Grayson Parker

Grayson is an avid knife and gear enthusiast. He began writing for BladeReviews in 2015, and has elevated reviewing knives to an art form. He can be found on Instagram and Twitter.

Zero Tolerance 0900 Review

by Grayson Parker 13 Comments

Last Updated: May 20, 2019
Alright, peer pressure, you win. You finally got to me. After holding out for god knows how long, I finally jumped on the titanium-flipper-framelock (henceforth TFF) bandwagon. Not just any TFF, mind: if I’m challenging my own tastes, I’m going all the way. Full bore. Thus, I decided to pick up a Zero Tolerance; my first ZT, excepting my brief flirtation with one of their pens. The only concession I granted to my own predilections was blade length, and that’s in part due to workplace regulations.

Buy the Zero Tolerance 0900 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Zero Tolerance 0900 is a design by Les George that’s based on his “Mini Harpy”, but which also bears a ton of similarity to his ESR series. Les’s design aesthetic is tough to pin down, but his fascination with drop points and simple lines gives me the warm fuzzies inside. Honestly, I’m glad ZT picked a relatively conservative designer for their first sub-3” knife. No tanto point, no funky recurve. Just a solid design.

One of the reasons I steered clear of TFF’s was that I (persnickety a-hole that I am) could always find something to complain about. Whether my excuse was the lack of a lock-bar insert, the steel not being quite good enough, or the blade length being a touch too long for polite company, there was always an excuse. Not anymore. All of the reasons that otherwise would stop me from reviewing a TFF are gone, and my pretensions are crumbling around me. On that note, let’s get into the review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Neither Zero Tolerance nor Les George are known for dainty designs, so it should come as no surprise that their collaboration – though short in the blade – is a bit of a tank, weighing in at 4.3 oz. The 0900 has a 2.7” blade, a 3.9” handle, and an overall length of 6.6”. Most of the time I don’t feel the need to mention weight ratios, but this is a lot of weight for such a short blade. It’s shorter and heavier than the infamous Kershaw Cryo. The balance point of the 0900 is perfectly set in the first (and only) finger scallop, so the knife isn’t poorly weighted, just dense. Very dense.

Although this is my first ZT, it isn’t the first I’ve handled. A good friend of mine is firmly in the Zero Tolerance camp, and more than a few of their offerings have passed through his collection at one point or another. Handling those set my expectations pretty high. For the most part those were met; apart from one fatal flaw, that is. The secondary bevel is slightly asymmetric at the tip of the knife. I don’t know how ZT could let this leave the factory in such condition.*

*please don’t kill me KAI, that was sarcasm

I’m a bit of a stickler for thin grinds, so the chunky blade of the 0900 made me hesitate to pick one up. Fortunately, those fears were unfounded. The 0900 is a much better slicer than expected; the wide blade and high grind gets it thin enough behind the edge to do some real work. So in that sense, it outperformed my expectations. Sadly, it’s still a thick chunk of metal, and the high flat grind can only do so much to help. When compared to other knives in its class – notably the Spyderco Techno and the DPx HEAT/F – the 0900 falls closer to the Techno than the HEAT. That’s a good thing in my book.

The blade is S35VN, which is probably one of the most well-rounded steels on the market. It’s easier to sharpen than its predecessor S30V and it chips less. Mine arrived with an edge so keen I felt it on my finger before my eyes registered contact. I’ll grant that I haven’t been able to maintain that level of sharpness, but I’m not exactly a gifted sharpener. Infrequent stropping has kept it sharp enough for my needs.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

Les George tends to use fairly simple lines in most of his designs. As a result, Zero Tolerance didn’t have to flex outside of their comfort range – at least, not far out of it – to produce this for a mass market. A good comparison is the ZT0220, designed by Jens Anso. Anso’s aesthetic is more avant-garde and less likely to appeal to a broad market. You can see some of his design aesthetic in the 0220, but it’s so muted that his touch isn’t immediately clear. By contrast, Les’s design aesthetic is much more conservative, and thus easier to translate. Ultimately this feels like a Les George produced by Zero Tolerance, not a Zero Tolerance designed by Les George.

In my experience, ZT knives have had good (but not great) ergonomics. I’ve occasionally been blown away: the contoured handle of the 0454 and the thumb placement on the 0392 come to mind, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. As such, I expected the 0900 to be solid in the hand, but nothing to write home about. That was a mistake on my part. This knife melts into my hand in a way that I never would have expected. It almost sings. My error lay in assuming that the contours were simply for visual appeal, and that otherwise it would feel like any other slab-handled knife. Photographs did the design no favors. The contours are deep and well chamfered, allowing your palm to wrap around the handle without feeling like you’re holding a slab of metal.

Sadly, this knife carries about as well as expected: by that I mean that you need the right pants to carry it securely. Part of the problem is the clip. What makes it great in the hand makes it a bit unreliable in the pocket: allow me to explain. The 0900 (like many modern ZT’s) uses KAI’s deep carry pocket clip. It’s unobtrusive and matches the lines of this particular knife, but has a very thin point of contact on a very wide handle. This problem is exacerbated by the placement of the clip, as around half of the point of contact hovers over the lock bar, which means it’s hovering over empty space when the knife is closed. In work pants, this hasn’t been an issue, but in dress pants, quick-drying shorts, or other thin materials, it’s lead to some anxiety.

