Gentleman's Folder

Victorinox Alox Cadet Review

Think back to your first experiences with a pocket knife. If you are anything like me, it probably came in the course of exploring your father or grandfather’s desk drawers or perhaps rifling through that treasure box of items many men keep. Invariably, you would come across at least one well-worn red handled Swiss army knife (SAK). For many that would be their first encounter with a pocket knife.

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And for many more, their first practical experiences with a pocket knife may very well have have been at boy scouts. I vaguely recall my first pocket knife while camping as part of my tenure at scouts. I am unsure on the exact model number, but it was some sort of a classic SAK. I would use it to prepare tinder for a fire, get ingredients ready for the dutch oven, and even used it to try my hand at carving one of those wood handkerchief slides. These were some of my first experiences with pocket knives. When I pause to reflect on those moments I am instantly transported back in to a much more simple and wholesome time of my life, with much of it centering around the ubiquitous Swiss army knife.

Fast forward to me starting to seriously get into the hobby of knives. My first “real” knife was a Benchmade Griptilian. From there I then ran fast and hard down the rabbit hole. I have handled many many pocket knives. Hell I have reviewed over a hundred here on this website alone. In my search for a perfect pocket knife I have spent thousands of dollars. At this point I don’t think twice about spending several hundred dollars on a single knife if it catches my eye. I’ve traveled to Blade show, joined a knife collecting club, appeared on podcasts, videos, and guest blog posts all to advance my interests in the latest and greatest portable cutlery.

But my knife collecting came full circle when a little over a year ago I was given the gift of a Victorinox Cadet. Mine was the very same unassuming blade that I would find in my father’s dresser drawer. Red plastic handles. Unassuming blade complete with the usual cap lifter and can opener. Instinctively, upon unboxing this new blade and admiring the snappy action of all the little tools I put the Victorinox into my pocket. It has been over a year later, and I haven’t left the house without some sort of a SAK since.

For many I am surely preaching to the choir. This is after all, the quintessential pocket knife. An unwavering staple in the every day carry of men the world over. I still want to pay my respects, write this review, and share with you a tool that I hold quite near and dear; the humble Victorinox Alox Cadet.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Alox Cadet has an overall length of 5.75″, a 2.5″ blade, and weighs 1.6 ounces. Victorinox makes the Cadet in a number of variations, I happen to like the one with the silver aluminum “alox” handles because it keeps the knife nice and thin and seems to wear a little better than its plastic-scaled counter parts. It’s also worth noting that Victorinox makes larger and smaller knives with the Alox handles as well. Ones that quickly come to mind include the Pioneer (larger) and Classic (smaller).

The Cadet is the perfect size for daily carry. Mine rolls around loose in the bottom of my pocket every day. At a sub $25 price point, I could care less if it gets beat up by my flashlight and car keys. Even if by some freak accident the knife it were to fall out my pocket some day I would have no problem plunking down the coin for another one.

When I am at work this is the only knife I carry. I spend most of my day behind a desk banging away at a keyboard or talking on the phone, so this little slip joint is plenty of knife for the things I do, which is mostly opening letters and packages. At home the Cadet can often be found cutting up apples, smearing cheese onto crackers, or handling whatever other minor task I may have at hand.

The thinly ground blade of the Cadet slices as good or better than anything else I have handled. Seriously, it’s a little laser and it cuts really well. Whatever stainless steel Victorinox uses sharpens very easily and doesn’t stain. This is a softer steel so it doesn’t earn a blue ribbon for edge retention, but it holds a decent edge and a couple licks on a strop will restore it to hair shaving performance at the end of the day. I’d say it’s on part with 8Cr13MoV and other lower end steels. The only other maintenance I perform is regularly washing the knife out with hot soapy water.

When I’m not at work I may clip a larger folder to my pocket, but the Cadet still comes in handy as a secondary blade. It’s perfect for situations where you don’t want to bust out a large knife, and the extra tools are real handy too. Victorinox includes a nail file / phillips driver, a can opener, and a bottle opener/flat head driver. Next to the blade my bottle opener sees the greatest amount of use, but the drivers can come in handy and the file can maintain your fingernails in a pinch. In a sub 2-ounce package you won’t find much else that packs as much utility as the Cadet.

Handle, Ergonomics

Handle construction of the Cadet is simple, but everything is clean and nicely finished. The knife is pinned together. The tools and backspacer are given a high satin finish while the aluminum handles are given a matte finish. After a year of daily carry and use my Cadet does show some signs of wear, but it is still a handsome knife. The action for all the tools is still springy and satisfying and there is no play with any of the parts.

