Knives By Purpose

Protech Runt J4 Review

Last Updated: March 7, 2021
Over the last few years, pro-knife legislation in many states has contributed to a renewed interest in automatic knives. In part, these laws recognize the futility of banning automatic knives (also known as switchblades) when modern folders can be deployed just as quickly. The advent of the frame lock flipper begs the question: when manual knives can be reliably deployed at the same speed, but don’t require as many moving parts, is there still a justification for automatic knives? I argue that there is, but we’ll get to that later on.

Buy the Protech Runt at BladeHQ

Although several states have passed laws which legalize carrying automatic knives, others have not. My home state of California still bans the carry (but not ownership) of switchblades. However, the California penal code does not define automatic knives with blades less than two inches as switchblades, which has created a market for tiny automatics.

Apart from smoke shop specials, few manufacturers cater to this niche market. Benchmade and Microtech each have an offering, but I wasn’t impressed by either during my (admittedly brief) handling period. While I can’t speak for everyone’s taste, I can say that I’m glad I chose the Protech Runt J4. Pro-Tech has a robust selection of CA-legal autos. They are based in California, after all. They also have earned a reputation online for quality manufacturing practices.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Protech Runt J4 has a 1.94 inch blade, a closed length of 3.33 inches, an overall length of 5.27 inches, weighs just 2.1 ounces, and is made in the USA. I chose the spear point blade, although there is the option of a tanto, if you’re so inclined.

On this model, Protech uses 154CM blade steel, which is fairly typical choice along the Pacific coast. I’ve heard that 154CM was originally developed for the aerospace industry, and if so, some of its popularity in California would be partially explained. If anyone has more information, please leave it in the comments. 154CM is an excellent working steel: passably tough, stainless, with good edge retention and easy sharpening. Some may criticize it for its edge retention when compared to the new generation of super steels, but it has held its own (both on this knife and others) in my experience.

The blade is thinly ground, but the tip geometry is not as delicate as it appears. It is at least as tough as that of the Spyderco Dragonfly II. So long as you don’t drop it onto concrete, the blade should hold up fine. Between the thin stock and the high flat grind, the Runt is one of the best cutters I have owned. However the short blade makes certain tasks (among them slicing fruit – you only bite into an earwig in your apple once) slightly onerous, and some of the slicing potential is wasted on the short blade.

To date, rust has not been an issue, but others have had poor experiences with 154CM. The credit in this case should (in my opinion) go to the lustrous satin finish Protech put on the blade. Although the photographs don’t showcase it very well, this is one of the nicest finishes I’ve seen, and the satin finish on the main bevel is complemented by a high polish stonewash on the flats.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

When this knife arrived, I assumed that the “fidget factor” of the knife would lie in deployment – that is, after all, the allure of an automatic knife. I was surprised to find that it was just as pleasant to the touch as my traditional knives. While it lacks the organic feel that micarta does, the aluminum (which has been hard anodized to the HAIII rating) is smooth and lustrous, akin to obsidian. The finish has held up well to riding next to a pen and a light, although it is fading at certain contact points. Rubbing against knurled titanium will have that effect, and I’m honestly surprised at how resilient the finish is. I’m certain that more of the coating will chip or wear away over time, but that isn’t the biggest concern for me. Much like the patina on a traditional knife or the fading on good jeans, this wear is a sign of use and adds a level of character that it would not have were it pristine.

In the hand, the knife is comfortable, but I would not suggest it for hard use, or cutting for long periods of time. While there is technically enough room on the handle for four fingers, this is meant to be a three finger knife. To Protech’s credit it is a well-executed grip, and despite the lack of jimping I’ve never worried about my fingers sliding onto the blade (or dropping it, for that matter). A lanyard hole would be a great addition and allow the knife to have a pseudo four finger grip. The edges have all been nicely chamfered, which gives the knife some of that “warm” feeling I often see attributed to custom knives, and is a contributing factor in stopping me from obsessively firing the Runt repeatedly as some do with flippers.

The one issue that I truly have with this knife is how it carries, and before you ask, it’s not because it is tip down only. Would I like to have the option? Yes, and I see no reason why Protech didn’t tap the other end of the handle to accommodate it. As I carry this knife next to a small flashlight, I don’t mind tip up, as it plays nicer with other stuff clipped to my pocket. I do not like the clip, however. The tension is unnecessarily stiff and the lip is too low to reasonably slide onto thicker cloth. And if you notice farther down, two of the clip screws (the ones on the outside were borrowed from another knife) needed to be replaced, as the originals stripped almost immediately.

