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.

Benchmade Dejavoo 740 Review

by Dan Jackson 4 Comments

Last Updated: August 12, 2019
Today I am taking a look at the ultra classy Benchmade Dejavoo. Designed by the late Bob Lum, known for his simple and elegant designs and the Dejavoo is no exception. Now that he is no longer with us, his custom pieces are becoming incredibly difficult to find so for many the only way to experience his work is through a collaboration like he did here with Benchmade.

Buy on Amazon

Purpose

As far as utilitly is concerned, the Dejavoo is in an interesting position. While I wouldn’t put it directly in the tactical role (not a lot of traction on the handle or spine, not the strongest lock), it could certainly fill that void in a pinch. Also, it’s a little large for a so called “Gents Folder,” although I think it’s a fine looking knife and is suitably refined for that role. For the same reason it wouldn’t make the top of my list for an EDC knife, although it is relatively light and would make a pretty exotic EDC blade (the “mini” is a good size for EDC). Yes the Dejavoo is somethng of an anomaly and I think for most this is more of a collectible knife, especially since Lum’s passing (RIP).

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The full size Dejavoo sports a blade just under 4 inches (3.95″ to be exact) with an overall length of 9.12″ and a weight of 4.10oz (3.2″ blade and 3.5 ounce weight on the 745). 4 ounces is impressive when you consider how much knife you are getting here… and believe me, you are getting plenty of knife. Not only is the Dejavoo big, but it’s beautiful. The long slender blade arcs slightly and a thin swedge trails almost the entire length of the spine. It’s a beautiful, almost peaceful design that is distinctly “Lum” and innately appealing. I know the looks of this knife has enchanted many over the years – even the name “Dejavoo” hints to some magic lurking beneath the steel and G10.

And speaking of steel, the blade on the 740 is made of a thick piece of S30V, a high end steel that I like because of the great combination of edge retention, corrosion resistance and ability to take a razor sharp edge. Benchmade accentuated that great steel by giving the Dejavoo a full flat grind and a really nice factory edge.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle of the Dejavoo is also pretty special. Just by looking at the pictures you can see the attention to detail Benchmade put in here. It has full steel liners with some very nicely finished G10 scales laid over it. The G10 is relatively smooth, and lightly finished to show the “grain” while still supplying some grip. It adds another layer of class to look of the knife. The handle is a semi flow through design, and uses a black backspacer en lieu of pillars. Everything is bolted together so you can take this knife apart if need be. The liners are also kind of special; the locking liner is made of titanium and the non locking side is made of 420J stainless steel (very tough) that has been milled out to lighten up the knife and help it feel “alive” in your hand.

I also have to say that the Dejavoo has some great ergonomics. First of all, the 740 is a good sized knife, so you are going to have plenty of real estate to accommodate various grips. Indeed, the Dejavoo feels good in either a forward or reverse grip and I don’t find myself struggling to find space for all my fingers. Also, the design itself is great. Your hand will fall in place, it’s not awkward or uncomfortable at all.

From a traction standpoint, this isn’t the grippiest knife. It’s a smooth handle, obviously designed for form over function. If you are buying this as a hard core “tactical knife” I am sure you would be disappointed. From a collector knife or even an EDC knife standpoint, this really isn’t an issue. Additionally, you will find jimping to be woefully absent… again, not really an issue in my opinion. There is a rather prominent thumb ramp (which is mirrored in the choil area, almost appearing like a “hilt” when the knife is closed) and it catches the hand nicely. Again, obviously a nod to the form over function approach that Benchmade sometimes takes with their higher end knives. In my opinion, if you want a knife that you can take into a foxhole with you, consider something built for the task, like an Emerson.

It is a nice looking clip made of a piece of folded over stainless steel. The clip rides very low, it has great retention and is well polished. My only beef is that it is right side tip down only.

Lock-up and Deployment

The Dejavoo features a thumb hole aka a “Spyderhole”. I love thumb holes, they are great designs, and it works really well here – both functionally and aesthetically. I am not sure what the deal is in terms of trademark infringement with Spyderco. Ironically, hardcore Spyderco fans may actually not like this knife because of the use of the Spyderhole, as they may view that Benchmade ripped off the design. Eh, that is the subject for another post (or perhaps a law review article) so I’ll just say “it is what it is.”

One thing to note is that the blade retention can use some work… actually it could use a lot of work as the blade practically falls out of the handle. That is a problem, especially if you are going to carry the knife loosely in a pocket or bag. It’s weird because my 2 biggest problems with the knife; tip down carry, and weak blade retention, kind of cancel themselves out because if you use the pocket clip, it’s going to be hard to accidently stab yourself when carried tip down.

As for the lock, Benchmade went with a liner lock here. I can see an argument for wanting an axis lock with this knife (and yeah, I love the Axis lock), but in truth, I think it would make for a totally different looking knife. There are plenty of options for axis lock fans (Griptilian, Onslaught, etc), and this stays true to the original Lum design, so a liner lock is fine with me. Lockup is nice and tight, although the lock bar itself is not the strongest I have seen. People have been fixing both the weak lock and retention by wedging a small piece of paper between the scale and the liner down by the butt of the handle.