A discussion of the “ergonomics” of the Cadet is almost laughable, as I have never used the knife for tasks harder than breaking down a cardboard box, but the handle is big enough to get 4 fingers around and is plenty comfortable for my needs. The handle texture is pleasing to touch and visually interesting. It provides some traction without being obnoxious. The red Victorinox shield provides a splash of color and that extra touch of class.

There is no pocket clip on the Cadet, which is just the way I like this knife. Unlike my $300 Strider PT, I have absolutely no reservations to pocket carrying the Cadet. It doesn’t need a little leather slip-sheath or anything like that, although Victorinox does include a split ring if you want to put a lanyard on it or attach it to your keys. It’s a beater knife and gets beaten up quite a bit in my pocket, but the slim design and durable aluminum scales allows the knife to age gracefully.

Victorinox Cadet Review – Final Thoughts

What is left there to say about the Cadet? Buy one. Seriously, this is an absolute must have knife. Buy a couple and give them as gifts to family and friends. You won’t find a nicer knife for $20 and you won’t find anything as functional and disarming either. That said, despite the small price tag this is still a very classy knife and it comes with an unexpected level of pride of ownership. And it performs too. This thinly ground edge can’t be beat for managing your mail and cutting up food. And all the extra tools are gravy… delicious, delicious gravy ladled on top of one of the finest little EDC knives money can buy.

If I had a gripe about the knife, it would be that I really like the little tweezers and toothpick included with the thicker plastic handled version of the knife, and sometimes miss that with the Alox Cadet. But there is a price to pay for style and durability, and the trade off is that Victorinox cant squeeze in those tools.

At this point I have waxed poetic about EDC knives for the better part of 5 years. This is the gold standard for EDC. Whether it’s your primary knife or a secondary blade paired with a larger folder or fixed blade, the Cadet is sure to get lots of use and will be appreciated by seasoned knife collectors and laypeople alike. I don’t say this often, but the Cadet is a must have knife.

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Zero Tolerance (0450); With 3.25” DLC-Coated S35VN Stainless Steel Blade, All-Black Carbon Fiber and Titanium Handle Scales, KVT Ball-Bearing Opening, Frame Lock Reversible Pocketclip; 2.45 OZ., Silver, Small

Titanium frame lock houses hardened steel lockbar; frame lock secures blade in position so it does not close accidentally
Flipper works for left- and right-handed users; assists blade’s manual release with one-handed convenience
Finger guard, jimping and choil protect fingers during rigorous use while slicing, cutting, chopping, scaling, slashing, piercing or digging in any environment, in any conditions
Drop-point tip provides extra strength and chip resistance and eliminates pitch momentum
Overall length: 7.4 inches; closed length: 4.1 inches; blade thickness: 0.121 inches; weight: 2.9 ounces

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

Famars Lama Prima Edizione Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

A relative newcomer to the cutlery scene, Famars is a company best known for crafting extremely high end shotguns. In fact, they happen to be the largest high end shotgun manufacturer in the world. Headquartered in Gardone, Italy, Famars has been creating functional works of art for over 50 years now, and build guns that seamlessly fuse innovative technology with old-world craftsmanship. So needless to say when I learned that this ultra high end firearms company was building knives, it got my attention. The Famars Lama Prima Edizione is their first foray into the world of luxury knives, and it is a real privilege to take a closer look at this very unique knife.

Described as the world’s first pinless dual-action automatic knife, the Lama is anything but typical; so in some ways this will depart from my typical knife review. After all, these knives are designed to compliment shotguns that can sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. But while Famars’ products are the epitome of a luxury good, often featuring precious jewels and gold inlays, everything is built to be used. Their shotguns are most commonly used for hunting birds, and their new line of knives are designed to accompany the guns on such excursions. Of course a sleek folding knife like this would also be quite at home in a suit pocket or display case – functioning as an upscale EDC or simply a collectible.

Presentation

The Lama I received for examination is not just any Lama, but a Prima Edizione or “Premiere Edition” of the knife. Limited to 500 pieces, the Prima Edizione arrived in a lovely velvet lined wood box, and was accompanied by a signed and sealed certificate of authenticity. Each knife is one of a kind, and is both serialized and categorized within a historical log at the Famars headquarters. I must say I don’t typically spend much time mentioning the packaging materials, but the box is quite nice and provides an excellent spot to store the knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Detail

Moving on to the knife itself, the Lama is slender tool with an overall length of 7-3/4″ (with both blades deployed, 5-1/2″ with one) and 2 2-1/2″ blades. The weight will vary depending on the options you select, but expect a weight in the neighborhood of 2 to 3 ounces. And there are countless options to choose from. The review will attempt to touch on some of those choices, but really the sky is the limit and each knife is custom made to the purchaser’s exact specifications.

