Hard Use Folding Knives

DPx Gear HEAT/F Review

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
It has been a long time since I have examined a DPx Gear product. You may recall a review done on the HEST back in 2012. This was DPx’s first effort, and is the knife that put them on the map. The HEST is a solid tool and is well made, but there was a lot going on in terms of integrating various multi-tool features. There is nothing wrong with attempting to push the envelope and bring something new to the table, but the HEST was a DPx’s first crack at bringing a production knife to market.

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The HEAT is a more recent offering. First of all, this is a knife, not a multi-tool. I happen to like that. The idea was to shrink down the HEST to something a little more gentrified and pocketable, yet retain the distinctive styling of the HEST. I have long had an affinity for “little big knives”, and I still enjoy pocket knives that are small but stout. Sadly I have little use for a knife like the HEST in my day to day dealings, but the HEAT is something I could get away with carrying. I suspect I am not alone with that dilemma, which is why I was curious to get my hands on a HEAT.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The HEAT has an overall length of 6.25″, a 2.375″ blade, weighs 4.15 ounces (4.35 for the full titanium version shown here), and is made in Maniago, Italy. The knife was made for DPx Gear by LionSteel. Clearly the HEAT was designed to fit into the role of an every day carry (EDC) piece, although it is very stout, and is not just built for opening up letters or slicing fruit. I have been carrying and using mind in as an EDC knife.

My particular knife is the full titanium 3-D machined version. The 3-D machined handles are stunning. DPx also offers the knife in a less expensive titanium/G10 combo and a titanium/carbon fiber version as well.

The blade is a simple drop point with a high flat grind and your choice of stonewashed or phosphate coated blade. Blade thickness is just shy of 4.6mm – very thick, especially for a sub 2.5″ blade. While the HEAT does not slice like an Alox Cadet, I found it plenty adequate to cut up apples, break down boxes, and even open the odd letter or two. Still, those expecting their pocket knife to produce translucent slices of tomato will have to look elsewhere – the HEAT is simply not that kind of knife. I’d say it slices better than a Strider SnG, but still remains below average in slicing ability. That said, the blade is above average in toughness and the integrated cap lifter / wave feature is a testament to that.

DPx went with Niolox steel, a steel I checked out in reviewing the Blackwater knives a few years ago (since discontinued under the Blackwater brand, but apparently rolled into DPx Gear’s regular lineup). When I tested those knives I found that Niolox held a good edge that was tough yet easy to maintain – an ideal balance for a largish fixed blade.

This is my first experience using Niolox on a folder. This is a servicable steel. It takes a very fine edge, holds it respectably, and is not difficult to sharpen. I might describe it as a tougher 154CM or CTS-XHP, which puts the steel in excellent company. A good choice for a tough little knife that doubles as a bottle opener. I had no issues with corrosion. Like all of my EDC knives, I find it is best to maintain the edge regularly rather than wait for the knife to dull completely. Between my strops and fine Sharpmaker stones, I have had no trouble maintaining a hair shaving edge on my HEAT/F.

I know the knife is also offered in Sleipner steel and D2. I have heard good things about Sleipner but confess that I do not have much hands on experience with it. D2 is perhaps a more well known US tool steel. It’s a hearty “semi stainless” steel that has high toughness but can be difficult to sharpen. I’d go for Niolox or Sliepner if I had the option.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The standard HEAT arrives with G10 and titanium handles. The lock side is full titanium, while the show side is your choice of green or black G10. My version features full 3-D machined titanium handles, featuring a beautiful diamond pattern. LionSteel is known for their ridiculous machining capabilities, and this all Ti version of the HEAT/F takes full advantage of that. The handles are curved, contoured, and wonderfully finished. Rounding things off are 3 standoffs (one for the pocket clip), an oversized pivot, and a removable carbide glassbreaker.

The HEAT is a comfortable knife. The handle is a good deal larger than the blade, which is a very practical way to design a smaller knife. I’d rather there be plenty of handle and a smaller blade than vice versa. The blade features an extended ricasso that helps form an integral guard, and the fingers rest naturally in the deep swooping finger choil. There is jimping on both the spine of the blade (very mild) and back of the handle (more aggressive, but still comfortable), and there is additional jimping towards the pommel for your ring and pinky finger. I used my HEAT for some fire prep. Now that things are starting to cool off a little in Florida, I tend to gravitate towards the back yard for fires and cigars. This knife is comfortable and you can get real work done with it.

DPx went with a deep carry pocket clip. Like the original HEST and many LionSteel folders, the clip is mounted on the absolute butt of the handle, and is configured for right side tip up carry only. I wish they would have allowed for ambidextrous carry. Being a lefty I always like to see ambidextrous clips, and think it could have been done without too much trouble with this style of clip. That said, the clip is precision machined into the handle, and the end result is seamless.

The clip has good retention and the knife buries deeply in the pocket. The HEAT carries well for a smaller, heavish knife. I quickly forget it is in my pocket until the time comes to use it. There is a small DPx skull logo on the clip, which won’t be to everyone’s taste, but is no different from virtually every other clip in my collection (they almost all have logos). I don’t mind it. All things considered the clip and knife is discrete; just the way I like things.

Deployment and Lockup

The HEAT gives you the option of ambidextrous thumb studs or bottle opener / wave feature to get the blade open. The thumb studs are simple and situated so that it is easy to get the blade open, and the blade rides on teflon washers. The action is smooth and the blade snaps open with a crisp and satisfying feeling. The wave works well if you want it to and carry the knife in your right pocket. I carry the knife in my left pocket, so I generally do not make use of the wave. That said, as part of the review process I waved the knife open dozens of times. It works as you would expect it to, with no ill effects on the lock (more below).