Deployment and Lockup

This is the part where I eat a healthy dose of crow. As much as I dislike the market’s obsession with flippers, I have to admit that the 0900 is significantly more fun to fidget with than any other knife I own. The deployment is crisp, clean, and requires zero wrist flick. No weird problems with the lockbar were experienced. Keep everything well-oiled, keep grit out of the bearing race, and you’ll be perfectly satisfied. It’s worth noting that I haven’t seen any of the odd lockbar issues others experienced on the 0450.

What can I say? There’s no stick, and lock up has consistently fallen around 40%. The replaceable steel insert is a very nice touch. In addition to warding off lock stick and making potential repairs less onerous, it also functions as an overtravel stop. To date, I haven’t experienced lock rock or blade play, and I don’t expect to. Would I like a lock that keeps my hands out of the blade path? Yeah, but this is as close to perfection as a framelock can get, so I can’t bitch too much.

Zero Tolerance 0900 Review – Final Thoughts

My complaints are pretty minor: I’d like a thinner grind, a different clip, and maybe a bit of weight off the whole package, but those are wants, not needs. It’s exciting enough that Zero Tolerance took a step into the sub-3” category. I hope the 0900 – and the 0450, and the 0808, for that matter – sell well enough that ZT pays more attention to this share of the market. If the recent runs in blue and gold are any indication, that’s exactly what’s happening.

There is some stiff competition for the 0900. The “little big knife” concept has been around for awhile, and other companies have been doing a lot to refine their own offerings. Spyderco’s Techno and DPx’s HEAT/F are fairly popular and fall in the same price bracket. How does the 0900 stack up to those two? Pretty well, actually. The ~~hollow~~ full flat ~~how is this not a hollow~~ grind of the Techno beats out the flat grind of the 0900, but the George design has better ergonomics and the benefit of a steel lockbar insert. While I’m sure the HEAT/F makes for a great rescue knife, it’s far too chunky for everyday tasks, so I think the 0900 has the edge here as well.

I’ve pigheadedly prided myself on steering as clear as I can from the whole TFF market. I don’t like it when a meta (to use gamer jargon) is solved; in my view, it leads to more iteration at the expense of innovation. My problem is that the 0900 is good enough to shut down any objective complaints I have about a titanium flipper framelock. When those issues are solved, my recalcitrance rings less of legitimate criticism, and more of hipster-ism. If you like flippers already, chances are you’ll like the 0900. If you don’t, this is a great (albeit expensive) way to test the waters.

Zero Tolerance Les George Titanium KVT Folding Knife (0900); Manual Open, S35VN Stainless Steel, KVT Ball-Bearing System, Frame Lock, Reversible Pocketclip; 4.3 oz., 2.7 In. Blade, 6.6 In. Overall Length

Durable S35VN stainless steel makes the smaller, classic drop-point blade tough, chip resistant and razor sharp
Stonewashed finish gives blade and handle desirable roughened, scuffed look and helps hide scratches
Reversible, deep carry pocketclip convenient for left or right handed tip-up carry and sits low and comfortably in pocket
Ideal EDC; sleek, easy folding pocket knife essential for everyday tasks—survival tool, cutting boxes, self-defense, home protection, tactical use or the perfect gift
High quality, general all-purpose knife perfect for EDC or use while hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, working, utility or outdoor activities

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Zero Tolerance 0900 at Amazon and BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Leatherman Charge TTi Review

by Grayson Parker 18 Comments

Last Updated: July 27, 2019

I grew up with Leatherman tools. My dad always carried one, and to this day he still has his Leatherman Juice on or around him most of the time. In Scouting, most people carried a multitool of some kind. The first knife that I cut myself with was my dad’s Leatherman Wave. When we climbed Mt. Whitney, I didn’t take a bushcraft knife, I didn’t take a modern folder; all I had was a Leatherman Squirt PS4. If you can’t tell by this point, I’ve got a lot of love for Leatherman tools.

Buy the Leatherman Charge at BladeHQ

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Under those circumstances, it’s pretty obvious why I’d be drawn to the Leatherman Charge TTi. Full size, all locking tools, built like a tank from materials even a knife snob couldn’t turn their nose up at; you see where I’m going. Last Christmas I decided to take the plunge and purchase one. It’s less and more than what I expected, and I’ll let you decide if that’s a good thing.

I’m sure every gear nut knows this feeling: you only need a tool when you don’t have it with you. That’s part of the problem here. I’ve carried the Charge in the pocket, on my belt, or in a bag for more than a month, and all the tasks I thought I’d be using it for disappeared whenever it was around. Who knows, maybe the plumbing was intimidated into submission.

General Dimensions and Tools

The Charge TTi has a closed length of 4” and a blade length of 2.9”. It’s .8” thick, and weighs 8.89 oz. I haven’t done the math, but it’s approximately heavy enough to qualify as assault with a deadly weapon if thrown. Partially responsible for the dreadnought class tonnage is that all the tools lock while open, a design choice that I still don’t know if I agree with yet. On one hand, it’s comforting to know that the blades won’t be snipping my fingers off if I do something stupid. On the other, I don’t know why an eyeglass screwdriver needs to lock. There’s a bit of play in all the locks, but that’s par for the course with multitools.

You can check out all the tools on the Charge through this link, the below chart, or the picture below that. I can’t think of a tool they left out, and their inclusion of a flathead screwdriver when the Charge already has two bit drivers suggests they were running out of ideas. That, or they knew too many folks just used the flathead for prying open paint cans and wanted to make replacement easier. Either way, all appropriate tools are present.