Famars allows you to build your knife around a wide variety of blade and tool options. My particular model came with two clip point blades honed to a razor’s edge. The inclusion of two blades was interesting, a departure from most modern folders. According Famars this was done to give the user more options. If you were to use this knife to dress birds in the field and one edge were to dull, then the user could simply switch to the other blade. Additionally, you have the option of selecting from a variety of other tools including scissors, a magnifying glass, or even a divot tool for golf fans.

You also have a wide variety of blade steels to choose from. The Lama is available in 416 layer patterned damascus (with many different patterns to choose from) as well as virtually any stainless steel you desire. Like with every other aspect of the knife the sky is the limit when it comes to steel selection. I found the damascus that my knife came in to be quite good; attractive, razor sharp from the factory, and holding a keen edge after use.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle of the Lama is quite unique. When examining the exterior there is a distinct absence of any pins or screws holding the handle together. This is part of what gives the Lama it’s designation as the world’s first pinless dual-action automatic knife. The handle fits together thanks to some innovative design work, but more importantly the pinless design creates a wonderful canvas to showcase Famars’ exquisite engravings.

When it comes to the engravings everything is done in-house by hand, and there is no limit to what can be accomplished. Everything from gold leaf to jewels can be integrated into the handle of your knife, and their engravers can carve any motif desired. For those looking to have a knife that matches their shotgun, well, that is now possible. And naturally you get your choice of handle materials as too (including aluminum, steel, and titanium). Famars has also recently begun offering their knives with various exotic wood and animal hide inlays, more options if you somehow felt restrained by their previous selection.

Now, elaborate engravings and a dizzying array of materials is all well and good, but I am a stickler for performance and ergonomics. So I am happy to report that the Lama is just as pleasing to use as it is to look at. I am capable of getting a full grip without any problems and the thumb naturally rests on the spine of the knife. The handles have good thickness and fills the hand, and the “edgeless” design makes melt into your hand. And if you happen to be a fan of slimmer handles, Famars has you covered with their Piccolo model.

Deployment and Lockup

The Lama is a dual action automatic, and with the press of a button the blades spring to life. Both my blades fired fast and hard, and the flash of steel creates quite the conversation piece. Lock-up is solid thanks to a button lock, and the blades are also easy to release once you are done working. One interesting aspect about the knife is the absence of any kind of washers. The Lama is built to extremely tight tolerances so traditional phosphor bronze or teflon washers aren’t required. The fast action makes for a knife that is hard to put down, and with 2 blades at your disposal it is twice as easy to get carried away.

Famas Lama – Final Thoughts

Like something out of a James Bond movie, the Lama blends style and sophistication to create an exclusive tool with a lot of appeal. No doubt fans of the company’s beautiful firearms will also be interested in the Lama, and I can definitely see the allure to having a custom made knife that matches your custom made gun.

I can also see the Lama appealing to collectors of automatic blades and unconventional designs. There is currently nothing else like the Lama on the market, and for that reason alone it’s worth a closer look. Any way you cut it the Lama is a wonderful blend of old world craftsmanship and cutting edge technology, and should appeal to blade aficionados of all persuasions. It was an absolute pleasure to spend some time with this very exotic knife and I highly suggest checking one out if you have the opportunity.

For more information on the Famars Lama visit the knife’s official website at FamarsLama.com.

Benchmade 940 Review

by Dan Jackson 37 Comments

Last Updated: September 4, 2019
If you are as obsessed with knives as I am, you may be on the hunt for “the perfect EDC knife.” You know, the one blade that has it all. Naturally, it is the perfect size, features great materials, is beautifully designed, and carries like a dream. But in my mind a perfect EDC needs to go beyond that. It has to be greater than the sum of its parts, and a little “X factor” never hurt either. Lets be real, for a knife to earn some time in the rotation is one thing, but to stand the test of time the knife has to work for you on another level.

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That is what drew me to the Benchmade 940. On paper it has all the basic requirements of a good EDC knife, which is always nice to see. But then the 940 had something else. Maybe it’s the unique handle, or the unconventional blade shape. Whatever it was, it drew me in like a moth to a flame, and I know that I am not the first to succumb to this emerald beauty. The 940 has been in Benchmade‘s catalog for well over a decade, and remains one of their most popular designs to this day. Needless to say, it is high time we gave this classic a thorough review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 940 (or “940 Osborne”) has an overall length of 7.87″, a 3.4″ blade, weighs 2.90 ounces, and is made in the USA. In my mind these are real nice numbers for EDC, and that is exactly how I have been using my 940.

