EDC Knives

Benchmade G10 Griptilian 551-1 Review

I wasn’t one of those guys that had a big issue with the plastic handles on the original Griptilian. I always thought they were light and durable. Maybe not the sexiest choice of materials, but certainly practical. But for many the plastic handles of the Griptilian were a source of contention at best. At worst they were a deal breaker.

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So for the longest time if you wanted a Griptilian with G-10 handle scales, you had to go to the after market. This market was pioneered by ex-pat Kevin Wilkins. His line of WilkinsGRIP aftermarket scales were the enthusiast’s best choice if you wanted a G10 Griptilian.

Benchmade finally came around in late 2015 and released both the 551-1 Griptilian and 556-1 Mini Griptilian with G-10 handles. This is arguably the most exciting thing Benchmade has done since the 940-1 Osborne.

This knife was provided to me free of charge by the fine folks over at KnifeArt. In no way has this impacted my impressions of the 551-1. I think the people over at KnifeArt are good guys, I think they run a quality website, and I appreciate their letting me check out this 551-1. Now on to the review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 551-1 has an overall length of 8.07″, a 3.45″ blade, weighs 4.17 ounces and is made in the USA. The G10 version is almost an ounce heavier than the original Griptilian, but it does not feel heavy for it’s size, and seems significantly lighter than my WilkinsGRIP equipped BM 552 / Ritter Griptilian.

The 551-1 has an identical drop point blade to the original Griptilian and is offered with your choice of thumb stud or thumb oval. I always preferred the look of the thumb stud version of the Griptilian, so that is what I got.

When I compare this blade to my original Griptilian the only difference I can detect is that the blade has been given a bit of a stonewash. Of course, the 551-1 features a new blade steel, and I will talk about that below. But beyond that you have the same excellent blade shape of the original Griptilian, with a saber flat grind, and swedge. This classic drop point shape has served me well for many years now.

Besides the switch to G-10 scales, the biggest news about the 551-1 is change to CPM-20CV blade steel. This is a steel that I was previously unfamiliar with. Manufactured by Crucible Industries, CPM-20CV is advertised as a steel with high corrosion resistance and wear resistance, and good toughness. Chemically it is similar to M390, which is an excellent steel. CPM-20CV has an extremely high chromium content, which results in its corrosion resistant qualities. From what I can gather, this appears to be a good choice for a folding knife. It may not have the toughness of a steel like 3V, but I think the extra corrosion resistance is a nice trade off here. My regular 154CM Griptilian has been through the ringer, and it occasionally shows small spots of rust if I forget to clean it.

My 551-1 came razor sharp from the factory, and this 20CV seems to hold an edge well. So far I have used the knife to break down a few boxes, open mail, etc. I haven’t wailed on this knife like my original Griptilian and so far have only needed to gently strop the knife to maintain its edge. No corrosion or complaints thus far, but I am not 100% convinced that this steel is worth the price premium over regular 154CM to me.

Still, it’s an interesting steel and I intend to keep this knife for long term testing and evaluation. I’ll update this review as I “gather more data points” and use the knife in the coming years. So far so good.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

Obviously the handle is the main event here for the 551-1, and is basically the entire point of this knife. I am pleased to say that this new G10 handle has been beautifully executed. It is fully 3-D machined, and features bright blue liners and anodized blue backspacers beneath gray overlays. I am not sure if the gray-blue combo would have been my first choice, but the blue certainly “pops” here and my handle has been flawlessly executed. I am hoping Benchmade will roll out some other color combos in the future.

Like the original Griptilian the 551-1 features partial nested steel liners. That is about the only similarity with the handle construction of the original Griptilian. Even the hardware has been upgraded on the 551-1. This new handle is a totally different animal and it transforms the look and feel of the knife.

My favorite aspect of the new handle is how they shaped it to match the contours of the original Griptilian. If you handle aftermarket scales for a Griptilian, they are usually very big and boxy. These aftermarket handles change the ergonomics substantially and add additional weight. That is not the case for the 551-1. Here you get a feel in hand that is very faithful to the original FRN Grip. Of course there is a little extra weight, and the G-10 does feel slightly different, but the overall profile and hand filling nature of the original model has not been lost in translation. Benchmade did away with some of the extra texturing on the handle, and the diamond pattern here isn’t quite as grippy as on the original knife, but there is plenty of grip here for me and I’d go so far as to say that this is an improvement over the original knife from an ergonomics perspective.

Benchmade decided to include a deep carry pocket clip on the new 551-1 rather than their original spoon clip. I like this deep carry clip. It makes for a discrete knife that I have actually worn with slacks at work a few times now. This is a proven clip design. I think the 551-1 carries well for what it is. This is a larger knife, and it is heavier than it’s FRN predecessor, but this is still something that normal guys can carry and use and I think this is a viable EDC option (although admittedly the mini-551-1 is really all you will need for 99% of your EDC tasks).

