Your Opinion of Sanrenmu Knives

[shecky]

- the original 728 is another fave. A really nice 2-hand opening knife with some old-fashioned charm.
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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.

The 728 is a very handsome, classy knife. I think it's actually a one hand opener-press on the jimping of the blade, and it opens up for me. With the right grip, it nearly flicks open. FWIW, it seems to be identical to a Boker Magnum knife, possibly just a rebadged version of the knife.

 

[Dagon]

The 728 is a very handsome, classy knife. I think it's actually a one hand opener-press on the jimping of the blade, and it opens up for me. With the right grip, it nearly flicks open. FWIW, it seems to be identical to a Boker Magnum knife, possibly just a rebadged version of the knife.

Ah yes, I checked and it's indeed exactly the same as the Magnum Satin Leaf. So, Sanrenmu is the outsourced partner for this Magnum knife. the Magnum costs 4-5 times as much and even then it is on an acceptable quality/price level; thus at the Sanrenmu price it's a no-brainer. Really a nice one:

As with the Black Fox I mentioned recently, I don't think that Sanrenmu is copying a cheap Magnum knife, much more likely is that they are rebranded as Magnums by Boker.
A nice, well made pocket knife.

 

[Jaundice]

I just received a 710 and 962 today. Less than $20, shipped, for the pair.

My first impression is that these are very nice knives that i would expect to see in the $30-40 range. The 710 is simply flawless; the action is smooth, the blade locks up TIGHT, and the framelock is easy to use and locks up smartly. This is on par with, or slightly better than similar Byrd series of knives that I've had a chance to look closely at.

Unlike others, my 962 came clean and readily openable with one hand. The action is a tad stiff, as is not unexpected in a new knife, but the blade locks up tight. No horizontal or vertical movement at all. I bought it because I wanted a chance to check out the Axis lock. My one beef with the knife is that the axis bar doesn't come all the way forward in the channel when locked. I'm not sure if this is bad or good, although I've seen benchmades like this, as well. It might be bad if the knife isn't locking up completely (which I don't think is the case, based on the feel of blade), or good if it allows for the lock to continue locking up tight as the blade wears in.

Overall, I'm very impressed with these knives. Quality is on par with much more expensive knives, and the blade steel is equivalent to much more expensive Kershaws.

-John

 

[J85909266]

So, somehow, inexplicably, Sanrenmu has made Chinese design knock-offs the in thing with knife enthusiasts.

Wow, who knew a little effort and fit and finish was all it took to destroy the integrity of blade enthusiasts.

The best part is how people are just assuming they have permission to use all these designs and features based on no source, whatsoever.

"LOL WHO CARES. THEY ARE CHEAP AND HAVE GOOD FITnFINISH! STOP BEING SUCH A SNOB. YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY $8 KNIFE!"

Right...

 

[cziv]

So, somehow, inexplicably, Sanrenmu has made Chinese design knock-offs the in thing with knife enthusiasts.

Wow, who knew a little effort and fit and finish was all it took to destroy the integrity of blade enthusiasts.

The best part is how people are just assuming they have permission to use all these designs and features based on no source, whatsoever.

"LOL WHO CARES. THEY ARE CHEAP AND HAVE GOOD FITnFINISH! STOP BEING SUCH A SNOB. YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY $8 KNIFE!"

Right...

That's right quit dumping on my $10 small Sebenza knock-off. I saved $375

 

[jakeyjake4528]

So, somehow, inexplicably, Sanrenmu has made Chinese design knock-offs the in thing with knife enthusiasts.

Wow, who knew a little effort and fit and finish was all it took to destroy the integrity of blade enthusiasts.

The best part is how people are just assuming they have permission to use all these designs and features based on no source, whatsoever.

"LOL WHO CARES. THEY ARE CHEAP AND HAVE GOOD FITnFINISH! STOP BEING SUCH A SNOB. YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY $8 KNIFE!"