But I can also appreciate how the 940 could go beyond a mere EDC item. With an almost 3.5″ blade and an equally generous handle, the 940 could easily be pressed into a self defense role (although I sincerely hope you will never need to use it that way). On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 940 is a beautiful and elegant knife. In many ways exemplifies a modern gentleman’s folder. This is a knife that would do just fine in a suit pocket, or carried on special occasions. So I really like the versatility of the 940. It is fancy enough to make for an upscale EDC, but is big enough to get a lot of work done.

The blade on the 940 is a reverse tanto design. Popularized by the 940’s designer, Warren Osborne, this unique blade shape is best known for providing a sturdy tip, although I think the main draw is just the unique aesthetics. Warren has designed a few reverse tanto models for Benchmade, including the Benchmade Rift and I have generally been impressed by them. This particular blade has been given a high flat grind, and features a swedge running across the top. The 3mm thick blade holds it’s thickness pretty much to the tip thanks to the reverse tanto design. This is an interesting blade shape, and I found it quite capable for all my daily tasks.

The 940 Osborne makes use of S30V for the blade steel, an excellent USA made stainless from the folks over at Crucible. I have spoken about S30V many times before, but as a quick recap S30V is widely regarded as one of the best high end steels commonly found on production knives. When properly heat treated S30V is known for good edge retention, high corrosion resistance, relatively easy sharpening, and a good level of toughness for daily use. I am a big fan of S30V and Benchmade always does a fantastic job with heat treating their blades. Treated to 58-60 HRC, this 940 was no exception.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle on the 940 is where things start to get interesting. First you have the striking aluminum handles. These have been bead-blasted to an attractive matte finish, and then anodized a deep green. I absolutely love the texture of these handles. They aren’t particularly aggressive, but they aren’t slippery either – given the intended use I found it to be a nice balance. Sandwiched between the aluminum handles is a single piece of anodized purple titanium. This backspacer compliments the green handles nicely, and provides a good deal of visual interest.

As for actual construction, the 940’s handle is top notch. There are partial stainless steel liners, and they have been polished to a lustrous shine. I like how when you peer inside the knife the liners reflect the titanium backspacer. It is a little detail, but some times it’s the small stuff that gets you going. Everything has been screwed together with black hardware, and all the pieces line up perfectly. The overall fit and finish of this knife is exceptional.

In 2015 Benchmade released the 940-1, a premium version of the 940 with carbon fiber handles and a S90V blade. It’s a beautiful knife and well worth considering if you are a fan of the original 940. Check out our review of the 940-1 here.

In hand the 940 is surprisingly capable. I say “surprisingly” because at a glance we have a rather thin handle here. In practice I found the handle long enough to comfortably accept my larger hand, and the rows of jimping on both the thumb ramp and finger choil provide a good amount of grip. It is a comfortable knife in forward grips, and I can get some good work done with it. The 940 also works well in reverse grip, and in the closed position as well. Actually, when closed, the 940’s thin profile makes it an excellent choice as a kubotan – another nice option to have.

The pocket clip on the 940 Osborne is a standard Benchmade clip – the same kind you will find in models like their classic Griptilian and Mini Griptilian. I am a big fan of this style of clip. It is simple, sturdy, and works quite well. Benchmade drilled and tapped this model for ambidextrous tip up carry. In pocket the 940 carries wonderfully. Thin and lightweight, this is a knife that you forget you are carrying.

Here is your pocket clip shot:

Deployment and Lockup

The 940 makes use of a pair of ambidextrous thumb studs and an axis lock. Much like many of the other Benchmade knives that I have reviewed with this configuration, deployment on the 940 is extremely fast and smooth. The thumb studs are easy to access allowing you to flick the blade out with alarming speed and very little effort. Phosphor bronze washers aid in that regard, and the net result is reliable deployment in any situation.

Similarly, the axis lock on my knife has also been really well done. Lockup is tight with no blade play, yet the lock is easy to disengage with a single hand, and the blade rotates freely into the closed position. It is no secret I am a big fan of the axis lock, and the 940 is a great example of why. If true one hand operation is important to you (as a righty or a lefty) then I find the combination of thumb studs and an axis lock very tough to beat.

Benchmade 940 Osborne Review – Final Thoughts

The 940 combines excellent materials with smart design and wonderful fit and finish to produce an exceptional daily carry item. On paper this has always looked like an awesome knife, so I was very happy to find that the 940 was just as awesome in real life. Everything works, and it works well. The way I see it, the biggest potential downside here is that the knife isn’t particularly cheap, but for a made in the USA folder with these kinds of features, I actually think the price is quite reasonable.