The blade of the HEAT is secured by a titanium frame lock. My lock engages early (around 40%). There is a slight amount of stick – not enough to make disengaging the lock obnoxious, but enough to make for a snug and secure lockup. I detected zero blade play in any direction after weeks of carry and use. Although I am generally not a big fan of wave openers, I made a point to wave this knife open regularly and the lock shows no ill effects. Blade centering on my knife is close to perfect.

DPx HEAT Review – Final Thoughts

The HEAT is probably my favorite knife in DPx’s catalog. I am a sucker for small high quality knives. The HEAT strikes a good balance between being a carryable cutting tool, and being overbuilt and aggressively styled. Although Robert Young Pelton and DPx Gear are a relative newcomers to the cutlery industry, his eye for design is undeniable, and the lines of the HEAT flow pleasantly whether the blade is open or closed. This is an interesting riff on the original HEST/F design, and is a step forward if you ask me. The bells and whistles of the original HEST/F have been stripped away to showcase a well designed knife that retains both personality and performance.

That said, the HEAT will not appeal to everyone. The overbuilt blade and full titanium handles come at a cost – the knife has some heft to it, and it will not slice like a slip joint. This is for someone that enjoys overbuilt folders, but doesn’t want to be bogged down with a 3″+ blade and 5 ounce+ footprint. I enjoy the HEAT/F for what it is. It has been well considered, and beautifully executed. The fit and finish is excellent and the materials are top notch.

If you like small overbuilt knives, the HEAT is well worth considering. I am curious to see how DPx Gear will continue to evolve their line of folding knives.

DPx Gear DPx HEAT/F,2.26 Folding Knife,Olive Drab,Left-hand DPHTF003

Folding Knives, Knives & Tools

If you want to buy a DPx Gear HEAT, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for checking out the review.

Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter Review

by Dan Jackson 34 Comments

You won’t find too many hunting knife reviews on this website. The reason is because I am not much of a hunter. But despite being advertised as a hunting knife, there was something intriguing about the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter that made me buy the knife.

Buy the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter at BladeHQ

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Designed by Andrew Demko, this is one of the new Cold Steel offerings to feature CTS-XHP steel. Andrew has made a name for himself by bucking the trend of dialed in titanium frame lock flippers, and instead designing simple robust folding knives featuring his tri-ad lock, which is a modified back lock. Back locks (or lock backs) rank among the oldest types of locks for a folding knife. This is another utilitarian pattern from Andrew, but the inclusion of contoured G-10 handle scales the Ultimate Hunter make it one of Cold Steel’s most refined releases to date.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Ultimate Hunter has an overall length of 8.5″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 4.9 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. This is a larger knife, but feels lightweight for its size. I have shied away from larger knives for every day carry (EDC) as of late, but the Ultimate Hunter has found a way to win me over and has been getting a lot of pocket time – especially on the weekends when I can get away with carrying a bigger blade. Some might scoff at the blade to handle ratio. I never bothered to measure, as the blade to handle ratio has never struck me as a useful metric for evaluating a knife, but for those who do care I will note that the blade is noticeably smaller than the handle. This is a working knife, and in my opinion a generous handle is welcome on a knife that you are going to be using seriously. Although I don’t hunt I have caught my fair share of fish and do a lot of cooking. Based on my experiences using knives while fishing and cooking I can at least speculate to the benefit of a larger handle when processing game.

The blade of the Ultimate Hunter is a simple drop point. It isn’t the sexiest blade shape, but it certainly works. The generous piece of CTS XHP steel has been given a high flat grind with a two-tone satin finish. It’s a lovely blade finish and is a great upgrade over a coated or bead blasted finish. The tip is capable, but not overly aggressive. It would probably serve well skinning and breaking down game without a huge risk of puncturing organs, but that is just conjecture on my part. It slices well and has done a tremendous job breaking down a number of commercial grade cardboard boxes, and I have used the knife to de-bone several chickens for roasting.

Arguably the biggest allure to the Ultimate Hunter is the inclusion of CTS-XHP stainless steel for the blade. It is almost impossible to read or watch a review of a Cold Steel folding knife in AUS-8 where the reviewer doesn’t bemoan the AUS-8 blade steel at some point in the review. I have become comfortable with AUS-8 over the years, and actually like it in inexpensive (sub ~$50) knives. That said I think CTS-XHP is a great choice, and an upgrade of the steel on Cold Steel’s folders is long overdue. I am very excited to see CTS-XHP on this knife.

Out of the box the Ultimate Hunter was screaming sharp. It annihilated cardboard. There is a strand of bamboo along the back fence in my yard, and after a South Florida storm 6 foot tall bamboo shoots will seemingly pop up overnight. Without judicious pruning the bamboo overtakes the entire yard. The Ultimate Hunter has proven itself to be very capable on “bamboo patrol” – gliding through 1″ thick shoots – and allows me to channel my inner Lynn Thompson. Edge retention has been good, but like any steel CTS-XHP will need touch ups and the occasional sharpening. So far I have just stropped and touched up the knife with the fine rods of my Sharpmaker. It is very easy to sharpen. This is a good upgrade over AUS-8, and I have been pleased with the performance of this blade.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Ultimate Hunter features a linerless G10 handle with a stainless steel lock bar, black aluminum backspacer, and stainless steel fasteners. The G10 is 3-D contoured, nicely finished, and has an attractive “grain” to it. Despite the absence of metal liners, handle construction is very strong. The G10 is thick and there is absolutely no flex in the handle. All of the pieces line up nicely and the fit and finish is very good.

