Clayton Walker

SOG Twitch II Review

I’m hardly the first to say it, but the rise of well-designed manual flippers has really thrown the value of automatic knives into question. When already-good flippers are paired with assisted-opening mechanisms, true autos are obviated ever further.

That said, my beef with many assisted-opening flippers is that they’re chasing an aspect of autos I find unnecessary at best and obnoxious at worst: actions that kick the blade so vigorously into the stop pin that they generate recoil. So aggro! If you ask me, the spring assist only needs to be strong enough to work with the momentum of a moderate flip.

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While I can’t speak to SOG’s other assisted opening designs, the Twitch II is a knife built for me. Its action is decisive without being aggressive, and there’s a whole lot else to recommend it besides.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Twitch II puts a lot of performance into a small package. The body of the knife is just a hair over 3.5” long, a half inch at its widest point (including the clip!), and an inch and an eighth deep from flipper to closed blade spine. My brass-handled Twitch II was a relatively stout 3.58 oz measured on my digital scale, but you could trim that weight by a full ounce by opting for the aluminum scaled version if factory specs are to be trusted.

As you might note from the size comparison with a Spyderco PM2 and an Ontario Rat II, the Twitch II is a decidedly small knife. Often, I throw my Twitch II loose into a pocket. I notice the heft for the first few minutes I’m carrying it around, but it’s not long before I stop thinking about it. Just by feel, the clip and flipper tab make it very easy to orient and deploy the knife one-handed.

I can’t say enough good about this blade. At 2.75”, the drop point is long enough to perform medium-duty work. However, it is supremely, awesomely slicey. Fans of Spyderco’s blade grinds will find themselves comfortable here given the Twitch II’s full flat grind and well-sharpened, extremely uniform secondary bevel. Thanks to a thin stock that measures just 2mm at its widest point and a good amount of belly right where it needs to be, the knife cuts extremely well.

I’m not kidding. From the factory, my Twitch II came hair-popping sharp and made effortless confetti of stray paper. Having recently bought a Spyderco Chaparral, one of the company’s most well-lauded slicers, I think the Twitch II gives it a real run for its money at about a third of the cost.

The blade is made from AUS-8, which while being far from a “super steel” will likely hold its edge a bit longer on a small knife like this. And, if it happens to dull, even a novice can restore it back to a hellacious level of sharpness with only a modicum of effort.

What I can’t figure out is why SOG saw fit to put the patent number along the side of the blade. Do they imagine some Chinese counterfeiter is going to get the knife in hand and say “Aw, damn!” when he sees this arbitrary series of numbers? As if that’s what’s going to stop some unscrupulous overseas outfit from trying to reverse-engineer the design? It’s a frankly ugly and unnecessary detail that detracts from the Twitch II’s clean lines.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

Ergonomically, there’s a lot to like. The balance point of the knife (at least on my brass version) lies almost exactly at the center of the handle, making the Twitch II feel very lively and precise in the hand. The very gentle inward slopes direct the thumb and fingers to little nooks where everything feels just right, and there are no sharp edges anywhere beyond the cutting edge. The Twitch II has the feel of a very precisely crafted tool in all respects.

Like a great number of pocket clips, I think the one included on the Twitch II is too stiff. It also exposes a good five-eighths an inch of knife, which is conspicuous for one as small as this. More reasons why I just throw mine in a pocket. However, I do really like the unintentional ergonomic function of the clip: it gives the middle finger a great little hollow to find its way into and provide a secure point of contact.

Even though the knife is extremely smooth, all of these little ergonomic details allow me to feel like I’ve always got a confident, secure grip on the knife. No aggressive texturing needed!

Deployment and Lockup

As mentioned before, the action is delightful. The flipper is designed as a “push button” style (as opposed to the “light switch” method I often employ on other knives). Overcome the detent, and the blade will deploy firmly, but not excessively. It announces itself with a gentle “snick” rather than something that sounds like a gunshot or an anvil falling off a table. However, if you want to rely on the Twitch II’s thumb studs, you can deploy the blade that way and watch it literally rocket out and into deployment.

I’d mentioned I often carry the Twitch II loose. Comforting for me is the safety, which I can click upwards and not have to worry about the knife deploying when I don’t want it to. The detent isn’t exactly weak, but the safety is an appreciated “belt and suspenders” option to ensure the blade stays closed. Additionally, those who want to push the knife a little harder can use the safety to lock the blade in place once it’s engaged. Just for that little extra piece of mind.

The Achilles heel of the Twitch II, if you can even call it that, is a little bit of blade play. There’s no wobble front-to-back, mind you, but you can induce a little lateral play if you grab the blade and move it. This is hardly a reason for me to throw the Twitch II into the nearest river.

As for centering, it’s pretty decent by default. Kicked into deployment and folded into closure, the blade is in perfect parallel with the liners. Assuming you’re not wiggling it merely to disappoint yourself.

SOG Twitch II – Final Thoughts

The word “gentleman’s knife” gets thrown around quite a bit, but I’m surprised SOG’s Twitch II doesn’t come up more in the discussion. It’s a very functional (but not aggressive) knife with an easy deployment system, great build quality, and svelte dimensions. Dress the Twitch II up in its rosewood or anodized aluminum variants, and it looks even more the part. My brass-and-black version has a neat steampunk aesthetic that I think would turn heads without freaking out one’s coworkers. I’d argue the Twitch II is too small and too sophisticated to threaten a reasonable person.

Naturally, I think the great action, excellent ergos, and superior cutting performance right out of the factory are enough to recommended the Twitch II to enthusiasts reading this site. However, I think this is a wonderfully giftable knife for any gearheads or gadget freaks who have a penchant for dense little simple machines that do a job well.