But what about beyond the specifications? Do we really have a “perfect” EDC knife? I must admit, there is something special about this one. The 940 has really distinguished itself as a design and it has a little something extra that keeps me coming back. I don’t doubt that for many people this will be a perfect EDC knife.

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Benchmade - Osborne 940 EDC Knife with Green 6061-T6 Aluminum Handle (940)

ALL-AROUND UTILITY: A quintessential EDC tool that combines simplicity with unmatched function, no matter the application; Ideal for pretty much everything.
AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Reverse tanto blade is nimble, versatile, and made for the outdoors.
DURABLE 6061-T6 ALUMINUM HANDLE: Is anodized, fully ambidextrous, has a smooth satin grip, and is suitable for just about any environment that requires a blade.
AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Standard reversible clip; Light as a feather for easy carrying and a comfortable grip.
EVERYDAY CARRY: With its slim profile and lightweight design, the 940 is the perfect addition to your EDC collection, backpack, survival kit, tackle box, and more.

I recommend purchasing the 940 at Amazon and BladeHQ. Buying anything through the links on this website earns BladeReviews a small commission at no additional cost to you. All proceeds generated are used to keep the site running. Thank you very much for your support.

Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder Review

by Dan Jackson 13 Comments

Last Updated: August 4, 2019
I have always enjoyed Bob Lum’s elegant approach to designing knives. I have previously reviewed a couple of Bob Lum’s creations, including the Spyderco Lum Tanto and the Benchmade Onslaught.

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The Lum Chinese Folder is another elegant knife, and in some ways it is even more special than his other designs. To start, I love the sheer simplicity of this knife. The Chinese Folder is a single graceful curve in the both open and closed positions. There is a real feeling of balance with this design, and it results in a knife that is both a pleasure to view and to hold.

Spyderco has released many versions of the Chinese Folder over the years, but what you are looking at in this review is one of the original versions of the knife, manufactured in 2000. Furthermore, this knife has been serialized. That designates it as part of Spyderco’s first manufacturing run, also known as a Spyderco “Collector’s Club” knife. So what we have here is a very special version of the Lum Chinese, and I couldn’t be more pleased to share it with you.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Lum Chinese Folder has an overall length of 7-3/16 inches, features a 3-5/32 inch blade, and weighs a mere 2.8 ounces. The Chinese Folder could work as an EDC knife, a gentleman’s folder, or simply a collectible. Either way the size-to-weight ratio of the knife is pretty wild. A sub 3-ounce carry weight on this relatively large and sturdy knife is incredible. And I have to say, the Chinese folder feels impossibly light in hand. If this all sounds a little too delicate, Spyderco also makes a large version coming in at a beefier 4.3 ounces.

The blade of the Chinese Folder is often referred to as “leaf shaped.” What we have here is a graceful arcing blade that has been given a full flat grind, and a very small swedge running pretty much the entire length of the spine. This is not only a pretty blade to look at, but it is highly functional as well. The Lum Chinese is an exceptional slicer with its full grind and 3mm thin blade. Speaking of thin, this blade is very thin behind the edge, and is a big part of what makes the knife cut so well.

My Lum Chinese is made in Seki City, Japan and features Japanese VG-10 for the blade. A stainless steel, VG-10 is easy to sharpen and is capable of taking a razor sharp edge. It is also highly resistant to corrosion. I am a big fan of VG-10, and think it is a natural choice for the Lum Chinese. Fans of higher performance steel may be interested to learn that the Lum Chinese has also been previously offered in ZDP 189 as well.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle on my Chinese Folder is aluminum, and has been given a green almite coating. Almite is simply a type of finish for aluminum (like hard anodizing). Over the years Spyderco has released the Chinese Folder in a number of different handle materials including carbon fiber, various colors of aluminum, titanium, and G10. I happen to really like the dark green color of this knife. It’s a deep green, and from a collector’s perspective I find the unique color to be extremely intriguing. As for actual construction, my knife is screwed together. There is a black G10 backspacer, and a single steel liner. Overall, construction is lightweight, but solid.

In hand the Lum Chinese fits surprisingly well, but is not without it’s caveats. The curvature of the handle matches the contours of my palm and the knife is quite comfortable to hold. Despite this, I wouldn’t recommend the Chinese Folder for anything beyond medium duty. The aluminum handles are somewhat slippery and there is no thumb ramp, finger choil, or any kind of jimping. For light to medium use I think the ergonomics are quite alright, but lets be honest – this isn’t a knife you will want to take to war, or be in your pocket aboard a commercial fishing boat. I really don’t mind that as the knife market is already well saturated with those kinds of knives.

