Dan Jackson

Dan is the creator of BladeReviews.com. He founded the site in 2010, and for the first 5 years Dan wrote all of the reviews and recorded all of the video reviews. He grew up using pocket knives, and the decision to start the website stemmed from his fascination of all things sharp combined with a deep passion for writing. At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives and has consulted with knife companies on product design and has been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally. When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

At this point he has personally reviewed almost 300 knives of all shapes, sizes, and price points. He is widely recognized as an authority on daily carry knives. He has consulted with knife companies on product design and his opinions on pocket knives have been featured on national media outlets including the WireCutter. In 2016 Dan decided to branch out and experiment with the website by reviewing watches, flashlights, and multi-tools. Today BladeReviews.com features a number of expert authors reviewing a wide range of daily carry gear. He is proud to write detailed long format reviews with original photography. The website remains largely independent with the vast majority of the products reviewed being purchased by Dan personally.

When he isn't writing knife reviews from his home in Southwest Florida, or talking about himself in third person, he enjoys practicing law, reading, fishing, cigars, and weight lifting.

Leatherman Micra Review

by Dan Jackson 9 Comments

I have never been able to consistently Every Day Carry (EDC) a full size multi-tool. I have a couple, and they have come in handy, but I don’t regularly EDC them. They are great to have in a car tool kit, a tackle box, for camping, or possibly if you work a physical job. But as a desk jockey I get way more mileage out of a Victorinox Pioneer than with your standard multi-tool.

Buy on Amazon

And then there is the Leatherman Micra. I have owned one for a few years now. My father has one, and I picked one up on a whim after checking out his. There is something extremely satisfying about this little tool. The spring loaded scissors are unlike anything else in my gear collection. I thought it might be fun to switch things up and offer a review of my Micra.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Micra has a closed length of 2.5 inches, a 1.6″ blade, weighs 1.8 ounces, and is made in the USA. Closed it’s about the size of my thumb. An easy enough option to EDC. Some people carry this on a keychain, and there is a lanyard loop that you can fold away if you don’t want to use it. I already have enough on my keychain, plus as a lawyer it would quickly get confiscated if I forgot to remove it before going through court security. It is slightly thicker than an Alox Cadet and much shorter. It truly is a micro piece of EDC gear.

The main attraction to this tool is the spring loaded scissors, and man are they sweet. First of all, the spring loaded aspect of this tool is extremely satisfying. The fidget factor is off the charts, and I regularly find myself absentmindedly opening and closing the tool. The spring loaded aspect alone is worth the price of admission.

But what puts things over the top is how sharp and useful the scissors are: they are indeed sharp and useful. And strong. They are so strong that I think calling them “scissors” is not giving them enough credit. They are almost shear like in their capabilities. I regularly use them to trim my fingernails. Hopefully that wasn’t too much information, but it goes to show that these aren’t the little scissors that come on the Swiss Army Knives or full size multi-tools. These are several steps above.

If you aren’t into using the scissors on the Micra as an impromptu grooming tool, then they can easily cut zip ties and plastic packaging. I could see them cutting through a shoe in a pinch (in a first aid situation), but ideally you would want something bigger. They don’t replace full size scissors if you have to cut a lot of cloth or paper, but they are stout, tough, and sharp.

Additional Tools

Obviously, the scissors aren’t the only tool on the Micra. You also get a penknife, a large flathead driver, a small flathead driver with a cap lifter built in, a “Phillips” driver, tweezers, and a combination nail file and nail cleaner.

The knife blade is a small clip point that is flat ground with a chisel edge. It’s sharp and serviceable, even if it’s about 1-5/8″ long. This isn’t going to perform like a full size knife, but you can cut stuff with it in a pinch. The blade doesn’t lock open, but there is a backspring and it snaps in place. The spring is weaker than a Swiss Army Knife, but this is not a knife you are going to want to use heavily any ways. It can open a box in a pinch, but probably the biggest draw to the knife is its needle fine tip.

Leatherman actually includes 420HC blade steel on the Micra. On a regular pocket knife 420HC is pretty ho-hum, but for a ~$20 multi-tool I think this is an outstanding choice. 420HC lacks the edge retention of higher end steels, but I think it’s a fine choice for the small blade on the Micra.

On the subject of steel, the steel that Leatherman has used here is pretty good. Mine occasionally spots with rust, but it cleans off easily and has never been a serious problem. Leatherman has been at this for over 30 years, so I imagine they have given the steel they use a healthy amount of consideration.

The 2 flat head drivers are nice enough. I can’t say either has gotten a ton of use, but the fine one is also integrated into a bottle opener. You can never have too many bottle openers, and the screwdrivers can be used in a pinch.

The Phillips driver is more of 2 dimensional driver, rather than a true “3-D” Phillips driver. It’s not perfect, but better than nothing. On a tool of this size and at this price point there will be compromises, and the lack of a true Phillips driver is one of them. There is no way you are going to replace a full tool kit with a Micra.

The file is really just a nail file. You won’t be able to use it for much more than that. With that said, I think including a nail file is nice, and it compliments the scissors. It has good abrasiveness and has held up well after several years of occasional use. No complaints here.

The tweezers are probably the tool I have used the least. I prefer the tweezers on my Swiss Army Knives. The tweezers on the Micra are kind of blunt, and I have never used them on a splinter, but they are fine enough to pluck hair.

Rounding things out is a ruler. It has been integrated into the back of the handle like most multi-tools. It’s awkward to use, but it doesn’t take up any additional space.

All told, I think the feature set on the Micra is robust given the size and price restraints. This is a nice assortment of common tools. You need to open the scissors to access the tools, but a small multi-tool like this is going to require some fidgeting.

Leatherman Micra Review – Final Thoughts

What impresses me most about the Micra is how nicely it is made. It’s a sturdy tool, but it is also nicely finished. There are no sharp edges (besides the blades of course), no tooling marks, the grinds are nice on the scissors and knife, and everything fits together as it should. The pivot is riveted, and my Micra has a small amount of play in it, but beyond that everything reeks of quality. It’s hard to believe that they make these in America and offer them at the price that they do.