Value

As far as value is concerned, I think price (just north of $120 for the model shown here) is fair when you consider the great materials and fit and finish. The smaller version sells for a little less and might make for a more practical EDC type knife. I think they are both fairly priced.

Benchmade Dejavoo Review – Final Thoughts

Well, what can I say? The Dejavoo is such a beautiful knife it makes it easy to ignore the little flaws. The major flaws, issues with retention and lockup, can be easily fixed with a small piece of paper wedged in between the lock bar and the scale. Color the paper with a Sharpie and you won’t even see it. Some might find modifying a brand new $100+ knife with a post-it-note to be a cardinal sin. However, there is so much that the Dejavoo does right, and it does it with class… it truly is worth a second look.

Benchmade Knives Mini-Dejavoo, Black G-10, Plain

Ergonomic Handle Design Round
Thumb-Hole Opener
Ultra-Premium Blade Steel
Country of origin: USA

Photo Credits: Many many thanks to Voygin for use of the beautiful photos. He does amazing work and has a very impressive collection.

An interview with Custom Knifemaker Johnathan Mitchell

by Dan Jackson 3 Comments

I first heard about Jonathan Mitchell of Mitchell Knives by reading David Decker’s blog. A man who is never afraid to speak his mind, anyone Dave mentions catches my attention because I know he “keeps it real” when it comes to this sort of stuff… it makes the difficult job of finding the next maker to interview a hell of a lot easier. Needless to say, Dave is batting 1000 here because Johnathan proved to be both a great maker and a great person.

Moving to our featured maker, Johnathan Mitchell’s clean lines and attention to detail result in some visually stunning designs. Don’t let the apparent simplicity of his work fool you, nothing about his knives is accidental. The source of his precision work starts to make sense when you learn a little more about his background. I won’t spoil it for you as I fumble my way through this introduction (forgive me Johnathan!) but rest assured that it is with the utmost pride that I present you with this Johnathan Mitchell interview.

Hi Johnathan, thanks so much for joining us. To start off, can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m 30 years old, and live in Wilson, NC. Though I have a degree in Information Technology and Business Education, I’ve been employed as a process engineer for the pharmaceutical industry most of my adult life. Most of my time at work is spent analyzing equipment and procedures to improve quality and throughput. This transfers well into my knife making endeavors, and helps ensure that my knives are consistent in quality and are produced efficiently.

When I’m not in the shop I generally spend my free time SCUBA diving, shooting or reading.

What an appropriate background for a knifemaker. Great to see a young professional taking up the art of knifemaking. So tell me Johnathan, at what point did you get into knives?

I’ve been fascinated by knives my entire life, and have been collecting them since I was about 5 years old. Around 2005, I started buying custom knives. After seeing the advantages that custom knives offered, I began to invest heavily into the hobby. I no longer collect knives, as I would rather make my own blades.

Why did you decide to start making your own knives? How did you get into knife making?

I became interested in making knives after having collected them for many years. The process of making a knife seemed fascinating, and I was compelled to give it a try. I was often disappointed by the factory and custom knives available, and decided that making my own knife might be the best solution.

After I decided to start making knives, I began researching the process. Unfortunately, there really isn’t a lot of information readily available concerning knife making. The information that is available tends to be scattered about the internet and in various books. Much of the information is outdated or impractical for someone just starting to make knives. It’s quite difficult to piece all of the information together and actually begin knife making.

Fortunately, I soon met local knife maker Alan Folts. After chatting with him over the phone, he invited me over to his shop. Alan gave me a piece of steel, and walked me through every step of the knife making process. I quickly found out that knife making is a lot of hard work! I didn’t have any equipment of my own at the time, so I did all of the work in his shop. It took many visits for me to finally finish my first knife, but I eventually completed it. Afterwards, I was completely hooked on knife making!

Shortly after completing my first knife, I purchased my own equipment. I still continued to study knife making with Alan, but having my own equipment was very convenient. From there, I continued to practice and make knives regularly. I initially had no intentions of ever selling my knives; it was just something I did for fun.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Alan, and I don’t think you could ask for a better mentor. His approach to knifemaking and his views on design are unlike anyone I have spoken to. What a great opportunity to be taken under his wing!

So how long then have you been making knives?

I’ve been making knives for approximately 15 months. The first knife I ever sold was at the 2010 Blade Show. I brought 15 knives, and quickly sold out. After my success at Blade, I decided to seriously focus on knife making. Since then, I’ve continued to improve the quality and design of my knives.

As an engineer and former student of Allen Folts, I know design is something you take very seriously. Please tell us a little about your design philosophy.

A quality knife is designed around the task it is required to perform. A chopper is designed completely different than a fine sushi knife or slicer. Efficient performance for a given task is the primary goal. Ergonomics are equally important as edge geometry. These qualities should be incorporated in an overall pleasing aesthetic appearance.

The knives I make are designed to excel at the efficient separation of soft materials. This requires a highly optimized edge geometry; essentially a very thin cross section with minimal drag. As a result, all of my knives feature high grinds with very thin edges. Proper edge geometry is paramount!