The pocket clip is a simple stainless steel Spyderco clip. It offers good retention and makes the knife easy to insert and remove from your pocket. For carry options you have the choice of right side tip-up or tip-down carry. All-in-all I really like the way the Lum Chinese carries, it’s extremely light and very thin. This is a knife you will forget is in your pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The Chinese Folder features a 12mm thumb hole that is easily accessible from either side of the knife. The Chinese isn’t the fastest deploying knife in my collection, but it opens easily and feels very smooth. Thin phosphor bronze washers aid in deployment.

The Lum Chinese has a thin linerlock and it snaps open crisply. It’s a very satisfying sound from such a small knife. Lock engagement is early, and I detected no zero blade play. I know that the somewhat thin liner lock will disappoint some, but given the intended use I have found it to be quite adequate.

Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder Review – Final Thoughts

The Lum Chinese is a graceful knife that is a delight for all the senses. I have greatly enjoyed mine, and spend a fair amount of time admiring the clean lines, the beautiful handles, and the crisp action. The knife works, and it will certainly cut, but the form-over-function approach to the ergonomics keeps this knife from becoming a real user for me. That doesn’t mean I don’t like the knife, but I just want to “keep it real.” If I had to pick one EDC knife to take to the grave, then the Lum Chinese wouldn’t be it. But if I was looking to add an elegant and unique Spyderco to my collection, well, I’d be all over this one. I feel that the Chinese Folder is a very special knife, and it has been an absolute pleasure to spend some time with this gem of a folder.

At the time of this review the Lum Chinese Folder can be had in both a carbon fiber version and a large version in black G10. If you really like the knife then I recommend picking up a couple. Like my original green-handled beauty, you never know when the knife might slip out of production.

Spyderco Lum Chinese Folder – $139.95
Retail Price: $219.95
You Save: $80.00
from: BladeHQ

I recommend purchasing the Lum Chinese Folder at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Benchmade 890 Torrent Review

by Dan Jackson 15 Comments

Last Updated: August 7, 2019
It has been decided – I am a total sucker for a cool “gentleman’s tactical folder.” I remember first drooling over the 890 Torrent when it came out in 2009. Flash forward a couple years, and today I am the proud owner of my very own Torrent, a sleek Steigerwalt design made by Benchmade.

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As I said before, I am calling this one a “gentleman’s tactical folder.” In many ways this one reminds me of the Mcusta Tactility. It’s an elegant knife, and while I’m sure it could work well in a defensive role, this knife is just too pretty to really use and abuse. Also the build quality, while solid, simply isn’t meant for hard use tasks. I have no doubt this would hold up as an EDC blade, but as you will learn in my review – I don’t recommend this one as an all out tactical knife or hard use folder. Lets take a closer look to see what I am talking about.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Torrent has an overall length of 8.2″ a 3.6″ blade and it weighs 3.5 ounces. At this size the Torrent is light enough to EDC but large enough to be wielded as a tactical (emergency defensive) tool.

Part of the reason why this knife is so light weight is because of the thin blade and liners. Benchmade says the blade is 1/10″ thick. Now I’m not complaining, the blade seems adequately thick for EDC, but I would be concerned about really testing the tip with repeated stabs and thrust cuts. Adding to the thin appearance is the swedge running the length of the drop point blade, and the thin flat grind. It’s a beautiful look but it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence when it comes to tip strength. The knife has been given Benchmade’s “satin finish” which appears to have a very light stonewash upon closer inspection. All in all it’s a really handsome blade with a good amount of functionality.

Benchmade went with 154CM for blade steel, a very common choice for their knives. Personally, I’m a big fan of 154CM for it’s ability to sharpen easily, hold an edge, and to resist rust and corrosion. A good all-around steel, and hardened to between 58-61HRC, 154CM will accomplish most cutting tasks with ease.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handles on the 890 Torrent are smooth G10 and they cover full stainless steel liners. The G10 has a very attractive finish that resembles wood grain. It’s very similar to the finish on the scales of the Benchmade Onslaught and Deja Voo. The steel liners have not been skeletonized, but to me that isn’t a big deal since the knife only weighs 3.6 ounces. Everything has been bolted together and there is an aluminum backspacer doubling as a glass breaker (or “non lethal” option).

Ergonomics on the 890 are fairly unremarkable. Don’t get me wrong, this handle is plenty big and comfortable, but there isn’t much in the way of a finger choil and there is no thumb ramp or jimping to speak of. Considering the overall build of this knife I’m not disappointed. Again, I see this as more of a gentleman’s folder with a tactical flair rather than an all out purpose-built tool. The G10 is smooth, but it isn’t slippery. The handle works well enough in forward and reverse grips, although I feel that some jimping on the spine wouldn’t hurt.