For under $25, this is a multi-tool that I think pretty much anyone would enjoy. Sometimes mine ends up in the medicine cabinet, but it’s good for a tackle box, first aid kit, the car, or small tool kit. They manage to cram a lot of utility into a small package. This is the kind of tool where you can buy a couple and keep them stashed strategically, or have one that is part of your EDC. They also make great gifts.

As a knife guy this Micra won’t replace my Swiss Army Knives, but the spring loaded scissors are great, and the Micra is one of the more endearing pieces of EDC gear that I own. If you have never been able to justify a full size multi-tool then you may enjoy a Micra. If you already are a multi-tool guy then odds are you already own one. Either way I highly recommend it.

LEATHERMAN, Micra, Keychain Multi-tool with Grooming Tools, Mini Pocketknife for Everyday Carry (EDC), Hobbies & Outdoors, Built in the USA, Stainless Steel

A Leatherman for Everyone: For the last 40 years, Leatherman has been empowering millions to conquer the expected and unexpected, transforming everyday challenges into triumphant moments
Engineered to Withstand: From our Portland, Oregon factory and backed by our 25-year warranty, our multi-tools are built to last a lifetime, embodying the innovation and perseverance of our founder, Tim Leatherman
Mighty & Miniscule: Features 10 useful tools, including a knife, tweezers, screwdrivers, scissors and more; Easy to carry in your pocket, purse or tackle box; Attach to your keychain for convenient portability
Personal Care Tools & Daily Problem Solver: With a nail file and tweezers, the Micra is your grooming companion on the go; Whether you're handling quick fixes or fishing and camping, this mini-tool is a practical everyday carry (EDC)
Great for Gifting: Perfect for anglers, hobbyists or those always on the move, this ultra-portable keychain tool makes an excellent gift and is ideal for those new to multi-tools

I recommend purchasing the Leatherman Micra at Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Kershaw Link 1776GRYBW Review

by Dan Jackson 19 Comments

It has been a while since I have visited Kershaw’s value offerings. The Injection 3.0, the Emerson Collabs, and the Strobe are nice knives for the money, but I think each model left the reviewer asking for a little more.

Buy the Kershaw Link at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Admittedly, these knives are all in the $20-30 range. It’s hard to get too excited at that price point as there will almost always be significant compromises. Most of the time those compromises center around the materials selected, or the company trying to do “too much” with a budget knife. At best the end result is a good, but not great, product. Rarely do you get something truly excellent although there are notable exceptions like the ESEE Zancudo or the Victorinox Cadet.

The Link was a 2015 release and is a Kershaw in house design. As I noted in my review of the ZT 0888MAX, an in house design from KAI is not a bad thing. It may not grab eyeballs like the latest Hinderer collab, but Kershaw has talented in-house designers who have hit home runs in the past including the Skyline, 888, and Knockout.

The Link is a USA made knife, and Kershaw describes this as the missing “link” between USA manufactured quality and reasonable price (get it?). They assigned the Link model number “1776” to drive the point home even further. While the in house design team may have things down, I think the marketing team may benefit from a fresh pot of coffee.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Link has an overall length of 7.6″, a 3.25″ blade, weighs 4.8 ounces, and is made in the USA. Although the knife weighs nearly 5 ounces, it feels lighter in hand. This isn’t a bad choice for an EDC or utility knife. It is on the larger side and may be too big for some to seriously consider as a daily carry. The Link has an almost dystopian look to it with it’s blackwashed blade and matte grey handles. It’s a nice looking medium sized folding knife.

This knife comes with either a FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon) handle or the aluminum handle shown here. The aluminum version currently retails for around $40 while the FRN version is more at the $30 price point. Personally, the extra $10 for aluminum was a no brainer. I don’t care for the pattern on the FRN version and think it looks cheap. The dark gray aluminum handles play nicely with the black hardware and “blackwash” finished blade.

The blade of the Link is long and non-traditional, with an upswept tip and decorative swedge. It also features a perfectly executed sharpening choil. I like how the blade is ground from thin stock, and that Kershaw went with a high flat grind. The end result is an excellent slicer. I used the Link to assist with some tree trimming that needed to get done after a tropical storm. The knife was fine for pruning as well as slicing rope and twine. I have also used the knife extensively on cardboard and has always done a good job.

As an aside, Kershaw also offers the Link with a tanto blade. I think it spoils the lines of the knife, and I am not a fan of tantos for a utility knife. But it’s an option if you want it.

I think the excellent blade geometry is especially important in light of the fact that the blade steel is 420HC. I have never been a huge fan of 420HC. I don’t care if the smiths of Valeria heat treat this stuff, I have always associated 420HC with bargain bin knives. That said, the 420HC on this knife isn’t that bad. I was expecting it to crumble under cardboard, but it has held its own. Again I think the excellent blade geometry has a lot to do with this.

One benefit to a mild steel like 420HC that it is easy to sharpen. A couple passes on my fine Spyderco Sharpmaker rod and we are back in business. I’d say the 420HC on this knife is almost as good as Aus8 or 8Cr13MoV. However, I would definitely prefer some 14C28N like on the Skyline.

As Grayson points out in the comments section, it is worth noting that Kershaw has also released the Link in S35VN as an exclusive for HouseofBlades with red or blue anodized aluminum handles. It clocks in at $80, and may be worth the premium in price of you like the design. Here’s to hoping Kershaw will continue to offer the Link in different steels. I think that if the S35VN version wasn’t a dealer exclusive then it would probably retail for closer to $60. That would be a great deal.

