Hard Use Folding Knives

Cold Steel Recon 1 Review

Last Updated: July 15, 2019
I love it when knife companies refine their existing designs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for new and exciting models, but I’m almost more excited when a “good” knife turns into a “great” one. Cold Steel did just that with their latest version of the Cold Steel Recon 1. The new version (released in 2010) of the Recon 1 is lighter, has a stronger lock and a smarter design. What that leaves us with is a refined hard-use folding knife at a price almost anyone can afford.

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Purpose

The Recon 1 is a large folding tactical knife or utility knife. Many people will not want to EDC the Recon 1, but I’ll say for a larger knife it is an extremely strong and relatively light EDC option. This could also be a decent trail knife/backup knife – I’ve seen people actually baton wood with this thing. Obviously these weren’t huge logs, but it’s still pretty incredible for a folder.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Recon 1 has an overall length of 9.75″, a 4″ blade, weighs 5.3 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. This is a large folding knife geared towards hard use and self defense applications. Certainly this could be used for every day carry (EDC) if you can swing carrying a knife of this size.

As far as the blade is concerned you have the option of either a clip point (bowie) blade shape, American tanto, or spear point blade shape (not shown here). All blade configurations come hollow ground and have the option of plain or partially serrated edges.

My personal preference is for the clip point or spear point blade shape, as I find the belly is useful for EDC. Regardless, the blades are all ground thin and cut nicely. If you need the additional tip strength of a tanto, or just like the look, then this is a great model to pick up with a tanto blade.

Cold Steel originally chose Aus 8A for the blade steel here. The Aus 8 version of the knives are shown here, and these are what I used for my review. Cold Steel upgraded the blade steel to CTS-XHP around 2016. Although I haven’t reviewed the CTS-XHP version of the Recon 1, I have tested the Ultimate Hunter and Code 4 and the Broken Skull in CTS-XHP. It’s a great upgrade. CTS-XHP is still easy to sharpen like AUS-8, but the edge holding is much better. It’s a great stainless steel and an excellent upgrade for these knives.

Also, the Recon 1 used to come with a teflon coated blade. These coatings chipped off easily and were long considered a downside to the Recon 1. When Cold Steel upgraded the blade steel to CTS-XHP they also started DLC coating their blades. This is a much tougher blade coating, and resists wear far better than teflon. This new coating holds up far better and I’ve had a chance to test it out on my Broken Skull.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

Cold Steel did an excellent job updating the Recon 1’s handle. They went with a linerless design and used two thick slabs of G10 for the handle. Some might find the lack of steel liners troubling on a hard use folding knife, but let me tell you – there is nothing to worry about. This is a very strong handle design (more on that below) and it has a 6061 aluminum backspacer. Everything is bolted together and there is a good size lanyard hole for added security.

The Recon 1 has great ergonomics. A major feature is the deep double choil. This fits my hand like a glove. The handle is thick enough so that it fills the hand adequately and the edges have been rounded for comfort. The roughly textured handle helps to ensure a firm grip under a variety of conditions. Note that there is no jimping on the thumb ramp. In this case, I don’t think the Recon 1 needs jimping, your hand is not going anywhere with this handle design. That said, it certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Due to the curvature of this handle design Cold Steel sells this knife with 2 pocket clips. This is so both left and right handed users can carry this knife comfortably. As a leftie, this sort of thing brings a tear to my eye (almost). I suspect some manufacturers don’t make clips reversible to keep costs down, but to see CS go so far as to make a second clip – well, that is really a statement and doesn’t go unnoticed here. Note that the clips allow for tip up carry only (fine by me) and that the clips has been given the same teflon coating as the blade so expect it to show wear.

Deployment and Lockup

The Recon 1 is deployed with a single thumb stud. The thumb stud is easily reversed with a screw driver, but in a perfect world I’d rather see ambidextrous thumb studs right out of the box. The Recon 1 has a powerful backspring, so it isn’t the easiest knife to deploy, but with a little wrist action I have no problems at all snapping this blade out. And it does snap out, with a loud and authoritative crack. This is a knife that deploys with confidence thanks to a smart design and phosphor bronze washers.

The Recon 1 has the Andrew Demko designed Tri-ad Lock. This lock is phenomenal and is the strongest lock currently on the market. It’s a beefed up backlock with the inclusion of a stop pin. The stop pin takes all the force of heavy duty tasks rather than the locking mechanism. What this means is that this lock will take more stress and punishment than anything else on the market. I’ve tested these locks extensively myself and my results match everyone else’s conclusions – that the Tri-ad lock is nearly bullet-proof.

Recon1 vs. the AK-47 or the American Lawman?

Chances are, if you are interested in the Recon 1, you may also be interested in the AK-47 or the American Lawman. If that is the case, I recorded a video where I do a detailed comparison of these 3 models that you may find useful.