Deployment and Lockup

Benchmade has equipped the 551-1 with an impressively beefy set of phosphor bronze washers. Because you have an open back design, the washers are very prominent on this knife. The blade flicks open effortlessly. This is a satisfying knife to open and close. Whether you decide on the thumb stud version or the thumb hole version I don’t think you will have a problem accessing the blade.

Of course for lock up you have an axis lock here. I have discussed the axis lock for years now. It remains one of my favorite locks as it is fully ambidextrous and allows you to easily open and close the knife with one hand. I find that the use of G10 handle scales adds a lot of structural rigidity to an axis lock knife and the 551-1 is no exception. It feels solid, and may inspire more confidence in the end user than FRN.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife, as I would expect from a nearly $200 folder.

Benchmade 551-1 Review – Final Thoughts

I must admit I was somewhat skeptical about this knife given the enormous price premium over the regular FRN verion, but the 551-1 has been beautifully executed, and I can see where the extra money went. They didn’t just slap some G10 on this thing and call it a day – every single facet of the original Griptilian has been re-considered and in someway upgraded. It’s clear Benchmade spent a lot of time and effort to dial in the 551-1.

Compared to its FRN predecessor, this new 551-1 is simply a superior tool. If the original FRN scales drove you up the wall, then the 551-1 cures that ill handily, and if you are a Griptilian fan I’d say this is basically a “must buy”. I was skeptical at first, especially given the price point, but the 551-1 has exceeded my expectations.

Benchmade - Griptilian 551-1 Knife, Drop-Point Blade, Plain Edge, Satin Finish, Gray Handle G10 Handle, Made in the USA

HIGH-QUALITY: The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is extremely well-balanced, offering superb edge qualities and rust resistance. The glass-filled nylon handle is tough yet attractive, making it ideal for hard jobs and everyday carry.
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Griptilian 551 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly.
COMFORTABLE: The 551's lightweight design and handle grips make it comfortable to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The Griptilian 551's drop-point utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday use, outdoor activities and even tactical applications.

I recommend buying the 551-1 at Amazon, or BladeHQ, KnifeArt.com. Please consider that buying 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.

Victorinox Pioneer X

by Grayson Parker 9 Comments

Last Updated: August 18, 2018

2016 is shaping up to be a damn fine year for gear geeks.

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I think this began when Benchmade unveiled a shake-up in their Griptilian line, offering an upgraded steel (from 154cm to 20CV) and handle material (from nylon to G10). This was something Benchmade fans had long been begging for; so much so that a market for replacement handles for the Griptilian emerged. It seems that Benchmade finally realized how much money they were leaving on the table and acted accordingly.

For a long time, it seemed that Victorinox was in the same position. Despite how wildly popular their Alox line is among gear aficionados, the number of Alox tools rarely (if ever) increases. Much like with custom handles for the Benchmade Griptilian, a small industry has grown around the concept of modifying stock Swiss Army Knives. If you can imagine a combination of tools, handle materials, and other perks, it can be made, assuming you can afford it. One of the most popular modifications is the addition of scissors and a pocket clip to the Victorinox Pioneer, but even that costs nearly $200.

I had honestly resigned myself to saving up for one of these custom Pioneers, as I was convinced Victorinox would never remedy the situation. While scissors aren’t technically necessary on a multitool that already has a knife blade, they are quite handy; especially in places where a knife isn’t kosher. Likewise, a pocket clip (while not necessary) would be a big improvement. Thus, I set the idea aside until I could actually afford it.

By that, I mean I set the idea aside for a week or two, because it turns out Victorinox was listening. Take a gander at the Victorinox Pioneer X.

Granted, that’s only half of the changes I wanted. But if I had to pick, it’d be the change I’d like to see first. The scissors add a function that many have been wanting to see for some time, and there are workarounds to the lack of a pocket clip. Most of the comments from my review of the Pioneer and the Electrician will hold true here, although I should note that because of the extra layer, the Pioneer X won’t carry quite as well. Still, this will be the go-to Swiss Army Knife for many gear geeks going forward, and for good reason. I’ll be purchasing one, and I urge anyone in the market for a multitool to do the same. Who knows? If this sells well enough, maybe Victorinox will expand the Alox line.

UPDATE:I’ve since purchased a Pioneer X. To say that I underestimated how much I would love this knife would itself be an understatement. It kicked most other knives out of my pocket for about a month, and even now I end up carrying it every other day. The value added by the scissors is hard to quantify. I use them about half as often as I use the knife blade itself. That may not sound like much, but somehow this combination of tools handles 99% of the tasks I run into any given day.

I will say that my one concern (that it would be difficult to carry) has turned out to be true. It’s not considerably harder to carry than a normal Pioneer or an Electrician, but I do have to juggle things around in my pocket more than I’d like. My work pants have a pocket that is perfectly sized for the Pioneer X, but normal clothing requires a bit of Tetris to make it ride comfortably.

