-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Your Opinion of Sanrenmu Knives
- Thread starter cowhorse01
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2009
- Messages
- 11,409
Call me narrow minded if you wish, but I'm not sure I can support such shameless rip-offs of well known designs.
I might sound like a borderline hypocrite given that I DO buy generic brand pharmaceuticals. I just figure if item A is sold for $50 and I can get item A(exactly item A and not item B-Z) for $10, I should.
The thing is, these chinese made knives will NOT have the same modern day powder metal blade steels. And I certainly don't believe that they will have the same premium handle materials like titanium. Would I buy them if they did? Probably not.
I feel okay going with the "copy" if it's consumables like food, drink, and medicine. But if I have a choice in the matter, I prefer all material objects to be the "original".
I might sound like a borderline hypocrite given that I DO buy generic brand pharmaceuticals. I just figure if item A is sold for $50 and I can get item A(exactly item A and not item B-Z) for $10, I should.
The thing is, these chinese made knives will NOT have the same modern day powder metal blade steels. And I certainly don't believe that they will have the same premium handle materials like titanium. Would I buy them if they did? Probably not.
I feel okay going with the "copy" if it's consumables like food, drink, and medicine. But if I have a choice in the matter, I prefer all material objects to be the "original".
- Joined
- Aug 21, 2010
- Messages
- 343
I wonder how many people that said no don't buy drive something other than Ford or Chevy? Even worse those that still drive the "T" now that it is well know they are not of higher quality, they just cover up and lie about issues with their products.
People in my state bitch about not having jobs while others talk about loosing their jobs in the near future and turn around and purchase the same brand find millions for covering up safety issues.
Overal I think people have just lost the ability to think for themselves.
People in my state bitch about not having jobs while others talk about loosing their jobs in the near future and turn around and purchase the same brand find millions for covering up safety issues.
Overal I think people have just lost the ability to think for themselves.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2003
- Messages
- 5,283
The history of Ford, Chevy and Dodge has its share of controversy and shotty workmanship too...and a lot of those issues with the big 3 were swept under the rug because of the job factor, those who hate on Toyota because of issues that any car manufacturer could face are not too bright when millions of jobs in the US revolve around the big bad "T".
The haters of so called "imports" often don't understand that while Toyota/Honda/etc are a Japanese owned company the lions share of work to produce them for the US market is done right on your door step.
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2006
- Messages
- 20,593
Just because a brand has problems doesn't mean it's junk. The big deal with the "T" can and does happen to any of them. You can act like they are junk now, but many people that drive T will disagree with you based on the experience they've had and continue to have with the brand. Anyway, "T" certainly employees thousands of Americans building their product here in the USA and has nothing to do with Chinese knives purchased direct from China.
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2005
- Messages
- 10,038
I took delivery on 2 SRM 710's and a 962 yesterday. It took me 10 minutes and my Izula to get through the packaging. The folders were in disgusting condition - like somebody working on a car engine inspected them.
I took them in the house and clened them up with soap water and rubbing alcohol (germaphobic and watching out for bird flu etc.). Then dried them up and Rem-Oiled them.
That was just getting them ready to fool around with. Both the 710 and 962 (axis lock rip-off) snagged when slicing copy paper, so they needed a few minutes on the DMT dia-folds and a good stropping to make them razor sharp.
Both are very stiff and difficult to deploy. The axis - type 962 requires two hands to open and close - the pivot would need a pair of tiny needle nose pliers to loosen (I read on another board). They are stout little knives.
All in all I would have gladly had my $$ back and bought anothe Tenacious. I just had to find out what all the fuss was about. They are IMO CCC (cheap chinese crap).
I took them in the house and clened them up with soap water and rubbing alcohol (germaphobic and watching out for bird flu etc.). Then dried them up and Rem-Oiled them.
That was just getting them ready to fool around with. Both the 710 and 962 (axis lock rip-off) snagged when slicing copy paper, so they needed a few minutes on the DMT dia-folds and a good stropping to make them razor sharp.