If you still have any questions or are interested in another comparison feel free to leave a comment or contact me.

Cold Steel Recon 1: Final Thoughts

The Recon 1 is an absolute beast of a knife. If you are looking for an inexpensive hard use folder, you really can’t do better than this Recon 1 folder with the Triad lock. The Recon 1 is very similar to the Cold Steel Ak-47 and American Lawman, 2 knives I have previously reviewed. If you are having trouble deciding between the three it really comes down to which knife you like the look of the most. They have minor functional differences but they are all tough as nails and ready for any task.

Also, well after the initial publication date of this review Cold Steel made major upgrades. They upgraded the blade to a DLC coated CTS-XHP blade from a teflon coated AUS-8 blde. The upgrades Cold Steel made to the blade steel and blade coating addressed the 2 biggest complaints I previously had with the knife: soft Aus-8 steel that was serviceable, but didn’t hold an amazing edge, and a teflon blade coating that quickly chipped and looked bad. Granted, these upgrades have raised the Recon 1 from a $50 knife, to more like a $75 knife, but I think you are getting more knife for your money. The Recon 1 has been elevated from a good bargain knife, to an impressive cutting tool.

At the end of the day, if you can carry a larger knife like the Recon 1 you are going to have a hard time finding a tougher pound for pound folding knife. It remains an excellent choice to this day. Personally, I prefer the slightly smaller and more utilitarian looking American Lawman, but if you like the dimensions of the Recon 1 then you won’t be disappointed with this knife.

Cold Steel EDC Tactical Folding Pocket Knife, Recon

The Cold Steel Recon is a strong, durable, and effective mainstay in the world of tactical pocket knives.
The steel blade features DLC coating for long-wearing use. The coating is black, rough to the touch, and super strong against scratches and wear.
Cold Steel's innovation is the safest folding knife locking system on the market, holding 800 lbs of hanging weight.
Folding knife with ambidextrous pocket and belt clip for both right- and left-handed draws. Thin construction does not imprint in the pocket for a stealthy carry. Perfect for battle gear.
A great everyday carry option for self-defense, battooning, stabbing, etc. The scales on the handle around the finger grooves provide excellent grip and ergonomic comfort.

If you are interested in purchasing a Cold Steel Recon 1, then I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Purchasing things through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com and will help to keep the reviews coming. Any support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Ontario RAT 1 Review

by Dan Jackson 41 Comments

Last Updated: July 13, 2019
These days, if you want a high value EDC knife, then there are plenty of options. Kershaw and Spyderco make some great knives in the $30 and under category that are easy choices for EDC. But if you want something that is both hard use and high value, it gets a little harder. Sure, the Spyderco and Kershaw blades are well built, but for many, these knives are firmly in the EDC category.

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Enter the Ontario RAT 1. The RAT 1 combines tank-like construction with a big blade and comes in around $30. At that price this larger folder becomes difficult to ignore. I’ve carried my RAT 1 for years, and have compared it with hundreds of other pocket knives. Let’s see what the Ontario RAT Model 1 is all about.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The RAT 1 has a an overall length of 8.6″, a 3.5″ blade, and it weighs of 5 ounces. This ain’t no rice cake. However, it’s a solid folding knife. This is for people that want an inexpensive heavy duty folding knife. If you are looking for a small Every Day Carry (EDC) knife, then I would recommend the RAT 2 over the RAT 1. Here is a size comparison so you can see the difference:

So as you can see, the RAT 1 is more of a utility knife then a suburban daily carry. That said, plenty of guys like to carry a RAT 1, so it just depends on what you like.

The blade is an attractive drop point shape. It’s a no-frills blade, and the full flat grind adds to the simplicity. Overall, the blade is a great design for slicing, thinly ground from 3mm thick stock and an edge that has been neatly applied. There is no swedge on this knife, but the the tip is still sturdy considering. This is a practical blade that will perform well in a variety of tasks.

The blade comes with either a satin finish or a black coating. The coating Ontario uses is pretty cheap, and will start wearing off almost instantly. For that reason I prefer the satin finish. The satin finish on the RAT 1 is excellent. It’s bright and reflective, which may chagrin the more “tactical” crowd, but it wears well and provides little resistance when slicing. And the satin finish has held up great over the years. My knife shows some wear, but nothing crazy.

The blade steel on my particular knife is AUS8, a mid-range Japanese stainless steel. AUS 8 is nice because it is tough, easy to sharpen, and resistant to rusting, but it will lose its edge faster than higher end steels. For a ~$30 knife, I’m honestly happy to have it.

In practice my RAT 1 has been a workhorse of a blade. The thin, full flat grind is excellent, and the big blade of the RAT 1 flies through cardboard and other materials. I’ve used my RAT 1 for innumerable odd jobs, and I’ve also used it as a daily carry knife. It will open mail and packages, and perform basic food prep with the best of them.