But I love Tetris, so buy this knife even if you have small pockets. It’s even cheaper nowadays.

Victorinox Pioneer X Alox Swiss Army Knife, 9 Functions, Swiss Made Pocket Knife with Scissors, Reamer, Key Ring and Large Blade - Silver

A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on. Our range of Swiss Army Knives have been established since 1897 and continue to be an icon of utility and smart design.
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Swiss made stainless steel construction encased in our popular scales offers a slimmer profile and is extremely resistant.
COMPACT CARRY: Bring this knife with you on your daily adventures without sacrificing space. It makes a great gift for any occasion or stocking stuffer for Christmas.
FIT FOR ALL TASKS: At their heart, all our pocket knives are a survival tool; multitaskers that deliver in any situation. At their most evolved they have surpassed basic function to pioneer space travel and restart engines.
TRUSTED QUALITY: Made in Switzerland; Victorinox provides a lifetime guarantee against defects in material and workmanship. Making a lifetime commitment has never been so easy. No assembly required, money back guarantee.

If you would like to buy a Victorninox Pioneer X, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying 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.

Sanrenmu 710 Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 13 Comments

Last Updated: June 18, 2019

As an OEM for various knife companies, Sanrenmu is responsible for a lot of excellent, affordable budget knives: models like the CRKT Drifter helped establish just how much we can expect from a cheap knife, setting the standards for things like the steel choice, fit and finish levels, and utility on budget folders.

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As a knifemaker on its own, however, Sanrenmu has attracted controversy. Not only does it sell its knives at very low prices (a lot of times even lower than the budget knives it makes for other companies), but there are also features and designs in their catalogue that are taken directly from other knife companies, without their consent: most famously the Benchmade Axis Lock and the knife I’m reviewing today, the Sanrenmu 710, a knife that is commonly described (and decried) as a rip-off/knock-off/copy of the Chris Reeve Knives Sebenza.

I feel like any review of the 710 has to address this issue, however briefly. The 710 echoes the Small Sebenza’s lines, but a comparison of the two knives will show that the overall designs are different: the 710 is smaller, with a different blade shape and grind. Additionally, speaking as somebody who has always wanted but never owned a Small Sebenza, I can say that the 710 has never struck me as a substitute or cheaper replacement for one.

It has, however, struck me as an excellent little knife. It has all the quality of Sanrenmu’s OEM knives and as the unofficial ‘flagship’ of their SRM-branded blades, I think it’s worth looking at a little closer.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 710 has a blade length of 2-11/16”, a handle length of 3-11/16”, an overall length of 6-9/16”, and is made in China. The size of the 710 is just about right for an EDC knife. The weight, at 3.25 oz., is not inspiring, but with an all stainless steel construction you go in expecting to be disappointed in this regard.

I do think it’s worth discussing the fit and finish a little because, to be frank, Sanrenmu has a reputation for doing a slapdash job on their blades. I’ve owned two other SRM knives. My first was a 763, purchased three years ago. Out of the box it was completely adequate, besides a sloppy (but not catastrophically sloppy) edge bevel. The next, purchased maybe a year later, was a 605. Out of the box the blade centering was off, but a tightening of the pivot pin fixed this.

While neither my 763 nor 605 were bad out of the box, my 710 was almost pristine: the blade was centered, the scales were chamfered and lustrous, the edge bevel was much more even. The only issues were a slightly uneven finish on the blade itself, and blade decentering over time(easily fixable). Sanrenmu has always been seen as a bit of a gamble fit and finish-wise, but that’s never been my experience. Even so, the 710 was a step up.

The part of me that wants everything to be connected thinks that maybe, with the middle of the market bottoming out, the communal fixation on low- and high-end knives that this bottoming-out entails, and the new levels of quality and popularity Chinese companies like Kizer and Reate have been attaining, SRM has decided to work on their image and the level of quality in their products. Conspiracy theorizing aside, I find the 710’s fit and finish excellent.

The 710’s angular drop point is also excellent, a gloriously task-neutral, light-to-medium duty blade. The proportion of straight edge to belly is perfect. The tip is acute, and dropped to just the right point, making it easy to ‘lead’ a cut and accurately follow through. The 710’s blade offers very good, and very consistent, performance in all the standard EDC tasks.

An aggressive high hollow grind plays a key role here. Despite starting from fairly thick stock, the grind is very thin behind the edge, ensuring that the primary characteristic of a hollow grind – reduced friction and drag through material – is noticeable. In fact, out of the last few knives that I’ve reviewed, the 710 has done the best with cardboard cutting, the efficient, low-drag hollow grind making up for an edge that dulls fairly quickly.