BladeHQ also offers a damascus version of the Link. It’s not clear what kind of steel the damascus is made out of, but if you like damascus then this could be an option.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

As I have previously mentioned, this is an anodized aluminum handle over stainless steel liners. There is a black ribbed backspacer that runs 3/4 the length of the handle. The fit and finish on this knife is excellent. It is far superior to the Chinese Kershaws I have previously reviewed. While not 3-D contoured, the handle has been chamferred twice for comfort and visual interest. The parts line up perfectly, the screws are all set the same depth in the handle, and there are no machining marks. Even the lanyard hole has been thoughtfully executed: it is oversized and inset into the pommel rather than simply drilled through the handle. Nicely done, Kershaw.

The Link is a comfortable knife to work with. It’s thick without being chunky, and there is a great natural thumb rest on the back of the handle. If you need to you can choke up further on the spine of the blade, but there is no jimping. The anodized aluminum isn’t what I would call “high traction”, but it’s not slippery either. There is plenty of room for a full grip, the flipper forms a nice forward guard, and there are no sharp corners to speak of. Kershaw managed to do a lot here with a modest budget. I think most people will be pleased with how the Link feels in hand.

The clip is a black parkerized steel clip. The handle is drilled for ambidextrous tip up carry. This isn’t a deep carry clip, but the Link is still discrete thanks to its dark handle and nondescript pocket clip. This is a heavier knife with a relatively smooth handle, so I was concerned about the knife moving around in my pocket. Thankfully, this clip provided plenty of retention and the Link remained in place. It’s hard to get too excited about a clip like this, but that is not a bad thing. Thankfully, Kershaw didn’t do anything weird here.

Deployment and Lockup

The Link makes use of Ken Onion’s SpeedSafe technology. I have the better part of a dozen SpeedSafe knives over the years and you can check all the SpeedSafe reviews out here. Suffice it to say, this is a long standing and proven assisted opening mechanism. My knife fires hard and fast thanks in part to a well placed and nicely jimped flipper tab and phosphor bronze washers. All things equal I almost always prefer a non-assisted manual action flipper, but given the price point I don’t mind this assisted opener. It works great.

Also, it is interesting to note that there is no rattle of the spring when the blade is open. Typically these SpeedSafe knives rattle a little, although you can always fix that by opening up the knife and applying a little lithium grease to the spring. My Link is dead quiet, so maybe Kershaw has found a way to address this issue at the factory.

The Link comes with a stainless steel liner lock. Lockup is solid and without play. I have always been a fan of liner locks, and the lock on this knife works well. The lock bar is easy enough to get at when you want to close the blade. Here is a shot of the Link next to my Skyline:

Blade centering is near perfect on my knife.

Kershaw Link Review – Final Thoughts

This is one of Kershaw’s better budget offerings in recent memory. It seems like historically their best stuff has been the USA made Kershaws, and the Link continues the path forged by knives like the Skyline, Blur, and Knockout. I’d say the Link is on par in terms of quality, but it remains to be seen if the knife will develop the following these other blades have. The Link is a little chunkier, but not bloated. It’s also kind of a funky design, but it works well in hand. For these reason I don’t think the Link will garner the same legacy these other knives have, but it’s still a very good knife.

Kershaw is also releasing limited editions of the Link, which demonstrate that it is popular with consumers, and adds an element of collectibility to the knife.

I think most people who are attracted to the Link on paper will like the knife. It’s a solid tool that you won’t mind dragging underneath a car, or up a ladder. The fit and finish is excellent. The materials are good, although I’d like to see an upgraded blade steel (addressed with the limited editions, but at double the price of the regular version). I understand that probably wasn’t possible given the price of the knife and the rest of the features.

On the subject of price, if you like the look of this knife but want something higher end, you may want consider the Zero Tolerance 0095BW. The 0095 shares the design language of the Link, but with a manual flipper, bearings, S35VN steel, and a titanium handle.

If you are interested in the Link then I think you will end up liking it. I recommend it to those seeking a solid work knife that is made in the USA and retailing for well under $50.

Kershaw Link Folding Pocket Knife, Gray Blackwash, SpeedSafe Opening, Made in the USA

Retractable steel blade has carbon and chromium for strength and corrosion resistance. BlackWash finish creates worn look that hides scratches and prints
As Kershaw’s patriotic model number 1776, the Link is made to be the best collectible utility knife of its kind
For accessibility and safety, Link has a reversible pocketclip, liner lock, SpeedSafe assisted opening and built-in flipper
With closed length of 4.4 inches, Link is the go-to tool when scouting, hunting, fishing or working around the home or office
Both sharp and sturdy, the Link is discrete with one-handed opening for personal defense or protection during lifesaving emergencies

I recommend purchasing the Kershaw Link at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Fantoni Dweller Review

by Dan Jackson 15 Comments

Last Updated: July 30, 2019
I have been holding out on you guys. Several years ago I purchased what is arguably my all time favorite gentleman’s folder, and have yet to write a review on it. That is, until now.

Buy the Fantoni Dweller at KnifeArt.com

I’m talking of course about the Fantoni Dweller. This is is a knife that I fell in love with after watching Stefan Schmalhaus’ excellent video review. He is the man when it comes to reviewing dress knives, and I think that his video review of the Dweller is among his best work. If you haven’t checked out his review before, then you owe it to yourself to give his short video your attention:

After watching a video review like that there isn’t much left for someone to say about the Dweller. This is part of the reason why I have remained quiet for so long, but I’ll try my best to give you my take on this knife.

This is a riff on the Bob Loveless City Knife, which is a fixed blade pattern. I believe Fantoni made a similar knife for Lone Wolf in the early 2000s, with bolsters and no finger choil. This version was designed by Massimo Fantoni. Massimo is the son of Renzo Fantoni, the founder of Fantoni Knives in Italy. Massimo is perhaps best known for designing the Nilte Quiete. I have had the pleasure of meeting with Massimo and Renzo at several Blade shows over the years. They are great guys making some of the best production knives in the world.