I consider a knife to be a success when it possesses three elements; quality, proper design and high performance. If one element is missing, the knife suffers.

I would say the formula is working! I am especially drawn to your titanium knives. They are simple, beautiful and exceptionally good at what they are designed for. Why did you decide to start working with this unconventional blade material? What changes when you decide to make a knife out of titanium?

I began working with titanium because I wanted to offer an extremely lightweight knife that was also corrosion proof. I’ve often noticed than many knives are left at home simply because they are too heavy for the user to carry consistently. Titanium knives are so lightweight that you literally forget that you are carrying them.

Bare titanium is quite soft, and does not hold an edge very well. To combat this tendency, I grind all of my titanium knives with a chisel grind and apply carbide along the edge to increase edge retention. The chisel grind creates an edge that is more robust and stable; it is less likely to roll and degrade. Carbide is extremely hard; around 70 HRC. The carbide essentially reinforces the edge and increases retention greatly.

I also love the cord wrapping done on your titanium knives. Why pick cord over “new” materials like G10 and micarta?

I actually use quite a bit of G10 and micarta, but most of my recent orders seem to be for Japanese style knives. People seem to like semi-traditional Japanese blades because it melds classic aesthetics with modern materials.

A properly executed Japanese style wrap offers a fantastic grip that is unlike anything else available. The skillfully folded cord creates a series of peaks and valleys that offer exceptional traction and a very pleasing appearance.

I can see why people are interested in your Japanese style blades – they are freakin’ sweet! I think the cord wrapped handles are an awesome detail and add a lot to the knives.

Tell us a bit about your experience scuba diving, and your dive knife.

I first learned to dive in 1998, and have been teaching SCUBA professionally since 2000. For many years I taught privately and at East Carolina University; training approximately 1,000 students in the process. The vast majority of coastal dive sites in NC are wreck dives. (Ship wrecks, etc) These sites tend to be covered in fishing line and the interior of the wrecks have many entanglement points.

As you can probably imagine, having access to several cutting tools during the dive can be extremely important. Unfortunately, finding a quality dive knife was virtually impossible. As a result, I designed the “Drone”.

The Drone is a bit different in that the ring is designed to accommodate the middle or ring finger depending on your preferred grip. The Drone is unique in that it allows the user to maintain a secure grip on the knife, while still allowing full use of your hands. This is particularly important when diving, as your hands need to be free to deal with emergencies. Being made from titanium, corrosion isn’t an issue with the Drone.

After changing certain elements of the design, I discovered that the “Drone” made a fantastic self defense neck knife. With the Drone in hand, you can still grapple, operate a firearm and manipulate objects in your environment.

I have to admit, it’s a design that had me scratching my head at first. After hearing your explanation it makes a lot more sense. Seems like a very practical tool.

So tell me Johnathan, what’s next for Mitchell knives?

I’ve been making quite a few wakizashi lately, and plan to expand the number of models offered. I’m also in the process of designing a tactical tomahawk that should be available in the next few months. I’m planning on having some folders available sometime in 2012.

My main goal is to continually improve the quality of my knives.

Lookin’ forward to the folders – I know that is a huge step. If history means anything they should be some sweet blades indeed.

Ok, before I wrap things up I always like to ask this one… what do you carry as an EDC knife?

My current EDC consists of my titanium “Drone” and a Spyderco Endura Wave. I tend to be hard on my knives, so I don’t carry anything particularly fancy.

You can’t go wrong with the Endura, and I’m sure the Drone has started some conversations!

Thanks so much for the interview, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks for the opportunity; I’ve enjoyed the interview! More of my work can be seen at www.mitchellknives.com

My pleasure Johnathan – you are welcome back any time. All the best with everything you do!

Al Mar Hawk Ultralight Review

by Dan Jackson 7 Comments

From big to small, I review them all. That little jingle may be pretty lame, but it is also pretty true. My last review was of the ESEE Junglas, 16 inches of high carbon steel. Worth a look if want a knife that you can strap to your back and enter the breach with.

Buy the Al Mar Hawk at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Today’s topic is on the other end of the spectrum, a feather light folder by Al Mar knives. This is my first Al Mar knife review, and it’s a company I have had in my sights for a while now. For those unfamiliar with Al Mar, there is actually a long and rich history that could become an article of its own. In a couple sentences, Al Mar was the head of knife design for Gerber, and served in that position for over 10 years. Al then formed his own company in 1979, Al Mar Knives. The knives are made in Seki City, Japan and follow that area’s rich tradition of knife and sword making. Al Mar died in 1992, but the company is still producing knives to this day.

The Al Mar Hawk is the smallest knife in their series of traditional folders, and has some interesting quirks that are worth mentioning. Well built and hand finished, the details are what make this knife enduring, for better or for worse. If you are looking for something ultralight and a little different, the Hawk could be just the ticket.