As you’d expect the 710 is made from 8Cr13MoV, default budget knife blade steel. For me, 8Cr13MoV is the baseline for modern steel, setting the bar for acceptability in every area, but impressing in none other than sharpenability. I’ve never been surprised by 8Cr13MoV, but never really disappointed by it either. Adequate, a known quantity, and endearingly mediocre: what else is there to say?

Well, maybe just one last note: I think that, in our spec-obsessed modern age, we forget that poor edge retention in any modern steel is steel pretty decent: I cut through a lot of cardboard with the 710, more than I could reasonably expect to deal with in a month of standard use, before I noticed any real performance issues. I still prefer better steels, don’t get me wrong: I just think that we tend to hyperventilate when it comes to comparisons that, in 90% of the situations we find ourselves using blades in, don’t matter. Yes, 154CM or N690Co or S30V are better steels by a long shot, but in a regular week of use I certainly wouldn’t appreciate the difference.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The 710 is all stainless steel, never my preferred material for a handle, but good execution of substandard materials goes a long way with me, and on this 710 the handles are cleanly-cut and chamfered all around the edges inside and out, making them comfortable and solid-feeling in the hand.

The general lines of the handle also help. Clean and simple, just like I like it. There aren’t any unnecessary grooves, besides the acceptable choil/lock access cutout. Indeed, the handle would almost be too flat if a gentle, almost unnoticeable curve to the inside portion of the handle (the part your fingers cross over) didn’t lend some dimensionality to the knife.

The jimping on the spine of the blade is really good, the same squarish, ‘gear teeth’ jimping that you see on the CRKT Drifter. It keeps your thumb right where it needs to be to steer cuts, aided by the somewhat back-heavy balance: normally this isn’t something I like, but on a knife this small, with a blade ground so thin behind the edge, it feels right.

The texturing on the handle is less successful. Nail file or grip tape is definitely the cue visually, but it is much less textured than either. I appreciate the way it breaks up the monotony of the steel handle, but it doesn’t help with the grip during deployment, which this knife could use. The jimping and balance provide grip during use, but when you’re deploying the knife or trying to manipulate the lock you may fumble with it a little bit.

As is the case with a lot of SRM knives (Drifter included), the 710’s clip cannot be repositioned: tip-down, right-hand carry is all you get here. The lack of options is definitely a bummer, particularly considering how easily this knife could be drilled for all four positions, but the clip itself is good: slim, strong, effective. I like it much better than the wide, too-tight clip on the Drifter.

Thanks to the stainless steel scales, stowing and retrieval is effortless. This is the one area in which the handle material is an unequivocal win. Smooth retrieval/stowage and a slim overall profile make the 710 a great carry.

Deployment and Lockup

The 710 deploys via good old fashioned thumb studs and a common budget knife washer setup: a thin phosphor bronze/Teflon washer combo on one side, a lone Teflon washer on the other. This is probably a cost-saving measure, but regardless the performance here is indisputably good – great, even. Out of the box it was reliable and quick; after a drop of Nano Oil it became glass-smooth, rocket-fast: wonderful. Until I got my hands on a Vanguard Gemini, this was the early frontrunner for Highest Fidget Factor 2016.

I just don’t like framelocks. I’ve used a lot of them over the years, and I’ve never used one that didn’t immediately exhibit or quickly develop bladeplay. It isn’t really an issue, per se, because it can usually be tightened out again, but the fact is that framelocks are finicky in a way that a lockback or a liner lock just aren’t. The faster this obsession with framelocks ends, the happier I’ll be.

For all my grumpiness, however, the 710’s framelock is good. Steel framelocks are stronger and more reliable than titanium ones (and much cheaper, of course), and, while I did eventually get bladeplay, it isn’t much and yes, can be tuned back out. Besides this everything is good: the lockbar is easy to access thanks to that choil/cutout, and the lockbar disengages smoothly, every time. I like the liner lock on the G-10 Drifter better, but this’ll do.

Sanrenmu 710 Review – Final Thoughts

Sanrenmu knows how to put together an affordable, useful blade: they’ve proven that with their OEM work for Spyderco, CRKT, and others, and proven it again with their own knives. The 710 is very affordable, even in the context of the budget knife category, and it’s stiff competition for affordable favorites like the Drifter.

Sanrenmu helped to establish the budget knife archetype, and here we have as distilled a representation of that archetype as possible. The 710 is a very, very good knife.

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Sanrenmu 7010 Folding Pocket Knife EDC Knife 8Cr13mov Blade Frame Lock Stainless Steel Handle with Clip

Sanrenmu 7010 is an all-steel construction knife and is very affordable for people who want to start with a cheap yet quality knife. The locking mechanism of this knife is quite proficient and supports a one-hand opening style from both sides. The knife is small and heavy, making it quite preferable for some rough applications. This foldable alloy steel knife holds the edge pretty well, even regularly.
It comes with a Frame lock mechanism. It is highly preferable for everyday carry, hunting, and camping adventures. It comes with a straight-back blade shape
It uses 8Cr13mov blade steel for the making.The blade size for this knife is 2.7 inches. The weight is pretty much on the heavier side with 3.2oz.
Blade Length: 7.0 cm / 2.76 inches; Blade Width : 2.4 cm / 0.94 inches; Unfold Length: 16.5 cm / 6.50 inches; Fold Length: 9.5 cm / 3.74 inches; Product weight: 90g
You can clip it on your belt, backpack or somewhere else you want Folding design makes it more secure and convenient to use.