Right...

well said.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

So, somehow, inexplicably, Sanrenmu has made Chinese design knock-offs the in thing with knife enthusiasts.

Wow, who knew a little effort and fit and finish was all it took to destroy the integrity of blade enthusiasts.

The best part is how people are just assuming they have permission to use all these designs and features based on no source, whatsoever.

"LOL WHO CARES. THEY ARE CHEAP AND HAVE GOOD FITnFINISH! STOP BEING SUCH A SNOB. YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY $8 KNIFE!"

Right...

while i don't own any and have no plans to do so, i am somewhat in the middle regarding these knives.

i don't recall reading that people think permission has been given for the axis lock, compression lock, etc (and they use the names of the locks in the descriptions), but i also can't deny that many here feel they are of good quality.

members i trust say they are well made, albiet often with lesser materials.

i find it odd they can make quality knives for under $10, but seem intent on copying other's designs. while many are not exact copies, the similarities are impossible to ignore, at least for me.

their "invasion" in to the u.s. market is still in its infancy, but i think it is realistic to expect these knives to become readily available from domestic distributors. when/if that happens, i also expect them to take quite large chunk from the market share.

if they offered knives with better steel, at higher than a 57 rc, i must be honest and say i would seriously be tempted.

 

[res1cue]

I just received a 710 and 962 today. Less than $20, shipped, for the pair.

My first impression is that these are very nice knives that i would expect to see in the $30-40 range. The 710 is simply flawless; the action is smooth, the blade locks up TIGHT, and the framelock is easy to use and locks up smartly. This is on par with, or slightly better than similar Byrd series of knives that I've had a chance to look closely at.

Unlike others, my 962 came clean and readily openable with one hand. The action is a tad stiff, as is not unexpected in a new knife, but the blade locks up tight. No horizontal or vertical movement at all. I bought it because I wanted a chance to check out the Axis lock. My one beef with the knife is that the axis bar doesn't come all the way forward in the channel when locked. I'm not sure if this is bad or good, although I've seen benchmades like this, as well. It might be bad if the knife isn't locking up completely (which I don't think is the case, based on the feel of blade), or good if it allows for the lock to continue locking up tight as the blade wears in.

Overall, I'm very impressed with these knives. Quality is on par with much more expensive knives, and the blade steel is equivalent to much more expensive Kershaws.

-John

Okay, I am going to have to disagree with you. I got my 710 today (I will not buy any of the axis models on principle, but my curiosity got the best of me on the 710, and I will not be able to afford a sebenza really soon so I got one to try it out the "feel" of the blade.. and I actually do really like the feel of the blade so I am definitely going to buy a Sebenza.. funny that sanrenmu just made a sale for CRK for me) and I am not as impressed with it as I think some of you are

Now, cheap chinese imports were my personal gateway drug into knives, and so I have some experience with them. This one is very nicely done and VERY fast, but on BOTH of mine, there is a little bit of blade wobble. I tightened the pivot screw and it solved the issue but made the knife way too slow. It almost became a two handed opener. Now while I will still try it out, it gave me a somewhat blemished impression right off the bat.

Who knows, maybe I got two lemons, but I got what I paid for.. no more and no less. Imagine that

 

[Robert.B]

thats a first, I have yet to hear a complaint of blade play...mine is tight as my top shelf production, blade is center, and it flicks out nicely.

 

[choombak]

Do you really think they can sell a 7 dollar knife with comparable quality to the best production companies in the USA by just underpaying their workers? Yes they dont pay their workers as much as they should but its hardly the slave conditions you suggest. I've been to China multiple times and have family members who live there and they would laugh at your comments. Guess what, they work their asses off in China and everyone believes strongly in working hard. Only in America do people say take it easy and dont work too hard. That philosophy creates more efficient workers and higher quality goods at a cheaper price. Also Sanrenmu doesnt have massive profit margins like US knife companies. Unfortunately America has fallen behind when it comes to efficient production compared to China and we as American consumers end up paying for it. I dont own any knives from Chinese companies, except for my 3 Sanrenmu knives I picked up recently from a trip to China, and wholeheartedly support US knife companies like Spyderco but I find it funny how ignorant some of the China bashers really are. If you really are strapped for cash and need a knife, how can you not consider a 7 dollar knife with superb quality like the 710. Instead of saying we as Americans should work harder to catch up, people say lets boycott Chinese products. Terrible attitude and a losers mentality if you ask me.