The only problem with Fantoni Knives is that they produce their models in limited quantities. Their stuff is hard to acquire unless you are vigilant. KnifeArt is Fantoni’s exclusive U.S. dealer, but their selection is touch and go based upon Fantoni’s production schedule. For these reasons Fantoni doesn’t get a ton of press here in the States. This is a shame because their work is immaculate and they have fantastic designs. Their CUT Flipper remains one of my all time favorite production pieces. The Dweller isn’t far behind.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Dweller has an overall length of 6.5″, a 2.6″ blade, and weighs 1.8 ounces. The Dweller is made in Maniago, Italy. In my opinion this knife is the perfect size for EDC or carry as a gents folder. Some people may get bent out of shape about the blade to handle ratio. The blade is notably and purposely smaller than the handle. Personally I find that aspect of the design charming. I don’t typically ascribe to golden ratios or metrics when examining a knife. These metrics can be useful and interesting, but I like to explore each knife on the merits.

Here, I find the short blade endearing. It’s a big part of what makes the Dweller so unique and whimsical. Plus it’s still practical. This knife is non-threatening and elegant. No one is going to mistake the stubby blade of the Dweller for a weapon, yet it is still perfectly suited for opening mail, trimming loose threads, and handling mild food prep chores like slicing an apple at lunch, or preparing a cheese plate after work. You know, the stuff gentlemen do. And despite the smaller blade there is still plenty of handle, so the user gets the benefit of a full grip when using this knife.

The blade is a short modified drop point with a full flat grind. It is ground like a traditional slip joint, meaning that it is thin behind the edge and slices well. The tip is fine, and represents a good balance of strength and precision. The blade has been given an attractive satin finish. All around this is a practical and nicely executed blade for a little folding knife.

Fantoni went with Sandvik 19C27 steel for the Dweller. I haven’t had a lot of experience with 12C27 outside of the Dweller. Sandvik advertises this as their most well-rounded knife steel. My research suggests that Fantoni has heat treated their 19C27 all the way up to 61HRc.

The 19C27 takes a nice edge that holds up well and is easy to maintain. I have had zero issues with rust or corrosion, despite carrying and storing the Dweller in a leather sheath in Florida for years. I have also used the knife on all manner of acidic fruits. While 19C27 isn’t a super steel, its a good practical choice for a small slip joint. No complaints.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The Dweller’s handle is wood scales over brass liners. This is a slip joint, and the stainless steel backspring doubles as a full backspacer. As with all of my other experiences with Fantoni, everything is put together beautifully. I especially like the fact that this slip joint is bolted together rather than pinned. That means the pivot is adjustable and the handle scales are fully removable with a tiny torx driver.

My particular knife came with Snakewood covers, but Fantoni offers this knife in a variety of different exotic wood handle scales, including Olive, Burl, and Cocobolo. I like Snakewood because of the warm color and interesting figuring. Although my particular handles don’t have much of a “snake skin” pattern it’s still beautiful. I have also seen the Dweller offered in Micarta. My preference is for a wood handle as that compliments the gentleman’s folder vibe of this knife nicely.

The Dweller features a generous handle. It dwarfs the handle of the Cadet, and also features a small forward finger choil that allows you to choke up on the blade. Either way there is plenty of room for a full grip, even if you take a large glove like I do. Being a gents folder there is no jimping to speak of. The wood handle is not slippery, but this is not a high traction handle either. I have used my Dweller for tasks ranging from cleaning my finger nails to breaking down boxes. It isn’t a combat folder, but should handle most urban daily carry tasks without issue.

The Dweller does not come with a pocket clip, and instead is shipped with a thin leather slip sheath. The sheath is made of a rich chestnut colored leather that matches the Snakewood handles on my knife almost perfectly. What I like about this slip sheath is that it is thin and small. The sheathes that came with both my Mnandi and Indian River Jack, while nicely made and serviceable, are both notably larger than the sheath of the Dweller. That is because the Dweller’s sheath is custom made to the knife, while the knives for the IRJ and Mnandi were designed to accommodate other knives as well. Over time my sheath has broken in and burnished, which added to the character of this knife.

Walk and Talk

This is a slip joint, so my usual discussion of “deployment and lock up” more or less goes out the window. For “deployment” we have a single nail nick. The spring on this knife isn’t particularly strong. I’d say the pull strength is a 3 or 4 and is comparable to my Cadet.

The nice thing about the Dweller is that it has a great little half stop. I am a big fan of half stops, and it works well on the Dweller. The blade does not lock open, but it is secure. There is no blade play. If you are smart about how you use this knife you can get a lot of use out of it despite the lack of a lock.

Centering on my knife is a off by a millimeter. The pivot appears to be a bushing style pivot, so I am guessing I could adjust it to center, but haven’t tried because it hasn’t bothered me.

Here is a shot of the Dweller next to another rock star gent’s folder, the CRK Mnandi:

Fantoni Dweller Review – Final Thoughts

I almost feel bad waiting so long to write this review. I bought this knife for my personal collection, and have enjoyed it for several years now. While many knives have come and gone over the years the Dweller is something I don’t see myself ever parting with. I love the simple design rooted in Bob Loveless’ timeless aesthetic. The stubby blade is charming and practical, the wood and brass handles are warm and inviting, and the superb execution of the knife and pocket sheath elevate the Dweller to something special an unique.

While it may not be the fanciest gentleman’s folder, the Dweller’s simplicity and restraint make it one of my favorites. This is a beautiful knife, but it is still humble. This is a dress knife that I can actually use without regret. Some gent’s folders are so nice that they are almost objets d’art, and I feel guilty when using them. I don’t get that feeling with the Dweller. It’s a nice little knife, but it’s also unmistakably a tool.

Unfortunately, the Dweller has become exceedingly rare over the years. A search of “Fantoni Dweller” on the BladeForum’s buy / sell / trade section yielded zero results. Buy it if you can find it.