As a final side note, SOG’s product mix is better than ever. A neat knife like the Twitch II is proof enough the company is interested in diversifying beyond the “hard dude tactical operator” aesthetic a number of people (fairly) associated them with in years past. This is a great knife for a great number of different users, and remarkably easy to recommend.

SOG TWI8-CP Twitch II 6.20 Inch EDC Folding Knife, silver

2.65 INCH AUS-8 STAINLESS STEEL KNIVES: This ultra sharp knife is a discreet emergency knife, hunting knife and every day pocket knife for men or women; measures 3.55 inches in closed length with model number: TWI8-CP
SOG ASSISTED TECH (S.A.T.): Makes a great everyday carry, camping knife and outdoor knife; assisted opening knife system opens this straight edge clip knife one-handed
FOLDING KNIFE "KICK": Release this fast opening knife with either hand using very little pressure; flick the EDC tactical folding knife "kick" on the back of the Twitch II and the folding knife into action
TOUGH ALUMINUM HANDLE: These tough utility knives, camping knives and survival knives offer strength and durability with a hard-anodized aluminum handle
SOG KNIVES FOR LIFE: Take care of your pocket knife and we'll take care of you; SOG folding knives and pocket knives are built to last, and we consider all repair and replacement requests

Editor: I recommend purchasing the SOG Twitch II at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thank you for reading.

Kershaw Pub Review

by Clayton Walker 3 Comments

Well, it’s finally happened: After several years of buying almost all of the models I really wanted, my knife purchases are slowing down dramatically. (Heretical, I know, but bear with me.) Today, I have a drawer full of knives with great ergonomics, good steel, and excellent blade shapes for particular tasks. I also have several knives that deliver superb combinations of those qualities at tremendous value. Recently, I’ve read glowing reviews for knives like the Civivi Ortis and Kershaw Link, but I’ve yet to bite on a purchase. I’ll sometimes ask myself, “How different are these from what I already have and am already comfortable with?” It’s a question that has chilled many an impulse buy.

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Let’s come at this from another direction: I imagine that a lot of you are like me in that you know how to cook a steak or make a martini just the way you like it. And if so, you’ll understand why it’s hard for me to go out to a restaurant and pay top dollar to get something more or less equivalent to what I have at home. Instead, I’m attracted to bizarro cocktails and esoteric ingredients when I eat out.

By the same logic, If I do buy a new knife, I’m drawn to designs that offer me something I’ve never seen before. I won’t necessarily say that I’m jaded, or even that I’m picky, but there’s something about a knife like the Kershaw Pub that makes me smile. And let me tell you, it’s all the more thrilling when a product like this turns out to be more than just mere novelty.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

In the hand, the first thing you’ll likely notice about the Dmitri Sinkevich-designed Kershaw Pub is that it’s light and flat. There’s not much bulk at 1.87oz, and the knife is only about 5/16” thick. Laterally, the Pub sits about 1” wide and just a touch over 3.5” long. Here it is between two industry stalwarts: the Spyderco PM2 and the Ontario Rat II.

About that blade—Boy, howdy—this thing slices all out of proportion to its lilliputian size. With a hollow grind that begins to narrow aggressively starting a quarter inch or so from the spine, the Kershaw Pub is like a miniature straight razor in the hand. While this wouldn’t be my choice for breaking down boxes, opening them is stupid easy with the Pub in hand.

Blade steel is 8Cr13MoV. 8Cr13MoV is an inexpensive Chinese steel. It easily takes an edge and holds it for a decent amount of time. All in all, this is serviceable steel that fits the sub $30 price point.

In addition to the blade, you get a flathead screwdriver and a bottle opener. Both are certainly better to have than nothing.

That said, in almost all cases it’s better to use a screwdriver that actually fits the slot of what you’re working with. This isn’t what I’d use to disassemble Grandpa’s heirloom-grade Winchester rifle. As for the bottle opener, it certainly works, but not nearly as well as whatever you have laying around your home bar.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry Options

The Pub follows the Kershaw playbook of having the scale material on the “show” side and leaving the other face stainless. The only real texturing is along the spine of the blade, which I think is unnecessary for the light use the Pub is designed for. This is not going to be the first thing you reach for when you need to split a cord of firewood.

Kershaw has a few options for the scale material, including a blue anodized version, a black G10 model, and the carbon fiber pictured here. The upgrade to the carbon fiber was a whole four dollars, so I was happy to pay it.

Ergonomically, and let’s be honest, the Pub is not going to amaze. For nearly everything you’d want to do with this knife, you’re going to most probably settle into a pinch grip with the thumb resting along the flat of the handle. That’s more than enough purchase to accomplish the normal gamut of opening boxes, letters, tape seams, and various kinds of scraping tasks.

While there’s a scallop on the frame that one might suspect is intended to work as a finger groove, it’s (curiously) on the wrong side. Open the blade and it’ll now be filled by the spine of the knife. If the Pub had a more pronounced cutout for the index finger on the opposite side, it might be better adapted for more vigorous push cuts through thicker material. Without this feature, it seems a little slippery for me to entrust it to anything more serious than light office and household tasks.

As you’ll note, there’s no pocket clip here. In transitioning from the open to the the closed position, the rear portion of the Pub’s blade can be hooked around a belt loop, key ring, or carabiner in order to stay put on the move. A handy touch.