Deployment and Lockup

Of course, the deployment is the main reason many folks consider an automatic knife. Whether they want to feel like Batman, need a knife that reliably deploys on command, or simply admire the mechanical ingenuity, let’s be honest: the thwack you get after pushing the button is addicting. The high polish on the button (which is both the deployment method and lock release) invites this sort of behavior, despite the nasty and/or frightened looks you may receive. After reading Anthony Sculimbrene’s review of the Protech Sprint (a newer, smaller model) wherein he noted that the small handle made it difficult to keep your grip on the knife when it deployed, I decided to go for the Runt instead, and I’m glad I did. The Runt fires louder and with more force than any automatic knife I’ve handled, which happens to be quite a few after a trip to a wonderfully seedy Las Vegas knife store. For some, this will be a real detriment. Not only does it draw attention to the knife, but you may lose your grip if you aren’t expecting it. After owning this knife for seven months or so, I’ve dropped it once for just that reason. In the Runt’s defense, I was absentmindedly firing it while doing some research, so that may be due to human error.

This was my first button lock, and I have no complaints. I can easily open and close the knife and the lock has zero blade play in any direction. Although there is no secondary lock or safety feature to prevent the knife from opening accidentally, I don’t think one is necessary here. Despite my initial concerns that the placement of the firing button/lock interface would lead to inadvertently releasing the lock (see the earlier grip shot), it was never an issue in realistic use. The plunger is deep enough that barring truly extraordinary circumstances, your index finger won’t come close to compromising the lock. The Runt has never fired in the pocket, and I was not able to induce the knife to open in such conditions.

I did have to apply Loctite to the pivot screw on mine, but when I did, I realized the screw was as thick as those on some of the “hard use” knives I’ve handled. Some folks might balk at the relatively complex internals of a button lock, but as the guys at the Knife Thursday podcast went over, having a lot of parts isn’t necessarily a bad thing. For example, on a framelock (or God help you, an integral) if the lock is somehow compromised and needs to be replaced, then the entire lock side of the knife needs to be replaced as well. On a button lock or an axis lock, parts will fail, but typically can be fixed without too much hassle, as the offending component is just one part of the mechanism.

Protech Runt J4 Review – Final Thoughts

Ultimately, if you are legally able to carry an automatic knife and are interested in doing so, I would recommend you first look at Protech. If my experience with the Runt and the hype on internet forums is representative of their capabilities, you won’t be disappointed. It’s not just good in the niche role of California legal automatics, it’s a great knife for everyday carry. This knife is impeccably finished, significantly nicer than its competition, and costs far less to boot. Keep in mind, the Runt is not without its problems. It can be a pain to carry it using the pocket clip. The deployment can require some getting used to, and its less people friendly than its size would indicate. However, if you’re looking for a classy knife that is equally at home on the job site and in a suit, this is an option worth exploring.

Protech Runt – From $105.00
From: BladeHQ

I recommend purchasing the Protech Runt at BladeHQ or possibly Amazon (as available). Thanks for reading.

Fallkniven U2 Review

by Dan Jackson 6 Comments

They say less is more. That is, until, less becomes less. That is the question with the [U2, an ultra minimalist blade from Fallkniven. The U2 is about as simple of a knife as you could ask for. A slim, refined folding lockback with plain black handles, a gleaming laminated blade, and just enough hardware to hold it all together.

Buy the Fallkniven U2 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

I’m no stranger to Fallkniven’s minimalist approach. I have found it works wonderfully in the context of a fixed blade and I have enjoyed their A1 and F1 tremendously. So the time has finally come to examine this little U2, which is arguably the brand’s most popular folding knife, and is marketed as the first folding knife with a Super Gold Powder Steel (SGPS) blade.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The U2 has an overall length of 5.9″, a 2.52″ blade, weighs 1.5 ounces, and is made in Japan. This knife is made for Fallkniven by Moki. There really is not much to this knife. Oddly enough, when the U2 first arrived I was most surprised with how small the box was. It was not much more than a matchbox. Needless to say, but the U2 is extremely lightweight and eminently pocketable.

The blade of the U2 is a simple drop point with full flat grind. There is no swedge or distinguishing feature, save for the ambidextrous nail nicks, laser etched Fallkniven logo, and demarcation between the steels of this laminated blade. This is about as simple as it gets. The tip is capable enough for household chores and there is a slight belly to the blade.

Fallkniven selected a laminated blade with VG10 cladding, and a Super Gold Powder Steel (SGPS) core. I discussed this steel a little in my review of the F1, but this is my first experience with it. On paper SGPS is a very interesting steel. It is heat treated to 62 HRc, and is sold at a serious premium on the F1 series.

In practice my initial reaction to the cutting ability of the U2 was underwhelming. This is a thin and sharp blade out of the box. I expected laser like performance on cardboard, but my knife was hanging up on something when I tried to cut with it. Don’t get me wrong, it cut, but it wasn’t the silky smooth performance I was expecting from a knife like this. In performing a little research for the review I realized that I was not alone, and the knife benefited greatly from a re-profiling.