For those turned off by AUS-8, Ontario released the RAT 1 in D2 a few years ago. D2 is even tougher than AUS-8 and will hold an edge longer, but D2 is far from a “super steel”. It’s semi-stainless, and depending on the heat treat it can be difficult to sharpen. From what I’ve read people like the D2 on the RAT 1, and it appears to be an upgrade over the AUS-8 version, but I haven’t tried one out yet.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The RAT 1 has a flow through / pillar construction handle with zytel (plastic) scales over stainless steel liners. Zytel may not be everyone’s first choice for handle material, but it does the job here and serves as a lightweight and durable scale. Speaking of scales, Ontario offers this knife in a variety of different colors. I happened to like the OD green version, so that is what you see here.

The full steel liners on this knife are not milled out, which accounts for part of the knife’s weight, but for a hard working beater blade, milled liners are a luxury I don’t require. Nylon scales and solid liners are minor grumbles that shouldn’t detract too much from an otherwise solid handle.

The ergonomics of the RAT 1 are nice, thanks in part to the generous handle. The handle offers plenty of room, even if you have larger hands. The handle is also thick with rounded edges. This makes the knife comfortable in forward and reverse grips, but it also makes it bulky. The zytel handle scales offer light traction. There is not as much grip as a G-10 handle, but it’s not slippery either.

There is a well defined finger groove. This will keep your hand from sliding forward onto the blade, always nice. There is a pretty good sized thumb ramp with some toothy jimping. The jimping is not super sharp, but it’s coarse and you will feel it. There is also room on the ricasso to choke up on the blade.

The pocket clip is a simple spoon style clip. It’s similar to what you would find on most Benchmade knives. The handle has been drilled and tapped for “4 corners” carry. This means you can mount the clip tip up or tip down on either side of the knife.

The clip has been blackened with an inexpensive coating. It will wear off with use. The clip’s spring retention is good though, and the mild texture on the scales means that this knife won’t tear up your pocket when you insert and remove it from your pants.

Speaking of which, here is a shot of the RAT 1 in the pocket:

The Rat 1 carries like you would expect for a big heavy knife. It’s big and heavy and you feel it in the pocket. That’s one of the compromises you make for a strong folding knife at this price point. That said, the clip keeps the knife in place, and the RAT 1 has never fallen out of my pocket. Carry is relatively discreet, but a decent portion of the handle sticks out of the pocket.

Deployment and Lock-up

Deployment on the Ontario RAT 1 is excellent. There are some phosphor bronze washers in there, a welcome feature on this value priced knife, and it lends to nice smooth deployments. Ambidextrous thumbstuds are always welcome, and the RAT 1 has some nice big ambidextrous thumb studs. These large thumb studs provide plenty of leverage, and they allow you to pop the blade out fast.

The liner lock is solid and crisp. It’s a nice early lockup with a thick piece of steel. It feels secure. One open there is zero blade play in this knife, which comes as no surprise when you feel how solid the rest of this knife is. 5 ounces is heavy for a modern folder, but I think the RAT 1 makes up for it here with it’s rock solid feel and lock.

Here is a parting size comparison with the Spyderco Delica and the Spyderco Endura. As you can see, the Rat 1 is a big knife.

Blade centering is perfect on my RAT 1. Impressive given the price point.

Ontario Rat 1 Review – Final Thoughts

If you are looking for an inexpensive hard use folder, then the RAT 1 is tough to beat. You get a lot of well made knife for your money. The RAT 1 is comfortable, strongly built, and the fully flat ground blade is excellent. This is an everyman’s knife. It provides many of the features people look for in higher end folding knives, but it’s at a price point most can afford.

I have had my rat 1 for years. This review was originally published in 2011, and I’m doing a major long term update in 2019. Over the past 8 years I have had the chance to carry and use the RAT 1, and compare it with hundreds of other knives. For ~$30.00, I still think it’s tough to beat. Cold Steel offers some good lightweight budget stuff, but the RAT 1 remains a classic.

However, it’s not all rosy with the RAT 1. At this price point there are compromises. The biggest compromises with the RAT 1 include the softer AUS-8 blade steel (unless you pay extra for the D2 version), the plastic handle scales, and its weight. That said, I think the pros outweigh the cons, and the RAT 1 represents a significant upgrade over less expensive knives. The RAT 1 is a tank. Those that need an expensive tank of a folding knife will find a lot to appreciate with the RAT 1.

And perhaps the best test for a knife is the test of time. The RAT 1 was a success when it first came out, and it remains a modern classic. There is a reason people still buy it years after it’s original release. It’s a timeless design that has been well executed, and it’s offered at an excellent price point. I highly recommend it.