Purpose

The Al Mar Hawk is a special little knife, and for many, it serves a special purpose. A quintessential “gentleman’s folder,” the Hawk could make a discrete and stylish companion anywhere from the grocery store to a black tie event. It is certainly a good choice for the office, as it is about as inconspicuous and people friendly as knives get. It could also serve as an EDC blade (or backup EDC blade) for those looking for something lightweight and high quality. It also a knife that appeals to collectors. I find it to be a handsome little blade that could easily be kept in my desk or dresser and admired (and perhaps even used) from time to time.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Al Mar Hawk has a 3.25 inch handle, with a 2.75 inch blade and an overall length of 6 inches. This is among the lightest knives I have handled, weighing in just under an ounce. This knife disappears into pockets and is literally a knife that you will forget you are carrying.

The blade, like the rest of the knife, is slender and understated. It is made of relatively thin stock, which combined with a flat grind makes it a phenomenal slicer. It features a simple drop point shape and is made from AUS-8 steel. AUS-8 isn’t a “wundersteele” by any stretch of the imagination, but again, you have to understand that this is a Japanese knife, made with a Japanese steel and certain traditions and eccentricities are part of what makes the knife special. In today’s world of high end super steels, now might be a good time to remind you that AUS-8 is by no means a bad steel. I find it takes a very sharp edge although it may not hold that edge as long as say, VG-10, another Japanese steel.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle of the Al Mar Hawk is simple and elegant with it’s pair of piano black linen micarta scales. The hand rubbed micarta is smooth, but not slippery, providing a pleasant feel. The handle is punctuated by flush mounted nickle silver rivets given an almost mirror-polish. There are no liners or bolsters, which is part of the reason why this knife is so lightweight. Despite this omission the handle feels solid and secure, with a stainless steel lock back bar running the length of the handle.

Another feature absent from the Hawk is a pocket clip. For such a small knife, it hardly seems necessary, and in fact it may be somewhat offensive to have a clip hanging off of the otherwise svelte lines of this little folder. If a pocket clip is a “must have,” consider upgrading to the slightly larger Eagle or Falcon models. The clips are very nice with a black coating and red Al Mar logo. The Hawk does have a lanyard hole, which could aid in retrieval.

The ergonomics of the Hawk are surprisingly pleasant for such a small design. The knife fits comfortably in hand and I have no complaints. There is no jimping, thumb ramp or choil, so as for aggressive use, you will probably want to carry another knife. For the knife’s purpose I think the current configuration it works just fine.

Deployment and Lock-up

The Hawk utilizes a couple good sized thumb studs to facilitate easy deployment. The pivot point on this knife isn’t adjustable (in fact, the entire knife is riveted together), but due to the high level of quality control, you can be certain that the knife will come well tuned from the factory. The deployment starts off on the stiff side, but after some use the knife will break in and you will find that the blade deploys smoothly, and can be flicked out if necessary.

The Hawk uses a lock-back mechanism, located near the front of the knife. This is another classic design element and it holds the blade securely in place. Of course, from such a small and lightweight knife will have its disadvantages and one is that the lock is not particularly strong. For light EDC tasks that you would expect to do with a gentleman’s folder or dress knife, the Hawk will serve admirably. While there isn’t any play in the knife, the liner-less design lends itself to some flex. Don’t expect to chop down a tree or use the knife as a crow bar and I think you will be satisfied with the lock’s performance.

Al Mark Hawk Review – Final Thoughts

At the time of this article, the Hawk is hovering around $100. That isn’t cheap for a little knife. That said, it is very well built, made in Japan, hand finished, etc – in may ways you get what you pay for. The materials are good, but for the money I’d love to see VG-10 in place of the AUS-8. Also, I wouldn’t complain if they could squeeze a pocket clip on there (you could always take it off).

It goes without saying that you are also paying for exclusivity. It adds just a touch of class to your every day gear, any few people will have it, let alone recognize what it is. So I would conclude that as far as value goes, this knife is definitely more of a luxury item than a high value item. But, if you like fine knives, or don’t want to look like an evil knife guy on your next trip to the water cooler, the Hawk could be an easily justified purchase that will provide years of service and enjoyment.

Al Mar Hawk Folding Knives, Black Pearl

Made using the highest quality components
Tested for reliability. Satin blade finish
3 1/4 inch length

If you are thinking of buying an Al Mar Hawk, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Photo Credits: Many thanks to Bernard of EveryDay-Carry.com for the exceptional pictures of the Al Mar Hawk.

For those who are curious (and I know I was) the watch is a Seiko SRP027K1 and the Spyderco pictured is a Leafstorm that Bernard has modified by dying the handle black. If you didn’t already know, Bernard is a fellow gear and knife nut and he runs an endlessly entertaining blog on EDC options. It was really cool of him to let me feature his photography – thanks again!

ESEE Junglas Review

by Dan Jackson 32 Comments

Last Updated: July 21, 2021

Unlike a tattoo, a blog post is easy to edit. Easy to update. And that’s a great thing because I originally penned this review of the ESEE Junglas back in May of 2011. Currently it’s 2021. I’ve owned the knife for over 10 years now. That’s hard to believe. Time to update the review.

Buy the Junglas at BladeHQ
Buy on Amazon

Spoiler alert: Not much has changed. I loved the Junglas in 2011, and in 2018 I still love the knife. Only now I’ve beaten the hell out of mine for half a decade, so I can comment on all the experience I have with the Junglas. I’ve also added some new photography of the knife in it’s present condition. The handle has darkened with sweat and grime, and the coating of the blade shows considerable wear, but in my opinion this just adds character to a bad ass knife.