Needlenose Pliers	S30V Blade	Can/Bottle Opener
Regular Pliers	420HC Serrated Blade	Wood/Metal File
Hard-Wire Cutters	Saw	Diamond Coated File
Wire Cutter	Spring-Action Scissors	Large Bit Driver
Crimper	Cutting Hook	Small Bit Driver
Wire Stripper	Ruler	Medium Screwdriver

As I noted earlier, the Charge frightened away most of the chores that I would have used it for, but I was able to reach for it a few times. The pliers (which are cast, not machined) are wide and aggressive enough to remove the aerators from sinks, yet come to enough of a needle point for splinter removal. I didn’t use the blade hard enough to push the S30V to its limits, but it worked fine on boxes, apples, and spreading condiments on a sandwich. More than a few bottles of beer were opened as well. The only complaint I have is the absence of replaceable wire cutters, which are common enough in other Leatherman tools that I can’t see why they weren’t included.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handles (if you couldn’t guess) are made of titanium. Well, the scales are. The non-tool guts of the knife are made of steel; I don’t even want to know how difficult the machining would be otherwise. By multitool standards the construction is pretty tight. Nominally, it’s held together with torx screws, but that would imply that you can disassemble it. This is not the case. For some reason that only the engineers at Leatherman know, these torx bits have little pins in them, which makes them incompatible with most torx drivers. A quibble, but a galling one. Before I get too negative, I will note that the finish left on the scales is truly beautiful, in a chipped stone kind of way.

Imagine a brick. Now shrink it, make it a little slimmer along the way, and put it in your hand. That covers the essential points of the ergonomics here. Normally I wouldn’t be so dismissive, but compared to the Skeletool the Charge is lackluster at best. To be fair: the edges are rounded, and I’ve never felt a hotspot, but it doesn’t conform to your palm the way other Leatherman tools do. If you’re carrying the Charge with the pocket clip, then disregard my line about “never feeling a hotspot.” You should have a good idea why farther down.

Take that same shrunken brick and strap it to your belt. Honestly, it’s not that bad that way. If you’re working in an industrial setting, no one is going to care about a multitool, and even most offices won’t mind a Leatherman on your belt. The worst I can say is that it can compete for space with any bag you might have, depending on how you wear it. Mine came with the leather sheath, and I haven’t had any problems with it. The side pockets on it are nice for a AAA flashlight and a mini sharpie.

Are you feeling particularly brave? Clip it to your pocket.

Leatherman Charge TTi Review – Final Thoughts

If you walked away from this review with the impression that I don’t like the Charge, I’m sorry. I can see that in many ways it’s a great tool, and deserves to be on the shortlist of high end multitools. This is probably just a consequence of my expectations being in the wrong place. A carpenter, an electrician, or anyone that does a lot of work with their hands would probably love having this on their belt. In other words: “it’s not you, it’s me.”

Funnily enough, its stiffest competition comes from within the brand, in the form of the Leatherman Wave. The Wave shares most of the design language of the Charge: a full set of locking tools, outside accessible blades, and a nearly identical toolset. Of course, it doesn’t have the premium materials that the Charge TTi does, but it also costs half as much. Whether those materials are worth the premium is up to you. Leatherman isn’t the only game in town; Victorinox, Multitasker, Gerber, and SOG all make plier centric multitools. I imagine that I’d have similar complaints if I were to review any of their offerings, as they’re all near the same weight or heavier.

At the end of the day, who should buy this? Well, despite its staid design, it really is the top of the heap. If you want a multitool that has the same materials as a Spyderco Sage 2, this is your only option. The all-locking tools may be unnecessary to me, but a godsend to someone else. It’s a nice enough object that I’m not going to get rid of mine; this’ll just be consigned to the glove box, where it can do some real good in a pinch.

Next up – the ZT 0900. You bastards finally got to me.

LEATHERMAN - Charge TTI Titanium Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Cutting Hook, Stainless Steel with Nylon Sheath (FFP)

READY FOR ANYTHING: All the most requested features in one good-looking, functional tool. Take it everywhere, use it anywhere.
FIT MORE FUNCTIONALITY: A variety of pliers, wire cutters, wire crimper and stripper, serrated and regular knives, saw, spring-action scissors, cutting hook, can and bottle openers, files, screwdrivers, and a ruler.
LET’S BE PRACTICAL: Sometimes you only have one hand to spare. The Charge TTi only requires one hand to open and use all the tools, even the ones that aren’t accessible from the outside. And with a locking blade, you can cut with confidence.
ALWAYS ON HAND: Equipped with a pocket clip and quick-release lanyard ring, your Charge TTi is always within reach and ready to work.
GUARANTEED: Our 25-year limited warranty ensures that your Leatherman will give you many years of dependable service. Just send it in and we’ll fix it up. All Leatherman multitools are made and repaired right here in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Leatherman Charge TTi at Amazon, or BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews. Any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Bertucci A-2T 12703 Review

by Grayson Parker 5 Comments

I’d like to start this review by noting that I’m not a watch expert. I admire watches, but that admiration has yet to translate into fiscal irresponsibility. (Give it time. -Dan) So take my opinions with a grain of salt, and if I get some of the technical details wrong, kindly give me a heads up in the comments.

Buy on Amazon

The Bertucci A-2T is the second watch I’ve owned in my adult life, and the only watch I’ve ever worn with any regularity. It was purchased for me as a gift by my family; they were haranguing me for a Christmas list, and at the last minute I saw this on a site I trusted and suggested it. To me, the A-2T was just an attractive field watch gussied up with titanium, and after two years of use…yeah, that’s about all it is. I don’t mean that in a bad way, mind you. I’ve worn this watch day-in, day-out for nearly two years and it’s still ticking.