The Ultimate Hunter feels great in hand. The handle shape is very simple and easy to grasp. There is a small forward finger choil, and 2 “finger divots” towards the pivot. This divot catches your index or middle finger naturally when using the knife (it depends on whether you are choking up or not). The G10 appears to have been bead blasted, so it’s smooth, but not slippery. It still has a nice texture to it, but is nothing like the peel ply G10 on my American Lawman. There is some very wide jimping on the spine of the handle. It provides some traction if you are choking back on the handle, but is basically not-present if you are using the knife for regular work. That’s fine by me. The pommel has a small “dish” for your thumb in reverse grip. I don’t use my knives in reverse grip very much, but it does seem to be comfortable in reverse grip.

The handle of the Ultimate Hunter is drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry, and comes with 2 shiny stainless steel pocket clips. This isn’t an ultra-deep carry set up, but allows for relatively deep carry while still affording easy access. The clip is very sturdy and retention is secure. Because the handle is smooth G10 you don’t have to worry about this knife shredding your pockets like the American Lawman, or Recon 1.

Deployment and Lockup

The Ultimate Hunter has the same “lopsided” thumb stud found on models like the American Lawman and Voyager. The thumb stud is swappable for ambidextrous use. This is a proven thumb stud design and it definitely works. The lock has a very strong spring, and this is not a knife that I can flick open – even with wrist action. It definitely requires you to purposefully roll it open. Not a huge problem for me, but if you like being able to flick open your knives then this is worth noting. Inside there appears to be phosphor bronze washers. The action is nice and smooth.

For our locking mechanism, Cold Steel has equipped the Ultimate Hunter with the tried and true Tri-Ad lock. This beefed up lockback has proven itself to me time and time again to be a very robust and reliable lock. Here it is no different. The sound this thing makes when you snap the blade open is impressive, and is sure to annoy the heck out of your significant other if you obsessively open and close your knives like I do. Like all the other Tri-Ad lock knives I have owned, there is no blade play at all. It is very secure. The caveat to this is that the knife can be tough to disengage sometimes. I can disengage the lock with one hand, but this is really a 2-hand knife.

Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter – Final Thoughts

Labeling your product as the “Ultimate” anything is a bold claim – especially in an age of false advertising litigation. Cold Steel is known for being a over the top, but here I think the moniker may actually be deserved. The Ultimate Hunter is the nicest and most refined Cold Steel folder I have reviewed to date. Cold Steel has taken all of the things I like about their knives (the slick Andrew Demko designs, good ergonomics, excellent fit and finish, and tough build), and are finally mating these qualities to superior materials. And the manufacturing has been kicked up a notch too. The 3-D machined handle is beautiful and the blade is substantial.

That said, you are going to pay a premium for all of this. The Ultimate Hunter retails for a little over $100, a little more than a what new Recon 1 or American Lawman (in CTS-XHP) goes for. For the extra money you get a stouter knife with contoured handles. I think the Ultimate Hunter represents a good value.

Of course the irony to this review is that the Ultimate Hunter is marketed as a hunting knife, and I have never been on a hunt in my life. But I have plenty of experience with hard use folding knives, and the Ultimate Hunter is an excellent rough and tumble EDC. Regardless of the nomenclature, this is the high end Cold Steel Folder we have all been waiting for. Highly recommended if you are looking for a premium large folding utility knife and can get past Cold Steel’s aggressive marketing practices.

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I recommend purchasing the Ultimate Hunter at Amazon or BladeHQ. 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!

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Zero Tolerance 0620CF Review

by Dan Jackson 13 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
I have given Zero Tolerance over the past year. So I actually had to pause and think when my pre-order for the 0620CF popped into my inbox. I try to feature a variety of knives from different manufacturers. Would I purchase and review this knife? I slept on it for a few days, and decided that this collaboration with Ernest Emerson was special enough to justify another Zero Tolerance review.

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I’m glad I made that decision, because when this knife arrived I could immediately tell it was significantly different from the other ZT offerings I have sampled.

General Dimension and Blade Details

The 0620 has an overall length of 8.5″, a 3.6″ blade, and weighs 6.2 ounces. While the Kershaw / Emerson collabs are scaled down offerings, the 0620 more like a full size Emerson. This thing is large and in charge. It suits the nature of the collaboration well, but relegates the knife to a more dedicated defensive role or collector’s item. At least for me. I don’t doubt some will every day carry (EDC) this knife, and there is nothing wrong with that if you can manage the size and weight.

The blade has always been one of my favorite aspects of an Emerson. The crisp grinds and beautiful finishes of the blade contrast oddly with the often crudely finished handles. I am pleased to say that ZT did Ernest right by the 0620. This is an immaculate American tanto complete with Emerson’s 2 tone finish: satin bevels and stonewashed flats. The multi-faceted grind has been beautifully done and the blade catches the light almost like the real deal.

Where this collaboration departs from a real Emerson is that ZT decided to V-grind the edge. Say what you will about chisel edges… easier to maintain “in the field”, cut better, blah blah blah – I’ll take this standard V-grind edge any day.

I have never been a huge tanto fan, but this version features a subtle curve between the tip and secondary point. It speaks to me the same way the Lum Tanto did – a tanto blade for guys who don’t prefer tantos.

The natural geometry of a tanto blade is excellent for stabbing, and this one with its clipped point is no different. While this is a beefy slab of steel, the flat grind is lean enough to make this a reasonable slicer, and the edge has been expertly applied.