Deployment and Lockup

I would imagine most people who see the Kershaw Pub for the first time engage in a fair bit of mental gymnastics as they try to figure out how it works. I certainly did. Until you get the knife in your hands, it’s not wholly apparent from most product shots as to how it transforms from a weird keychain looking thing to a tiny, futuristic wharncliffe.

In essence, the Pub is foldable metal origami. With this non-locking friction folder, the user simply rotates the blade to overcome the detent, which will then hold the blade in the open position after 180 degrees of travel. That’s all there is to it. Just a pivot and some clever angles.

Can you deploy this one-handed? It’s slow and awkward as all get-out, but possible. Most sane people will use their weak hand to grasp the body and their strong hand to pivot the blade out and around. It’s actually easier to close the knife one-handed by holding it upside-down with the strong hand and pushing the spine of the blade against your leg or whatever other surface is handy.

I did have some gripes with the construction. The blade is secured by two opposing pairs of T8 screws that really, really want to back out from one another. I’m not a guy who likes to disassemble knives unless they’re not functioning correctly, so I’m constantly re-tightening my screws to get the detent into that “goldilocks” spot of being neither too stiff nor too loose. Those who really want to throw their Kershaw Pub on a belt loop for a mountain biking trip would be advised to grab some Loctite, assuming my problem is representative of all Pubs.

On a harder-use knife, I’d be a little more concerned about a design that could theoretically shake itself apart, but considering the use and price this isn’t something I’m going to lose sleep over.

Kershaw Pub Review – Final Thoughts

Is there such a thing as “house” EDC? When I get home at the end of the day, I dump my pocket contents: keys, phone, wallet, and whatever other gear I decided to pack. However, there are a lot of days where the Pub doesn’t get thrown into a drawer, but instead stays in the pocket—I like having a usable utility blade on me without any consideration of bulk or weight.

Beyond that degree of everyday performance, I like what the Pub represents: a “budget” knife that doesn’t cost a lot simply because it’s, well… simple. The budget category is often populated by a lot of knives each trying to give you the biggest blade with the strongest construction and the best metal that price will allow. That’s been a real boon for consumers as a whole, don’t get me wrong, but it’s refreshing to fiddle with a knife that’s running in a completely different race. Based on what Kershaw and Sinkevich have given us with the Pub, I’d love to see more products like it.

Kershaw Pub Multifunction Pocket Knife, Stainless Steel Blade with Bottle Opener, Screwdriver, Pry Bar and Key Chain Attachment, Stonewash Blade and Carbon Fiber Handle

MULTIFUNCTION POCKET KNIFE: Featuring a bottle opener, screwdriver, pry bar and key chain attachment, the Kershaw Pub Pocket Knife is an ideal everyday carry knife.
STAINLESS STEEL 1.6" BLADE: Made with high-performance 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade, the Pub offers excellent corrosion resistance, sharpening ease and toughness. Stonewash coating provides additional protection.
CARBON FIBER HANDLE: The carbon fiber handle is designed for function and comfort, providing a secure grip during any task. Textured material adds stability.
MANUAL OPENING mechanism offers quick and easy access with simple, one-handed opening. Open and close carefully as you access the blade and other tools.
ATTRACTIVE, INDUSTRIAL DESIGN: Stainless steel design and stonewash coating helps hide scratches, making the knife look cleaner longer. This EDC knife is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Kershaw Pub at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thank you for reading.

SOG SEAL XR Review

by Clayton Walker Leave a Comment

For some, getting right up to the point of “too much” is exactly the point. I’d read once that Chevrolet didn’t see any need to put a stronger engine in the Corvette in the sixth and seventh generations because without a mid-engine chassis, adding more power would just spin the tires. Sensible enough. Meanwhile, Dodge threw a 1200 horsepower engine into the “Demon” variation of the Challenger, because you know, MORE. Muscle car guys threw their wallets at it.

Buy the SOG SEAL XR at BladeHQ

In the knife world, the efforts directed towards making a robust and bulletproof folder typically result in a design that ends up overly big and heavy. At a certain point, you cross a line where it would have been easier and more cost-efficient if the consumer found a good fixed blade and called it a day.

Enter the SOG Seal XR. Primarily designed as a law enforcement / military grade tool (the name is indeed a clue), the knife is additionally billed as being ready and willing to cut through any problem regular guys like us have to throw at it.

Now, the sensible part of my brain knows that there’s no shortage of sub-$50 machetes from name brands like Kershaw, Ontario, and Cold Steel that are up to the task of being batoned through a piece of firewood. What’s the use, then, of subjecting a folding knife retailing at $190 to that same degree of use and abuse?

The damndest thing happened on my way to trying to answer that question. Once I unboxed the knife and started using it, the Seal XR put “sensible” into a headlock from which it never emerged.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

As you might already expect, the Seal XR is a big boy. My specimen weighs in at 7.98oz on my digital scale. Closed, the knife is 5.25” top to bottom, about three quarters of an inch across the widest point of its body (not counting the clip), an inch and a quarter at its widest point when folded from back to front, and a hair over 9” in overall length when deployed. Here it is between our usual suspects, the Spyderco PM2 and the Ontario Rat II.

Note that these specs may preclude pocket carry for some. For real-world reference, my iPhone is about 4.7ounces in weight (with case). The Seal XR’s size and density is certainly enough to make it pants-saggingly conspicuous if worn all day in the front pocket of your shorts. Then again, and especially when it comes to overbuilt tools, there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Personally, I’ve felt the Seal XR to be less burdensome when carried in a sturdier jacket pocket. It’s going to feel better clipped to thicker, utility-grade denim as opposed to skinny jeans. Those who actually might need to rely on the Seal XR as part of any kind of military or law enforcement use might have more kit to play with, from tactical vests to Batman-style utility belts, which might allow a more secure and confident carry. My point is that not all wardrobe is compatible if you want to EDC this thing.