Sale

Ontario Knife Company 8848 Rat I Folding Knife - EDC Knife (Black)

Sport type: Hunting
Open post construction for easy cleaning
AUS-8 blade steel
3. 5 inch plain edge blade
3.5 inch plain edge blade

I recommend purchasing the Ontario Rat 1 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews, and keeps this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Benchmade 915 Triage Review

by Dan Jackson 17 Comments

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
Rescue knives often go unnoticed in the knife community. There are large groups of enthusiasts gathered around tactical, survival, and EDC knives, but I have yet to see the rescue knife develop such a loyal following. One could argue that the average person doesn’t “need” a rescue knife, but do we really have a need for the collection of high end tactical knives stashed away in the safe? No, I argue that rescue knives traditionally “aren’t as cool” in the eye of the average consumer, and as a result most people haven’t been as excited about them.

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Well Benchmade is working hard to end that stigma and show that rescue blades can be just as cool and collectible as any other type of knife, by introducing the 915 Triage. But this knife doesn’t just look good. The Triage is part of Benchmade’s “Black Class,” which means it’s been designed and built with professional use in mind.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Triage has an overall length of 8.2″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 5.1 ounces, and is made in America. The Triage, like most rescue knives, is a pretty big knife. This is a beefy knife and it has some heft when compared with something like the Benchmade Griptilian, which is comparable in length yet weighs only 3.2 ounces. However, we have to remember that the Triage has some extra hardware (a 440c safety cutter and a carbide glass breaker), has full stainless steel liners, G10 scales, and is built for maximum strength and durability.

The Triage sports a modified sheepsfoot shape blade with a high flat grind and a fine, slightly curved edge with just a slight amount of belly. This blade style is essential for a rescue knife because the blunted tip allows you to get in close to people you are rescuing without stabbing them. The flip side is, if you need something with stabbing capabilities, the 915 won’t have them. But this is a specialized tool so it was wise not to try and compromise. You have the option of a plain or combo edge, with a BK1 matte black coating or a plain satin-finished blade.

Benchmade chose N680 stainless steel for the blade. Made by Bohler-Uddeholm, this Swedish steel is specifically formulated for high corrosion resistance, even in salt water environments. It should come as no surprise that Benchmade has been using this steel in a few of their dive knives with great success.

Benchmade heat treated the N680 on this particular knife to 57-59 HRc, which will maximizes toughness for this particular steel while providing good edge retention and sharpenability. I think this was a great choice for a rescue knife because again, this thing is going to get abused. Its going to get wet and it probably won’t be sharpened as often so the unique properties of this steel will help preserve performance and enhance durability.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 915 Triage handle is a semi-open design with textured G10 (available in black shown here, or safety orange) over full stainless steel liners. Like many Benchmade liners, they are made of 420J, which is tough stuff. As I mentioned previously, this adds weight, but it also adds strength. In the high stress hard use environments I could see this knife being used, I think it’s a good trade-off. The G10 used here is plain in appearance, but extremely grippy thanks to the aggressive texture applied in the factory.

In addition to the grippy G10, the ergonomics of the 915 are quite solid. There is no jimping on the spine of the blade, but there is a good amount on the handle, and it allows for good purchase and control. The handle is also nice and large, offering a comfortable forward or reverse grip. Also, the ergos are good when you are using the hook-shaped safety cutter, which is important since many people will be buying the knife for that feature.

The pocket clip is a blackened version of Benchmade’s typical deep carry pocket clip. This is a strong clip with good retention. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket, but still leaves enough for the user to grab easily. The handle has been drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up carry. The Triage is a heavier knife, but it still caries well thanks to the strong deep carry clip. All said, I am a fan of this pocket clip.

Lock and Deployment

The 915 Triage uses the tried and true Benchmade Axis lock. I’ve talked about this lock at length, but suffice to say it’s one of my favorite locks on the market. The Axis lock is strong, yet it is still smooth and easy to disengage. I also like how it is completely ambidextrous, and that you you can keep your fingers away from the blade when closing. Lock up is solid on my knife. It is not uncommon for axis lock knives to develop some side to side play, and if that happens a little lock-tite and the turn of a torx wrench puts you back in business.

Deployment on the Triage is fast and smooth thanks to prominent ambidextrous thumb studs and phosphor bronze washers. This is a time-tested formula for Benchmade and it works here as well. That said, I would be curious to see what this knife is like with a thumb hole. The blade is already pretty wide, but it might work well with a thumb hole. At any rate, the knife opens and closes smoothly. Blade centering is good on my knife.

Special Features: Safety Cutter and Carbide Glass Breaker

For many people a big part about what makes this a rescue knife is the additional features. Namely, the safety cutter and glass breaker. The safety cutter folds out and features a large (and sharp!) hook. Benchmade chose 440C for the cutter and I think it’s an excellent choice. 440C is good steel and when it’s properly heat treated it will work well. A cutter like this is used in those situations where the relatively big blade is either impractical or impossible to use.

