Collectable Knives

Pohl Force Mike One Review

Last Updated: July 31, 2019
I have lusted after the Pohl Force Mike One for years. I wanted one for years. For the uninitiated, Pohl Force is a tactical knife company owned by Dietmar Pohl, a long time knife collector, knife designer, knife enthusiast, and author of books on knives. I have met with Dietmar, and the USA distributors for Pohl Force a couple times at Blade Show.

Buy Pohl Force Knives at BladeHQ

It was hard to walk away from the Pohl Force booth without a Mike One in hand, and I eventually broke down and bought one. I’m glad I did. Even 3 years later this knife is still awesome and unique. It’s like a European Strider with its integrated G10 handle scale/backspacer, not to mention the unique profile and finish work. But I’m getting ahead of myself. There is a lot to consider with the Mike One and I’m glad to present this review, even if I’m a little late to the Pohl Force party.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mike One has an overall length of 8.66″, a 3.74″ blade, weighs 5.64 ounces. The Mike One is made by Lionsteel Knives in Maniago, Italy. This is advertised as the “EDC size” Pohl Force folder, and it certainly seems to be EDC (Every Day Carry) sized next to the Foxtrot One, which is a massive knife featuring a 4.5″ blade and overall length of 10.25″.

This Mike One is still a formidable knife, but could be a good size for EDC if you are a police officer, military member, or anyone else who can get away with a larger daily carry blade. Personally, this is not a daily carry as I tend to favor knives in the 3-3.5″ blade range for EDC.

The Mike One sports a slender drop point blade with a high flat grind and swedge. This is a 5mm thick blade, which is quite beefy for a folding knife. While Lionsteel has done a nice job grinding the blade to a thin edge, this is still a stout blade with hard use in mind. The tip is formidable and there is plenty of cutting edge. It strikes me as a great well-rounded blade shape that could be pressed into a wide range of tasks.

My particular version of the Mike One is the “Outdoor” version with the stonewashed finish. There is also a black PVD coated “Survival” version. I favor this stonewashed version. The blade is still quite reflective despite the tumbled finish, and you can almost use it like a mirror.

Niolox is the de facto steel for Lionsteel’s outdoor focused blades, and it’s a nice choice on this Mike One. I have some experience with Niolox after extensively testing the Blackwater Grizzly 6 and Ursa 6. Niolox has proven itself to be tough, yet reasonable to sharpen and resistant to corrosion. I think it’s a great choice and I’m excited to have the steel in a folder. I consider it to be a good upgrade over something like D2, with improved stain resistance.

Handle Design, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

As I alluded to earlier on, this knife comes with a beautifully sculpted black G10 handle slab and backspacer. Just like on the Strider SnG, this is a single piece of G10 that forms both the backspacer and non-locking side of the handle. Lionsteel kicked the production values up a notch by putting finishing the handle with a grooved pattern and also machining a geared backspacer. An equally impressive titanium framelock and black chain ring bolt hardware add further detail and visual interest to the handle. They did an awesome job and in my opinion, the build quality and finish work is higher than on that of the Strider.

The 50/50 forward finger choil and dual thumb ramps offer the end user a ton of grip options. You can choke up on the blade for detail work, or choke back for leverage per the below picture. Regardless of how you hold the knife it always feels comfortable and natural. The milled handle and backspacer compliment the handle design nicely by providing good traction without being irritating. There is little jimping, and the knife is comfortable to use, even after extended heavy cutting tasks like carving and push cutting rope.

The Mike One features an oversize wire clip. Frankly I wasn’t aware of how much some people loathe the Spyderco wire clip. One commenter said that the Spyderco wire clip was “feeble” and that I was “feeble” for liking it. You gotta love the internet – that’s a strong opinion on a pocket clip!

At any rate, the Mike One’s wire clip is nothing like the Spyderco version, so if you don’t like the Spyderco clip you may like the clip on this Mike One. For starters, it’s a much stronger clip. The knife has great retention in the pocket between the tough clip and corrugated handle. This clip has some pant shredding potential, but it will never fall out of your pocket. While not a true deep carry clip, the Mike One still buries deeply and carries discretely thanks to the matte finish and stealthy nature of wire clips in general.

Despite this being a near 6 ounce knife the Mike One carries well thanks in large part to the sturdy clip. I occasionally forget I am carrying this one. I wouldn’t carry this in slacks, but for shorts, jeans, or work pants you will find that the Mike One behaves well in the pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The Mike One makes use of a serrated thumb disk. Thumb disks are not my favorite method of deployment, but it works here. The thumb disk is removable, which makes the knife a 2-hand opener, and more appropriate in some of European countries. The action is slow and purposeful thanks to teflon washers. Again, teflon washers are not my favorite choice. I really would like to see phosphor bronze washers here, as I think the knife would open a little easier with them. The end result is that you have a knife that takes a fair amount of effort to open – especially when compared with the flippers of today. This is probably my biggest gripe with the Mike One.