The blade shape of the Seal XR is excellent: I always like the look and performance of clip points, and there’s a lot of belly that allows the knife to cut aggressively just based on geometry. By my measurements, the Seal XR provides about 3.5” of cutting edge and 4” of blade length. The stock on the blade measures a respectably beefy 0.19” across. Put all of these dimensions together, in combination with the always-great S35VN steel, and you end up with a big knife that can poke and cut with the best of them.

A word on this: if you’ve never used a big knife for normal household tasks, you’re in for a treat. The Seal XR positively decimates cardboard boxes, and it was a joy to use in breaking down a six-foot long branch that I woke up to find blocking my driveway. The Seal XR also pierced very well through some eighth-inch thick plastic to make several impromptu drainage holes in a makeshift planter. The blade remains paper-cutting sharp.

This is pedestrian stuff for a knife designed to withstand the rigors of fighting ISIS operatives or being run over by a Humvee, but I was surprised by how a hard duty knife made short work of light duty tasks. It certainly never felt like overkill.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The word of the day when it comes to the Seal XR is “jimping.” While the FRN handles are nicely grippy on their own, the finger grooves, blade spine, backspacer, liners, and flipper tap are all aggressively machined in order to really let the Seal XR lock into a gloved hand. With a solid grip, this thing is only getting away from you if you lose a couple fingers.

It seems excessive at a glance, but let me assure you: you can definitely come away from a bare-handed work session without feeling like you’ve been juggling a few cheese graters. The finger grooves are comfortably spaced, and the knife balances nicely just behind the XR lock, so despite the weight it’s never unwieldy.

As for the pocket clip: I don’t love it. Normally my biggest beef with knife clips is that they produce hot spots during use. Not so here: in this respect, the SOG clip is actually workable. It’s also aesthetically very nice, and the company’s logo is understated compared to other models like the Terminus. In the past, SOG has gotten a deserved amount of flack for pocket clips that seem to literally shout the branding at you, and for that reason I appreciate the no-BS approach here.

What irks me about it is that its size ends up blocking off the part of the knife where my middle and ring fingers want to land while operating the XR lock, as might be a little more evident below.

If I try to secure those digits on the clip, it’s slippery thanks to the mostly smooth steel. But secured just forward of the clip, it puts the meat of my fingertips a little too close to the blade’s closing path for comfort, and especially so given the momentum it has when it slams home. (More on this to come.) Without the clip, I feel a lot more confident and comfortable working the action.

Deployment and Lockup

No bones about it: the XR lock is a treat. I quickly found this to be my preferred deployment method. The beefy blade practically carries itself through the arc of travel with the laziest of wrist flicks, as the inner workings of the XR lock actually begin to push the blade out and away when the button is actuated, as seen below.

You can certainly use the eminently functional flipper tab, though it requires just a little more effort than the average pocketknife to kick out the blade. The “thumb hole,” if you ask me, is purely decorative and not a serious deployment option.

Lockup is as rock solid as I could ask for. Expect excellent centering open and closed, and no detectable play in any direction upon deployment. SOG has been getting deservedly good press as a result of its take on Benchmade’s AXIS lock. The verdict is that the XR lock is durable and reliable, and smooth enough to make every one of SOG’s manual folders fidget friendly. Unlike some of my Benchmades, however, there was no appreciable early stiffness or break-in period necessary. Right out of the box, I was flicking the blade open and closed with ease.

As for flicking the blade closed—it’s a little thrilling and a little scary. Disengage the XR lock and the blade slams home like a runaway vault door with an audible clack of metal against metal. (More reason I want my fingers firmly planted on the handle.)

SOG Seal XR Review – Final Thoughts

The Seal XR is proof positive that SOG has listened to the feedback provided by knife aficionados and is genuinely competing to stand neck and neck with stalwarts like Benchmade and Spyderco. The build is quality through and through, and the company has seemingly done the impossible in making a nigh-indestructible “serious business” tactical knife utterly fun and fidget friendly.

But with an MSRP of about $190, is an eight-ounce slab of S35VN built for the horrors of war something you need? For most, the answer is no. That said, my knife drawer would be a lot less crowded if I’d limited myself only to buying what I needed rather than what I found cool or interesting. Although the Seal XR was a little much for my personal EDC considerations, those who want a tough-as-nails folder like this will likely find a way to make the size and weight work. Big knife guys, you already know who you are.

At the end of the day, the Seal XR gets a big thumbs up. Sure, you can probably get through your household or workshop tasks with a smaller, lighter blade. But if you’ve never used a knife like this, you might be surprised by how it soldiers through whatever material you need to cut in less time and with less effort than you’re used to.

SOG SEAL XR
From: BladeHQ

Editor: I recommend purchasing the SOG SEAL XR at BladeHQ. They aren’t currently available on Amazon.

Spyderco Matriarch II Review

by Clayton Walker 1 Comment

The Spyderco Matriarch’s predecessor, the Civilian, carries a somewhat curious warning. As the company writes on the knife’s product webpage, “Because of its distinctly specialized features it is not intended or designed for general utility or everyday use.” Reading this and knowing nothing about the Civilian, the layperson might wonder why a consumer might spend upwards of $250 on a knife that he doesn’t plan to use much—if ever. But if said layperson were to lay eyes on the deployed blade, an “ah-ha” realization would follow swiftly thereafter.