If you aren’t a modified tanto guy, ZT is releasing the 0630, featuring a modified clip point blade, much like the CQC-8 Horseman that may be more to your liking. Personally, I have been enjoying the tanto as I currently don’t have a lot of tantos in my collection.

Much like the 0562, ZT is offering the 0620 in two flavors: M390 blade with a carbon fiber handle scale (shown here), and an Elmax blade with a G10 handle scale. M390 is a super steel and I have always treated it with a little apprehension because super steels have a reputation for being difficult to sharpen. I put my big girl panties on for this review and have been actually, like, using both my 0620 and my Benchmade Valet which is also in M390. Edge retention is exceptional and so far the steel has responded well to light stropping. This is all I have had to do over the past 8 weeks or so of use. This is excellent stuff and I look forward to continuing to evaluate M390 in earnest.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 0620 has as thick titanium locking side and the show side is carbon fiber (or G10) over a full stainless steel liner. Construction is robust, to say the least. This is an extremely solid knife and it’s difficult to describe the feeling you get in handling the 0620. Each edge is rounded, the liners and carbon fiber are seamless. Beefy hardware sits securely in the handles. The heft of the thick titanium lock side adds to the gravitas of the knife. It is impressive.

While ZT didn’t include Emerson’s signature flat head pivot and Phillips head body hardware, they did borrow the oversize hex head pivot from the 0300 and included some beefy torx hardware and stand offs. They also included a lanyard post, which seems redundant placed next to the two stand offs, but looks to be removable.

In hand the 0620 feels like a beefed up Emerson – not a bad thing at all. The simple handle design is Emerson ergonomics at its finest. A forward finger groove indexes the finger nicely, and the wide thumb ramp is gently jimped for control and tactile feedback. The rest of the handle is simple and accommodates a wide variety of hand sizes. The 0620 is a pretty thick knife – not amazing in pocket, but excellent in hand. After working with the 0620 for several months I haven’t noticed any hot spots. Job well done by both Ernest and ZT.

The pocket clip looks almost as if it were plucked from the Emerson parts bin – it’s a carbon copy of what you would find on the real deal, except of course for the Zero Tolerance Logo emblazoned on it. It is a blackened steel clip, much like what you would find on a Benchmade Griptilian if you have never handled an Emerson. The handle has been drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry. It’s not super deep carry, but fairly deep. The 0620 is neither small, thin, nor light, but the sturdy clip holds the knife securely in pocket. It carries well for what it is.

Deployment and Lockup

Like a real Emerson, the 0620 makes use of both a Wave and thumb disk. Perhaps the most notable point regarding the deployment is the detent – it’s very strong. While it’s possible to flick it open with the thumb disk, the detent is so strong that flecks of my thumbnail often depart with the blade. The wave works well, although frankly waves have never graduated beyond a novelty for me. ZT went with classic phosphor bronze washers for the 0620. Bronze washers are all well and good, but it would have been cool to see them put KVT bearings in like on the 05620.

I have said it before and I’ll say it again, ZT has really dialed in the lockup on their frame locks. Like the past few titanium framelocks from Zero Tolerance I have reviewed, this one comes with a stainless steel insert. Lockup is early (~30%), rock solid, and without stick or blade play. It’s perfect. The 0620 in particular inspires a lot of confidence. The blade slides in to place with a satisfying snap and I wouldn’t hesitate to use the 0620 for harder tasks if necessary. Blade centering is perfect.

Zero Tolerance 0620 Review – Final Thoughts

The 0620 is arguably the best “Emerson” ever. The 0620 is built better and finished better than a real Emerson. It lacks quirks like chisel edges, and a right side tip up carry only pocket clip, but it has been upgraded with carbon fiber, M390 blade steel, and a beefy titanium frame lock. Most astonishing is that the 0620 is still made in the USA and priced for about what a similar size Emerson would cost. Case in point: the Emerson Roadhouse, probably one of my favorite Emerson patterns retails for around $230. This ZT collab comes in a at $240, and is right at $200 if you opt for the less-fancy version with Elmax blade and G10 handle scale.

There is little to nothing I would change about the 0620. In a perfect world I’d mill out the titanium frame lock to try and lighten the knife, and possibly add bearings to make this indulgent piece even more over-the-top. These are minor quibbles. Sure, it is big and impractical for normal person daily carry, but so is a real Emerson.

Zero Tolerance has once again delivered a superior product: high quality materials, beautiful construction, and designed by a legend in the industry. I highly recommend the 0620 for Emerson fans and fans of big, well made folding knives.

Zero Tolerance 0620CF Emerson Tanto Knife

Made in the USA; Wave shaped opening feature; Thumb disk for manual opening
Reversible clip (left/right); Frame lock, hardened steel lockbar inserts
Steel: Carpenter CTS-204P, stonewashed and satin finish
Handle: Carbon fiber front, bead-blasted titanium back
Blade Length: 3.6 Inch (9.1 cm); Closed Length: 4.9 Inch (12.4 cm)

I recommend purchasing the ZT 0620 at Amazon and BladeHQ.

Cold Steel Rajah III Review

by Dan Jackson 17 Comments

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
I almost entitled this review “confessions of a mall ninja”. Yup, your buddy Dan has something of a dirty secret: I’m a fan of ridiculous knives from Cold Steel. You may have guessed as much after reading reviews of the Spartan and XL Voyager. I just didn’t talk openly about it.