Every so often I’ll include the A-2T in a shot on Instagram, and enough people have asked me my thoughts on it that I figure a review is appropriate. In light of that, I decided to do a little more digging into Bertucci, and came away with a few chuckles. Originally, I was going to make a number of unkind jokes about their marketing department. The “Our Story” page of their website is, at first glance, unrepentantly pretentious. Keep scrolling down and I think you’ll agree that they’re more self-aware than I first gave them credit for.

Case and Movement

The case of the Bertucci A-2T is 40mm wide, 13.5mm thick, and weighs 54g (1.9oz.). It’s constructed of a single piece of titanium, which is imported from China but machined here in the U.S. One of the selling points (that I didn’t know was a selling point until recently) is the integral lugs. There are no screws or springs keeping these bars in place, which is a bit of a double edged sword. On one hand, this style of construction is definitely more durable; on the other, it limits your choice of straps and bracelets.

Just how durable is the A-2T, you ask? Well, here’s a short list of the abuses I’ve lobbed its way:

Forgetting to take it off when hauling a collapsed ewe back to its flock and water trough.
Collecting a variety of wastewater samples which invariably end up splattering truly awful liquid all over the watch.
Wearing it into the mosh pit at a show, where I learned you don’t shoulder check guys bigger than you on a beer soaked floor.
Innumerable scrapes and dings from changing tires, digging trucks out of mud, and general vehicle maintenance in the field.
Using it at a conference to track how long I’ve been subjected to literary critiques of James Joyce.

Bertucci imports their quartz movements from Japan. Quartz watches lack the panache that mechanical and automatic watches have, but in general are more accurate and require less maintenance. My experience holds up to those expectations – mostly. Although this hasn’t occurred in some time, on at least three occasions my A-2T stopped working for no discernable reason. I would set it aside for a few days, intending to send it in for warranty service, but without fail it would start back up again just before I shipped it out. As far as I can tell it’s not a common problem, but be aware you might have to go through their warranty.

Dial and Bezel

The dial on most Bertucci watches is fairly plain, but not minimal. Numbers are printed in arabic letters, with their 24 hour counterparts in smaller print and the date ticker replacing the “4” spot on the dial. Model information is also kept on the dial in an unobtrusive fashion. Unlike Dan’s Seiko SKX173, the lume here was sparingly applied and a tad anemic. I can generally tell what time it is in the dark, but it isn’t near as effortless as I’d like.

As for the bezel…see my comments on the case? The unibody titanium design makes any additions difficult at the least. About the most I can say is that the hardened mineral crystal is recessed a bit for added protection; otherwise, the only notable aspect of the bezel is its absence.

Strap and on the Wrist

My A-2T came with a green nylon strap in the 3 ring Zulu style. It’s worn comfortably these last two years and isn’t the worse for it. I only recently discovered that I’ve been wearing the damn thing incorrectly most of the time; it turns out the brackets go on the side of the wrist, not the underside. The only complaint I can register about the strap is the smell. I wear this watch at work, and I work and live in a dry, hot part of California. This strap has absorbed a fair amount of sweat, and despite regular laundering I can’t get the funk out of it.

I can’t register any complaints about how it wears on the wrist. Overall, it’s thin enough that it doesn’t get hitched up on clothing, whether I’m wearing a dress shirt or a fire resistant jumpsuit. I’d imagine it might get bulky if you have to fold the strap over itself a few times, so this may not be as svelte for those of you with smaller wrists. That said, there are enough aftermarket straps in the NATO style that a replacement is easily acquired if necessary.

Bertucci A-2T – Final Thoughts

Of course, no product exists in a vacuum, and it seems like everyone has a field watch these days. The strongest competitor to the A-2T is likely the Seiko SNK series. They’re not in the same price bracket (the Seiko falls at about half the price) but the Seiko line up does reign supreme as far as entry level field watches go. As this is the only watch I’ve consistently worn, I couldn’t tell you how they stack up.

In the end, who would want this watch? Well, that’s a tough question to answer. It’s certainly tougher than most field watches, but is toughness a fair metric when the G-Shock exists? Especially when (and this is just my opinion) other field watches are more attractive? Ultimately, I think it does have its own niche. The A-2T falls somewhere in the middle of a spectrum that has the G-Shock on one end and the Hamilton Khaki on the other. If you need something dressier than the G-Shock and more durable than the Khaki, this watch is for you.

I recommend purchasing the Bertucci A-2T at Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Fantoni Hide Review

by Grayson Parker 3 Comments

Last Updated: August 11, 2019
Author’s Note: I wrote this introduction before I saw Dan’s review of the Pohl Force Mike One. Suffice to say that Andrew Gene has long been a scourge on the wallets of knife collectors.

Buy the Fantoni Hide at KnifeArt.com

It may be hard to imagine now, but it wasn’t so long ago that Italian knife companies were a fairly unknown quantity in the United States. Back then, I was introduced to the wide world of European blades by the fantastic videos of the Edge Observer. His review of the Fantoni Hide showcased this beautiful blade to me for the first time, and it wasn’t long before I was calculating how much of my collection I’d need to part with to acquire one. As luck would have it, I didn’t need to resort to such measures.