I recommend purchasing the Sanrenmu 710 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.

KA-BAR BK14 Becker Knife and Tool EsKabar Review

by Chad McBroom 3 Comments

During the 2016 SHOT Show, I had the great opportunity to meet a man named Ethan. Ethan was working at the KA-BAR Knives display and approached me as I was viewing some of KA-BAR’s newest designs. We began talking about knives and telling war stories, and before I knew it, almost an hour had passed. When I shook his hand to say goodbye, he handed me a nifty little knife to take with me. He also handed me his card, at which point I finally realized that I had been talking with Ethan Becker.

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Ethan Becker is a household name for many. His grandmother is Irma S. Rombauer, author of one of the United States’ most widely published cookbooks—Joy of Cooking. Ethan assumed authorship of this popular book from his mother in 1976, which is why his name is familiar to so many in the kitchen.

As an avid outdoor enthusiast who was in constant search for the perfect knife, Becker founded Becker Knife and Tool in the early 1980’s and began designing and manufacturing hard-use knives right out of his garage. His knives have always been highly regarded among knife experts and critics and in high demand amongst users. To attest to this is the fact that he won the 1990 Blade Award for Most Innovative American-Made Design. While the demand for BK&T Knives has far outgrown Becker’s garage, KA-BAR Knives continues to produce his best-selling designs.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The knife that Ethan handed me during SHOT Show was the BK14 EsKabar, a hybrid collaboration between BK&T/KA-BAR and ESEE Knives. This unique little neck knife (which KA-BAR allowed one of its customers to name) features the blade design from the BK&T/KA-BAR Becker Necker and the handle design from the ESEE Izula. Made in the USA from 1095 Cro-Van steel, this seven-inch long lightweight knife, featuring a drop-point blade makes for a highly functional everyday/survival knife.

Of course, those familiar with the ESEE Izula will want to know how these two knives compare with each other. To answer that question, the dimensions of the EsKabar and the Izula are identical from the handle, which measure 3.75” long. The EsKabar incorporates the large quillon from the Becker Necker, as well as the larger Necker blade. The blade on the EsKabar measures 3.25” as opposed to the 2.63” blade on the Izula. The EsKabar also has a larger belly than the Izula. The difference in thickness is only 1/100th of an inch with the EsKabar being the thicker knife at 0.165”.

For those who may be wondering what the difference is between 1095 and 1095 Cro-Van, 1095CV is essentially the same chemical composition as 1095 with the addition of small amounts of Chromium and Vanadium for better hardening and bonding (hence the term “Cro-Van”) and smaller amounts of Nickel and Moly for added toughness and edge holding. The actual AISI name for this steel is 50-100B. KA-BAR has been using 1095CV for years, even though there was a period where they actually listed it as 1095 in their literature.

Handle and Ergonomics

As I mentioned previously, the EsKabar handle is identical in every way to the ESEE Izula with the exception of the 1/100” difference in thickness. The skeletonized handle has a good feel to it, but gets even better when you wrap the handle with 550 cord. The handle has a nice angle to it, which offers some excellent cutting ergonomics. It is a simple, yet functional design.

Editor’s note – you can also purchase OEM scales from ESEE for the EsKabar. I imagine they make the knife feel real similar to my Izula II (excellent).

Sheath

The EsKabar comes with a MOLLE compatible, injection-molded plastic sheath that can be worn around the neck or lashed to gear using the accompanying 550 cord. It is also cut to fit the KA-BAR TDI metal belt clip, which is available from KA-BAR for $10.35. The sheath comes equipped with a safety lock to ensure that you don’t lose your knife when things get rough. This feature can be removed if you prefer a more streamlined setup.

Personally, I found that I prefer to carry the EsKabar as a neck knife using a 550 cord lanyard. When wearing a neck knife is too cumbersome or inconvenient, then I simply create a belt loop on the sheath by running a piece of 550 cord vertically through two rivets on the inside of each side of the sheath and crossing the cord on the outside in the same fashion as one would lace up a shoe. This creates a nice belt loop attachment that does not add any extra bulk to the sheath. If you use a cord lock to secure the cord rather than a knot, then you have the added option of a convenient quick release.

I also prefer to remove the safety lock from the sheath. It adds some unnecessary bulk to what is otherwise a nicely streamlined system. The knife locks so securely into the sheath that most people will find the presence of the lock unnecessary unless going into the harshest of environments.