Buy the Spyderco Matriarch 2 at BladeHQ
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In essence, the Spyderco Civilian is a pocket velociraptor claw. It has a thin profile and aggressive serrations to rip through clothing and soft tissue. Make no bones about it: the Civilian is explicitly for self-defense against human assailants. Designed in the 1990s for law enforcement officers who couldn’t carry a gun in certain situations, it is a brutally effective “second best” option that can be wielded by an inexperienced user to disable a combatant as a matter of last resort.

The Civilian, however, suffers a few well-known drawbacks. First, the tip is legendarily fragile (probably the reason for Spyderco’s warning not to use it outside of dire circumstances). Second, and perhaps more importantly: it’s expensive at MSRP, but combine that with limited production and a demand that never seems to abate, and it’s not uncommon to see them sell north of $300.

Enter the Matriarch II. If not a direct replacement for the Civilian, the Matriarch II retains the same purpose-built design of the Civilian at about half the cost. Some might hear “half price” and wonder if the Matriarch II is an inferior copy or an exercise in cutting as many corners as possible. Much to the contrary, the Matriarch is a knife that adds enough features that I’d consider it an improvement over its infamous big brother.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Let’s not bury the lede: The Matriarch II gives you 3.57” of a “reverse-S” serrated blade, and a hollow, chisel-shaped grind further helps the knife to cut and slash. The reason for that “S” shape, incidentally, is that any kind of material (organic or inorganic) will be naturally directed from the tip into the hollow of the blade during a natural arc of travel. It’s a scary one-two. The thin tip digs in deep, and the remainder of the blade saws and cuts to extricate itself as the user pulls away.

In direct comparison to the blade of the Civilian, the Matriarch II has about a half-inch less of length to work with and a more robust tip. From Spyderco’s perspective, this likely cuts down on the number of broken knives returned for service while not losing hardly anything by way of self-defense effectiveness. It also means that the Matriarch II is more at home in an EDC capacity, where that last eighth-inch of tip can be used to dig into tape and envelope seams. Even given the changes to the profile, you have to look far and wide to find something more intimidating.

As for the rest of the knife, the Matriarch II mates its S-curve blade into just under 5” of handle and a weight of about 3.5 ounces. At only .44 inches thick, the Matriarch II is deceptively thin and light. As such, it easily checks that most coveted of boxes for any self-defense tool: you can carry it all day and forget it’s even there.

As you’ll notice from the photo, where it’s nestled between Spyderco’s Para 2 and Ontario’s Rat II, the Matriarch II offers significantly more length. However, that extra length is unnoticeable in most pockets and it’s a far flatter carry than either of the accompanying EDC stalwarts.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

One of the biggest factors that differentiates the Matriarch II from the Civilian is the use of fiberglass-reinforced nylon (FRN) over G10. Don’t think of this as a downgrade. In my opinion, the square texture Spyderco uses on its FRN is one of the grippiest and best in the business. This absolutely will not slip out of the hand, and the finger grooves further help the knife to stay anchored.

The ergonomics are quite interesting. The Matriarch II shares the same body and construction as the fourth-generation Endura, differing only in the blade itself. Never having owned or held an Endura, this was altogether new to me.

Basically, there are two good grip options. With the thumb placed on the back of the blade, you have more control over the tip and an extremely secure grip. However, one can also align the middle finger in the finger groove lower down the knife and place the thumb along the grooves on the back of the handle, permitting about another inch of reach.

Normally I look for a more pronounced index finger groove or some kind of guard on a self-defense knife. Here it’s a total non-issue. The Matriarch II is absolutely not made for making push cuts. If the blade stops on anything solid, it’s going to be pulled out and away from the hand during any kind of cutting task. Ergonomically, the handle is perfect for the intended use.

Onto the pocket clip. The tip-up carry design exposes about a full inch of handle, so people will see you have a knife if they’re looking. Fortunately, the aftermarket comes to the rescue: since this is again identical to the Endura 4, a variety of deep carry clips are available, such as those available from Lynch Northwest or MXG Gear.

Deployment and Lockup

The Matriarch II’s “wave” opener, licensed from Emerson and incorporated here, is an undeniable upgrade over the original Civilian model. As the knife is pulled out of the pocket, the wave protrusion hooks into the fabric of your pants and basically deploys itself. I’ve read about this several times, but this was actually the first knife I’ve owned to actually have the feature.

I’ll say this: it’s hard not to pull this knife out of the pocket without the blade kicking out. It is the fastest deployment system on a folder, bar none. You will want to be very careful when removing this from your pocket at the end of the day, lest you get bit or rip a hole in your jeans. I can only reliably get the knife out of my pocket in the folded position by holding the blade shut against the handle throughout the draw motion. This is an annoyance on a utilitarian EDC, but a welcome feature on a dedicated self-defense tool. If you need the Matriarch II, you will likely need it quickly.

Fortunately, the ease of deployment with the wave counteracts the biggest flaw of the Matriarch II: from the factory, the action is stiff as all get-out. This is a criticism I’ve heard leveled at a number of Spyderco’s back-lock designs, but those used to handling a Tenacious or a Paramilitary of any kind are in for a rude awakening when they try to middle finger flick this thing.

The thumb hole is functional, but only in combination with an aggressive, do it like you mean it wrist snap. The blade locks up bank-vault tough and is perfectly centered, but boy howdy does it require some force to overcome the lock bar tension, especially right out of the box. Again, this knife deploys fine with gross muscle movements, but it does not take kindly to the kinds of fine motor control manipulations that make a knife fidget friendly. Perhaps it wants you to really know that this is a tool, not a toy.