The cutter doesn’t have a true lock, it clicks in place kind of like a slip-joint. It is reasonably secure and the rescue hook blade is extremely sharp. This is not a novelty or gimmick – this will cut through seat belts, clothing, and even shoe leather with ease.

The carbide glass breaker is sunk into the butt of the handle. It’s not big, but it will get the job done.

Benchmade 915 Triage Review – Final Thoughts

The Triage is a thoughtfully designed and well made knife. I like the practical design, the high quality materials, and the outstanding fit and finish – which is par for the course when you are talking Benchmade. What I like is how Benchmade took the rescue knife concept, upgraded it, and also turned it into something cool.

I am not a first responder, so I can’t comment on the knife with regards to how well it works in a first responder situation, but I can say that this is a robust knife and unique knife. I see no reason why it wouldn’t work well in a rescue situation. The glass breaker and safety cutter are fully functional and made to Benchmade’s typical standards. The knife itself is fully functional: it’s comfortable to use, it cuts well, and is easy to maintain.

Whether you are an actual first responder looking for an every day tool, or a normal person wanting a heavy duty EDC, I think the 915 Triage has a lot to offer, and remains the coolest rescue knife to ever cross my desk.

Sale

Benchmade - Triage 916 Rescue Knife, Safety Hook and Glass Breaker with Black G10 Handle (916SBK)

HIGH-QUALITY: The N680 stainless steel blade has the best corrosion resistance of any blade steel, making it ideal for saltwater applications. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
MADE FOR RESCUE: The Triage 916's opposing bevel blunt-tip blade style, safety hook, and glass breaker make it ideal for rescue. It's al
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The Triage 916 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with either hand.
ALWAYS READY: The 916's quick, one-handed opening makes it easy to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 915 Triage 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.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley C134CF Review

by Dan Jackson 13 Comments

Last Updated: August 26, 2019
The Spyderco Gayle Bradley (C134CF) is one of those knives that was built for use and abuse, but is so nice I wasn’t sure if I could bring myself to really scuff it up. I guess the only reasonable answer is to buy two of these, one for carry and the other to keep pristine in the bowels of the collection.

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The knife was named after its designer, Texas custom knifemaker Gayle Bradley. Mr. Bradley has been making custom knives out of his shop in Weatherford, Texas for over 22 years. He also has the distinguishment of winning BladeSports International Cutting competition in 2008 (he had the most points for the 2008 season).

The Spyderco C134CF is Bradley’s first production knife collaboration. The knife is made from heavy duty M4 steel – the same steel Mr. Bradley uses in his competition cutting knives. With Mr/ Bradley’s credentials and the use of such a high end steel you know that this knife has the potential to go the distance.

General Dimensions and Blade Steel

The Gayle Bradley has an overall length of 8.078″, a 3.438″ blade, weighs 5.5 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. This is a large and thick folder with graceful lines and a rock solid feel. The knife is manufactured in Spyderco’s Taichung Taiwan factory. Sure, I’d love to see this knife made in Golden Colorado, but I can’t deny that some of Spyderco’s best knives, from a fit and finish perspective, are currently coming out of Spyderco’s Taiwanese factory.

The Gayle Bradley has extremely high build quality – it’s difficult to describe on paper but the moment you handle this knife it all comes together. The dimensions and feel of this knife make it slightly large and heavy for EDC, although it would certainly work in that role. This knife is a work horse and it’s intended use is heavy cutting tasks.

The blade is a modified drop point with a high hollow grind and a sloping swedge. The blade has been given a beautiful satin finish that gleams in the light. This blade is a thing of beauty from any angle. Blade thickness is right at 3mm. It is thick enough for tough tasks, but is still ground thin enough to be a capable slicer. This blade is almost all edge and the long curving belly provides tons of room for cutting.

The blade is made from Crucible CPM-M4 steel. M4 is a high quality tool steel and Crucible’s version uses their Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM) manufacturing process to enhance the toughness and ensure the M4 has a consistent grain. What this means is that the knife will really hold an edge and is capable of getting extremely sharp (sharp enough to win Mr. Bradley a couple world records in cutting competitions). This is not a stainless steel so you will need to take care to keep the blade dry and (preferably) oiled.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The knife has a flow through, pillar construction handle made of textured carbon fiber and full-length steel liners. The liners have been milled out in an attempt to reduce the weight, but this is still a substantial folder. The handle is bolted together (rather than pinned) which is great if you ever have the desire to take this knife apart (perhaps you want to try and mill it out yourself). If you are thinking of milling the liners out I want to wish you good luck because these are some of the thickest liners I have seen. This is a very heavy duty handle.