This is a titanium framelock, and here we have no steel insert. Lockup is extremely secure, opening with a heavy “click”. There is no blade play in any direction. Nor is there any blade stick. As far as titanium frame locks go, I think this one has been well executed. The end result is impressive and tank like. The Mike One is all business, and that shows in the deployment and lockup.

Here is a shot of it next to my LionSteel TM1:

LionSteel did include their RotoBlock mechanism on the Mike One. The RotoBlock is an over travel stop that prevents the user from hyper-extending the lock bar, and it can also be twisted to lock the knife open. It’s an interesting feature, but not one I ever find myself using. It’s probably handy if you ever decide to test the limits of the Mike One. For regular guys like myself it will probably get in the way more than it will help. Blade centering is good on my knife. Not perfect, but pretty close.

Pohl Force Mike One Review – Final Thoughts

This review has been several years in the making, and I am glad to finally have one in the collection next to my Fantoni CUT Flipper and LionSteel TM1. This is another a unique and practical design that has been executed beautifully.

I prefer this smaller format to the larger FoxTrot One. I handled the FoxTrot One, and it’s almost comically large. While the Mike One is a more practical EDC than the FoxTrot One, I wouldn’t mind seeing something even smaller. 3.5″ blade is about as big as I will go for EDC, but I realize that Pohl Force is catering to more of a military and LEO crowd. So while this is more of a collectible for me than a daily carry, it is a fully functional knife and designed for use.

I also like how Pohl Force goes so far as to include an oversized zippered pouch, a “Zertifikat” of authenticity, and even a Tuff Cloth and a kydex sheath. Everything about the Mike One is top shelf, and clearly a lot of thought and care went into all aspects of this knife.

Although Pohl Force has ceased working with dealers effective June 2016, you can still find Pohl Force Knives at BladeHQ or possibly Amazon. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Kershaw Link 1776GRYBW Review

by Dan Jackson 19 Comments

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

Buy the Kershaw Link at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

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

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

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

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

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

Deployment and Lockup

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

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

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

Blade centering is near perfect on my knife.

Kershaw Link Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantoni Dweller Review

by Dan Jackson 15 Comments

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

Buy the Fantoni Dweller at KnifeArt.com

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

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

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

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

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

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

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

Walk and Talk

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

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

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

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

Fantoni Dweller Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

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

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

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

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

Deployment and Lockup

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

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

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

Buck 110 Folding Hunter Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 62 Comments

No history of the folding pocket knife is complete without the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It is arguably the first modern folder, in ethos if not in design. “Buck knife” is now a catch-all term for a certain style of blade, and the 110 is responsible for that. More than other knife besides the Swiss Army Knife, the Buck 110 is an icon.

Buy the Buck 110 at BladeHQ

But for all that it heralds modern folder design, the 110 is more antithetical to a Paramilitary 2 or a Griptilian than a traditional knife. It’s a question of refinement. Traditionals evolved on a separate path, and even if that evolution peaked 100 years ago there is a lot more refinement in a Case Peanut than in the 110. Its design is iconic and influential, but it does seem crude by modern standards.

Is it fair to hold the 110 to modern standards? Well, Buck still markets this knife as a tool, not a collectible. The implication here is that they believe it is a competitive offering in today’s knife market. And crude doesn’t necessarily equate to bad. So I’ve tested it as I would any other knife under review, and after several weeks of dedicated carry and use, I have come to my conclusions regarding the 110.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 110 has a handle length of 4 ¾”, a blade length of 3 ¾”, and an overall length of 8 9/16”. It weighs 7.2 oz. The lines of the 110 are so familiar that I hardly need to go over them. The gleaming brass bolsters and wooden scales have been copied by dozens and dozens of manufacturers over the years. Although I take issue with Buck’s decision to keep the 110 design more or less as is for 50 years, I can certainly sympathize with it. Buck struck a chord with the 110. There are major issues with the tolerances, but the finish on the 110 is quite good for a $40 knife. This is a handsome blade.

And beyond looks the 110 has plenty of merit, mainly thanks to its utter simplicity. I’ve talked about handles being task neutral before, but here we have a task neutral knife. Although called a hunter, there’s just an alchemy between the lines and proportions of the 110 that make it able to perform any kind of cutting task.

Some of that versatility is delivered by the blade shape. A low-slung, sharkish clip point, it leverages its length to great effect. The larger blade means that you have a decent run of straight edge before the sweep to the tip, so sawing and slicing are on the table. In relation to the handle, the belly is angled so that you can really push down and get through material quickly. The tip is acute for effective leading and good piercing. And, unlike many large blades, it is a great slicer. A workhorse blade shape that manages to retain its grace as well.