BK&T / KA-BAR BK14 EsKabar Review – Final Thoughts

I was very pleased with the quality and design of the EsKabar. I love to see knife-makers work together on projects such as this one. One of the things that I have always appreciated about the knife industry is that there is such a level of camaraderie and appreciation for each other’s work. Knife makers understand the blood, sweat, and tears that go into transforming a chunk of steel into a functional work of art. The joint effort between BK&T, KA-BAR, and ESEE that resulted in the EsKabar is a testament to the benefits of such companies working together to reach a common goal.

If you are looking for an economically priced, fixed-blade survival knife, then you can’t go wrong with the EsKabar. With a retail price of around $60.00, the EsKabar delivers high-end quality and functionality to a price point that most people can afford.

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Ka-Bar BK14 Becker Knife and Tool Eskabar Knife, Black, 7-Inch

Becker knife design with high quality 3 1/4" blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel
Heavy-duty hard plastic sheath
Overall length of 7"
Made in the USA
Becker knife design with high quality 3 1/4" blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel

I recommend purchasing the BK&T/KA-BAR EsKabar 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.

Spyderco C149G Vallotton Sub-Hilt Folder Review

by Chad McBroom 5 Comments

I purchased my very first tactical folder during my Freshman year of college in 1992. That knife was a Spyderco Edura. Since that time, I have always been a fan of Spyderco knives. They were pioneers in that they were the first to incorporate a pocket clip into a knife design, deeply influencing the concept of the modern tactical folder as we know it today.

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Butch Vallotton is a custom knifemaker and tinkerer who is probably best known for his innovative method of converting a manual knife into an automatic. Butch and Spyderco teamed up a few years ago to offer a collaboration known as the Spyderco Vallotton Sub-Hilt Folder model C149G. This was an excellent move on Spyderco’s part, because the result was amazing.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The C149G is a heavy-stock folder (6.2 ounces) with a thick 0.156” (4mm) modified tanto-style blade. The blade has a hollow grind on the cutting edge and a convex grind at the tip. This clamshell-shaped grind, known as a Hamaguri or Appleseed Grind, was very popular in designs by the late Bob Lum (the knifemaker who first introduced the modern tanto-style knife) and brings a distinct Japanese flare to the blade design.

The blade length of the C149G is 3.75 inches, and the length of the handle is 5 inches, resulting in a knife that is just under 9 inches in total length—8.687 inches to be exact. Based on those numbers, it may appear as though some length was lost somewhere—exactly .063 inches—but this is due to the angle of the handle near the ricasso.

The blade is made from Crucible Steel Company’s CPM S30V stainless, a proprietary powdered steel formulated specifically for cutlery. S30V is considered to be one of the best knife steels on the market. It is a very hard steel, so make sure you have a good diamond sharpener if you plan on touching up the edge. Of course, it will be a while before you need to re-sharpen it.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The C149G has a lightly contoured handle with black G10 handle scales. The highly-polished G10 scales have a beautiful, almost carbon-fiber look to them. The fitted stainless steel bolsters add a bold contrast to the black scales, resulting in a handle that has the aesthetic appeal of a custom folder.

There are four mounting options for the pocket clip. The knife can be configured to be carried in either a tip up or tip down configuration with the clip on either the right or left side. While this option makes the knife extremely versatile and customizable to the user, the mounting holes on the bolster do detract a bit from an otherwise flawless handle. The clip itself is stainless steel with a nicely polished black finish and the Spyderco logo laser engraved into the metal.

This Vallotton design pays homage to the Big Bear sub-hilt fighting knife designed by knife maker Bob Loveless. A comparison reveals that even the handle shape was heavily influence by the Big Bear. Since most of us here are knife nuts and like to concern ourselves with the minute details, I will go ahead and point out that, in the traditional sense of word, a folding knife does not actually have a hilt. A hilt actually refers to the entire handle of a sword or dagger. English is a derivative language, however, and knifemakers have historically modified the use of terms for lack of better descriptions, so I can see how calling this knife a “sub-hilt folder” is quite appropriate under the circumstances.

This knife is pretty comfortable in the hand, though it does not offer anywhere near the level of retention or ergonomics as its namesake. The thumb hole has some fine jimping on the back portion and doubles as a thumb ramp when the blade is open, but the “sub-hilt” offers little more than a finger grove, most of which is obscured by the liner lock. All in all, the handle is very aesthetically pleasing, but nothing to get overly excited about in terms of handling.

Deployment and Lockup

The C149G features Spyderco’s round thumb hole in addition to an ambidextrous thumb stud. The thumb stud doubles as a stop pin, in place of a locking bar, to prevent the blade from rotating beyond its lockup position. The combination of the two blade deployment options makes for a very positive single-handed deployment. I have found that the thumb stud serves well as a roadblock for the thumb to prevent it from slipping out of the thumb hole.