Both are very stiff and difficult to deploy. The axis - type 962 requires two hands to open and close - the pivot would need a pair of tiny needle nose pliers to loosen (I read on another board). They are stout little knives.
All in all I would have gladly had my $$ back and bought anothe Tenacious. I just had to find out what all the fuss was about. They are IMO CCC (cheap chinese crap).
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2010
- Messages
- 435
I wanted to see what the hype was about, so I picked up a Ganzo G704 (the Benchmade HK 14205 clone).
All I can say is, "meh."
I wanted to like this knife, and I wanted to carry it around as a beater/user, but I can't get behind it. Not because it's a blatant ripoff of Benchmade's offerings, but because it's not a well-done ripoff of Benchmade's offerings.
Here's the list of shortfalls:
1. There was excessive amounts of blade play caused by two factors:
1.a. Side to side blade play due to poorly adjusted pivot screw made all the worse by obnoxious, nearly permanent thread locking compound on the screws.
1.b Noticeable vertical blade play due to improperly sized pivot pin and/or pivot hole drilled into the tang.
2. Lockup is not even close to 100% solid, as it has been on the half-dozen or so Benchmade Axis folders I own. Benchmade's Axis lock stuff has always always always been perfect. The Ganzo, not even close as I had to tinker with the lock face and grind it flat to keep the axis pin from moving when I applied force to the spine of the blade. Couple this with problem 1.b and there's no way on earth I'm gonna trust that lock.
SOOOOOOO. . . chock this up to experimental possibility. It could have been that I got a good knife for $30, or it could be that I got a total lemon and I'm only out $30. I gambled and I lost, and sometimes I really wish that I had that $30 to put towards the real deal Benchmade. Yeah, the irony here is that I really really like the ergonomics of the HK 14205 even more than I thought I would, so I'm really jonesing for the real deal now.
The moral of my story: I bought a clone, and it sucked. BUT it solidified my commitment to get the real deal. In the end everybody wins.
-nate
All I can say is, "meh."
I wanted to like this knife, and I wanted to carry it around as a beater/user, but I can't get behind it. Not because it's a blatant ripoff of Benchmade's offerings, but because it's not a well-done ripoff of Benchmade's offerings.
Here's the list of shortfalls:
1. There was excessive amounts of blade play caused by two factors:
1.a. Side to side blade play due to poorly adjusted pivot screw made all the worse by obnoxious, nearly permanent thread locking compound on the screws.
1.b Noticeable vertical blade play due to improperly sized pivot pin and/or pivot hole drilled into the tang.
2. Lockup is not even close to 100% solid, as it has been on the half-dozen or so Benchmade Axis folders I own. Benchmade's Axis lock stuff has always always always been perfect. The Ganzo, not even close as I had to tinker with the lock face and grind it flat to keep the axis pin from moving when I applied force to the spine of the blade. Couple this with problem 1.b and there's no way on earth I'm gonna trust that lock.
SOOOOOOO. . . chock this up to experimental possibility. It could have been that I got a good knife for $30, or it could be that I got a total lemon and I'm only out $30. I gambled and I lost, and sometimes I really wish that I had that $30 to put towards the real deal Benchmade. Yeah, the irony here is that I really really like the ergonomics of the HK 14205 even more than I thought I would, so I'm really jonesing for the real deal now.
The moral of my story: I bought a clone, and it sucked. BUT it solidified my commitment to get the real deal. In the end everybody wins.
-nate
- Joined
- Aug 27, 2004
- Messages
- 12,957
I took delivery on 2 SRM 710's and a 962 yesterday. It took me 10 minutes and my Izula to get through the packaging. The folders were in disgusting condition - like somebody working on a car engine inspected them.
I took them in the house and clened them up with soap water and rubbing alcohol (germaphobic and watching out for bird flu etc.). Then dried them up and Rem-Oiled them.
That was just getting them ready to fool around with. Both the 710 and 962 (axis lock rip-off) snagged when slicing copy paper, so they needed a few minutes on the DMT dia-folds and a good stropping to make them razor sharp.