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The truth is I think some of these more outlandish Cold Steel knives are fun, and some are also legitimately good knives. And let me add that there is something about buying a folding knife knowing you can blast through a side of beef with it (whilst rocking out to heavy metal music) that lends a certain pride of ownership that I don’t quite get with my Delica. There is a je ne sais quoi, if you will, with select Cold Steel products. It keeps bringing me back.

The Rajah series is among their more mall ninja-y folders, but, as with most things, there are shades of gray. If you want to go full ninja then check out the oversized Rajah II. If you are secure, but not quite Open-Carry-Bear-Mace-On-Your-Web-Belt secure, then there is the more middling Rajah III, which also happens to be the subject of today’s review.

Some might argue the Rajah III is small enough for normal people to carry. Some might argue it’s not for mall ninjas at all. Some might argue I’m a jerk for even implying that the knife may be for mall ninjas. Regardless of your personal proclivities, I’ve had my eye on it for some time.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Rajah III has an overall length of 8-3/8″, a 3-1/2″ blade, and weighs 4.4 ounces. Despite being the smallest version in the series it is still a big knife. It’s not totally ridiculous for me to carry, but at close to 3/4 of an inch thick, this is one I feel in the pocket. Definitely an after hours carry for me. The Rajah II with it’s 6″ blade is a dedicated outdoor tool, or perhaps a mostly a folding novelty.

The Rajah series was designed by Andrew Demko, who has designed a number of great folders for Cold Steel. Apparently, the classic Nepalese kukri was the inspiration for this design. Cold Steel waxes poetic about the “dramatic power of the kukri as both a tool and weapon” in their product literature. I can attest that kukris make for great choppers, but here we are talking about a 4.5 ounce folding knife.

The blade is kukri shaped. I guess that could be described as a modified clip point with a recurve if you wanted to try and get technical. It has the big kukri belly and a deep recurve. The recurve isn’t quite as crazy as the Spartan’s, but it is still pretty serious. The 4mm thick blade tapers down to the tip, and has been given a full flat grind. It slices well – especially with that recurve. The knife carves aggressively too. I was very pleased with how this blade performed, and think there is some truth to the Cold Steel sales copy regarding kukris. Sharpening can be a chore, but there is truth to this being a high performance blade shape.

Cold Steel initially offered the Rajah III with a bead blasted blade finish (shown here). Not my favorite choice, but it works. They have since updated the knife to feature a stonewashed / tumbled finish. I prefer that finish over the beadblast as it is not as susceptible to rust and I think it looks a little nicer.

Cold Steel originally offered the Rajah in AUS8. They changed the steel to BD1 in 2015-2016. Both AUS8 and BD1 are softer steels. Cold Steel got a lot of feedback from customers wanting something with better edge retention than AUS-8, so they upgraded their premium line of knives to CTS-XHP (and then S35Vn in 2018), and their more budget oriented knives they upgraded to BD1.

I don’t have a lot of experience with BD1, but it’s a softer steel. Easy to sharpen, and presumably holds a better edge than AUS-8. I think it was a good option for the Rajah series as the price is still reasonable.

On the subject of sharpening, I sharpen this knife with the rods of my Spyderco Sharpmaker. Rod style sharpeners are best for curved blades like this. You will have an extremely hard time trying to sharpen this with bench stones or paddle sharpeners.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

Much like the Spartan, the Rajah’s handle is grivory (high density plastic) over full nested steel liners. The back spring is hardened steel, and the backspacer is more grivory. Everything has been screwed together for your convenience. This is a lightweight yet strong handle design that has been meticulously crafted. This knife is made in Taiwan, and like virtually every other knife from Taiwan that I have handled, it has been really nicely finished. They even included a lanyard hole.

Andrew Demko is a man who clearly understands ergonomics. His designs are among the most comfortable I’ve handled, perhaps only second to Ernest Emerson. Although the Rajah III is a scaled down version of the Rajah II, you aren’t sacrificing a comfortable grip. I take a large glove and there is just enough room for a good full grip. You can move up on the handle for more detailed work, and lean back into the handle for light chopping. The Rajah III also feels very at home in reverse grip. There is no jimping, and the scales have been given a very light texture. I’d say its pretty much perfect for my applications.

Like on many of their other designs, Cold Steel has included two pocket clips: one for each side of the curved handle. They also included 2 sets of screws, which is a nice touch. These clips don’t allow for super deep carry, but it is still a fairly discrete package. The clips are simple but they work well. They have been given Cold Steel’s trademarked crappy black teflon coating, so don’t expect them to look new for long.

As far as carry is concerned, this is a thick knife and you will feel it in your pocket. It isn’t very heavy for its size, so it has that going for it, but I can’t deny that this is a bulkier knife. If you are looking for a very discrete slim line EDC knife then I would look elsewhere.

Deployment and Lockup

The Rajah makes use of a large thumb plate for deployment. You can push the blade open with your thumb, or the plate can function similarly to an Emerson Wave, allowing you to open the knife from your pocket. With a little wrist action I can flick the knife open with my thumb. The strong backspring gives the closed blade a healthy “detent” (resistance to opening). I will say that the action of this knife is extremely smooth. Smooth to the point where the blade will fall freely on it’s own upon disengaging the lock.

Cold Steel has equipped the Rajah III with their tri-ad lock. For the uninitiated, the tri-ad lock is an improved back lock strengthened by the inclusion of a hardened steel stop pin between the tang of the blade and the lock bar. This stop pin absorbs much of the shock that would otherwise transfer directly to the locking mechanism and potentially compromise the lock.