The stainless steel Michael Walker LinerLock™ is very robust. The beefy liners on this knife are about as thick as the blades of some of the folders in my collection. This beefy lock combined with the thick blade offers one substantial lockup. I do not expect this knife to close without permission under anything but the most extreme adverse conditions coupled with sheer bad luck.

Spyderco Vallotton Review – Final Thoughts

This knife is not for the weak or faint of heart. It is a hefty 6.2 ounces, so if you are not a strong swimmer, then I do not recommend that you jump into the water with this knife in your pocket, even though it is stainless steel. I have been packing my Sub-Hilt Folder around for a little over three years, and I have affectionately referred to it as my “folding fixed-blade” because it is such a stout folder. It remains to be the smoothest opening knife in my collection, as well as the easiest one to open under stress. The Spyderco Thumb Hole is in my opinion one of the best one-handed opening systems on the market, and the addition of the ambidextrous thumb stud only increases its reliability.

Although it is made in Taiwan, you would never believe it if it was not stamped on the blade. This knife has all the qualities of a handmade custom folder. This Italian-style, thick stock folder with its Japanese inspired blade design, à la Bob Lum, and its Loveless Big Bear flare, is not only an amalgamation of international blade culture, but a tribute to a couple of the greatest knife makers in American history. I do not know if that was what Vallotton and Spyderco intended when they began this project, but that is definitely what they accomplished.

Spyderco Vallotton Sub-Hilt Specialty Knife with 3.70" CPM S30V Premium Stainless Steel Blade and Black Textured G-10 Handle - PlainEdge - C149GP

Folding Knives: Locking folding knives are safe, compact, and easy to carry. They also happen to be where the Spyderco revolution began.
G-10 Handle: An epoxy filled woven glass fiber that is rigid, non-slip, and impervious to temperature changes and chemicals.
Hollow Grind: It comes with bevels that are ground with a concave radius. The bevels may extend the full width of the blade (full Hollow Grind) or only a portion of its width.
PlainEdge Blade: This knife has a sharpened blade with no serrations or teeth sometimes referred to as a smooth blade.
Specifications: Closed Length (Inches): 5, Overall Length (Inches): 8.7, Blade Length (Inches):3.7, Blade Steel: CPM S30V, Grind: Hollow

I recommend purchasing the Vallotton 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.

Cold Steel Code 4 Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

I have slowly worked my way through most of Cold Steel’s standard folders. I have reviewed the Voyager series, the Recon 1s, the American Lawman (probably my favorite), and even some of their more colorful offerings like the Spartan and Rajah III.

Buy the Cold Steel Code 4 at BladeHQ

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For some reason it has taken me a while to get to the Code 4 line of knives. The Code 4 series is different because they come with slim aluminum handles rather than G10 or plastic. Cold Steel advertises this as a police officer’s duty knife. Apparently a “Code 4” is police radio code for “No further assistance necessary”. Heady stuff.

At any rate, the knife is supposed to be light, slim, and tough. Functional yet easy to carry. That all sounds good to me. And once Cold Steel announced that they would upgrade the Code 4 to CTS-XHP I knew that I needed to make this model a priority. Soon enough I had one at my doorstep for review.

General Dimensions and Blade Steel

The Code 4 has an overall length of 8.5″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 4.3 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. While it’s no Large Espada, this is still a big knife. Too big for me to EDC at the office, but certainly a good choice for the weekends or working in settings where a larger knife is appropriate. I can see where the Code 4 might make sense for a first responder or military member.

It is also worth mentioning that this is another clean and functional Andrew Demko design for Cold Steel. I have become a big Demko fan over the years, and think he has contributed a lot of great designs to the company.

Cold Steel offers the Code 4 in 3 different blade shapes: clip point, spear point (shown here), and tanto. I settled on the spear point because I think it is the most utilitarian looking of the 3, and I used my Code 4 as an EDC and work knife.

Cold Steel also offers the Code-4 with either a plain edge or partially serrated edge. I prefer plain edges, especially if the knife is coming in a high end steel like CTS-XHP. Plain edges are easier for me to maintain and a quality steel like CTS-XHP will hold a good edge for a long time. No need for serrations for what I need to do, but that comes down to personal preference.

My knife came with a high hollow grind and a swedge (top false edge). The blade has been given an attractive 2 tone satin finish. It has held up well under normal use.

The big draw to this new version of the Code-4 is that it comes with CTS-XHP blade steel. CTS-XHP is a high end steel from Carpenter. I have a good amount of experience with CTS-XHP at this point, and I think it’s a good steel. Offhand, I would compare it with something like CPM-154.