Normally when I’m trying to explain what draws me to a product, I can point to something tangible. In the case of the Viper Dan, it was the innovative slipjoint mechanism. The Zebralight H52w grabbed my attention with stellar runtimes. That’s really not the case here. I was drawn to the Fantoni Hide simply because I liked – loved, really – the way that it looked. The interplay between the overbuilt handle and the dagger-like blade, the industrial lines and the sweeping curves; all of it combined to grant the Hide a timeless feel not unlike an Al Mar.

I should note that I never expected to write this review. The Hide fell into my hands long before I was writing for Dan, and even after I started it was a bit too esoteric for the site. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. This sudden shift leaves me in an awkward position. Though the Hide is a grail of mine, I’ve never babied it. It shows its age. For the most part, it has aged gracefully, but after nearly two years of carry it’s taken its licks. I hope this review doesn’t shy away from those bruises, in no small part because it costs 265.00USD. That’s officially enough to qualify as an heirloom knife – at least in my book.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Fantoni Hide measures in at 6.89” overall, with a 2.98” blade, a 3.91” handle, is made in Italy, and designed by Italian knife designer Tommaso Rumici. It’s not chunky, but it’s not lightweight either, at 4.1 oz. The back lock and full steel liners are the culprits of most of the weight, and shift the balance to the back of the knife. Weight considerations aside, the Hide is right around the perfect size for me. My daily cutting tasks rarely require more than cutting some tape, opening a package, or slicing an apple. The Hide’s blade is long enough to do all of that without frightening a soul.

As with most Italian knives, the Hide is crafted to impeccable tolerances. The centering, perfect; the grind, immaculate. Even the hardware is polished, with the exception of the exterior bolts. Those were instead given a tasteful bead blast. The stonewash on the blade is highly polished, leaving a blade that will resist most scratches with ease. I’m a big fan of how polished this stonewash is, as it comes close enough to a mirror finish that it has some of the charm of a traditional.

The Hide’s true distinction is its refined blade. The profile is a lean drop point with the barest hint of a recurve and just enough belly to slice as well as any kitchen knife. A long swedge adds visual interest and thins out the tip for any piercing work that needs doing. The grind is similarly impressive. Not only did the craftsmen at Fantoni start with thin stock, but the hollow grind takes it down to an edge not far off from a straight razor. It goes without saying that the Hide isn’t meant for prying or other “hard use” tasks. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a tough knife. But it’s a knife, not a pry bar. Treat it as such.

I’d be lying if I said the steel was exciting. Most everyone these days is familiar with S30V, both its ups and downs. I haven’t noticed any problems with chipping or rust, and it rarely needs more than a few passes on my strop or Sharpmaker. Fantoni claims they get it up to RC60-61, and that matches my experience. Some of you may be asking if S30V is appropriate for a knife this expensive, and my answer is…kind of. In general I’d say no; but generally the heat treatment and grind aren’t nearly so dialed in as they are here. The Hide is among the elite cutters in my collection, so take that as you will.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handle is a fairly simple affair. A steel spine is sandwiched between steel liners, which in turn is sandwiched between two slabs of green canvas micarta. There is no contouring, but the edges of the micarta have been chamfered to increase comfort. Micarta and steel are a winning recipe for me, but I understand if you think the materials are dated. If you’re that concerned, the Hide is also offered in carbon fiber and black G10, though I’ll always opt for the micarta. Not only is it the cheapest version, but a good deal of the Hide’s charm would be diminished with a sterile material like carbon fiber.

Discounting the double scallops on the interior of the handle, the Hide is comprised almost entirely of hard lines. Because of that, I assumed that the grip would (at best) be tolerable. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ergonomics were fine; but as I expected, not without problems. First, the jimping is sharp and wide. Aesthetically pleasing, but not the most comfortable on the thumbs. Second, the pronounced finger guard keeps your fingers a fair distance away from the blade, so choking up for more control is almost impossible. I think this is just part of the genetic makeup of the Hide. It was designed to be a backup tactical knife, after all.

In the pocket, the Hide is -mostly- fantastic. The low-ride, tip up clip ensures discrete and stable carry. In my experience, the clip works well with most pants, but you may need to use a bit of force if you’re wearing thicker work clothes. When not in use, the slim profile helps the Hide disappear into the pocket, despite the relatively high weight. Sadly, the Hide has one flaw in this department: the thumb studs. Not only do they catch on clothing when you’re pulling the Hide out of your pocket, but they get thin enough to yank on any threads that stick out too far. It’s not a constant occurrence, but it’s happened just enough times that it bears mention.

Deployment and Lock-up

By now, I’m assuming that most of you are familiar with my viscerally apathetic sentiments towards frame locks, flippers, and every combination therein. They’re not bad, I’m just a curmudgeon. Or a hipster, depending on your definition. In either case, my love affair with the Fantoni Hide began long before flippers hit their stride, and it isn’t going anywhere now. Apart from the problems mentioned above, the thumb studs work fine. I’ve never disassembled the Hide, but a glance suggests that it runs on bronze washers. The strength of the back spring makes flicking this knife open impossible, but that’s a rare enough feature on quality back locks that I can’t complain.

The back lock isn’t particularly innovative, but it’s strong and easy to use. This iteration is one of the best. There is no play in any direction, and while the spring is quite stiff, it doesn’t make it a hassle to disengage the lock. I do find it somewhat confusing that this is advertised as a back-up knife. When the lock engages, it does so with an audible clack; I’d imagine that sound would make it quite difficult to hide. Ultimately, I can’t sell either the thumb studs or the back lock to those of you who hate such features. If you don’t mind them, you won’t be disappointed.