I would recommend buying the Dweller at KnifeArt, as they are Fantoni’s only US dealer. The only problem is, they don’t have the Dweller currently in stock. You may be able to find them on the secondary market. Regardless, please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website, including links to Amazon and BladeHQ, helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

First of all, this is not really a review. The 0888MAX is a pure collectible for me. A collectible I was able to acquire through a trade with my good friend Andrew of the Edge Observer. The knife has been admired and “fondled” (as much as I hate that word – it’s right up there with “hubby” and “moist” for me), but certainly not carried and used. Given the value and rarity of a knife like the 0888MAX, I hope those who came here for a rough and tumble review can look past that and enjoy the knife from the same collector’s mindset that I have.

It seems as if Zero Tolerance has lost their way in some respects with their recent limited editions. To me knives like the 0777>, the 454CF, and this 0888 represent the pinnacle of ZT’s limited editions: bold and innovative designs that are beautifully and meticulously executed, featuring feats of engineering largely unseen in their regular lineup, yet the knives are still timeless and universally appealing.

A 0392 with “toxic green” hardware doesn’t get me going in the same way an 0888 does. The 0427 is cool, but a little busy. It is more of an acquired taste, than a timeless classic. I have similar feelings about the 0999. To me they just gratuitously layered on more stuff, like a chef at a fancy restaurant simply piling on more expensive ingredients.

There is something about the 0888 that places it the top my favorite ZT LE’s. Maybe because it is an in house design, so simple and elegant yet so meticulously and beautifully rendered. The gentle play between the open blade and handle, the fully contoured titanium scales, and the ingenious one piece pocket clip that flows seamlessly with the rest of the knife, all serve to elevate this design from the rest. There is something almost magical about the 888, made even more etheral by the limited quantity: a mere 250 pieces of the 0888 and 250 of the 0888MAX. These days Zero Tolerance limited releases even seem to be less limited. But that’s OK, this only serves to make the 0888MAX more special.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 0888MAX has an overall length of 9.125″, a 3.75″ blade, a weight of 7.56 ounces, and is made in the USA. I will use “0888” and “0888MAX” interchangeably throughout this article except for when specifically discussing the steel below. With that said, the difference between the 2 is that the 0888 is uncoated and comes with a composite S110V and 14C28N blade, while the 0888MAX is black DLC coated and approximately half of the 0888MAX knives feature Maxamet steel, and the other half have M390 steel blades after Zero Tolerance realized it would be too difficult to finish out the entire batch in Maxamet. Also the fuller on the regular 0888 does not extend the length of the blade like the 0888MAX.

The 0888 was apparently the 2012 Overall Knife of the Year. Although I agree with Tony that this is an award of dubious distinction, in this case I think they got the award right, and the 0888 is certainly worthy of the Knife of the Year title.

The 0888 features a modified drop point blade. It’s almost a spearpoint, and that spear shaped blade is further accented by a dramatic fuller that runs the length of the blade before transitioning into the handle. The knife is flat ground, with the grind running half the height of the blade. There is no swedge.

The “MAX” in 0888MAX signifies ZT’s choice of Carpenter’s Maxamet high speed powder tool steel. Here is a link to Carpenter’s datasheet. Here is a link to ZKnives always informative Composition Analysis Graph, Equivalents and Overview.

After reviewing Carpenter’s datasheet, it looks like Maxamet is to be hardened to anywhere between 66-71 HRc, which is super high on the Rockwell C scale for knife blades. For reference, steels like S110V and ZDP 189 are taken up to the low 60s (maybe as high as 65 for ZDP-189). According to Zknives, ZT had trouble grinding the Maxamet blades after heat treat, and experienced issues with warping if they ground the blades before heat treat. That is why they did not make the full 250 piece run of 0888MAXs in Maxamet, and that is what makes a “real” Maxamet clad 0888MAX so special.

This all sounds great, but since I have not used this knife I cannot comment on the real world implications of a knife with a Maxamet blade. I can’t imagine it being easy to sharpen.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 0888 comes with a 3 piece titanium handle. I love the absence of visable hardware except for the custom pivot on the show side. The end result is an exceptionally clean and elegant knife; especially when you consider that this was released several years ago. These days we are seeing more integral designs hit the market, but at the time that wasn’t the case. The handle has a full titanium backspacer tastefully engraved with the “Zero Tolerance” wordmark.

The overall fit, finish, and execution of the handle is fabulous. Your fingers catch on the fine, almost herringbone, machining on the handle. The backspacer and handles are almost seamless, and the lockbar is precision cut. The all black MAX version is especially seductive, lending the knife a stealth fighter feel.

The 0888 is a large and comfortable knife. It’s simple shape provides the end user with excellent ergonomics. Again, I haven’t cut with this knife, or carried it, so I can’t offer much besides impressions after handling it. If you were to use it my best guess is that it would feel great. There is no jimping to speak of.

The pocket clip is also quite special. It’s a one piece ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip. Again, it is beautifully finished and 3-d machined from a single piece of titanium. This is easily the most elaborate clip I have ever seen on a knife. It is secured by a single phillips screw hidden from view unless you look down into the inside of the handle. I haven’t carried my 0888MAX. It’s a big heavy knife, and my guess is that you would really feel it in the pocket. Not my choice for an every day carry piece, but definitely a cool collectible.

Deployment and Lockup

The 0888 is a bearing equipped flipper. The action is crisp and smooth, and the knife opens with a distinctive metallic click. After disengaging the lock you can shake the blade closed. Blade centering is perfect on my knife. As with some ZTs, you need to keep your finger off the lock bar when using the flipper.

The 0888 is a titanium framelock with replaceable steel blade insert. I think having a steel insert is especially prudent with this Maxamet blade. If the blade is truly hardened to 66+ HRc, it will chew through a titanium lockbar. A steel insert is essential here. Lockup on my knife is early and secure. There is no blade play, and the lock does not stick. Typical ZT quality here. They have the 0888 dialed in just as good as any other Zero Tolerance framelock I have handled.

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX Review – Final Thoughts

It is a privilege to share a knife like the 0888MAX with you. I occasionally run into some cool stuff, but largely stay within the realm of normal production folders. I don’t own many custom knives, nor do I spent a lot of time in the midtech market.