You hit it right. Those who feel that China underpays and exploits their population are far too ignorant of how the eastern world works (and has been working for centuries). I am from India, and we have a culture which says "work is worship". This motivates us and our families enough to manage 12 to 16 hr. work days when the situation demands. We are cost-effective, and not exploited.

-Amarendra

 

[SPXTrader]

You hit it right. Those who feel that China underpays and exploits their population are far too ignorant of how the eastern world works (and has been working for centuries). I am from India, and we have a culture which says "work is worship". This motivates us and our families enough to manage 12 to 16 hr. work days when the situation demands. We are cost-effective, and not exploited.

-Amarendra

Well good! Get to work and come up with some original designs instead of stealing other's intellectual rights.

 

[Brennanscott]

It appears that alot of people will have a Shamwowmu 710 in their collection (a Chinese CRK knockoff) Alot of people already had a 710 in their collections (A new AMERICAN classic designed by McHenry and Williams)

I really think that they picked the model number 710 based on the popularity of the Benchmade 710 with american knife enthusiasts.

As I've clearly stated before, It's a free country by the grace of God and the blood of the people who have stood up for her so buy what ever your heart's content.

I will pass on supporting other world economies at the moment as our's suffers horribly, I'll spend the extra money and support the people who came up with all these ideas in the first place.

 

[jill jackson]

All you are doing by taking a stand on one very small item is just symbolic. We can not find so many of our higher dollar items we use daily made here anymore. I've long refused to buy any of my knives that are made in China, no matter what brand they have on them. Still, it's a drop in the bucket compared to everything else that I'm forced to buy and use made there. So, I don't get very excited if someone else does want to buy and use a knife made there. It's just plainly a losing battle, that we lost when the USA based companies started to move manufacturing overseas and we encouraged it by snapping up the cheaper to purchase goods. (as someone else said, "We voted for it with our dollars, by buying these cheaper goods, now we gripe because everything nearly isn't made in the USA any longer")

 

[jill jackson]

Funny how an American company could copy an another American companies design for years and draw no fire. And yes now the shameless copy of the Buck 110 is made in China, so why not get upset about that too?

 

[choombak]

Well good! Get to work and come up with some original designs instead of stealing other's intellectual rights.

[OT]
I think you have taken my statement personally. It was not intended as a personal remark, but a reality of what we are. Besides, you seem to be highly ignorant of the history of eastern civilizations, when you make a blanket "stealing" remark. Anyways, I don't wish to argue on this, since it is OT for this thread.
[/OT]

As far as SRM knife is concerned, I'd again re-iterate (keeping all moral and ethical issues aside), that they are the best made knives at that price point.

-Amarendra

 

[Chris "Anagarika"]

710 is sebenza lookalike, not BM 710 lookalike. The Land 962 is he one with axis lock. If you want to make a statement, at least get he fact right

I do repect your choice to support your economy. Each has to make his own decision.

 

[cziv]

I posted this in the other SRM thread, it's a good and quick read: Read: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/18/AR2008111803558.html

 

[Folderguy]

So, somehow, inexplicably, Sanrenmu has made Chinese design knock-offs the in thing with knife enthusiasts.

Wow, who knew a little effort and fit and finish was all it took to destroy the integrity of blade enthusiasts.

The best part is how people are just assuming they have permission to use all these designs and features based on no source, whatsoever.