In my experience these tri-ad lock knives are tough. My knives have held up well over the years without failing, developing blade play, etc. In addition to normal use as an EDC knife, I did beat on this knife a bit in my back yard. I chopped through some bamboo and hacked away at firewood – stuff I wouldn’t normally do with a folding knife. The knife held up beautifully. The way I see it, the only downside to the tri-ad lock is that it can be tough to disengage – especially with one hand.

Cold Steel Rajah III Review – Final Thoughts

Is the Rajah III a realistic EDC option, or is it going to be on the cover of next month’s “Mall Ninja Monthly”? I think the truth lies somewhere in between. While the Rajah III is aggressive looking and somewhat impractical for your average suburban/urban EDC, I cannot deny that this is a solid tool that is capable of getting real work done. It may not be the most convenient choice for an armchair general like myself, but I still respect and the Rajah III for being well made, and enjoy how it is a little different than the rest of the knives in my collection.

Also, the fundamentals to the Rajah are solid: the tri-ad lock is extremely sturdy, the knife is lightweight yet strong, the handle is comfortable, the blade slices and dices with the best of them, the fit and finish is extremely good, and the price is very attractive.

If you want a no-nonsense, high performance Cold Steel lockback folder with a 3.5″ blade then I suggest checking out the American Lawman. The Lawman continues to be one of my favorites. It is slimmer than the Rajah III and less intimidating. In my mind it is clearly a more practical EDC choice. But if you are looking for something a little further out there, and like the lines of the Rajah series, then check out the Rajah III. For $45 this is a tremendous value and an excellent knife. I like mine a lot.

Cold Steel (CS62KGCM-BRK) Rajah III Plain BD1 Steel Stone Wash, Black

Blade length: 3-1/2 inch
Overall length: 8-3/8 inch
Steel: carpenter CTS Bd1 alloy with stonewash finish

I recommend purchasing the Rajah III 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 Tuff Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Ed Schempp’s designs are something of an acquired taste. The man isn’t afraid to try new things, and his “function over form” design philosophy aligns nicely with Spyderco’s credo. He has worked on a series of ethnic folders with Spyderco which have intrigued me, although never to the point of acquisition. I have always found his designs to be a little strange.

Buy the Spyderco Tuff at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

That said, the Tuff slowly grew on me. Not so much from a visual standpoint, but from the idea of designing a knife that is such an unapologetically hard use folding knife. We often see “hard use” folding knives that fit inside a lot of the tropes of well established knife design. The Tuff looks more at home in a scene from Aliens than it does sitting in the display case of a cutlery shop. The Tuff is extreme. That is what drew me to this knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Tuff has an overall length of 8.85″, a 3.7″ blade, and weighs 6.3 ounces. This ain’t no normal EDC knife. Surprisingly, it feels lightweight for its size, and carries most of its weight in its 4mm thick blade. I am not sure who this is good for as a daily use knife. It would be good for a camp site, a farm, or maybe if you were 350 pounds and rode in a motorcycle gang for a living.

As for self defense applications, I certainly would not want to be stabbed with this knife… for whatever that is worth. I have enjoyed carrying the Tuff on the weekends and for purposes of putting this review together, and wouldn’t mind having one in my pocket while traversing a dark alley, but I can’t say that I need a knife like this to accomplish my basic daily tasks.

The blade of the Tuff is almost like a beak. The tip is insane. It’s a thick piece of 3V steel, with a dramatic fuller running almost the entire length of the blade. The fuller looks cool, lightens the blade up a little bit, and offers an alternate means of opening the knife. The flat grind is thick, but that’s par for the course with this kind of knife. It still cuts pretty well for what it is. The large forward choil leaves you with a mere 3 inches of cutting edge, not a ton given it’s overall size. What else can I say? It’s a brutish blade. The satin finish is handsome and lends almost a surgical appearance to the tool.

3V steel is a high carbon tool steel known for it’s combination of edge retention and extreme toughness. This is actually my first knife in 3V, so I was especially interested in examining its performance. I know that Strider has been using 3V on their toughest folders and I have seen it showing up in a lot of custom and mid tech offerings as well. It has been received very well by the knife community as a hard wearing no-nonsense premium steel for those wanting extreme toughness and good edge retention.

There are folks on YouTube using 3V knives to bust up cinder blocks. I’m not nearly that hardcore. But I ran the knife through a series of tests with cardboard, rope, and wood, and even did some light chopping with it. The edge (and lock) held up well. The edge seemed toothy and cut very aggressively – kind of like M4.

While this is a thick blade and the geometry isn’t ideal for fine slicing (forget cutting up an apple with it), the knife cut surprisingly well. Much better than say, my SnG, which also is a very stout blade. When it came time to sharpen I did not have any issues with a strop and fine Spyderco Sharpmaker stones. Like many high carbon steels, 3V felt like it wanted to take an edge. No issues with rust or corrosion either, although this is not a stainless steel knife and you need to exercise some care with it. I found M4 on my Gayle Bradley took a patina faster than this 3V.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Tuff’s handle features a black G10 scale over a full stainless steel liner, a partial G10 backspacer, and a thick titanium framelock. Oh, and there are dimples all over the handle. The dimples are visually interesting, lighten the knife up a little bit, and are well executed. This knife has come from Spyderco’s Taiwan-based manufacturer, and the fit and finish of this handle is immaculate. The stainless steel liner has been drilled out to keep the weight down, the oversized pivot is a custom piece, and all the pieces line up perfectly. This is what I have come to expect from Taiwanese Spydercos, and I’m pleased to say I haven’t been disappointed.