The carbon fiber Spyderco selected is the textured version used on the Spyderco Sage (review coming soon). This has a “weave” like texture that provides decent grip considering it’s carbon fiber, a traditionally smooth material. There is light jimping on the lock bar and on the thumb ramp, which combined with the finger choil and flowing handle make for a very comfortable and ergonomic grip. This all helps to make the knife a great work knife. For those that intend to use this knife heavily I think the handle design and ergonomics will be great for that.

The pocket clip is also quite interesting. It has a smokey gray black finish that almost looks anodized although the clip is definitely steel. It is a unique looking finish that I really like and is another detail that makes this a special knife. I also like how the clip can be mounted on all four corners of the knife. The knife rides low in the pocket and the blackened clip won’t attract much attention (unless you are around a bunch of knife knuts).

Deployment and Lock

The Gayle Bradley uses an extra large (1/2″ diameter) Spyder hole and phosphor bronze bushings for deployment. This knife is very easy to open and it is super smooth. The deployment feels just as good as the rest of the knife which is great news indeed. The ultra thick liner lock sits snugly on the blade. This knife is constructed very solidly and with that extra thick liner lock I think this knife is capable of taking some abuse. Really the lock-up and deployment are both very impressive; it’s hard to put it into words.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley Review – Final Thoughts

Mr. Bradley said that he was very pleased with the way the knife came out, and he gave it his full endorsement. I have to say, the knife has my endorsement too. The beautiful design, the high quality materials and the excellent construction make this a great knife in my book. It also is a great value. The knife has a $225 MSRP but I am seeing it retail for right around $130. At that price I think it is a steal. Of course, this knife isn’t for every one. The weight may be an issue, and it may be on the large size as well, but overall I think this is a great knife and I look forward to more Gayle Bradley collaborations.

Spyderco Gayle Bradley Folder Carbon Fiber PlainEdge Knife

Made using the highest quality materials
Tested for quality and durability
The most trusted name in you cutlery needs
Carbon fiber handle. Screw-together construction.
4-way hourglass steel clip. Full-length internal liners.

I recommend purchasing the Gayle Bradley at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Zero Tolerance 0550 and 0551 Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: August 3, 2019
Today I am taking a look at the Zero Tolerance 0550, a special collaboration between ZT and Rick Hinderer of Hinderer Knives. Rick has been making knives and self defense weapons for over 20 years. He started out specializing in Damascus and art knives, but over the past decade has made a transition into heavy use knives. These knives are extremely popular with military and law enforcement due to their uncompromising quality and extreme hard use durability. Naturally, knife collectors, enthusiasts and general consumers also became very interested in these knives and they have become a benchmark for quality among the knife community.

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Mr. Hinderer is also known for his various knife innovations, the most famous being his “Lockbar Stabilizer,” which is used on his titanium frame-lock knives to prevent over-extension of the frame-lock when you are disengaging the lock. Over the years Mr. Hinderer has been involved in several other collaborations with Gerber and Benchmade, designing various production knives.

The Rick Hinderer and Zero Tolerance Collaboration

What excites me about his latest collaboration with Zero Tolerance, is that ZT is really taking Hinderer’s hard use philosophies to heart by combining premium materials with USA craftsmanship to build the 0550 series of knives. The end result appears to be a knife with a lot of the qualities people lust over in Hinderer’s very rare and expensive custom and semi-custom knives at a price that many collectors can afford.

The 0550 series currently contains 2 knives. The 0550 is the regular production version of the knife and the 0551 (shown here) is a special edition limited to only 1000 pieces. The 0551 differs from the 0550 in that it uses a different type of steel and has a special pattern on the G10 handle scale. Rumor has it that ZT may make more of the 0551.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The ZT 0551 has a blade length of 3.5″, a closed length of 4.5″, a blade thickness of 0.156″ and a weight of 5.8 ounces. I know for some that the words “5.8 ounces” will be a deal breaker, and I can understand that if weight is a concern, but that doesn’t stop this from being an excellent knife if you enjoy heavier blades. As for purpose here, the ZT 0550 is a hard use tool all the way. Every aspect of this knife has been overbuilt and the Hinderer pedigree shines here at every angle.

The on blade the 0550 is a modified drop point made from thick stock and features a high flat grind. If you run your fingers behind the edge you can feel how thick this knife is. The blade steel actually thickens out as you reach the tip – it’s pretty crazy. I never recommend prying with a knife, but if you had to use a knife for prying, I think the 0550 would hold up better than the average knife. The caveat to this kind of design is that the knife is not the best slicer. That’s the trade off.