The steel is 420HC. Much is made of Buck’s Paul Bos heat treatments. I have no experience with this steel outside of Buck knives so I can’t say whether it makes a difference. The Buck/Bos 420HC is probably a smidge better than 8Cr13MoV, but not quite as good as AUS-8A. It dulls rather quickly, but you can sharpen the hell out of this 420HC very easily. Some steels, like VG-10, I can work and work and work on without getting past a certain level of sharpness. Here, 420HC got super sharp super quick, which I appreciate.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

I have no complaints about the 110’s handle shape. The bow shape handle is as neutral as it gets. A lot of makers seem to think that we need finger grooves and scallops and jimping to show us the different ways we can hold our knife, but it is always better when the handle lets us decide. There isn’t a wrong way to hold the 110.

I find balance to be an essential part of good knife design. The closer the balance is to the pivot, the more control we have over the blade. The 110’s Dymondwod and brass construction lead to a rather Rubenesque knife. Balance is right in the middle of the handle, where the swell is most pronounced – a decent distance from the pivot. There’s nothing unpleasant about this while holding the knife, but in use it means you lose so much control for finer work. A shame, considering the surprising competency of this nearly 4” in delicate tasks.

But where the weight really kills the 110, of course, is in carry. There is no better way to learn about the advantages of lightweight knives than to spend a little time with a Buck 110. No clip here. My 110 came with a leather sheath, the traditional carry method for this knife, but I find that to be impractical for day-to-day suburban life, so my 110 rode in the back pocket. It wasn’t good, but at 7.2 oz. you’re going to notice this thing wherever you have it. It’s less ‘just bad’ than it is ‘really unfeasible.’

Deployment and Lockup

The 110’s two-handed opening is a bummer. Nail nicks are part of the charm of traditional knives, but the 110 isn’t a traditional knife. That’s why it’s famous. On the other hand I understand that thumb studs weren’t a common sight when the 110 came out, so I’m not faulting Buck for releasing the 110 without them, I just wish that they would have added them at some point in the last 50 years.

Complaints aside, the nail nick on the 110 works well, as does simply pinching the blade as I normally do on my Opinel. The opening action is smooth and positive, and the sound when the lock engages is satisfying, and all of this was how the knife was out of the box. You expect these things to feel right on a classic, and they do.

Much less right is the lock. I have faith in its safety, but it’s sloppy. From day one there was play in every direction on my 110, and the lock bar flexes quite readily during hard downward cuts. If I don’t sound particularly disappointed it’s probably because it’s the level of QC I’ve come to expect from Buck – which is itself the worst kind of condemnation.

If Buck is going to continue to espouse the virtues of stateside production, I really would like to see them recognize the level of competition out there and up their game. Newer products like the Marksman seem to indicate they’re capable of tight tolerances and complicated designs, and I for one would willingly pay more to see that same attention to detail on their flagship product.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter – Final Thoughts

There is no unqualified recommendation I can make for the 110 other than collectability. If you’re interested in knives and the history of their design, the 110 is 100% required reading. But as a tool, in any application, I can suggest a dozen other knives that outperform it. I can suggest better cutters, better locks, better fit and finish, all at or around the same price and all considerably lighter.

Buck is a company with a proud history, and the 110 is central to that history. I think they’ve convinced themselves that, by changing the 110, they are flouting the tradition it represents. That’s simply not true. Spyderco has been tweaking their flagships for years and nobody’s forgotten the significance of the Delica. There is a difference between honoring your past and being imprisoned by it. It’s frustrating that there aren’t readily available modern variations on the 110 from Buck. A model with G-10 scales, aluminum bolsters, and a clip would be cool. KA-BAR recently released such a knife and it is 2 oz. lighter than the 110.

I don’t even know that it’s a particularly good value at $40. The finish is good in a rough and tumble, barroom countertop kind of way, but the tolerances are way below par. I think that Buck is still trying to work out its priorities and in the meantime customers are left in the lurch with some very shoddy production. The Mini Spitfire I handled was worse than this, but not much worse.

The iconic character of the 110 saves it from being a total pass. This is real knife history that can be had for $40. Go grab one and see how far we’ve come. You’ll learn a lot, but don’t expect to end up using it much. It’s hard not to like the 110, but it is even harder to want to carry it.

If you are considering buying a Buck 110, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

Shirogorov F3 Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

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

Buy the Shirogorov F3 at BladeHQ

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

The 95t was almost too nice to use.

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

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

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

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

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

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

Deployment and Lockup

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

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

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Shirogorov F3 Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

Shirogorov F3
From: BladeHQ

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