With all that in mind, the 0888 is a special piece unlike anything else I have reviewed. Even compared to my 454CF or Shirogorovs this 888 is a totally different knife. I think it is especially interesting that this is an in house design. That is a testament to the team they have built over at Zero Tolerance. Given the somewhat “funky” nature of the new ZT LE’s I think they should consider another in house design. Clearly they have some talent over there, and I think an overreliance on custom maker designs may be a step in the wrong direction at this point.

The 0888MAX is no longer available at retail, and they rarely appear on the secondary market, but if you are in the market for a Zero Tolerance knife, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

CRKT Homefront K270GKP Review

by Dan Jackson 20 Comments

Last Updated: August 12, 2019
One of the hallmarks of a quality folding knife is to be able to take it apart and put it back together without any problems. That is one of the qualities I find most admirable in my Spyderco Sage 1, which remains one of my all time favorite EDC knives to this day. Certainly that is one of the draws to the CRK Sebenza; its unapologetic simplicity and ease of disassembly and re-assembly. I think it’s one thing to put something together properly at the factory and have it work well in the short term, but if it doesn’t go back together correctly after being taken apart then something is horribly wrong.

Buy the CRKT Homefront at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

So when I saw CRKT roll out the Homefront, a knife that was designed to be taken apart, I took notice. At first glance this may seem gimmicky in the same way Lionsteel made a handle that changes color when you hold it. The knife industry is a tough one to innovate in, and some of features touted as “innovations” can be questionable at best. But the Homefront was designed by Ken Onion, and CRKT has a history of executing custom designs well. So I approached the Homefront with both interest and a healthy dose of skepticism.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Homefront has an overall length of 8.3″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 4.8 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. I have a soft spot for utilitarian folders with a 3.5″ blade. Some of my favorite user pieces fall into this category, including the Cold Steel American Lawman, Kershaw Blur, and Buck Marksman. In an age of high dollar titanium framelock flippers these are the unsung heroes of my knife collection. While I am as guilty as the next guy for wanting to check out high end offerings, these humble pieces keep showing up in my pocket to get the job done.

The Homefront has that same “no bullshit” appeal that these other knives have. It’s simply constructed and geared towards functionality. But that is not to say that the Homefront is devoid of detail and visual interest. The knife has a military inspired aesthetic that has grown on me since acquisition. I am still not a fan of the oversize star on the pivot, but the rest of the design agrees with me, and the knife is nicely made and beautifully finished. In my mind this is a dedicated utility knife, and is one that could be pressed into a variety of roles as your situation requires.

The blade is a handsome drop-point design, with a prominent fuller, big belly, and a simple swedge terminating in a capable tip. You almost forget this is a Ken Onion design, except for that suggestion of a recurve. The blade features a hollow grind and a lustrous satin finish. The knife is ground reasonably thin and it slices well. This is a classic and useful blade shape.

One critique is that the edge is not sharpened all the way to the plunge line. Instead, you have about a quarter inch of unsharpened steel. The advantage is that you can use this as a poor man’s forward finger choil, but the disadvantage is that you lose that cutting surface and the knife can be a little harder to sharpen on some systems.

CRKT chose AUS-8 for the blade steel. I’m not a steel snob, but this is my biggest criticism of the knife. Given the near $100 retail price point (I paid $90 for mine, but now see the knife retail for a little over $80 on Amazon), this should be S30V, 154CM, or some other higher end stainless steel. Every other aspect of the Homefront is on par with a $100 knife, so it’s a shame to see the steel suffer here. Still, AUS-8 is serviceable stuff, and it will certainly work for a knife that is meant to be used. It is tough, doesn’t rust easily, and is easy to sharpen.

If you add up all my reviews I have probably written the equivalent of a full length novel on AUS-8, so I won’t belabor this further. At the end of the day I don’t mind the steel in a lower end knife, but would be remiss not to ding the Homefront for the choice of AUS-8 blade steel.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is constructed of 2 slabs of 6061 aluminum that have been type-3 anodized a rich olive green. There is a partial geared aluminum backspacer, and a nested steel liner lock. The handle is modified to accommodate the Field-Strip take down system (more on that below) with the inclusion of a release lever near the pivot and a geared wheel at the pommel.

Fit and finish on this knife is immaculate. The lines are crisp, there is an absence of tooling marks, and everything comes together perfectly. The anodization is tough to capture with photography – it has a subtle depth to it that doesn’t show up well in the pictures. The anodization has held up nicely, but I don’t doubt if I drop it on my driveway it will show signs of wear like my Marksman.

The Homefront benefits from a simple approach to ergonomics, and is a comfortable knife in hand. The handle itself is lightly textured and the aluminum is a far cry from abrasive G-10 or rough patterning. There is a shallow finger choil, and a row of toothy jimping – aggressive enough to bite in sharply if you really bear down on the knife, but easy to avoid if you place your thumb on the spine of the blade. The geared backspacer and release wheel provide additional traction if you need to use the knife in a reverse grip, but largely stay out of the way when you are using the knife with a normal forward grip.

Ken knows how to design a comfortable knife, and this Homefront benefits from his decades of experience.

The pocket clip is an unassuming piece of folded-over stainless steel. It’s black, rectangular, and does a decent job of keeping the knife held in place in your pocket. The aluminum handles don’t offer much traction, so retention isn’t outstanding. It is a deep carry clip, and the Homefront all but disappears into your pocket. Beyond that, there isn’t much to report, beyond the handle being milled, drilled, and tapped for right side tip up carry only – not a big deal for me, but a potential source of contention for some.

The Homefront carries nicely in the pocket. It’s not overly thick, heavy or large, and it carries like you would expect it to. No complaints.

Field-Strip Technology

The Homefront is the first production knife to feature Ken Onion’s Field-strip Technology. It’s a system that allows the knife to be taken apart without tools in seconds by way of a lever near the pivot and a release wheel at the butt of the handle. Flip the lever, turn the wheel, and in seconds you have a fully disassembled knife.