The CTS-XHP blade steel on my knife came with an aggressive edge. The knife attacked cardboard, rope, and wood. The blade is a little over 3mm thick, but has no problem cleanly slicing apples and paper. Edge retention has been excellent. CTS-XHP is a significant upgrade over the old AUS-8 blade, but also comes at a significant bump up in cost (it seems to be anywhere from 50%-75% over the old Aus 8 version, depending on where you shop). CTS-XHP is also easy to sharpen. I think that it is an all around smart choice for a working knife.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Code 4’s handle is aluminum handle slabs with stainless steel hardware, a stainless steel lock bar, and an aluminum backspacer. While the handle slabs are a raw bead blasted gray, it is interesting to note that the backspacer is actually anodized golden brown. The end result is a handle that is simple, thin, and elegant.

The handle is also beautifully finished. The edges are all gently chamfered, the hardware is all perfectly inset. This is an immaculate knife. This is also a strong knife. With full metal construction I would wager that the Code 4 is one of Cold Steel’s stronger folding knives.

The ergonomics of the Code 4 is perhaps the knife’s biggest caveat. The design is fine, with a generous handle, 2 finger grooves and a slight thumb ramp, but because the knife is so thin I found the Code-4 uncomfortable to use for more than a minute or so without gloves. It is fine if you are going to open up a box or do some light foodprep, but if you plan on breaking down a bunch of cardboard or working on some serious carving you are going to want some gloves. The thin handle is great in the pocket, but bites into your hand.

Depending on how you intend to use the knife, this may or may not be a problem. For those that are wanting a self defense blade, this may not be an issue. But if you work at a warehouse and break down boxes for a living, I would go for a knife with a thicker handle, like a Large Voyager or Recon 1.

Although the Code 4 may not be the most comfortable knife in hand, it feels great in your pocket. It’s slim and discrete, and is likely ideal for someone like a police officer who carries a lot of gear and doesn’t have room for a massive pocket knife. At 4.3 ounces the knife is lightweight relative to its size and strength.

Cold Steel drilled and tapped the handle for tip up ambidextrous carry, and included 2 pocket clips for the knife. The pocket clips are simple steel clips, have good spring retention, and they work well. One nice thing about the lightly textured aluminum handle is that it does not tear up your pants like peel-ply G10.

Deployment and Lockup

The Code 4 comes with ambidextrous thumb studs. This is more like one and a half thumb studs, just like on the the American Lawman. The thumb stud is reversible with a flat head driver. There are phosphor bronze washers inside the handle, and the blade opens smoothly, and without too much effort. With that said, there is still a hefty backspring to overcome. This is not an easy knife to flick open. It can be done with practice, but won’t be a knife that you mindlessly flick open all day long.

The Code-4 comes equipped with Cold Steel’s infamous Tri-Ad lock. For the uninitiated, this is a lockback reinforced with a stop pin. Cold Steel has come under scrutiny lately over a gauche series of videos “comparing” the Tri-Ad lock to other locks on the market (where the Tri-Ad lock comes ahead by a wide margin). I am not sure what the value of these tests are when you consider the real world applications of a pocket knife, but it certainly has people talking.

Like all of the other Tri-Ad lock knives I have reviewed, this is a strong locking folder. There is not a suggestion of play in any direction on my knife. The lock is also reasonably to disengage, and doing so won’t kill your thumb. I am a fan of the Tri-Ad lock, and it is well executed here.

Blade centering is perfect on my example.

Cold Steel Code-4 – Final Thoughts

I am not sure why it took me so long to examine the Code-4, but I am glad I waited for the CTS-XHP version to come out. While the Code-4 is similar to knives like the Recon-1, the choice of aluminum for the handles over G-10 results in several important functional differences. The knife is super slim and easy to carry. I like that aspect of the Code-4 a lot.

What I am less enthused about is how the thin handle quickly becomes uncomfortable if you try to use the Code-4 for an extended cutting session. Gloves mitigate this somewhat, but this is an important point to mention. So often you hear reviewers (myself included) done on about how important it is for a pocket knife to be slim and light for easy carry. I still largely agree with that, but it’s important to understand that sometimes slimness has a price. In this case that price is comfort in hand. For that reason the American Lawman and Ultimate Hunter (both shown above) with their G10 handles won’t be leaving my collection any time soon.

I still think the Code-4 is an excellent tool and I intend to keep it in my collection. It’s like an upgraded Boker Titan Drop. If you primarily carry it for light utility and perhaps self defense (eg, as a police officer might carry it), then I think there is a lot going for the Code-4. It’s strong, intelligently designed, and nicely made. This is a no-nonsense tool, and I have no doubt that it will hold up for a long long time.

I recommend the Code 4 if you are seeking a long, slim, and strong daily carry folder, and don’t mind donning gloves for longer cutting chores.

Cold Steel Code 4 Spear Point Folding Knife

Made of highest quality material
Manufacturer: Cold Steel
Cold Steel Code 4 spear point plain edge 3.5in folding knife

I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel Code-4 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.