The tradeoff to the stiff action is faultless centering and lockup. Deployed, the Matriarch II feels very much like a fixed blade, and I have utter confidence in the action’s strength.

Spyderco Matriarch II Review – Final Thoughts

There’s often ample overlap between gun people and knife people, and it’s by no means accidental. I would wager that most of the members of either group have spent some time musing about the harsh realities of defending life and limb and at some point came to the conclusion that some options are better than others.

The Matriarch II is the most gun-like knife I’ve yet to come across. It’s the easiest crossover knife to convert someone who carries into the world of folding blades, and it’s a design that necessitates the same kind of respect and caution one would give to a loaded firearm. My desk drawer is filled with a lot of designs that are quirky and fun and I happily screw around with them. The Matriarch II is not one of those knives.

At the end of the day, and given the primary use of a knife like this, you’ll know if this is for you or not. And if you do need to draw the Matriarch II in defense of life and limb, may God help the poor son of a bitch who’s on the other end of it.

Spyderco Matriarch 2 Lightweight Knife with Emerson Opener and 3.57" VG-10 Steel Reverse S Blade - SpyderEdge - C12SBK2W

Dynamic Blade Design: Features a 3.57-inch VG-10 stainless steel blade with a unique 'reverse-S' serrated edge and hollow grind for exceptional cutting and slashing performance.
Superior Quality: Its SpyderEdge VG-10 Stainless Steel blade is scientifically designed to maximize cutting performance.
Dependable: One of the vital features of the Matriarch 2 are its sturdy back lock mechanism, four-position clip, and Trademark Round Hole.
Ergonomic: It ensures unmatched carry versatility and high-speed deployment with either hand.
Easy To Carry: By adding an Emerson Opener: a small integral hook on the spine of the blade: the latest version of the Matriarch 2 raises the bar even further by offering the ultimate in high-speed deployment.

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Matriarch 2 at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thank you for reading.

Kershaw Chill Review

by Clayton Walker Leave a Comment

If there’s a gripe I have with Kershaw as a whole, it’s that there are simply a lot of products in the company’s lineup to keep track of. Over the last decade or so I’ve paid attention to their catalog, I’d argue half of Kershaw’s offerings are similar to the point of being completely undifferentiated.

Buy the Kershaw Chill at BladeHQ
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A few examples: is there some particular feature on the Camshaft that sets it apart from the extremely-similar Airlock? Does the Concierge do something that the Atmos doesn’t? Do we need eleven different Emerson CQC models? Why not name the Bareknuckle the Natrix XL and avoid confusion? I could go on.

Beyond simply fatiguing would-be customers, Kershaw’s ceaseless glut of new products seems to require that older models be culled to make room for the new—apparently, even immensely popular designs aren’t safe from getting the ax. To point fingers, I know more than a few people who loved the Kershaw Skyline only to watch it vanish from the company’s catalog. (Seriously, what gives?)

At first blush, the Chill seems to be another knife that sticks to the Kershaw playbook: stainless blade, black G10 scales, 8Cr steel, and a sub-$30 price. I mean, the company definitely has a “type.” One would be forgiven for taking a sidelong glance at the Chill and electing not to give a hoot one way or another. However, after giving this one its day in court, I’m finding it a capable companion to my beloved Skyline.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Kershaw Chill mates a 3 and 1/8” blade to a sub 4” handle. Not counting the pocket clip, the width is a scant 3/8” at its widest point, and it clocks in at only 2.3 ounces on my scale. That’s far from cumbersome. Here it is nestled between two of the most ubiquitous EDC knives on the planet: the Spyderco PM2 and the Ontario Rat II.

I’ve read it in more than one place that the Chill feels like a glorified steak knife. That did get a giggle out of me. It is certainly a slender blade, and in deference to the design’s haters, this would be a very poor choice for splitting cords of wood, hacking through dense brush, or trying to process an entire Elk. It is decidedly a small knife and therefore should be relegated to doing small knife things.

What causes me to tip my cap to the Chill, first and foremost, is a supremely excellent ratio of weight to blade length. I have a lot of knives in the drawer, but the Chill seems to stand alone when it comes to giving me what feels like the longest usable blade in the smallest overall package.

Additionally, I really like the blade design. The drop point comes to a sharp tip that easily pokes through a variety of material, there’s adequate belly for cutting, and the 3”+ length allows for some good penetration depth. Also, the Chill is hollow-ground, making it a little more slicey than your average flat-ground EDC.

Granted, with the 8Cr13MoV steel and choice of grind, the Chill becomes something of a glass cannon in that it can be a very high-performance cutter, but it’s going to have a relatively fragile edge that requires touching up. The silver lining to the lack of edge retention on 8Cr steels is that they’re pretty easy to sharpen. About four minutes on a Work Sharp Angle Set system gets this back to hair-shaving levels of sharpness, even for a novice like myself.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

As I mentioned before, the Kershaw Chill is in many ways prototypical of the company’s black G10 + stainless aesthetic. However, the fit and finish of this knife as a whole bats well above a sub-$25 price point.

First, the G10 is grippy without being too abrasive on the hands or pockets, and the scales are very nicely centered to the frame. The pocket clip in both tip-up and tip-down carry configurations nicely settles into the hand, and every possible sharp corner on the knife has been dehorned. Even when I really bear down on the Chill, there’s not a hotspot to be found.

I also appreciate the very generous relief for the index finger. This detail, in combination with the finger guard formed by the deployed flipper tab, really allows me to lock in when using the knife forcefully.