The Tuff is a surprisingly comfortable knife. Or maybe that isn’t a surprise given how ugly this thing is. Regardless, it’s comfortable. With the forward choil the handle is so big I can almost get 2 hands on it, so you have options as to hand placement. You can choke up on the blade for more precision work. You can also lean far back on the handle for light chopping. The knife is almost like a folding kukri. There is a run of jimping on the spine, choil, and lock relief. All of the jimping works well without being overly annoying. The handle design itself has a strong negative angle, which has a way of putting the blade on target. Overall I found the Tuff to be comfortable and easy to work with.

The pocket clip is a 4-position blackened stainless steel spoon clip. It has good tensile strength, and is planted in place with three fasteners that fit over the pivot or lanyard hole. The clip has been finished with something of a black chrome look, and it gives the clip some depth and character. It isn’t an ultra deep carry clip. I suspect it has been designed to be strong and easy to access. In pocket the Tuff carries well for it’s size. It’s a flat knife and is relatively lightweight give its size. For a working knife like this I think they did a good job with the pocket clip.

Deployment and Lockup

Spyderco included a generous thumb hole with the Tuff. I can flick the knife open but it usually involves shaving off a good portion of my thumb nail. The heavy blade, strong detent, and sharp thumb hole do not make this the easiest knife to flick open – but it is possible. I tend to prefer using the fuller to push the blade open. It catches the thumb nicely and gets the job done. The action of the knife was very smooth straight out of the box thanks in part to generous phosphor bronze washers.

For lockup the Tuff is equipped with a short throw titanium frame lock. It’s a sturdy lock further reinforced with a stainless steel lockbar insert. The lock bar insert also doubles as a hidden lockbar stabilizer. The stop pin on this knife is about as thick as I have ever seen. It’s a really impressive stop pin.

In an earlier version of the knife I handled, I recall the lock being real “tuff” to disengage. I bought my personal knife a few months ago, and this version is easier to disengage. I realize that this is a knife designed for he man alpha males, but I appreciate that this lock bar is easier to disengage. Also, the knife is very smooth. The blade will fall close when you disengage the lock.

As for lock strength, I haven’t taken this knife to the moon or entered it into a robot fighting competition (yet), but so far it has held up well under normal use and a few trips to the back yard to beat around with some heavy cardboard, rope, and fire prep. So far so good.

Also, as an aside, I love the sound this blade makes when opening. Opening the blade slowly makes for a very satisfying “ker-thunk”.

Spyderco Tuff Review – Final Thoughts

The Spyderco Tuff lives up to it’s name. Next to the Hinderer XM-18 this is one of the most heavily built folders I have reviewed, although the Benchmade Adamas and ZT 0550 are pretty damn beefy too. Compared with a run of the mill production folder this a huge difference in build. If overbuilt is what you are looking for then check out the Tuff. For $200.00 is a serious piece of hardware.

Of course a knife like this is not for everyone. I can’t seriously EDC this thing, and I’m guessing most readers won’t. Also some people will be turned off by the looks of it. Between the dimples, huge fuller, and elongated shape I am sure it doesn’t appeal to everyone’s design tastes.

Spyderco Schempp Tuff G-10 Plain Edge Knife, Black

Flat-ground drop-point Crucible CPM 3V steel blade
Black G-10 scales
Dimpled texture pattern
Oversized pivot assembly and hardened steel lock interface

I recommend purchasing the Tuff at at Amazon.com and BladeHQ. Thank you very much.

Buck Marksman Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: December 2, 2019
You may have noticed a lack of reviews of Buck knives. I have nothing against Buck. I reviewed the Vantage a couple years back, and haven’t gotten around to reviewing anything else because nothing else in their lineup interested me that much. That is, until I saw the Marksman.

Buy the Buck Marksman at BladeHQ

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The Marksman is a collaboration with Grant and Gavin Hawk. Grant and Gavin are known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and locking mechanisms. They have done a number of collaborations with Kershaw, Chris Reeve, and Zero Tolerance. I think it was especially cool that they teamed up with Buck, because Buck is so well known as a traditional brand, and Grant and Gavin are so well known for re-imagining the folding knife. It is an interesting juxtaposition, and it definitely got my attention. Toss in a 154CM blade, bearings, “made in the USA” quality, and a retail price of under $100, and I’m thinking there might be room for another Buck review on this website.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Marksman has an overall length of 8.25″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 4.3 ounces. This full size knife feels surprisingly lightweight thanks to the aluminum handle. I have mostly been using the Marksman for yard work and weekend chores, and it has made a great carry for those heavier duty applications. I have cut down bamboo, busted open zip ties, broken down boxes, and performed mild food prep. The Marksman cuts well and is lightweight and functional.

It’s the kind of user knife like the Benchmade Volli, Hogue EX04, and Cold Steel American Lawman, that manages to remain in my collection. For whatever reason, most of my fancier knives end up getting sold, but I have a hell of a time parting ways with a good user.

The blade shape of the Marksman is classic Buck drop point. It has the oval thumb hole that they seem to favor, and the design is mild mannered when compared to the handle. It’s also a functional blade shape with a sturdy tip and high hollow grind. The blade has been left with a matte finish which isn’t anything too spectacular. You can still see some rough grind lines and the finish will pick up scuffs and scratches. The laser etched logos on the blade also has shown signs of wear and have faded after the occasional application of Bar Keepers Friend (a metal cleaner). I photographed the knife after using it regularly for a couple months and you can see how the black laser etching has been scrubbed away. I consider this a “happy accident” as I’m a big fan of sterile blades.

