pocket clip secured in a milled pocket in the handle and secured with one screw.
• Proprietary hardware which is easily and reliably manipulated using the included tool.
• Comes with carrying pouch and microfiber cloth.

Cost: $285 Expensive, but this knife checks every single box I have for a modern EDC folder.

Bottom Line: If you have the funds and are curious about WE knives, I can definitely recommend picking up a 605 for your collection.

 

[Gunsnknives]

These look like really nice pieces. Has anyone checked the hardness on the S35VN or done any edge retention tests?

 

[RamZar]

I just picked up a 605 from BHQ.
Flipper and Thumb hole (which does not work well for thumb opening, but once broken in, works magically for Spydie flicks!)

How long did it take your 605 to be broken in so that you could easily open it using the thumb hole?

 

[K.O.D.]

For me, the purple screws and clip are a major turnoff. Several of their designs seem awfully close to other makers'.

There are just too many things that turn me off.

Besides the purple hardware:

Proprietary screws
Coated blades
Too "tactical"
Price
Blade shapes



Sent via pony express

 

[CptAhhMerica]

That is sexy af. I just ordered my first ZT a 4056 and am kicking myself wondering if I'd rather have this. I'm used to carrying a larger edc (Emmerson cqc 15, the larger one) and just love the desing and look of this. For another $40 I may have to splurge.

I just received this 603A today. I haven't found anything I'm no happy about with it so far...awesome knife!

 

[MaxFactor]

How long did it take your 605 to be broken in so that you could easily open it using the thumb hole?

I can middle-finger flick mine with reasonable ease. Thumb opening takes quite a bit more effort and it's nearly impossible to open it without the blade firing out hard. Honestly, I love a strong detent.

 

[palonej]

That 603a reminds me of one of Will Moon's designs........but maybe this one comes out of the box in working order!
Beautiful knife!
Joe

 

[goldie]

Stedemon,Rike,We, and Reate are the 4 top knife companies coming out of China,you cant go wrong with any of them, unless you get tired of them and sell them,it seems like its a guaranteed loss which is the only thing I don't like about these knives.I paid 335.00 for my Stedemon, ill be lucky to get 250 if I ever want to sell it....

 

[Frunkey]

It took about a day or two of flicking it open. It ewas tough at first, but now its smooth and still improving. The detent ball needs to wear a track into the DLC finish before it's totally smooth.

 

[Spydesense]

That is sexy af. I just ordered my first ZT a 4056 and am kicking myself wondering if I'd rather have this. I'm used to carrying a larger edc (Emmerson cqc 15, the larger one) and just love the desing and look of this. For another $40 I may have to splurge.

That 603a reminds me of one of Will Moon's designs........but maybe this one comes out of the box in working order!
Beautiful knife!
Joe

Thanks guys. Before I just read these posts, I thought to myself about how I "love" this knife more than any purchase in recent history. My Jade/M4 and CF/M4 PM2's or CS FG Broken Skull (I absolutely love them all), do not compare to this knife...and I have wanted a CF PM2 for years! The quality and smoothness are exceptional! I'm not even into purple at all, but I don't mind it on this knife a bit! Their are a couple of YouTube vids that explain the knife and how awesome it is.