The 0550 features CPM S35VN. S35VN was designed to be a successor to the wildly popular S30V blade steel. The knife community has met S35VN with some skepticism so I took it upon myself to really cut with this knife, and I sharpened the blade a couple times. I feel like S35VN is really good stuff. It sharpened easily, held a nice edge and I had no issues with rust or corrosion. I also feel like the steel exhibited good toughness, as the blade never chipped out or warped in my use. Of course, this is just one knife (with a very thick blade) and I am only one guy. It’s going to take a lot more experience to fully appreciate S35VN. If my opinion ever changes, I’ll be sure to update the review. For the time being I’ll continue to use and enjoy my 0550.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The 0550 has a handle made of G10, stainless steel, and titanium. The non-locking side has a thick piece of G10 over a painstakingly milled out stainless steel liner. The locking side is made of a solid slab of 6AL4V titanium and features a Hinderer lockbar stabilizer to prevent over-extension of the lock. The knife has a flow-through design with thick pillars securing the two handle pieces together. Hinderer also makes aftermarket G10 scales for both the 0551 and 0550 in pretty much any color you want. This is a really cool way to add some style and make this knife your own.

The 0550 has solid ergonomics and the knife works in a variety of grips. Starting things off, we have a nice finger choil and a thumb ramp with coarse, but very purposeful jimping. This gives you great control over the blade and really fits my fingers well. The handle itself is thick and it fills the hand nicely. It’s a boxy handle, but the corners have been slightly rounded for comfort. I find the 0550 to feel very nice in both forward and reverse grips and I’m pleased with the amount of traction this design offers.

The pocket clip is a piece of steel with the Zero Tolerance logo lightly milled onto it. Like many other Zero Tolerance knives, this is the same clip found on the Kershaw Skyline. For some that might be a turn off, but I’m pleased with the great retention and deep carry of this design. I also am a huge fan of how ZT drilled and tapped this handle for 4 corners carry.

Deployment and Lockup

The 0550 features chunky ambidextrous thumb studs. There is plenty of room to get your thumb behind it and give the knife a nice flick. ZT selected thick phosphor bronze washers, and the knife is extremely smooth. This is a heavy blade, and it takes a little effort to get it moving with any speed, but I’ve found deployment on the 0550 to be incredibly smooth and reliable.

The 0550 features an ultra thick titanium frame lock. This is one of the thickest pieces of titanium I have ever seen used for a lock. The lock engaged early and provides a solid lockup. I am extremely impressed not only by the thickness of the lock, but by how well the lock has been designed. I typically don’t flick open framelock knives, but the 0550 seems to like it. Having flicked the knife open knife hundreds of times the lock still engages as early as it ever did. To me this is a great achievement and is a testament to how well this knife has been made.

The Hinderer lockbar stabilizer ensures that you will not over-extend the lock bar as you disengage it. This will prolong the life of your lock and is a really nice feature to see. In my video I said that the stabilizer was the cherry on top of this delicious ice cream sundae of a knife. I don’t typically have a sweet tooth, but I still stand by that statement.

Zero Tolerance 0550 Review – Final Thoughts

The ZT 0550 is an absolute home run of a knife. I love pretty much everything about this knife. The materials are great, the level of fit and finish is phenomenal, it features an awesome Rick Hinderer design, outstanding options for carry, excellent ergonomics and the best frame lock I have ever seen in a production blade. Given everything you get, it’s difficult to believe that the 0550 retails for only $200.

For some the only reasonable criticism here is the weight (and perhaps that the blade is so thick it doesn’t slice particularly well). But fans of big knives, fans of hard use knives, and fans of big hard use knives made in America will absolutely love this offering from Zero Tolerance. I am walking away extremely impressed by this knife and can easily recommend it if big tactical folders are your thing.

Zero Tolerance has truly raised the bar with this one providing a great knife and outstanding value to the consumer.

Zero Tolerance 0550 – $199.95
Retail Price: $250.00
You Save: $50.05
from: BladeHQ

I recommend purchasing the ZT0550 from BladeHQ or Amazon.com.

Cold Steel AK-47 Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

Last Updated: February 22, 2018
The AK-47 rifle was designed by Russian Gunsmith Mikhail Kalashnikov in 1946. These guns were designed to be simple and rugged, and for these reasons the AK-47 design has enjoyed much popularity for over 60 years. The Cold Steel AK-47 was designed with similar intentions. The original Cold Steel AKs were solid knives, but they received some severe criticism about their weight and durability.

Buy the Cold Steel AK-47 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

A second generation of the knife has appeared on the scene and both AKs has received a complete overhaul with a new beefier Triad lock, a slimmed down handle and a solid aluminum glass breaker / striker to replace the old pommel made of Grivory, a type of engineered plastic from Switzerland, that was the subject of many complaints. It seems that Cold Steel has given us an entirely new knife so I am interested to see how the second generation of measures up with a Cold Steel AK-47 review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The full size Cold Steel AK-47 has an overall length of 9″, features a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 5.5 ounces. This is a large folder, suitable for work as a tough EDC knife and perhaps suitable in more tactical / self defense roles.