Buck went with good ole 154 CM stainless steel heat treated by Paul Bos. The edge has held up well and the Marksman is a fantastic cutter. I have mentioned earlier how I have been using this knife pretty hard (for me at least) and I have been pleased with the performance. It keeps a good edge yet remains easy to sharpen. I have always been a fan of 154CM so I am not particularly surprised by my experience. I will say that I have had 154CM rust on me a little on more than one occasion, so you need to keep an eye on it, especially if you are going to use the knife for food prep and not clean it like I have on several occasions. If you don’t let the knife get too crusty, a little of that Bar Keepers Friend will bring it back to new.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Marksman has a black anodized aluminum handle with a steel backspacer. This makes for a lightweight and strong handle. The anodization on the aluminum has held up well and there are grooves milled into the handle for a little texture and visual interest. The backspacer integrates with the strap lock (more on that below) so you have something of a “closed construction” design. While aluminum isn’t the most sexy of handle materials, it is very practical. I think it suits the design of this knife. Although it first appears as if there is a lot going on with this knife, at the end of the day construction is simple and sturdy. All the pieces have been nicely finished and the handle has been well executed.

The Marksman is a full size knife. Ergonomically it is straightforward and performs like you would expect. What impresses me most when I use the Marksman is how nice and light it feels in hand. I will say that the strap lock is uncomfortable to use repeatedly – at least until you build some callouses up on your hands. The serrations on the lock are no joke, and they tore up my thumb at first. Having used the knife for months now I don’t feel anything uncomfortable, but it took some getting used to.

Buck went with a deep carry reversible pocket clip mounted on the butt of the handle. This is a lot like the clip found on the LionSteel SR-1. The clip itself is simple and sturdy. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket. I like the clip and the way the Marksman carries. It’s worth mentioning that the knife is fully ambidextrous.

Here is your pocket clip shot:

Deployment and Lockup

Grant and Gavin really know how to shake things up in the deployment and lockup section. Sometimes I find myself starting to yawn when I put this part of the review together, but the Marksman really gives me something to talk about.

So you are probably already aware that the Marksman uses a “strap lock” to lock the blade in place. Chances are you have never encountered a strap lock on a knife before. It’s a big strip of stainless steel that runs the length of the back of the handle and snaps into place over a protrusion on the back of the blade. What makes it cool is that in the closed position, it serves as a big spring, and when you hit the flipper the knife launches open effortlessly.

Here is a size comparison with a Spyderco Delica and Spyderco Endura:

I have never been a huge fan of assisted openers, but the action on the Marksman is really cool and satisfying. It’s unlike any other spring assisted knife I have handled, to the point where I am reluctant to even identify it as an assisted opening knife. Closing the blade is kind of like setting a bear trap, and the trigger takes only a very light touch. It makes a very distinct tinny sound when you deploy it. Even my girlfriend could pick up on the fact that something was different with this knife. If the novel deployment system wasn’t enough, Buck also included a caged bearing system. The bearings work great and the action is so smooth that the blade just falls shut. This is a knife that you can easily open with the flipper or the thumb hole.

To disengage the blade you have to pull up on the strap with the serrations on the side of it. The serrations are rough and your thumb will get chewed up when you first start using the knife – especially if you obsessively open and close it like I did. The initial pain is definitely a negative, but overall I found the strap lock mechanism endearing, and like it more than I thought I would. With some practice you can learn how to open and close the knife one handed. It takes some tough thumbs and a little finesse but even this southpaw has managed to figure it out.

Another interesting aspect about the lock is that it is fully adjustable with a set screw on the pommel. I have used the knife for months and have opened it thousands of times. I have yet to notice any blade play, but if some were to develop you could tune it out with the set screw and pivot.

Here is a parting shot with my Spyderco Para 2:

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Buck Marksman Review – Final Thoughts

The novelty of the Marksman is what made me buy it. The thoughtful design, solid build quality, and excellent performance are what made me keep it. I would have never guessed that I would like the Marksman as much as I do. I wrote this review back in 2014, and as I update it in 2019, the Marksman is still part of my rotation. It’s a truly excellent knife. Perfect for those looking for a workhorse EDC that’s different.

The knife definitely has some novel features to it, and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. But at the end of the day what impresses me most about the Marksman is that it’s actually a really good knife. The strap lock is unique, and I love how the blade deploys. The knife is also lightweight, tough, and functional. The materials are all high quality and it’s nicely put together – especially at the price point and considering that it is USA made. It carries well, cuts cleanly, and is a lot of fun to open and close. The Marksman has really grown on me. I would go so far as to say this is one of my favorite designs in 2014. I am glad I gave it a chance.

With all of that said I realize that this knife isn’t for everyone. The futuristic design is bound to polarize people, and the strap lock and it’s sharp edges could be a deal killer as well. But if you are in the market for something different and like a good user blade, then the Buck Marksman should definitely be on your radar. I liked it so much it earned a spot on my recommended EDC knives page.

Buck Knives 830 Marksman Folding Knife with One Hand Opening Action

RAZOR SHARP BLADE- 3-1/2" Drop Point 154CM Steel Blade delivers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is suitable for heavy cutting applications. Closed Length 4-3/4" Weight 4.0 oz.
AMBIDEXTROUS ONE HAND OPEN - Opens with the flick of a finger. The unique SLS Strong Lock System is one of the strongest locking mechanisms on the market. Once deployed, it offers the strength of a fixed blade knife
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Black anodized aluminum handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. This tactical knife will hold up in the most demanding situations
CONVENIENT CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, tip-up discreet deep pocket carry clip for easy attachment to your belt, pocket, or in your bag
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

I recommend purchasing the Marksman at Amazon.com 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.