The Junglas remains my favorite big chopper. It’s the knife I reach for after a hurricane. Heck, it’s the knife I reach for as I get ready for a hurricane, as well as a knife I have used to break down countless branches, baton open logs for camp fires, and relieve a hell of a lot of stress.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The ESEE Junglas has an overall length of 16.5″, a 10.5″ blade, and it weighs 22.5 ounces on its own, 33 ounces with the sheath. It’s a big knife. I can’t say I’ve brought it on any ultra light hiking trips. It mostly lives in my garage. But that size and weight make it a tremendous chopper, and it’s a very satisfying tool to heft and use. Although it shares some lines with a machete, it’s much stouter. Shorter and thicker stock. It’s more like a short sword. I like the dimensions and wouldn’t change a thing. If you need something smaller ESEE knives has an entire range of products for your consideration. This one is their big gun.

The blade is a long drop point made of a 3/16″ thick piece of 1095 high carbon steel. It does two things well: chopping and batoning. I have chopped a ton of tree limbs with this knife. My chopping technique isn’t the best, but if I’m concentrating I can get through a fresh 2″ thick limb in 3 swipes.

The knife comes with almost a full flat grind, so it’s not the most amazing knife to baton with (I prefer the Fallkniven A1), but what it lacks in geometry it makes up for with size. You can span large logs with this knife and beat the Junglas through pretty much anything. Mine has held up famously, although the powder coating is worse for the wear. I am glad it has worn down a bit, as it means less resistance when I am chopping.

The Junglas comes in 1095 high carbon steel. I am a big fan of 1095 for a big chopper like this. 1095 is tough, so it doesn’t chip easily, and it is easy to sharpen. It’s an excellent steel for chopping wood. Of course, being a high carbon steel it is more susceptible to rust than a stainless steel. ESEE mitigated this somewhat by applying a black powder coat. This coating wears well when compared to a cheaper teflon coating, but it will still wear. Regardless, the coating will help protect most of the knife from rusting. That said, you are going to want to keep this knife dry and oiled. I try to hose my knife down with WD-40 after every session. I have not had any major issues with rust following this protocol.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle of the Junglas is simple, but it’s done right. The scales are 2 large slabs of canvas micarta, which provide good grip and durability. This knife is nicely finished. The edges of the handles are radiused (smoothed), and they line up flush with the tang. The micarta is held in place with 3 large allen bolts, so you can take this knife apart if need be. Extra steel protrudes from the pommel, and you can use that to crack nuts or the skull of a zombie invader.

The ergonomics of the Junglas are excellent. This is a knife I have chopped for hours and hours with. I’ve never had a problem with hot spots or discomfort. The handle fills the hand well, and the shape of the handle helps to hold your hand in place. The combination of the smart design and high traction micarta keeps the Junglas in your hand, even if you are a sweaty bastard like me, and near delerium from an afternoon of chopping in the 95 degree Florida heat. The ergonomics are outstanding and I can’t overemphasize that. It’s critically important for a big chopper like this, and the Junglas nails it.

Sheath

The sheath is often the weakest link from a production fixed blade. Most manufacturers spend their money on the knife itself, and the sheath sometimes feels like an afterthought. Thankfully this is a non-issue here because ESEE made a sheath as good as the knife, if not better.

The sheath is made of a combination of kydex and cordura. The kydex portion runs the length of the blade up past the hilt. The cordura portion is the fabric part that attaches to your belt and is removable with 4 fasteners.

My favorite part of the sheath is the sound it makes. The knife slams into the sheath with a loud “crack” that reminds me of a 12 gauge racking a round. It’s a sound that means business. Maybe it’s the 12 year old boy in me or something, but it find it immensely satisfying. If you don’t care for the sound, you can adjust the retention so it’s a little quieter.

Regardless, once locked in place this knife isn’t going anywhere. The secondary retention strap is there for a little extra security, and if you were going to jump out of an airplane with this knife, there is a way to physically lash the blade into the sheath. My friends, blade retention is not an issue.

And the sheath comes with all the bits and bobs you would expect here. There is a water drain, tons of eyelets for running paracord, and it’s MOLLE capable. And everything is built to the highest standards. My sheath shows very little wear. I appreciate how the secondary retention strap falls away, so you don’t cut into it while drawing out the knife. I’ve inadvertently sawn through the retention straps of other sheathes before. You don’t have that problem with this sheath. In fact, you don’t have any problems with this sheath.

In conclusion, this sheath rocks. ESEE thought of it all and you have a sheath that wears just as well as the knife.

As a parting size comparison shot, here is a shot of the Junglas next to an ESEE-3:

ESEE Junglas Review – Final Thoughts

There is a reason I keep coming back to this knife. The Junglas is a beast of a knife. My collection has ebbed and flowed over the years, but the Junglas remains a constant piece of gear. At around $175 this is not a cheap knife, but when you consider what a quality folding knife goes for this is an easy one for me to justify. If I lost it today I’d buy another one tomorrow. No questions asked.