"LOL WHO CARES. THEY ARE CHEAP AND HAVE GOOD FITnFINISH! STOP BEING SUCH A SNOB. YOU ARE JUST JEALOUS OF MY $8 KNIFE!"

Right...

While I understand the logic behind defending one's favorite brand or knives, I don't get why you think it's alright to impugn "the integrity of blade enthusiasts" who think some of those Sanrenmus are alright...

 

[wongKI]

Some responses a little over the top here.

I don't come from the USA (In fact I'm ethnically Chinese; don't all gang on me at once ) but I can safely say that while I respect the build quality, reliability and usefulness (all at a low price point) of SRM knives (Not to mention a few other brands which I can't remember) I don't appreciate the copying of features such as the Axis lock without permission. It's BS.

I don't really understand what's meant by "integrity of blade enthusiasts", I assume it means commitment towards original designs, in which case I agree. Although the language is a little strong. I don't like copying of IP, whether legal or merely ethical; it seems that this company has done so in several areas.

I'm not too sure about the "rebranded" Boker and Nobleman.

 

[Folderguy]

Okay, I am going to have to disagree with you. I got my 710 today (I will not buy any of the axis models on principle, but my curiosity got the best of me on the 710, and I will not be able to afford a sebenza really soon so I got one to try it out the "feel" of the blade.. and I actually do really like the feel of the blade so I am definitely going to buy a Sebenza.. funny that sanrenmu just made a sale for CRK for me) and I am not as impressed with it as I think some of you are

Now, cheap chinese imports were my personal gateway drug into knives, and so I have some experience with them. This one is very nicely done and VERY fast, but on BOTH of mine, there is a little bit of blade wobble. I tightened the pivot screw and it solved the issue but made the knife way too slow. It almost became a two handed opener. Now while I will still try it out, it gave me a somewhat blemished impression right off the bat.

Who knows, maybe I got two lemons, but I got what I paid for.. no more and no less. Imagine that

If you are mechanically inclined, here's a suggestion that might just work for your slightly slow 710.

Take it apart, and smooth down the washers with 600 grit wet-or-dry, or maybe use a scotch brite pad turned into a scotch brite wheel on a dremel tool to polish the washers. Better yet, use some of the green chromium oxide compound used for sharpening blades on a little buffer and buff those washers. Ditto for the pivot screw, with the dremel green compound buffer. Polish the inside of the pivot hole in the blade. The way I do this is taking a strip of 600 wet or dry and roll it up, and put it on the screw headed mandril for the dremel and polish the insides of the blade. Also buff the area on the liners where the washers make contact.

Clean everything up really well, say with alcohol, and then use some Slick 50 One Lube, or your favorite lube product, on the washers and where they make contact with the liner, and on the blade and inside the hole for the pivot. Put it all back together, and put a small amount of the blue loctite on the thread for the pivot screw. Tighten it until it's just a tad too tight to flick open, and then micro adjust it so the blade will barely flick open all the way. Let the loctite set, and after flick it open and closed for a while and see if it doesn't work just fine.

I figure if you want really high quality in terms of flickability, it's sometimes necessary to go to extra mile to get it. FWIW, very few of my knives were perfect when they came out of the box, and some still aren't. I'm talking about Benchmades and Emersons. Also, FWIW, while attending the Chicago Knife Expo a week ago, I had the opportunity to handle about 20 custom Strider knives, that were on display for perhaps an hour, before a dealer whisked them away from the Strider booth, having purchased all of them. Not a single one of those knives opened smoothly. I asked Josh about it, and he told me they had loosened them up a bit in the past, for a while only, but went back to the tighter configuration, because they didn't want the knives opening up in someone's pocket.

At another booth at the show, I had the opportunity to handle three or four Hinderer flippers. And not a single one of them would flip open completely. To get them to open, one started with the flip and added in a wrist snap.

If I owned a Hinderer, and if it wouldn't void the warranty, I'd work it over as mentioned above.

Long story short: you didn't get lemons, from what I read.

Folderguy