Both are very stiff and difficult to deploy. The axis - type 962 requires two hands to open and close - the pivot would need a pair of tiny needle nose pliers to loosen (I read on another board). They are stout little knives.
All in all I would have gladly had my $$ back and bought anothe Tenacious. I just had to find out what all the fuss was about. They are IMO CCC (cheap chinese crap).
My 962 was dirty and needing cleaned also. It was also quite stiff to open but once cleaned it started working in okay. Its still not the knife I expected but for $15 plus shipping I guess I can't complain.
The 710s are nice knives though and I can say that now after having bought 10 various models from the different camo pattern models which have lock cuts to spring the locks on the outside by the way, (compared to the black and silver models with the lock cuts on the inside, unlike Sebenza's there with the camo ones) to the black and silver models offered some getting more than one model for myself. I've given a few away and the guys receiving them have gotten back to me. Most are surprised at what I paid for what they see in their hands and some of those guys have now ordered more for themselves after seeing them. All the 710's I bought came in new plastic carriers that remind me of the packaging for match box and hot wheels. While they can be a bit stiff at first to open and manipulate most of that is the user just getting the feel for the knife and you'll find they work in quite fast. Compared to an Emerson I think they come out of the package pretty sweet if you want to know the truth because my Emerson knives have required longer break ins and been in worse feeling shape for the pivot and lock action when new too.
Personally, while I agree with you that getting the boxes out of the wrappers to examine them can be a chore I'm not complaining about the way the guy wrapped them up to ship them. I'd rather he did that since they are coming all the way from China so to me if he didn't pack them well you'd be complaining about that also. Considering they got there safe I'd say be happy with that much.
STR
TheCarbideRat
BANNED
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2008
- Messages
- 1,510
I'm fine with that, I'll even change what I said to they the knife makers are guilty of price-gouging and the knife community is at fault for going along with it.
Just use some mineral oil on the 710, they open really nice afterward. I just took a small scrap of paper, dipped in mineral oil, and applied.
Opens fast and sweet afterward. Checking out more.
Are they as nice as my more expensive folders? Nope, wouldn't give up my Endura or a Delica or even my tenacious for one of them. That being said, if all I had in my pocket was a G710, I'd feel confident in opening and closing it in a timely manner, and that it would handle my cutting tasks for the day before having to worry about touch up.
Opens fast and sweet afterward. Checking out more.
Are they as nice as my more expensive folders? Nope, wouldn't give up my Endura or a Delica or even my tenacious for one of them. That being said, if all I had in my pocket was a G710, I'd feel confident in opening and closing it in a timely manner, and that it would handle my cutting tasks for the day before having to worry about touch up.
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2001
- Messages
- 4,608
Ganzo is Not Sanrenmu as far as the info I can gather.
- Joined
- Mar 5, 2008
- Messages
- 311
Sanrenmu and LAND are the same company, Bee, Ganzo are all different and I don't know why they ever got brought up in this thread. Thats like bringing up gerber in a kershaw thread.
Over the last 8 months seven SRM 710's have passed through my hands. Four of those I sold/gave away to my friends or colleagues.
All of those knives had obviously passed a good QC department, they were reasonably sharp, well centered and the lock did not have any play. The bladesteel is not a supersteel, but handles daily tasks quite well. I think that for the money it is one of the best buys.
The srm728 is my mushroom knife, I like to go out collecting bushfood. Beautiful knife for that.
I also own some (well may be quite a few) of the other models, just for collections sake.The ergonomics are not always good, I think some of their "imitation models" are too gimmicky with their half-frame locks and chiselgrinds. I believe those SRM guys are able to make good knives, especially when they start making their own designs.
All of those knives had obviously passed a good QC department, they were reasonably sharp, well centered and the lock did not have any play. The bladesteel is not a supersteel, but handles daily tasks quite well. I think that for the money it is one of the best buys.
The srm728 is my mushroom knife, I like to go out collecting bushfood. Beautiful knife for that.