And I think you get what you pay for. Nothing else comes close. The Becker BK-9 is about $100 less and is a great tool for the money, but the Junglas is the knife I continue to reach for. After owning this blade for over 5 years this is the highest endorsement I an offer.

Even if you are just a mild-mannered suburban guy like me, if you do your own yard work or enjoy the occasional campfire you will get a thrill out of owning and using this excellent knife.

ESEE Authentic JUNGLAS-E Survival Knife, Kydex Sheath, MOLLE Backing

ESEE Tactical Suvival Knives.
Kydex Sheath w/ Cordura Backing.
Steel: 1095 Carbon, 55-57 Rc. Finish: Black Powder Coat.
Hammer Pommel w/ Lanyard Hole. Flat Grind.
For Full Specifications, Features, Survival Kit Contents, Care, and Warranty Info Please See Description Below.

I recommend purchasing the Junglas at BladeHQ or Amazon. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews, and keeps this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated Thank you very much.

Spyderco Manix 2 Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: July 31, 2019
The Spyderco Manix 2 is one of those knives that I have been meaning to review pretty much since the start of this website. I’ve examined a lot of blades since then and now I finally have my thoughts on the Manix 2 together and can write on this fantastic heavy duty folding knife made in the good ole USA.

Buy the Spyderco Manix 2 at BladeHQ

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General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Manix 2 is what I would call a “medium” sized folding knife. It is stoutly built and highly functional. We are looking at an overall length of 8 inches and a blade length of 3-3/8 inches. At 5 ounces this knife is going to be heavier than most other knives “in its class” but what you get for this weight is a strong design with killer ergonomics. Just to put things into perspective, the Spyderco Tenacious has roughly the same dimensions but comes in a full ounce lighter.

Part of what makes the Manix 2 on the heavier side is the hollow saber grind (also it has full liners – more on that later). This makes for a stronger blade, but the trade off is weight. Many users don’t particularly care for the saber grind, preferring a full flat grind. In that case, I would advise trying to find a “sprint run” (limited edition) of the knife as Spyderco often makes them with a full flat grind (like the version wearing BD30P in my video review). The blade shape is a classic leaf design and the tip is fairly delicate. There isn’t a ton of belly on this knife, but I find its plenty for most every day tasks.

Blade steel on the standard Manix 2 is 154CM. A classic steel, 154CM is known for being an all around performer. Edge retention, rust resistance, toughness and sharpen-ability are all good.

I gotta say though if you want a more exotic steel or a full flat grind, Spyderco has been rolling out some really cool sprint runs of this knife. It’s going to cost you more, but it’s possible to get this knife in S30V or even S90V, although you might have to head to the secondary market to do it. Who knows, down the road Spyderco might release this knife exclusively with a full flat grind like they did with the Endura and Delica, so if you like the saber grind I would get it while you can.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The Manix 2 has a tried and true handle design: G10 scales over stainless steel liners. The G10 on the standard Manix 2 is black and well textured. I would say the G10 is aggressively textured and provides great grip and tactile response. The liners run the entire length of the handle and are not milled out (or “skeletonized”) at all in the standard version which adds substantially to the weight of this knife. The handle is a partial flow through construction with a metal backspacer taking up the front part of the handle, and some pillars holding the back part of the handle together.

Another notable feature on this handle is the over-sized lanyard hole. For a stout blade like this, a large lanyard hole is a very practical feature – if you take this knife camping or regularly engage in long and heavy cutting tasks, a lanyard could be a great option for you.

The ergonomics on the Manix 2 is where this knife really shines. At a glance you can see all kinds of stuff going on with the handle. First off, you have two large choils. This allows you to choke up on the blade for detail work generally get a comfortable grip. Also, a liberal amount of jimping has been applied to many parts of the handle (including the thumb ramp and choil of the blade itself). This jimping is very sharp (some say it’s even “too sharp”) and ensures your fingers wont slip. This is a super comfortable knife and it works well in many grips. Combine that with that extra bit of weight and I find it hard to put this one down.

The only downside to the great ergonomics is that the handle (and folded knife) is kind of bulky in the pocket. You get a great handle but you lose some ease of carry.

The pocket clip is a classic Spyderco “hourglass” clip, mounted very high on the knife for a nice deep carry. It’s not a 4 corners clip, but it allows for ambidextrous tip up carry which works very well for me. The rough G10 may start to tear up your pocket a little – if that happens you may want to consider sanding part of the G10 down.

Deployment and Lockup

Deployment with the Manix 2 is a snap. Spyderco selected an oversize 14mm thumb hole for this knife and it performs as well as it ever has. Of course, you have your standard phosphor bronze bushings which help speed things along, but I find the weight of the blade makes this knife deploy with great ease and authority.

The Manix 2 has a pretty unique locking system. It is a “ball lock” and it functions in fashion similar to a Benchmade Axis lock. A spring loaded piece (in this case a steel ball bearing partially encased in a chunk of polymer resin) is what holds the blade in place. The knife has a very solid lockup that can be disengaged without putting your fingers across the path of the blade. Note that the spring is very strong on this ball lock so it can be difficult disengage the lock with one hand and it may stick a little until the lock has fully broken in. I’ve found that it is entirely possible with a little practice to disengage the lock one handed (especially once the spring breaks in a little), but there may be a slight learning curve.