Fantoni Hide Review – Final Thoughts

If I had my druthers, I would have reviewed the Hide before I reviewed the Dan 2. Such an approach would highlight the evolution of Rumici’s talents as a designer, but wouldn’t paint the Hide in a negative light. To take that approach in the reverse, however, would end up making the Fantoni look quite brutish. Slab handles, or contoured? Proud liners, or nested? Thumb studs, or front flipper? Even I (unrepentant snob that I am) have to admit that the Dan is an improvement in most areas.

But the thing is….I own both. I carry both – frequently, in fact. Despite the fact that I have access to what is, objectively speaking, an upgraded model, the Hide gets as much if not more pocket time than the Dan 2. My best guess for this phenomenon is that while the Dan has a much more elegant design, the Hide feels more refined. Maybe I just need to carry the Dan for a few more years. At any rate, I think it says quite a bit about the quality of the Hide that it has stayed in my collection this long, with no signs of leaving.

So who should buy this knife, assuming that you can find one? If, like me, you’re a grump who thinks flippers are overhyped and frame locks passe, or if you long for the days of thin, slicy grinds, this knife is for you. Collectors of smaller, boutique Italian knives should likewise have their ears to the ground. Finally, if I’ve afflicted one of you with a similar lust for the Fantoni Hide, my apologies–but this knife is definitely for you.

I would recommend buying the Hide at KnifeArt, as they are Fantoni’s only US dealer. As usual, availability and selection is spotty, as Fantoni does not make many knives. You may be also able to find the Hide on the secondary market or places like Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Hogue EX-F03 Review

by Grayson Parker 9 Comments

Last Updated: August 26, 2019
Hogue is something of an odd brand in the knife industry. Despite their award winning designs, the Hogue line has never really caught on with the majority of the knife community. It could be that they produce button locks whereas consumers [think that they] want framelocks. Or perhaps the market is too caught up in the frenzy over flippers. Whatever the reason, Hogue is a company that rarely gets the praise or online attention it deserves.

Buy the Hogue EX-F03 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Like its brethren, the EX-F03 is not a trendy knife. Pictures of it won’t clog your Instagram feed. BladeHQ won’t generate a feeding frenzy by announcing a shipment of EX-F03’s has arrived. It certainly won’t scratch the itch behind the EDC top and the torq bar. At the end of the day, it’s a working knife in a market driven by collectors and aficionados. As a collector (and a nonstop fidgeter) I’m guilty of both sins. Whatever the case, the EX-F03 seems to have slipped under the radar. Hopefully this review remedies that.

Before the review really begins in earnest, there’s a bit of a cautionary tale/PSA I should share. Always check state and local laws before purchasing a knife. CA Penal Code 21310 forbids carrying a concealed “dirk or dagger,” which I belatedly discovered applies to all fixed blades. It cuts me deeply that I can’t carry a knife that I [spoiler alert] really like outside of my home. What really twists the blade is that this was a gift from my girlfriend. I’d like to say that it being a gift hasn’t affected this review, but she reads my work here, and I’d rather keep my blood inside of my body.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Out of the sheath, the Hogue EX-F03 has a cutting edge of 2.25”, an overall length of 5.5”, and a weight of 2.1 oz. In the sheath, the knife is 6.5” long, 2.5” wide, and weighs just under 4 oz. The blade stock is .16” thick. Judging by size alone, the design intent of the EX-F03 is a small utility blade. It’s also available as a dedicated belt knife, which includes a screw-on handle with a karambit style ring incorporated. Of note is that the aforementioned belt version includes the neck sheath as well. Both handle styles of the EX-F03 are available with a hawkbill blade, if you’re so inclined.

The EX-F03 has what Hogue calls a clip point. It doesn’t look like any clip point I’ve ever seen, but one thing’s for sure: the folks at Hogue know how to manage a grind. It’s even and crisp, and the blade stock is thin enough that it cuts well. The blade is a bit short for food preparation, and I’ve learned the hard way that stubby blades can be hazardous at times. Pro tip: don’t try and slice a palmed apple with something this size. It doesn’t end well.

At first I thought the tip was too thin, but some pretty extensive use has shown me the error of my ways. It’s not as durable as an ESEE or a Becker, but I found the thin tip perfect for working with tough materials that tend to bind, such as foam board. Conversely, I was a big fan of the continuous belly on the EX-F03 in theory, but in practice it tends to slip out of the aforementioned tough cutting mediums. Not that it’s a poor cutter – quite the opposite – but some finesse may be required.

Here is a picture of the tip of the EX-F03 compared to the Paramilitary 2:

Hogue uses 154CM for most of their blades. It’s a steel I prefer on any serious work knife, as its blend of toughness, edge retention, rust resistance, and ease of maintenance make it well suited for any given task on the job site. It doesn’t shrug off abuse like 1095, but it doesn’t chip near as often as S30V. Regular stropping keeps the edge keen, and I’ve never had a problem with tarnishing or rust spots. This particular knife has been used on drywall, cardboard, and more than a few clamshell packages without any problems. The true sharpening choil makes for headache-free maintenance. And yes, it did all of this:

Handle and Ergonomics

The EX-F03’s skeletonized construction is as simple as you can get. As such, the EX-F03 really has only one problem: it’s too thin. Yeah, I know. Go figure. Remarks from Captain Obvious aside, without the presence of some contouring, harder cuts press the tang into the palm, which in turn generates some discomfort. That said, I’m looking for a knife that fits into my pocket comfortably, and the extended grip is too long for that. If you have access to some basic tools, you could theoretically purchase the full version and grind off the ring (Allen Elishewitz spoke about doing just that). Bear in mind, that sort of action will void your warranty.