The pocket clip is a sturdy piece of folded over stainless steel. It has been attractively finished and is set up for a nice deep carry. However, this is a right side tip down carry only. The absence of an ambidextrous clip is something of a deal breaker for for me since I am left handed. However, I actually like tip down carry with this knife because this is an assisted opening knife and it has a very light trigger. Carrying the Torrent tip up without an external safety would be an accident waiting to happen.

Deplyment and Lockup

The Torrent is an assisted opening knife and features Benchmade’s Nitrous Assist technology. This is my first real experience with a Benchmade assisted opener, and I was pleased with how fast and hard this knife fired. I was less pleased with the right side only thumb stud – again, it really limits my ability to carry this one. That said, the large thumb stud was easy to get at and I had no problem brushing this blade open with my fingers. The “trigger” is very light on this knife which makes it very easy to deploy. There is no external safety and I would not feel comfortable carrying this one tip up.

To be perfectly honest, while I generally like spring assist knives I don’t think the Torrent needs to be spring assisted. If it was built heavier as a real folding tactical knife then the Nitrous assist would be more appropriate, but for a gentleman’s knife I think it’s overkill.

The Torrent makes use of a liner lock and I found mine to engage nice and early with no blade play. That said, this looks to me like a thin lock and there isn’t much spring tension holding it in place. I found that the lock disengaged without much effort. I would seriously think twice before engaging in any kind of serious cutting tasks with this one. I don’t think it’s at the point where the knife is unsafe, but I don’t have as much confidence in it as with other liner locks. Of course, you want to be extremely careful with any folding knife – I just found lockup on the Torrent to be a little sketchier than I’m used to.

Benchmade Torrent Review – Final Thoughts

I found myself immediately attracted to the 890 Torrent. The blade is a classic shape, lean and beautifully finished. The handles are simple, and flow gracefully with the lines of the blade. The fit and finish is top notch and I love the details like the jimped backspacer and polished pocket clip.

Where the Torrent let me down was on the practicality of it. First of all, a right side only thumb stud and pocket clip is not going to work for me – that goes without saying. But more concerning was the overall light build of this knife. The blade steel is thin, as are the liners. The ergonomics are not aggressive and the lock seems very easy to disengage. While it’s a beautiful knife I really can’t recommend it for serious work. In my mind this one is ideally situated for the collector, or someone looking for an EDC knife with some tactical inspiration, a “gentleman’s tactical folder” if you will.

Despite my gripes I’m still walking away liking the Torrent a lot. I know I may have been fairly critical with this one, but there is still a lot to like. This is great blade for the collection and I did enjoy carrying it despite it’s shortcomings – I just want to make sure that if you are interested in the knife, you are interested for the right reasons.

Benchmade 890 Torrent Steigerwalt Design Knife

HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
WELL-DESIGNED: The Torrent 890 features a simple yet strong liner lock with added Nitrous Assist. The 890 can be opened and closed quickly and single-handedly.
COMFORTABLE: The 890's contoured handle and lightweight design make it comfortable to use and hold. The deep-carry pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The Torrent 890's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry and use.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade Torrent from Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Chris Reeve Knives Small Sebenza 21 Review

by Dan Jackson 23 Comments

Last Updated: June 2, 2019
I don’t think many people get into the hobby of collecting knives with the idea that one day they will buy a pocket knife that costs hundreds of dollars.

Well, at least I didn’t start out my little edged adventure with the thought of purchasing a $300+ knife. However, as I wandered down the rabbit hole, and became further consumed by my blade obsession, justification for more expensive knives became easier to find. Any reservations I once had about owning a $350 knife soon went out the window.

Buy the CRK Sebenza at BladeHQ

So that takes us here. You and me, about to discuss the Small Sebenza 21 made by Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) which retails for right around $350. In many ways this review is a challenge because for such an expensive knife, a lot of people have already given their opinion on it. It’s a very well known blade with an extremely loyal following.

But hey, it’s just a knife so I’m just going to treat it like I would any other, and try to provide you with a fair and honest review…

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The small Sebenza 21 is the little brother to the large Sebenza 21 (no surprises there, right?). This knife has an overall length of 6.9″ a 2.94″ blade and a weight of exactly 3 ounces. This is a great size for EDC and that is exactly what this knife was designed for – to be a high end edc knife.

The blade is a classic drop point shape. The knife has been given a high hollow grind (a very shallow one) and the spine has been rounded, a very elegant touch. Blade stock is 1/8″ thick, which is nice and stout for a smaller blade like this. The blade manages to maintain this thickness well, eventually tapering down to a sturdy point. Being a classic drop point there is plenty of belly for your EDC tasks, and the entire blade has been given a nice durable stonewashed finish.