Also, please keep in mind what I said in the “purpose” section about spine whacks – while I think this is a very strong lock, it does appear to have an Achilles heel and there are confirmed reports of the lock failing when subjecting to spine whacks. I never advocate “spine whacking” a folding knife, but I want “keep it real” here and help you make a decision that is right for you.

Update – Apparently Spyderco has since fixed the problem with the lock mechanism failing when spine whacked. These new knives have a black ball lock rather than a clear one. I have yet to get my hands on one of these new versions, so maybe it’s time I picked up a new Manix 2 XL and checked it out.

Value

Currently you can get a Manix 2 for right around $80 shipped, and a low as $70 shipped if you want a combo edge or serrated version. At either price I think the Manix packs a ton of value. When you consider that this knife has excellent blade steel, an awesome handle, a rock solid locking mechanism AND is made in the United States, it definitely has some value. Also, this isn’t some dinky folder either. This thing is built tough and I would put the ball lock right up there with the Axis lock and could see this knife being used hard for a long time.

Spyderco Manix 2 Review – Final Thoughts

Spyderco has done it again. The Manix 2 pretty much has it all. Two of my biggest gripes include that the knife doesn’t come with a fully flat ground blade, and it’s heavy. If you opt for a sprint run version you can avoid these negative aspects. I also tend to find the ball lock a little clunky in comparison to an axis lock, but I know plenty of people who prefer Spyderco’s ball lock.

While I can’t say it’s my absolute favorite Spyderco (I’d put both the Sage 1 and Paramilitary 2 ahead of the Manix – just my preference), it’s a beefy knife with solid ergonomics, and is both well thought out and highly functional. Although the price tag has crept up over the years, I also like how the Manix 2 is made in America and can be had for under $100. The collect-ability of the knife is also very cool as Spyderco has released numerous Sprint Runs and spin off versions of the knife.

Spyderco Manix 2 Signature Knife with 3.37" CPM S30V Steel Blade and Durable Black G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C101GP2

Superior Cutting Performance - Crafted with a 3.37-inch full-flat-ground CPM S30V stainless steel blade, this knife provides excellent edge retention, sharpness, and corrosion resistance, making it a reliable choice for demanding cutting tasks.
Ergonomic Grip Design - The durable black G-10 handle is thoughtfully contoured and textured, offering a secure and comfortable grip that enhances control, reduces hand fatigue, and improves safety during extended use.
Reliable Ball Bearing Lock - Equipped with Spyderco's patented Ball Bearing Lock, this mechanism provides smooth, safe, and ambidextrous operation, ensuring secure handling and easy one-handed use.
Customizable Carry Options - Includes a reversible pocket clip, allowing for convenient tip-up carry on either side, so users can customize the carry position to suit personal preference and comfort.
Enhanced Durability for Tough Use - Built with premium materials and a rugged construction, the Manix 2 is designed to withstand intense use, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and demanding outdoor adventures without compromising performance.

I recommend purchasing the Manix 2 at Amazon.com or BladeHQ.

Photo Credits: Many thanks to Cougar337 for the beautiful Manix 2 photographs! Thanks again!!

An Interview with Custom Knifemaker Ernie Swanson

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

I find that the more interviews I do, the more I like to find people who have a story. Most knifemakers have great stories so this really doesn’t make finding new knifemakers to interview any easier, but it is always an easy choice when I find some personal connection with a maker and see something “beyond the knives.”

One such knifemaker is Ernie Swanson. What immediately impressed me with Ernie is his open and honest pursuit of a dream.

Ernie is an up and coming maker and wants to make knives full time, so he’s doing whatever he can to make that into a reality. After speaking with some full time knifemakers, I know that this isn’t easy to do, and making the transition can take a long time. That said, many of these knifemakers at least have nights and weekends to spend in the shop, working on new techniques and perfecting their craft. Ernie drives a semi-truck all week, which keeps him away from his shop and makes life as we know it possible. This hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his dream and he continues to not only make beautiful knives, but to educate himself on more advanced techniques and make time for his fiancée and young family.

Many of us have goals and dreams, but “life” can sometimes make that very difficult to pursue. I found Ernie’s dedication and perseverance to reaching his goal personally inspiring, so it is with great respect that I share his story with you today.

Hi Ernie, welcome to the site! Let me start off by asking what got you into knives?

I guess it was growing up in the woods. Growing up I was taught to be an outdoorsman, hunting, fishing, trapping and many other outdoor activities. I have used knives for as long as I can remember and have always had one in my pocket, ever since my father gave me my first slip joint. I have always been comfortable using knives and when I was younger I had a small collection of cheap knives, mostly slip joints.

How did you start making your own knives?

Up until about two years ago I didn’t know much about customs except that they were expensive. I have always thought it was normal to sharpen my knives after every use.