The AK-47 has a large clip point blade. What I find especially attractive about this knife is that it is pretty much all belly. From the choil to the tip, the blade arcs out providing tons of practical space to get work done. Speaking of tips, the tip is reinforced with a swedge, and allows for excellent penetration while still being fairly durable. Furthermore, the inclusion of a high hollow grind makes for a great slicer. This is a well thought out and functional blade design, that works well in a wide variety of situations.

Originally, this knife was offered in AUS-8 steel with a teflon blade coating. That’s the version shown in the pictures. In 2016 Cold Steel upgraded their entire line, and now their premium blades all come in CTS-XHP. The previously teflon coated blades now come with a black DLC coating. While this increased the price of the knives, the upgrades are well worth it. CTS-XHP is a superior steel, and DLC coatings are the best in the business. That, combined with this knife’s excellent deep hollow grind, make it a capable slicer.

Handle, Ergonomics and Pocket Clip

The handle on the AK-47 is completely linerless, and features thick slabs of G10 that bolt into an aluminum backspacer. Some people (myself included) would immediately question the strength and durability of a linerless folding knife handle. I can assure you that the handle design is extremely solid. These knives were made to take a ton of abuse, and I can’t make the G10 budge a millimeter, even when pushing on the handle with all my strength. Everything is very well finished, with all the corners rounded off and the parts lining up perfectly.

The AK-47 feels great in hand. The knife was designed to provide an extremely secure grip, and to maximize reach. Unlike say, the American Lawman, you are not going to be able to easily choke up on this handle, but if you need to use the knife for a lot of slashing, it’s going to be almost impossible to take it out of your hand. The G10 is exceptionally grippy, but I will say that the thumb ramp is pretty smooth. The design couple probably benefit from some better jimping. However, because of the way the handle is shaped, I really don’t see the absence of jimping as a huge deal. It is going to be nearly impossible to slide forward on this knife.

The it is also worth mentioning that the AK-47 features an exaggerated pommel. This time the pommel is made of 6061 aluminum and is a big step up from the old plastic version. Not only is it light and strong, but it serves as a solid anchor point for the handle screws. This is what allows the knife to be linerless and so lightweight. Naturally, this pommel could be used as a glass breaker, a hammer, or some sort of non-lethal defensive option.

Rounding out our handle is the pocket clip. Cold Steel actually gives you two pocket clips; one for either side. The position of clip doesn’t allow for deep carry, and is instead optimized for easy of deployment. Also, this knife only allows for tip up carry. I have found retention to be very good with these clips, with the only downside being that the strong clip and rough G10 can tear up your pockets a little. Despite these perceived negatives I have found this to be a very sturdy and reliable clip. The AK actually carries really well for its size and the strong clip keeps the knife in place.

Deployment and Lock

To open the knife, the AK-47 utilizes a thumb plate and phosphor bronze washers. The thumb plate allows for ambidextrous opening of the knife. It is possible to flick this knife open, but it takes some skill and wrist action, because the backspring for the lock requires a good amount of force to overcome. If you really want to open this knife fast your best bet is to use the thumb ramp as a wave feature. By far this is the easiest way to quickly and consistently open the knife.

Now arguably the biggest change between this AK-47 and the old version is the brand new Triad lock. The Triad lock is a type of modified lock back designed by Andrew Demko. It includes beefier hardware and a stop pin, so force gets placed on the pin instead of the locking mechanism. In practice the lock on this knife is extremely strong and is capable of withstanding repeated spine whacks, batoning, and other common torture tests. The only issue with the Triad lock is that sometimes the spring can be too strong to use the knife comfortably. I will say that once you get the hang of it, disengaging the Triad lock isn’t bad (it also gets easier as the knife breaks in).

AK-47 vs. the Recon1 or the American Lawman?

Chances are, if you are interested in the AK-47, you may also be interested in the Cold Steel Recon 1 or the American Lawman. If that is the case, I recorded a video where I do a detailed comparison of these 3 models that you may find useful.

If you still have any questions or are interested in another comparison feel free to leave a comment or contact me.

Cold Steel AK-47 Review – Final Thoughts

I was very by these new versions of the Cold Steel AK-47. It’s great to see how CS listened to feedback and responded with a highly improved knife. In fact, since I originally published this review in 2011, Cold Steel continued the upgrade path and bumped up the blade steel from AUS-8 to CTS-XHP. A solid knife has kept getting better and better.

The relatively lightweight design, the improved handle and lock, the better pomel and pocket clip – it’s all been fixed up, and still at a good price. In the past, people would gripe about the the cheap AUS-8 steel, but now that the steel has been upgraded there is little to complain about. Some wont care for the aggressive styling of the AK-47 design, and for those folks I might recommend the American Lawman or the Recon 1.

Cold Steel AK47 Folding Knife, Black 58TLCAK

Blade thickness: 3.5 mm
Blade length: 3 1/2 inch
Steel: carpenter CTS xhp alloy with DLC coating

I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel AK-47 at Amazon and 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.