I also own some (well may be quite a few) of the other models, just for collections sake.The ergonomics are not always good, I think some of their "imitation models" are too gimmicky with their half-frame locks and chiselgrinds. I believe those SRM guys are able to make good knives, especially when they start making their own designs.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2003
- Messages
- 5,283
I took delivery on 2 SRM 710's and a 962 yesterday. It took me 10 minutes and my Izula to get through the packaging. The folders were in disgusting condition - like somebody working on a car engine inspected them.
I took them in the house and clened them up with soap water and rubbing alcohol (germaphobic and watching out for bird flu etc.). Then dried them up and Rem-Oiled them.
That was just getting them ready to fool around with. Both the 710 and 962 (axis lock rip-off) snagged when slicing copy paper, so they needed a few minutes on the DMT dia-folds and a good stropping to make them razor sharp.
Both are very stiff and difficult to deploy. The axis - type 962 requires two hands to open and close - the pivot would need a pair of tiny needle nose pliers to loosen (I read on another board). They are stout little knives.
All in all I would have gladly had my $$ back and bought anothe Tenacious. I just had to find out what all the fuss was about. They are IMO CCC (cheap chinese crap).
My 962 came so tight it was hard to open with 2 hands, I cleaned it out, oiled it with light machine oil and now if i hold the axis latch it will whip out much like the benchmades I've handled...definately not on par with the benchmades I've handled but its close and not bad for the price.
My 710 was also slightly tight and had some yellow china grease on it (i'm used to that, they cover castings I machine in it that my work orders in from china), cleaned it then done it up till the blade was center and worked in light machine oil opening and closeing until it flicks out freely and quite easy.
But some people get them with their mind made up, for the price I dont mind spending a little time to get them operational as they should be.
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2009
- Messages
- 472
Now that I think about it, all the SRM's that I have received have been a little greasy straight out of the package, but it never bothered me. I just cleaned them and started using them. No problem!
You should see what a surplus military rifle is like when you get one that has been stored in cosmoline for who know how many years, lol!
You should see what a surplus military rifle is like when you get one that has been stored in cosmoline for who know how many years, lol!
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2005
- Messages
- 5,171
I picked up a SANRENMU 710 and 939. I like the 939 design. Craftsmanship is pretty good, better than the "cheapies" of my youth for sure.
Picked up a GANZO G704 Axis-lock copy. Craftsmanship on this knife is okay. I think the lock needs to break-in a bit; I've had Benchmade knives the same way.
I clean and adjust most of my knives, so I didn't notice anything particularly off on these knives.
I wonder what the real value of these knives is, since China works hard to keep its currency undervalued.
Picked up a GANZO G704 Axis-lock copy. Craftsmanship on this knife is okay. I think the lock needs to break-in a bit; I've had Benchmade knives the same way.
I clean and adjust most of my knives, so I didn't notice anything particularly off on these knives.
I wonder what the real value of these knives is, since China works hard to keep its currency undervalued.
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2003
- Messages
- 5,283
yeah, the chinese use a thick anti-rust grease on just about everything they produce...its foul smelling when fresh, and after a little time goes hard as anything and you need to use a solvent to clean it off. I hate the stuff lol
And too true, I had a WWII unissued mauser and when I first got it I had to pull the thing completely apart and scrub every bit of the gun and oil before using.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Itch Blade
I am astonished at the amount of stupid posts in this thread.
Everyone who says not to buy the knives are undermining capitalism. Simply ridiculous.
Yeah, it looks like you stated your opinions without insulting anyone.
He insulted the owner of the intellectual property of which he obviously had no idea. Capitalism has rules.
I just posted the following (slightly differently) on the British bladeforums where a similar discussion is ongoing - however most people there seem to like them quite a bit:
Well, meanwhile I received my package. Roughly a week shipping that is ok. I will probably take a closer look in one or two video reviews later on.