After doing a little research and learning what customs are all about I decided I wanted one. Being the type of guy that makes what I cannot afford, I joined bladeforum.com and started asking questions, one of the members there “Joesouth” offered to send me some materials. I then started to make my first knife using no power tools. I sat on my porch and filed the bevels in.

Tell us a bit about your philosophy behind designing and making your knives.

Hunting and EDC pretty much sums it up. Nothing beats a well designed and built knife that people can use over and over. Hunting is the reason I got into making knives so I will always build knives for the outdoorsman. I am also working on designing some knives with multiple characteristics, the purpose of these knives is multi-use with ease.

I do eventually want to make fantasy and art knives, swords, and tactical knives.

I want to start forging knives soon. As I get all the equipment needed I will progress in that direction with hopefully someday making my own Damascus.

Awesome! You are tackling this head on, and I love your holistic approach to knife making. Speaking of which, you are also making some great leather sheathes, which took me a while to notice because I was so fixated on the knives. What got you into sheath making?

My belief is that a good knife should be paired with a good sheath made for that knife.

I figured as long as I am building knives I better learn to build sheaths too. After doing research, reading tutorials, and asking lots of questions I went ahead on my leather work adventure. I got a lot of help from the members of Knifedogs.com, Dave Cole of DC Knives and Leather gave me great advice and answered any question I had. I learned to stitch from reading a tutorial that was written by Chuck Burrows of Wild Rose Trading Co.

I enjoy making the sheaths just as much as making the knives.

I love your selection of handle materials. Some almost look like they are made from exotic stone. What kind of material is that?

The wood your referring to is dyed and stabilized Box Elder Burl. It is amazing wood.

I like to use wood as there are no to pieces the same. I use mostly Burls or spalted wood as they are the most unique, and add so much character to the knives. I am also starting to use G10 and micarta.

As you know I’m a big fan of wood handles myself. Those Box Elder Burl pieces are especially striking, beautiful stuff! I could never get bored with a handle like that.

When we spoke on the phone, I was amazed to hear that you were on the road 5 days a week. How do you find the time for work, family and knife making?

Its tough but we manage, I am out driving semi all week. When I get home usually on Friday I do not work. Saturday and Sunday I work from around 6 to 3, going into the house many time through the day to check email, forums, eat, and talk to the fiancée and children.

I have to admit; I am impressed. That can’t be easy and it’s inspiring to hear how you get it all done. As an up and coming maker, who are your favorite designers/which designers do you most look up to?

That list would be a mile long. There are so many makers out there that produce amazing work, all of them have their own style that cant be beat.

To name a few that I look up to work wise I would have to say; Bruce Bump, Ed Caffrey, Allen Newberry, Bill Coye, Tracy Mickley, Les George, Bob Loveless, Bill Moran, Ken Erickson and Todd Davison. These are all the makers that without ever talking to them I was blown away by their work. Some of them are fairly new to the game but I look up to them just the same as the guys that have been around for years.

I’m totally with you. Each maker has their own style, custom knifemakers remind me over and over how the knife can be a piece of art as much as a tool – even the simple designs. What is your “next step” as a maker?

Get Better… 🙂

I would have to say my next step is to get more of the tools I need and finish building my welded NWG that was designed by Tracy at USA Knife Makers Supply. Once that is finished I will be able to start hollow grinding and also make my flat grinds better.

I just got a heat treat oven so I am learning about heat treating. I want to build a forge and get an anvil so I can start forging blades.

I will always try new steels as they are the backbone of a knife so to speak. I have so far found a couple I am really happy to work with, and will continue to use them.

I am right now working on a few designs that I am going to do a small run of. If all goes well I will offer them all the time. One of them is in a pass around right now and will be my first official model.

Ahh, heat treats, new steels and forges… music to my ears. 🙂 Ok, last question; what is your current “EDC” knife?

A very special knife to me, last year I drew out a design for a slip joint and posted it on forums looking for advice. Ken Erickson was one of the guys to comment saying it was all wrong and asked if I wanted to go to his shop and learn how to build a slip joint. I jumped at the opportunity and went for the visit. During my time there (about 7 hours) Ken built a slip joint folder teaching me the way he does everything, then when he was finished He handed me the knife and said here you go. I was blown away, I didn’t know I was going to be getting a knife and it has been in my pocket ever since. I cherish the knife and my time spent with Ken.

That is such a great story! Probably my favorite answer to this question so far. I’m sure you will treasure that knife for years to come.

Thanks so much for your time. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, thank you for the interview and your site looks really good.

Also I would like to thank a few people who have helped me in my start as a knife maker.
Joesouth, Ken Erickson and since there are too many to list………

All the Members, Mods, and Admin at Knifedogs.com

Thanks Guys, I could not have done it with out your continued support and help!!!!

Thanks for the kind words, Ernie! My pleasure, as always! I look forward to following your growth as a knifemaker and I am very happy to have snagged an interview with ya. Best of luck with everything you do!

You can learn more about Ernie and see more pictures of his work by checking out his website, ErnieSwansonKnives.com or by visiting him at his home forum, knifedogs.com.

Knifedogs is a closely-knit internet knife community that I have only recently discovered but was really impressed with because of the warmth and generosity of its members. Highly recommended for intelligent knife discussion.