WE Knives? Another high end Chinese company?

Went with a 805. Super impressed with this knife. Beautiful F&F and amazing flipping action. About the size of a small Sebenza.

iym1rVll.jpg


wzV33rhl.jpg


VncMaATl.jpg
 
It's cool to see We doing hollow grinds. Such a nice combo with a drop point. I wish they did something like for my 702.
 
The Rectifier has a lot going for it. It's a good knife. Very good. But not great. The QC on mine falls short of the less-expensive WE-produced, Ferrum Forge designed Gent on MD.

I love the Rectifier for its thin, S35V blade for slicing; the comfortable G-10 scale; and a size, weight and shape that is welcome almost everywhere.

But my Rectifier also has sharp edges inside the hole-opener and, especially, on the flipper tab. I tried an 800-grit sandpaper (the only one I had in the house) but it wasn't strong enough to smooth the tab.

It's a good flipper, but not as smooth at the Gent. The detent is strong and it is sometimes difficult to open manually with the hole-opener, which for me was one of the attractions for this new model.

Use and wear-in are helping a bit, but the sharp edges still hurt.

I like and recommend the Rectifier and will happily carry and use it. And I'm very pleased that WE finally is offering this along with two other small, thin flippers with attractive looks.

But I am mystified as to why the QC on WE's $145 framelock with S35V and G-10 doesn't measure up to its $80 product with the same premium ingredients.
 
Last edited:
flash900 said:
The Rectifier has a lot going for it. But the QC on mine falls short of the less-expensive WE-produced, Ferrum Forge designed Gent on MD.

I love the thin, S35V blade for slicing, the comfortable G-10 scale, and a size, weight and shape that is welcome almost everywhere.

But my Rectifier has sharp edges inside the hole-opener and, especially, on the flipper tab. I tried an 800-grit sandpaper (the only one I had in the house) but it wasn't strong enough to smooth the tab.

It's a good, strong flipper, but not as smooth at the Gent. The detent is strong and it is sometimes difficult to open manually with the hole-opener, which for me was one of the attractions for this new model.

Use and wear-in are helping a bit, but the sharp edges still hurt.

I still like and recommend the Rectifier and will happily carry and use it. And I'm very pleased that WE finally is offering this along with two other small, thin flippers with attractive looks.

But I am mystified as to why the QC on WE's $145 framelock with S35V and G-10 doesn't measure up to its $80 product with the same premium ingredients.
Click to expand...


In this situation I always advise customers to return the knife and we either -

1. replace the knife after inspecting the new one to make sure it doesn't have the same issues.
2. let them choose a different knife
3. give them a refund

There's no point in having unsatisfied customers.

WE generally has excellent quality control.
 
I don’t know why WE insists on blade holes for many of their smaller knives where it’s not even the easiest to open and many like me prefer a blade without the hole opener since it makes the knife slimmer. After all these are flipper openers. That’s why I’m hesitant in getting either the Vapor 804 or Rectifier 803 even though they have the desired 2.95” blade length and torx screws.

I would’ve gotten the Wisp 805 because it’s slim with no hole. Unfortunately, it’s over the prescribed 2.99” blade length.

All three are improvements in the WE small flippers line since the previous one were heavy, bulky and had proprietary screws: 605, 717, 619.
 
Last edited:
If the 702 had the new torx hardware they are using, i'd have one by now. I like the look of many WE knives but all the models I would like to check out use their old proprietary screws :thumbsdown:
 
It's a long time sice my latest contribution because of being terrible busy.
Nice article on 2 new models being introduced during Bladeshow 2018 and for Europe during Bladestock 2018.
http://knifenews.com/we-knife-co-cultivating-european-talent/

Both will be available with discount only during mentioned shows. Discount not yet known. MSRP on both $348,-. So dealers will probably sell around $310,-.
 
henkh said:
It's a long time sice my latest contribution because of being terrible busy.
Nice article on 2 new models being introduced during Bladeshow 2018 and for Europe during Bladestock 2018.
http://knifenews.com/we-knife-co-cultivating-european-talent/

Both will be available with discount only during mentioned shows. Discount not yet known. MSRP on both $348,-. So dealers will probably sell around $310,-.
Click to expand...
In spite of their large catalogue, for whatever reason WE swldom has a knife that really appeals to me (there are one or two exceptions though! ;)).