All that said, I like the overall design. It’s a 3-finger grip, but the included lanyard gives your pinky something to hold onto. The curves of the handle, although thin, nestle organically into the palm. And I have to hand it to Hogue’s machinists: they made a bare piece of steel as comfortable as they could. Everything is chamfered and polished. The jimping is hands-down some of the nicest I’ve experienced, with thick, rounded ridges that lock your thumb in place without generating hotspots.

It all boils down to intended use: if you want to carry a fixed blade in your pocket (rather than on your belt), chances are you value discretion and ease of carry as much or more than the ergonomics. If you do need a blade that can handle prolonged use, it’s probable that you can carry said knife on your belt without rubbing anyone the wrong way.

Sheath

The sheath of the EX-F03 is truly sublime. Apart from a loose rivet – which Hogue fixed promptly – I have no complaints. If you keep up with Gear Geeks Live, you’ll have an idea how rare that is. There is a firm snap upon sheathing and unsheathing the blade, and no wiggle in any direction while stored. It’s made of Boltaron, which is similar to but slightly tougher than Kydex. I own a couple custom fixed blades and have handled my fair share of productions, and this sheath outclasses all of them. Through some witchcraft, it’s bidirectional and accommodates both blade shapes. One slight downside: you can (with some effort) pop the sheath off with your thumb, but for me it’s mostly a two-handed affair. I don’t know if that’s a deal breaker for some, but I don’t mind.

As shipped the EX-F03 is a neck knife. While I’m reasonably certain that it would serve well in such a role, I don’t work in an environment where that would be appropriate. For the sake of due diligence, I wore it around my neck once or twice, and it worked fine. Deployment was easy and the cord was comfortable. Even so, the cord was removed at the earliest opportunity. To my delight I found that the EX-F03 carries wonderfully in the pocket. The sheath is wide enough that the blade doesn’t roll or bind in the pocket, and rounded enough to fit into a variety of pants without issue. On a few weekend trips up into the woods, I wore it on my belt with a spare Tek-Lok I had lying around, and it worked fine. The dedicated belt sheath is clearly superior, but in a pinch this did the trick.

Hogue EX-F03 Review – Final Thoughts

All told, the EX-F03 is an impressive addition to the Hogue line. By now you should be able to tell I’m overly picky, so of course my jimmies will be rustled by the little things. (Hell, if you don’t see a complaint, call the authorities. It may be a cry for help.) The few flaws present are honestly quibbles, and can’t hold back what I think is a strong competitor in the world of fixed blades.

Speaking of competition: the price point of the EX-F03 is a major departure for Hogue. Typically their knives clock in at $150 and up, but this configuration of the EX-F03 costs just under $70.00. Some may still consider this expensive for a small fixed blade. Depending on what extras you want, the ESEE Izula falls at a similar price point, but I think the costlier steel and stellar sheath are well worth the price of admission for the Hogue.

If you’re looking for a pocket fixed blade, you should start here. Much like traditional knives, a good carry option determines if the knife in question actually gets pocket time. In this regard, the EX-F03 is unmatched. I couldn’t fault anyone for looking elsewhere, and the competition is very strong, but the sheath of the EX-F03 is so well-suited to pocket carry that it at least should be part of the conversation. Whether you’re a veteran to the world of fixed blades, or a green recruit, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving the EX-F03 a chance. If you live in California, well…shell out for the belt sheath. I’ve heard good things.

Hogue 35370 EXF03 Neck 2.25" Knife, Clip Pt., Tumble Finish, Black Sheath

Package length: 2.4 cm
Package width: 7.2 cm
Package height: 17.0 cm
Product Type: SPORTING GOODS

Editor: If you are thinking of buying a Hogue EX-F03, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Review

by Grayson Parker 21 Comments

One of the biggest events of the year for knife nuts is Blade Show. Put on by Blade Magazine, this industry wide convention draws a cavalcade of steel-toting enthusiasts to Atlanta, Georgia, where custom knives are fought over and new production designs are revealed. For the last several years, their Overall Knife of the Year award has been granted to blades that are…let’s say, of questionable utility. Beautiful, and without a doubt technical marvels, but they bear more resemblance to concept cars than to utility vehicles. To find designs that are within the reach of the hoi polloi, one should look at some of the more obscure awards, which focus on budget, innovation, and place of origin.

Buy the Manix 2 LW at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

This review focuses on one such design: the Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight, which won the 2010 Blade Show award for Most Innovative American Design and has since garnered quite a bit of critical praise. Nowadays, the Manix is seen as part of the vanilla Spyderco line, but that’s not how it’s always been. At the time, it seemed like the Manix was the way of the future. Thin, fully flat ground blade? Check. Thumb hole? Check. Innovative lock that kept your fingers clear of the blade? Also, check. That all of these features are found at a pretty economical price point and on a blade that’s made in the U.S.A. is impressive today, but was a much bigger deal when the question of the day was Benchmade vs. Spyderco.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Spyderco Manix 2LW measures just over 8” overall, with a 3.37” blade and a 4.66” handle. The Manix 2 LW is made in the USA. As its name would imply, the Manix 2LW doesn’t weigh much – only 2.9 oz. – a weight that’s pretty remarkable for a knife this size. It’s worth mentioning that the cutting edge is actually 2.88” because of the inclusion of a 50/50 finger choil. I applaud that decision. Spyderco is famous for their ergonomics, and the finger choil is part of that recipe.