I have had my Homefront for about 6 weeks at this point, and in that space of time I have disassembled and re-assembled the Homefront probably 100 times. Not out of necessity, but out of that neurotic fidgety compulsion that drives most knife collectors to obsessively and absentmindedly flick the blades of their folders. This is the same neurosis that is responsible for grown men spinning $100+ tops and the TorqBar. Plus I wanted to test the system out thoroughly.

I am here to say that after taking the knife apart obsessively the Field-Strip system still works great. I can take the knife apart and put it back together in under 30 seconds at this point. There was a small learning curve, but with a little practice the Field Strip system becomes easy to manipulate.

The bigger question is, “How handy is this?” I don’t work a particularly dirty job. I’m not in the military, or law enforcement, or anything remotely physical. So I don’t really “need” a knife that I can strip in the field, because, let’s face it, I’m never in the field.

But I can tell you this is a nice well implemented feature. I do occasionally take my knives apart, and when I do it’s at best an ordeal necessitating the use of torx drivers, a quiet space, a clean surface, and 10-15 minutes of my time. At worst you can mess up the knife. I have stripped screws, lost pieces under my desk, and have taken a knife apart only to find out it doesn’t want to come back together quite right.

There is value to this system whether you are trying to take your knife apart inside a tent or at your kitchen table. I wouldn’t want to take my Benchmade apart on a camping trip. But taking apart the Homefront outside is something I am completely comfortable with.

Deployment and Lockup

The Homefront is a sub-liner lock flipper. The flipper looks like a bayonet lug, paying further homage to the Homefront’s throwback military-inspired design. The blade runs on nested teflon washers. I am typically not a fan of teflon washers, but they work here. The washers are nested in such a way that they don’t fall out when you disassemble the knife, and my guess is that was the primary consideration when selecting teflon. Regardless, the blade flips open easily and the action doesn’t have that “floaty” feeling that is typical of teflon washers. It actually flips well, especially after a break in. The oversize flipper provides plenty of leverage, and the blade pops opens with a satisfying snap.

You can get a good look at the nested steel liner lock in the picture of the dissassembled knife. It’s unassuming, but it works well. The lock bar is easy to get at and doesn’t stick. There is a little side to side play, an acceptable trade off for a toolless design, but nothing more than you would find on an axis lock. Also, the blade centering is dead center every single time, without any tweaking on my end. This is super impressive to me, as so many knives get this wrong. It’s a testament to how well the Homefront is engineered and manufactured.

CRKT Homefront Review – Final Thoughts

It would be easy to dismiss the Homefront and its Field-Strip system as a gimmick. But I think doing so would be a mistake. At its core this is a well made and functional piece, and the Field-Strip aspect of the knife works surprisingly well. The knife comes apart and goes back together easily and consistently. This is a legitimate improvement over a regular screw-together folder, and CRKT did a good job with this. I’d like to see them carry this out with other designs and dial the system in even further.

I’d also like to see CRKT beef up the blade steel. I realize that this knife was manufactured in Taiwan, which means there are logistical challenges to getting quality steel to the factory, plus this was probably an expensive knife both to develop and manufacture, but at this price point you really need to be above the AUS8/8Cr13MoV tier of steel. Both Spyderco and Cold Steel have figured out how to get good steel to their Taiwanese factories, so it can be done. The choice of AUS-8 is not a deal killer for me, but I know it will be a turn off for many.

At the end of the day I think the pros to the Homefront outweigh the cons. This is an excellently executed knife, and it’s the most interesting edged tool to cross my desk in 2016. I think this knife is a good choice for both collectors of interesting and unusual knives, and I also recommend it for those who are considering the Homefront as an EDC piece. I purchased this knife with my own money for long term testing and evaluation. I’ll continue to carry and use the Homefront and will update this review if my opinion about the knife or Field-Strip system changes over time.

As I close this review out I can’t help but compare my Homefront to my Marksman. Both feature aluminum handles, classic lines, and solid construction. Both are unique and innovative in their own ways. And both are rock solid workhorse knives. It’s my pleasure to highlight unique offerings like these.

COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE & TOOL CRKT Homefront Aluminum Folding Pocket Knife: Take Apart Field Strip, Satin Blade, Flipper Open, Liner Lock, Aluminum Handle, Deep Carry Pocket Clip K270GKP

Easy Maintenance: Field Strip take apart your knife for cleaning without tools
Easy To Sharpen: High carbon stainless steel blade takes an edge well
Lightweight And Strong: Aluminum handle combines strength with minimal weight
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Versatile Use: Suitable for every day carry around the home or office

If you are considering buying a CRKT Homefront, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Shirogorov F3 Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Last Updated: July 27, 2019
The Shirogorov 95t is arguably the nicest knife I have reviewed to date. It is a beautiful piece embodying all the characteristics one would seek out in a high end titanium framelock flipper: top shelf materials, amazing action, a beautiful design, plenty of details, and an otherwordly level of machining, fit, and finish.

Buy the Shirogorov F3 at BladeHQ

The 95t was undoubtedly a sweet piece of steel, but like many high end knives in my collection it was eventually sold off to fund other purchases. I paid over $700 for the 95t, and at that price point I didn’t feel comfortable keeping the knife in my collection, let alone actually using it on a regular basis.

The 95t was almost too nice to use.

I noted in my 95t review that prices on these knives had dropped to what I thought was a reasonable level. Over the past year the secondary market prices on Shirogorov knives have continued to drop. While trolling the buy/sell/trade section of Bladeforums one evening I stumbled across the Shirorogov F3 that you see in this review. The price tag was around $500. It’s still big bucks for a pocket knife, but I couldn’t resist after letting the 95t go.