My initial reaction is that they are definitely a good buy. None have blade play, all lock up well. Sharpness on all was an ok working edge but can use some sharpening for our maniacal taste. General finish is similar to the current Boker Magnum series, meaning pretty nicely done.
Still you can wonder, for the price of the below set, isn't it better to buy one Delica or Endura? Yes, probably that's wiser, but I already have an Endura and so does everyone here ! Still the first impression is pretty ok. And they do make great cheap gifts!
A closer look, because despite the positive first impression there are also some imperfections:
- the 710 is probably my favourite. There is really nothing wrong with it. Compact, strong, no nonsense. It feels as good as, say, a Byrd knife. I may buy one or two more as gifts. I would prefer a variant with a clean stainless handle, but that's taste. I can see why knife maniacs on a budget could be happy with it while saving up for a small Sebenza.
---
- the 702 lacks the smoothness of the Klotzlis it is inspired on, of course, but it's still a pretty ok light gentlemeny knife. The liner lock on mine could have been more aligned to the left for extra wear endurance.
----
- the original 728 is another fave. A really nice 2-hand opening knife with some old-fashioned charm.
----
- the Benchmade inspired 962 locks very well. It feels really sturdy. I have two of them (one as a gift) and both could open somewhat lighter. It is however not evident to adjust the pivot. Perhaps with very fine plyers? I may try a Boker tool that came with knives with similar lookig pivot screws.
----
- The 905 looks as nice as on the picture. Quite a timeless, original design. Unfortunately, the handles near the pivot could be closer to the blade. There is a slit and that looks cheap. I have the same with 2 of my Magnums. It will be easier for dirt to accumulate in the slit between blade and handle as is. Sturdy liners, skeletonised at the non-locking side. The liner lock is beefy. The whole look and feel of this one reminds me most of Boker Magnums, to give you a reference point.
Of course only after some hard use you can really judge knives and lockup, but first impressions were quite ok, and even really good on the 710 and 728 - no apparent flaws there.
Well, meanwhile I received my package. Roughly a week shipping that is ok. I will probably take a closer look in one or two video reviews later on.
My initial reaction is that they are definitely a good buy. None have blade play, all lock up well. Sharpness on all was an ok working edge but can use some sharpening for our maniacal taste. General finish is similar to the current Boker Magnum series, meaning pretty nicely done.
Still you can wonder, for the price of the below set, isn't it better to buy one Delica or Endura? Yes, probably that's wiser, but I already have an Endura and so does everyone here ! Still the first impression is pretty ok. And they do make great cheap gifts!
A closer look, because despite the positive first impression there are also some imperfections:
- the 710 is probably my favourite. There is really nothing wrong with it. Compact, strong, no nonsense. It feels as good as, say, a Byrd knife. I may buy one or two more as gifts. I would prefer a variant with a clean stainless handle, but that's taste. I can see why knife maniacs on a budget could be happy with it while saving up for a small Sebenza.
---
- the 702 lacks the smoothness of the Klotzlis it is inspired on, of course, but it's still a pretty ok light gentlemeny knife. The liner lock on mine could have been more aligned to the left for extra wear endurance.
----
- the original 728 is another fave. A really nice 2-hand opening knife with some old-fashioned charm.
----
- the Benchmade inspired 962 locks very well. It feels really sturdy. I have two of them (one as a gift) and both could open somewhat lighter. It is however not evident to adjust the pivot. Perhaps with very fine plyers? I may try a Boker tool that came with knives with similar lookig pivot screws.
----
- The 905 looks as nice as on the picture. Quite a timeless, original design. Unfortunately, the handles near the pivot could be closer to the blade. There is a slit and that looks cheap. I have the same with 2 of my Magnums. It will be easier for dirt to accumulate in the slit between blade and handle as is. Sturdy liners, skeletonised at the non-locking side. The liner lock is beefy. The whole look and feel of this one reminds me most of Boker Magnums, to give you a reference point.
Of course only after some hard use you can really judge knives and lockup, but first impressions were quite ok, and even really good on the 710 and 728 - no apparent flaws there.
- Status