Anyhow, the Wasabi I think makes my list. Good looking Wharnie. I hope they used a thin-ish blade stock.
 
4mer_FMF said:
In spite of their large catalogue, for whatever reason WE swldom has a knife that really appeals to me (there are one or two exceptions though! ;)).

Anyhow, the Wasabi I think makes my list. Good looking Wharnie. I hope they used a thin-ish blade stock.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm in the same boat. Often it feels more like quantity over....not quality but soul in a way, something of that unexplained draw that a knife has or doesn't have. I have a Zeta and really like it, and I am glad that they are putting out more regular Torx hardware. I will definitely keep my eyes out for more of Elijah's designs from them. The Ferox and the Wasabi are really cool, if they get some color on the handles or even a dark stonewash for some contrast I might get one, I like big blades and don't have a wharnie like that yet, the Ferox reminds me a bit of a BM Vector as a flipper, which is neat, it's a heavy beast though but I don't mind some heft, especially in a work knife so I won't forget it's clipped in my pocket :D
 
RamZar said:
Great prices of $144.50 for the 803 Rectifier with S35VN, titanium frame lock and G-10. Best of all a blade length of 2.95" (under 3"), blade thickness of 0.10" and weighing only 2.75 ounces.
Click to expand...

Received my WE 803 today (black G-10 with two tone blade) and it's really nice. It does not flip so well but I'm working on this. There's a very small area where the pivot is just right to limit play and for the blade to flip freely. I'm still working on this and it may require a drop of Loctite. Otherwise, it's a nice gentleman's folder and the quality is right on for the price.
 
The "Double Helix" was just announced at Blade:



Functionally, it looks like an Axis lock with an external mechanism and no one-handed opening mechanism, though you can flick it open like most Axis knives. This is not a knife for everyone but if you appreciate a bit of funky, functional art (like I do) this one seems pretty special for a production knife.
 
You can flick it open if you keep the lock disengaged, at least there was a video on Instagram if I am not completely mistaken. I remember because we have a law against gravity knives, and I was wondering about the legality here for it. Since I still want a Paragon Warlock, but apparently that's a gravity knife here, while Axis locks aren't. Which is idiotic to me. (The Warlock's ONLY opening method is via disengaging the lock, while the BM's have the studs/flippers)
 
SpySmasher said:
The "Double Helix" was just announced at Blade:



Functionally, it looks like an Axis lock with an external mechanism and no one-handed opening mechanism, though you can flick it open like most Axis knives. This is not a knife for everyone but if you appreciate a bit of funky, functional art (like I do) this one seems pretty special for a production knife.
Click to expand...
Looks like a nightmare to deploy in comparison to an axis lock. Nice gimic though.
 
Interesting. First time I even look at this thread, and I feel compelled to respond. That Double Helix is definitely a gravity knife. The Asheville/Paragon Warlok (and similar Phoenix) are gravity knives, but they're USA made. See, the stupidity of the switchblade laws in this country actually do not outright ban the existence, manufacture, sales, and ownership of these knives. Interstate commerce is banned outside of some exceptions (law enforcement, active duty military, authorized sellers, etc), and of course states have their own laws (or lack of). However, what's illegal regardless is knives from other countries. Even knife parts can get you in hot water, as Spyderco found out when they got inventory seized and fines levied because of the Spyderfly.

A WE, or any other gravity knife from another country is illegal in the US. Gravity knife, switchblade, balisong, they're all the same in the government's eyes. Of course, this doesn't stop countless Italian, German, Czech, and Chinese knives from entering the country, but that doesn't make it legal. For example, Spyderco won't even touch a Janisong. They include a leaflet in the box stating not to send it in. I don't know exactly where WE fits as far as how they distribute around the world and into the USA in particular. I don't know if they're aware of the potential illegality of the knife here. I don't know if they care.

Interesting mechanism. Seems like a terrible idea in practice.
 