The F3 is the liner lock version of the 95. This G10-clad linerlock flipper seemed a little less ornamental than the 95t, and a touch more practical. I was excited to bring a Shirogorov back into the collection.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The F3 has an overall length of 8.75″, a 3.875″ blade, weighs of 5.1 ounces, and is made in Russia. Some call the F3 the “Sebenza of Flippers”, and for good reason. I think the tolerances are on par with offerings from Chris Reeve Knives, and in some ways I think Shiro’s manufacturing prowess is superior.

In contrast to the 95t, this bead blasted and G-10 handled F3 feels more like a tool knife than a collectible. It lacks the ornamentation and detail of the 95t, but retains the elements of what makes a Shirogorov special. It is also executed with the same eerie precision of their more expensive knives.

One element of contention for me is that despite this feeling like more of a user, it’s still a ridiculously large knife with its near 4″ blade. Most people won’t be able to carry and use this in public. Those that can carry a F3 will probably opt for something less expensive (or perhaps even a fixed blade). These knives are immaculate, but I wish they would also offer a flipper with a sub 3.5″ blade. A version with a 3″-3.25″ blade would probably do well here in the States.

The blade pattern of the F3 is identical to the 95t. It features the exact same drop point profile and geometry. The major difference lies in the finishing. My 95t had some subtle and interesting jimping on the spine. It also had a nice bright stonewashed finish. In contrast, my F3 has no jimping and a simple bead blasted finish. The matte blade compliments the olive drab handles nicely, and I haven’t had any problems with this working finish (no rust). That said, some F3s include jimping, and you may be able to find the knife with a different blade finish.

My particular F3 comes with Elmax blade steel, but it’s important to note that Shirogorov has released the F3 in a number of different blade steels including S30V, S90V, Vanax 35, and even 440C.

Elmax is a high end steel with a good combination of edge retention, ease of sharpening, and corrosion resistance. The full flat grind of this knife gets thin behind the edge and the knife has no problem with breaking down packages, cleanly slicing through paper, etc. While most of these Shiros will sit on a shelf as a collectible due to their size and cost, these are fully functional knives. If you can carry a F3, then I think that it will make for a great user.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The F3 features 3-D machined G10 handle scales over full titanium liners with a geared G10 backspacer and custom hardware. Like my 95t the fit and finish is excellent and there are plenty of details to enjoy. Every edge has been chamferred. The titanium liners have been tumbled to compliment the matte finished blade. The lanyard hole is inset into the backspacer rather than simply drilled through the entire body of the handle. The hardware is all precision machined.

Speaking of hardware, if you decide to take the knife apart or adjust it use a coin wrapped in tape to avoid marring the slotted hardware. A regular flat-head screwdriver can wreak havoc on a Shirogorov.

The F3 is a comfortable knife thanks to its thick handle and simple shape. The 95t was a pretty comfy knife, but the addition of G10 scales takes the F3 to a different level as it helps fill the hand. The scales have been given a very light machined pattern and offer a little bit of traction. The simple handle shape will accommodate all sizes of hands. The pocket clip and backspacer are tucked out of the way to minimize hot spots. I won’t sit here and say I thrashed on this knife in the same way I have beat on some of my ~$100 knives, but I have used it for some extended cutting chores and it works well in hand.

The pocket clip is a 2-piece milled clip. It’s attractive, discrete, and functional. A cool feature is that they milled out a section under the pocket clip, so the clip has a low profile and it also easily slips in and out of the pocket without destroying your pants. The series of grooves milled onto the outer face of the clip is designed to grab your thumb and help remove the knife. That feature works well, and the knife is easy to retrieve. The clip has a strong spring that offers excellent retention. This is not a low-rider clip, but the F3 still buries discretely.

The F3 is a large knife, and the inclusion of G10 scales make it significantly fatter than the all titanium 95t. So you will feel this knife in the pocket a little more. Still, I found the F3 carried well considering. At 5.1 ounces the knife is still lightweight for its size, and the strong clip keeps the knife in place in your pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

Shirogorov is known for producing fast firing flippers, and my F3 is no exception. The detent is tuned perfectly on this knife, and the blade fires crisply every single time with the blade locking open with a satisfying “snap”. My particular F3 is equipped with a single row of bearings, and the blade is capable of falling into the closed position simply by releasing the lock bar. It’s smooth. Since this is a liner lock, you never need to worry about your fingers contacting the lockbar and interfering with the flipper action like with a frame lock.

The F3 comes with a robust titanium liner lock. Don’t let the term “liner lock” turn you off if you are a framelock fanboy: this liner is actually thicker than some of the framelocks in my collection. My lock engages early and without any kind of play. If you look closely at the face of the lock you can see they included a stainless steel lock bar insert. There is no stickiness in the lock, and this is after flicking the knife open hundreds of times. The liner is also easy to disengage. This is arguably a “perfect” liner lock flipper.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Shirogorov F3 Review – Final Thoughts

Just like the 95t, the F3 is a beautiful knife. I am a fan of pretty much every aspect of this knife. From design, to material selection, to execution, Shirogorov gets it all right. Given the price tag, that is what I expect.

If I were to find something to complain about with the F3, it would be the size. I don’t mind this being a larger knife, but would like to see it also offered in a smaller version. These days the trend is towards smaller more functional knives for urban carry, and I’d love to see Shirogorov jump on that bandwagon.

While I can’t promise this F3 will remain in my collection forever I think I will have a harder time letting it go than the 95t. I like the warmth of the G10 handles, but I also appreciate the more low-key and user-oriented approach to this F3.

Plus there are tons of full titanium framelock flippers on the market. Whether it’s the mid-techs coming out of the USA, high end Chinese framelock flippers, or higher end offerings from production companies like Spyderco and Zero Tolerance, the market is getting inundated with framelock flippers. There are relatively few high end liner lock flippers.

In closing, the Shirogorov F3 is a beautiful knife. If you have the cash and desire to check out a F3, then I can definitely recommend it.

Shirogorov F3
From: BladeHQ

Occasionally Shirogorov knives find their way to BladeHQ, and I recommend purchasing them there. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.