I’d mentioned how pokey the blade was before. I feel a lot more comfortable about using the Chill to punch through hard plastics (or even as a last-ditch defensive tool) knowing that it’s that much harder for my fingers to jump the relief and get out in front of the edge. Suffice it to say that the ergos are great for a small knife.

The only real knock in this department is the pocket clip, pictured below with the Chill in its natural habitat.

I appreciate that it stays out of the way during use, but like a lot of clips it’s monstrously oversprung. You’ll also note that it’s far from deep carry, leaving at least 3/4” of knife peeking out of the pocket. Thankfully, the design is pretty non-threatening, so it’s unlikely to draw stares and most may simply mistake the matte stainless and black G10 for a pen if they’re not looking carefully.

Deployment and Lockup

A mixed bag here. I suppose we’ll start with the worst first: the detent is weak. While the blade definitely has a bias towards closure, even a light amount of pressure on the flipper tab will kick the blade out into a 70-degree, “not even close” level of deployment.

I’ll state for the record that I absolutely hate overly-stiff detents (Kizer: I’m looking at you). However, the Chill comes to it from the other extreme. If you want 100% reliable deployment, it’s going to require a decisive push on the flipper tab and/or a wrist flick. There’s a learning curve here for sure, but not one that’s insurmountable.

Additionally, there’s a little bit of side-to-side blade play. I’d estimate there’s maybe a couple degrees worth of wiggle if you’re applying a little bit of force to the deployed spine, but to me it’s not a dealbreaker, and especially not at the price point.

Now for the good: first, the blade is nicely centered, and the liner lock easily finds the midpoint of the blade’s bearing surface. Despite the thinness of the liner and the overall weight of the knife, the engagement of the lock is extremely positive.

Additionally, the action is extremely smooth. This is a little unexpected given that my knife is running on phosphor-bronze washers rather than any kind of ball bearing system, but from opening all the way through full deployment there is no grit or roughness in the travel. With a little bit of knife oil, the blade locks up with an authoritative and very satisfying click.

Kershaw Chill Review – Final Thoughts

I mean, I get it: you might be the kind of guy who carries M390 steel or nothing. You might only own Sebenzas and Striders. I’ll grant that the Kershaw Chill is going to be unlikely to impress if compared to knives that are more than fifteen times its cost.

But let’s really simmer in this fact alone: the Chill gives you a whole lot of functionality for the cost of a large pizza and a six pack. It’s a nice “first” knife that doesn’t break the bank and can fulfill a wide variety of “regular folk” type uses, it’s slicey, and the R.J. Martin design is well considered. “Glass half full” types will find a lot to dig and will be more able to contextualize the Chill’s faults as concessions made to keep costs reasonable.

As such, the name of the knife is fitting. Guys who can chill a little in terms of their expectations will find this to be a valid addition to their small-knife EDC rotation, and I’m totally that guy. I own better, but I just couldn’t give this design the cold shoulder.

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Editor: I recommend purchasing the Kershaw Chill at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thank you for reading.

Ruike P801 Review

by Clayton Walker 3 Comments

The vice president under Woodrow Wilson, a man named Thomas Marshall, once said that “What this country really needs is a good five-cent cigar.” Even when the world is going to hell in a handbasket, there’s reassurance to be had in getting a great bargain.

Admittedly, today’s consumers are spoiled for choice when it comes to budget knives—the world is yours for under fifty bucks. Spending more may get you better steel, higher build quality, and more thoughtful design, but I would reason that 98% of people will have their EDC needs met by something as ubiquitous as a CRKT M-16.

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Fortunately, the knife world has been anything but a race to the bottom over the last fifteen years where build quality and value are concerned. If anything, the eye-popping amount of competition within the “budget” category over this stretch of time has continually put better and better products in front of consumers without exceeding that $30 to $50 threshold.

Enter the Ruike P801. Does the world need another budget-category knife? Well, when it punches above its weight to this degree and coming in at the low end of what we’re calling “budget” these days, I’d argue we do.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Ruike P801 is a good “medium” knife. With a closed length of about 4 and a half inches and a blade length of 3.4 inches, the P801 gives you approximately the same cutting length as something like Spyderco’s famous Paramilitary 2 with what feels like an inch less of handle. The P801 is also deceptively thin, allowing it to disappear into a pocket or sit flat against the palm of the hand quite easily. I love how svelte this knife is without sacrificing length or usability.

The primary drawback is weight. The Ruike P801 is all stainless steel and clocks in at 4.23 ounces. So despite being about 30% thinner than the Paramilitary 2 and less bulky, it weighs about a half-ounce more. You will be aware that you have it on you.

Ruike P801 Paramiliary 2 Thickness Comparison

Onto the blade, which I think is outstanding. The P801 is a fairly conventional flat-ground, drop point style, but there are two major pluses. The first is that it’s made from 14C28N steel. I wish this were a more common option among knives. In my experience, it takes an edge just as easy as 8Cr13MoV or AUS-8, but tends to hold that edge for longer. I’d say it’s about as good as D2, but a little more user-friendly.

Ruike P801 Frame Lock

Impressively sharp from the factory, and aided by a spine that’s a little thicker than you typically get in a medium EDC type knife, the Ruike P801 is an excellent slicer. It will make confetti of whatever paper you have lying around on your desk and has a nice amount of belly that allows it to easily bite into most material on light pull cuts. It outperforms knives in my collection costing more than three times what Ruike is asking.