I pretty much agree with you Planterz Planterz , I am wondering though, by common sense logic, any Benchmade is a Gravity Knife as well, especially if you remove the thumbstuds so from a legal perspective to sell them everywhere the studs would have to be permanently affixed. Or am I making a mistake in my thought process?
 
SpySmasher said:
The "Double Helix" was just announced at Blade:



Functionally, it looks like an Axis lock with an external mechanism and no one-handed opening mechanism, though you can flick it open like most Axis knives. This is not a knife for everyone but if you appreciate a bit of funky, functional art (like I do) this one seems pretty special for a production knife.
Click to expand...

That knife is so cool. I might have to get one.
 
Planterz said:
Interesting. First time I even look at this thread, and I feel compelled to respond. That Double Helix is definitely a gravity knife. The Asheville/Paragon Warlok (and similar Phoenix) are gravity knives, but they're USA made. See, the stupidity of the switchblade laws in this country actually do not outright ban the existence, manufacture, sales, and ownership of these knives. Interstate commerce is banned outside of some exceptions (law enforcement, active duty military, authorized sellers, etc), and of course states have their own laws (or lack of). However, what's illegal regardless is knives from other countries. Even knife parts can get you in hot water, as Spyderco found out when they got inventory seized and fines levied because of the Spyderfly.

A WE, or any other gravity knife from another country is illegal in the US. Gravity knife, switchblade, balisong, they're all the same in the government's eyes. Of course, this doesn't stop countless Italian, German, Czech, and Chinese knives from entering the country, but that doesn't make it legal. For example, Spyderco won't even touch a Janisong. They include a leaflet in the box stating not to send it in. I don't know exactly where WE fits as far as how they distribute around the world and into the USA in particular. I don't know if they're aware of the potential illegality of the knife here. I don't know if they care.

Interesting mechanism. Seems like a terrible idea in practice.
Click to expand...

How is the double helix a gravity knife if axis or ball bearing lock are not? I do see how all of them could be considered gravity knives under overzealous knife ban areas. For example I have heard mwny areas say a knife that opens with centrifugal force is a “gravity knife.

I believe if you have to do an action before you shake the blade out like pull the axis bar back or as on the double helix then it may not be considered a gravity knife.

For example gravity and centrifugal knives are supposed to be illegal in canada and yet every hardware store sells these.

To open you hold down the button and wrist flick out the blade. To close it is a linerlock. Although even in NYC you can find one hand opening locking blades at hardware stores which are supposedly illegal in the city.

milwaukee-knives-48-22-1990-64_1000.jpg


The paragon warlock you can hold the button to open the scales and the blade will just flop out even with no wrist flick so I can see why it is considered a gravity knife. I guess I am saying that axis lock knives can be opened the exact same way as this double helix, but they also have a thumbstud or hole.

These knife laws are confusing but I think if states let the axis lock in they will let the double helix in.
 
b00n said:
I pretty much agree with you Planterz Planterz , I am wondering though, by common sense logic, any Benchmade is a Gravity Knife as well, especially if you remove the thumbstuds so from a legal perspective to sell them everywhere the studs would have to be permanently affixed. Or am I making a mistake in my thought process?
Click to expand...

I assume you mean unassisted AXIS locks. And remember that not all were made with thumbstuds.; there's plenty with holes for opening. But yeah, I'd agree that technically they could be considered gravity knives. Perhaps they've gone under the radar, or are considered not to be gravity knives because a detent or bias keeps it closed, rather than a switch, button, or other locking mechanism. Like a plunge lock automatic with the spring removed - lock keeps it locked both open and closed. There's plenty of other knives out there that can be manipulated to have the blade swing free, including lockbacks and the Spyderco compression lock. When the laws were written, a "gravity knife" mainly referred to German paratroop knives where the blade dropped out the front like an unsprung auto.

Decades later we've come up with countless mechanisms, locks, opening methods, etc, that for some reason still have to be classified by laws that weren't written with these newer designs in mind. State by state these absurd laws are being stricken down or at least redefined with more than arbitrary case law and DA's opinions, but at the Federal level, they've yet to do anything.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top