Spyderco chose Carpenter’s BD1, a relatively unknown steel, for the lightweight version of the Manix 2. According to the data sheets, BD1’s performance should be the equivalent of high quality 440c. Most online feedback indicates the same. In my experience, it’s been difficult getting the BD1 as sharp as I’d like. Its edge retention isn’t the best, and requires regular maintenance. If there is one attribute it excels at, it is corrosion resistance. I’ve forgotten to clean this knife after cutting citrus before, but even that didn’t leave so much as a mark.

For all the questions about the blade steel, Spyderco hit it out of the park with the blade shape (and grind). The leaf-shaped blade is a mainstay in their product line and never disappoints. When paired with a full flat grind and fairly thin stock (.125”), you’re almost guaranteed success. Extensive use in the kitchen and the field bears that assumption out. My sharpening issues aside, the blade performs very well. The smokey mirror finish Spyderco put on the Manix is easy to clean and doesn’t attract fingerprints like a higher polish would.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handle on the Manix 2 Lightweight is made of fiberglass reinforced co-polymer, or FRCP. It is very similar to the fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) Spyderco uses on the Delica/Endura/etc. When compared side by side, FRCP is stiff, while FRN has a bit of give to it (akin to rubber). I own knives with both as handle materials, and I don’t know if I have a preference. As with any plastic handle, there will be folks who complain about the material feeling cheap, but I don’t mind it. I prefer the translucent blue handle over the black handle. This knife is very well-suited to backpacking, and a bright handle helps ensure that your knife doesn’t get lost among the foliage.

I’ve found the ergonomics to be just as good as I’d expect from an in-house Spyderco design (read: excellent). Some folks complain that the handles are too blocky. Those people need to find something else to complain about, because I could not find a fault with the ergonomics. The 50/50 finger choil allows the user to choke up for better push cuts, while the rear grip is well-suited for slicing and draw cuts. Spyderco’s bi-directional grip pattern is very effective at gluing your palm to the handle without being abrasive. I will say I could do without the jimping on the interior of the handle.

Spyderco’s wire clip seems to be pretty polarizing, at least if you take online comments seriously. Some love it because it’s discrete, doesn’t generate a hotspot, and doesn’t shred the edges of your pocket. Those who hate it complain that the wire clip wiggles around and doesn’t offer enough tension to keep the blade secure in the pocket. I’m in the former camp; every wire clip I’ve handled has had plenty of tension, and I prefer the practical advantages outlined above. Between the low weight and excellent clip, this knife is a dream in the pocket (particularly for its size).

Deployment and Lock-up

I’ve mentioned this before, but the knife market is almost exclusively focused on flippers right now. Personally, I’ve always preferred the thumb hole as a deployment method. They’re just as easy to flick, but much better when it comes to slow-rolling the knife open. I also don’t wear my fingers out fidgeting with Spydercos the same way I do when I’m messing around with a flipper. This is a very nice execution of the thumb hole. At 14mm, it’s large enough that opening the knife is never a problem, even while wearing gloves. The interior of the cut out has been nicely polished and slightly chamfered.

If it wasn’t for the lock, I probably wouldn’t like this knife as much as I do. The Manix is equipped with the Caged Ball Bearing Lock, which is frequently compared to Benchmade’s Axis Lock and SOG’s Arc Lock. All three offer ambidextrous manipulation of the lock without putting your fingers in the path of the blade. Out of the three, the CBBL is my favorite. It fixes the one problem that I have with the other offerings: a weak detent. On the Manix, the detent is not only quite firm, but crisp as well. There’s a level of security knowing that the blade isn’t going to flop open with a wave of the hand.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Review – Final Thoughts

My thoughts on the Manix 2LW are generally positive. If it weren’t for my issues putting a keener edge on the BD1, I’d carry it more frequently than I do now. Even with that handicap, it’s a great knife. The Manix 2 LW is available at most retailers for around $80.00. If you’re worried about the steel (my experience seems to be an outlier), Spyderco also offers the Manix 2LW in CPM-S110V for around $35 more.

That aside, the Manix is arguably in an awkward spot on the product line. For a relatively small amount of money, you could instead purchase a Paramilitary 2, which is widely regarded as one of the best knives available (regardless of price point). This begs the question: budgetary concerns aside, is there a niche the Manix fills that the Paramilitary doesn’t? I think there is. As much as I love my Paramilitary 2, I think the Manix 2LW actually makes for a better outdoors knife. Specifically, for backpacking. The bright handle, low weight, and easily maintainable steel are all desirable qualities for a blade you can tote into the backcountry.

Whether you want a knife for the outdoors, or you’re looking for a bigger everyday carry blade, the Manix 2 Lightweight is sure to satisfy.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Signature Knife with 3.37" CTS BD1 Steel Blade and Translucent Blue FRCP Handle - PlainEdge - C101PBL2

Ready For Anything: The Manix 2 is an extremely capable full-sized folder that is known for it's strength and performance. Its broad blade provides exceptional cutting power, while its textured index finger choil and thumb ramp allow a forward grip.
Light and Durable: This Manix 2 handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Co-Polymer. FRCP creates a tough, chemical and heat resistant handle that is extremely lightweight and Versatile.
Dependable: If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
Low Friction: This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
High-Strength Lock: The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.

I recommend purchasing the Spyderco Manix 2 LW at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.