Ruike P801 Size Comparison with Ontario RAT and Para 2

It might also be a small thing, but the blade doesn’t announce that it’s made in China. I mean, the knife is Chinese made (what isn’t these days at this price point?) but I’m glad that it’s not being shouted from the proverbial rooftops. Instead, we get some goofy, overly long “serial numbers” that identify this particular knife as WBVEZU00237—as if P801 wasn’t nondescript or specific enough—but it’s a relatively benign design element.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

As mentioned before, the Ruike P801 is a flat knife at only about a third of an inch thick, not counting the clip. However, it is a thoughtful, well-considered kind of flat that hugs the contours of the hand without ever being uncomfortable or overly aggressive.

The knife has to be felt to be appreciated. I particularly liked how the rear of the handle angles away and appreciated the jimping on the rear spine. Together with the generous index finger relief (and assisted by the flipper shape), you get a knife that settles really well into the hand for serious work, whether that’s for forceful cutting or for possible self-defense use.

These features are all the more appreciated given the flat, untextured stainless steel of the handle. One might think that a knife like this would be unduly slippery in the hand. Quite honestly, the ergos allow a remarkably stable grip with only the thumb rested on the jimping and the index finger curled beneath the flipper tab. This thing isn’t going anywhere.

One design element done absolutely right is that all of the sharp edges have been knocked down (“Dehorned,” as those of us from the gun world might describe). Every corner on the frame of the knife is subtly radiused so it won’t chew up your hands or the liners of your pockets. This also creates a really cool “edge worn” look where the flats are a solid color, but the stainless pokes through just a little on every edge to outline the contours of the knife.

As for the pocket clip itself, Ruike has done a good job of designing a clip that isn’t horrifically oversprung (a perennial pet peeve of mine), but is grippy enough to stay put. The clip is also deep carry and matte black, which further reduces visibility. Or at least it is on my blackwashed version; the other P801 has bright blue anodization. Which is cool, but uh, will draw the eye and eliminate the benefit a deep carry clip is intended to provide. The clip can’t be repositioned, but the right hand, tip up orientation should work well for most.

Ruike P801 in the Pocket

One definite knock on the subject of clips: given how flat the knife is, the pocket clip expands the width of the knife by a good 40% at its highest point. To me, this creates an inevitable hot spot at the bottom palm of my hand if gripped naturally and tightly. I can appreciate the design of the clip, but I backed out two T6 screws and didn’t have to worry about the hot spot any more. And hey, if I lose it, I’m out thirty bucks.

Deployment and Lockup

Another home run here for the Ruike P801. The pivot is ball bearing-based, which again is unexpectedly pleasant for the price point, and the detent is dead on. It’s nearly impossible to mis-deploy this knife, and any degree of purposeful downward force put on the flipper tab will cause the blade to kick out into full deployment. This is once again the kind of action that makes one wonder why assisted-opening flippers are even a thing. You can hold your wrist as stiff as a board and deploy the Ruike P801 from any angle. It’s idiot proof.

And kudos again to Ruike for the design of the P801 flipper tab. Overly rounded tabs or those with shallow engagement angles always get my goat, since they usually work against the goal of aggressively building up enough force with the index finger to kick out the blade. Maybe it’s to protect our sensitive digits?

Here on the P801, we get to have our cake and eat it, too. The flipper has a right angle shelf that gives good purchase, but again those rounded edges aren’t going to abrade your index finger when it engages the flipper or hits the top of the frame. A-plus work here.

Ruike P801 Flipper Tab

Lock-wise, the P801 is solid. About 75% of the frame lock mates with about 60% of the bottom of the blade, giving an engagement surface that’s significantly thicker and hardier than what you’d find in a liner lock system. And once again, consider you’re also getting a frame lock design at a $30 price point.

Ruike P801 Lock Up

Some have commented that the P801 has a clear Achilles heel: blade centering. Admittedly, mine is not perfect, but unless you go looking for it this is hard to notice. On deployment, my blade might be about two to three degrees off the center line of the frame. This may bug you to no end, but if I have to close one eye and squint to notice it, it’s a non-issue, and all the more so given the lack of blade play.

Ruike P801 Review – Final thoughts

Onto the elephant in the room: some will see the $30 price and note this is a Chinese knife and be instantly deterred. I mean, the Spyderco Tenacious is Chinese made, as is just about every Kershaw and CRKT, but some might feel some sense of loyalty in that at least Spyderco, CRKT, or Kershaw are American companies that vouch for their production processes and product.

So here comes this company called Ruike that nobody’s ever heard of, and you’re supposed to call it “Rake” (and damned if I will; to me this sounds out as “ryke” if we’re being generous), and it certainly sounds like some kind of fly-by-night operation that will take your money and never be heard from again if something goes wrong. I absolutely get that.

As it turns out, Ruike is the knifemaking wing of the same company that makes the generally well-regarded Fenix brand of flashlights. They’re basically taking the same blend of quality and ruggedness that made them a trusted name among gear junkies and translating that into blades. That’s a fairly decent pedigree from a knife company I’d never heard of before.

Consider this: for literally double the cost of a typical “gas station” knife, you’re getting not just an entry-level steel, but a step up to 14C28N, all stainless steel construction, a frame lock, a ball bearing pivot, a deep carry clip, and a stupid-proof flipper action with great ergos and well-considered dimensions. This is basically a knife nerd’s wish list for a sub-$70 knife, but at half that price. It’s screaming good value.

At $30 to $35, I expected to say “yeah, it’s decent, I guess,” but instead found the Ruike P801 making its way into my pocket more and more alongside a rotation of Benchmades and Spydercos. There’s a chance you might not love this, but if internet buzz is to believed (along with my own thoughts here), this is a low-risk, high-reward proposition if there ever was one.

Pocket knife

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Ruike P801 at BladeHQ or Amazon. Thank you for reading.