Blade steel on my Sebenza is the tried and true S30V. If you are already reading a Sebenza review I think an in-depth discussion of S30V is probably unnecessary, but suffice it to say that this is a very fine steel with excellent all-around properties including good edge retention and corrosion resistance. However, my Sebenza was made in 2009. As of mid-2011 Chris Reeve has started making Sebenzas in S35VN, a slightly upgraded version of S30V. This is certainly a welcomed addition, and it’s great to see how CRK continues to refine and upgrade their knives.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

One of the great draws to this knife is that the handle slabs have been made entirely from titanium. Indeed there are two thick pieces of 6Al4V titanium here and they have been given a nice sandblasted finish. This finish will show wear, and I see some very light scratches on mine, but if you wanted to you could have the handles sandblasted again for a factory fresh finish. As far as construction goes, this is a minimalistic free-flowing design, and everything has been bolted together for easy take down.

That said, if you want to get fancy, CRK can give you fancy, and this knife is available with a lot of interesting hardwood and micarta inlays. CRK also offers these knives with a huge variety of different graphics engraved into the handle. This adds an additional layer of collectability to the knives.

There is nothing too complicated with the ergonomics of this knife either. But again, the handle just works. There is a nice thumb ramp with good functional jimping and a very shallow choil is also present. For a smaller handle it fits me pretty well; I’m able to get a 4 finger grip without any trouble and I can easily control the blade.

The pocket clip is pretty special. First of all, it is made of titanium and secures with a single bolt. It’s a very secure fit so I’m not complaining. More importantly this clip works – and it works very well. It has a kind of double retention system, which in a way acts like two pocket clips at once (a “double-dip” clip? Just came up with that one…). It’s difficult to describe so take a look at the pictures (and video) to get a better idea of what I am talking about, but in short it makes for a very secure fit into your pocket and a nice comfortable carry.

Lockup and Deployment

The Sebenza uses either single or dual thumb studs for deployment. My particular model has a single thumb stud (or thumb “lug” as they like to call them in the Sebenza circles) set up for right hand deployment. CRK does in fact make versions with double thumb studs and they even make an entirely left handed version of the knife. My thumb stud came with blue anodizing, and while the blue anodizing provides a striking contrast, it does wear off with use. Kind of a bummer, but what can you do.

Deployment is slow, smooth and extremely purposeful. This is not a knife that you can flick out easily, nor would you want to for fear of compromising the titanium framelock. The smoothness of the deployment is near legendary, and it’s not uncommon for people to compare the deployment of everything else to the Sebenza.

The Sebenza features a Chris Reeve Integral lock – or a “frame lock” if you prefer. This was the frame lock that started them all, as Chris Reeve designed the lock for this knife. An exercise in absolute minimalism, the lock is part of the handle and it engages with a very satisfying and forceful “click.” To me this kind of lock oozes strength and security and lockup is very strong.

Now, I need to say there have been a report or two that this lock has occasionally failed under spine whacks, but to be honest (and as respectful as I possibly can), I don’t really care. (I was never into “spine whacking” and certainly wouldn’t subject that to a little EDC knife. I think for cutting tasks this lock is going to be plenty strong for pretty much everything you would put it up to.

Chris Reeve Knives Small Sebenza 21: Final Thoughts

The small Sebenza is an excellent all-around edc knife. Hand made in the USA, this is the ultimate combination of an intelligent design, premium materials, and American craftsmanship. The Sebenza oozes quality and is an incredibly simple design done right. It is no wonder that most consider the CRK Sebenza the pinnacle of production pocket knives.

Perhaps the 900 lb gorilla in the room is the question, “is it worth the money?” Well, I think so, but then again I run a website entirely dedicated to cutlery, so perhaps I’m the wrong guy to ask. But really though, I hate answering this question.

Sure, you could just as easily carry a knife for a fraction of the cost. Lets face it, you don’t need a Sebenza to cut up a card board box, just like people don’t need a Ferrari to go from point A to point B, or a Rolex to tell the time – they buy these items because they want the best. In my mind this is a much cheaper thrill than a Rolex or a Ferrari so if you are someone who only wants the best, or someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, or someone who has simply reached that point in your knife obsession where you have no where else to turn, then I think you will enjoy a small Sebenza.

Chris Reeve Knives Small Sebenza 21 – $350
from: BladeHQ

I recommend buying the Sebenza at BladeHQ or KnifeArt. If you purchase anything through any of the links on this website, I earn a small commission (at absolutely no additional cost to you) that helps keep the site running. Any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.