I’m no expert at re-profiling, but I first attempted to “relieve the edge” a little with the 30 degree feature of my Sharpmaker. That didn’t give me the result I was after, and I ended up running it on the diamond stones of DMT Aligner. Now the U2 responds a lot better to cardboard, paper, and other fine slicing tasks. The blade stock is very thin, and so is the grind, but for whatever reason I needed to spend some time tweaking the edge before I could realize the knife’s full potential.

I found edge retention to be merely “OK”. I’d say it was a step up over VG10 and AUS8, but not leaps and bounds ahead. When it came time to touch up the edge on the rods of my Sharpmaker, it came back without a ton of work. I would place this steel above VG10, but I would not put it on the same level as ZDP-189 (at least in terms of edge retention). I had zero issues with corrosion resistance.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handle of the U2 is injection molded Zytel, a high density plastic resin. It is lightweight, strong, and functional. However, fans of more substantial knives (including those that dislike the “plasticy” feel of the handles on the Griptilian) will likely not be a fan of the U2’s handle. Personally, I don’t mind the plastic feel of the handles. I have owned a number of zytel handled knives in the past, and have never had a problem.

However, this is one aspect of the knife that is tough for me to describe, and I don’t think pictures do a great job conveying the feel of the handle either. I will say the handle is nicely finished. The edges (save the inside edges) are nicely chamfered. There is as generous lanyard hole, and the pivot screw and single rivet give the knife a clean appearance.

The handle of the U2 is just big enough for me to get a full 4 finger grip on. Any smaller and this would become a 3-finger knife. I take an XL glove, so this handle should work for most people. There is no jimping to speak of on this knife. Not a bad thing if you ask me. The inside edges of the handle are a little sharp, but I otherwise found the U2 to be comfortable. The handle itself has a light texture to it. This isn’t a high traction handle, but it’s fine for normal tasks.

The U2 doesn’t have a pocket clip. The nice thing about the plastic handle, is that I have absolutely no reservations in dropping this knife into my pocket with my keys, loose change, etc. It wears well and I have zero concerns of marring the finish. At 1.5 ounces it is like carrying an Alox Cadet. You don’t notice the knife until you need it.

Deployment and Lockup

The U2 is equipped with dual nail nicks. These are generous nicks and they make it easy to open the knife. It is possible to open the knife one handed with a little finger gymnastics, but this was designed to be a 2 hand opener. At any rate, I have no issue with the nail nicks, but I did have an issue with the gritty and noisy pivot. I thought that was strange. I couldn’t see if there were washers inside the handle, so I ended up disassembling the knife and found that there were no washers. It’s metal on plastic.

I don’t need each knife in my drawer to be “Sebenza Smooth” but even my $20 Swiss army knife is smoother than the U2. For me that is a bummer and is one of my least favorite aspects of the knife. Bronze or even teflon washers would be welcome here like WD-40 on the hinge of a squeaky door.

For lockup we have a tried and true lockback mechanism here. The lock on the U2 is sturdy, although this isn’t a knife that I am going to start prying with. The blade snaps crisply in place, is free of play, and disengages with a press of the thumb. The lockback is perfectly fine for this kind of knife. I will say that the tang of the blade and the backspring of the lock do not have a particularly good transition. There is a noticeable “jump” between the 2 pieces of metal. Not a big deal for a user knife, but this is something I usually notice on a slip joint or lockback folder.

My blade is just a touch off center. Nothing rubs.

Fallkniven U2 Review – Final Thoughts

Frankly I am a little torn with the U2. Having had good results with Fallkniven’s fixed blade knives I was excited about finally acquiring the U2. It has generally received good feedback from Amazon and several other reviewers I respect, and I have been enjoying traditional knives and gentleman’s folders. So I thought I would really take to this one.

While I appreciate the practicality of it, I was disappointed by some aspects of the finish work of the knife. The edge required a good amount of tweaking to cut the way I wanted it to, I wasn’t blown away by the Super Gold Powder Steel, and the pivot and action of the knife is gritty thanks to the washer-less design.

On the plus side, it’s lightweight, pocketable, and cuts well once you get it profiled correctly. I think that it can be good as an urban carry or back up piece. So it really depends on what you care about. If you trend towards being anal retentive, then there are quirks with the U2 that may make it a deal breaker. If you are looking for an ultra-light, no-frills, EDC knife without a pocket clip, then it could be the perfect tool.

For my money, I would recommend either the Spyderco Dragonfly, Pingo or the Victorinox Cadet before the U2. I honestly like them more than this knife, and they are all significantly less expensive.

3D Peep Sight Fallkniven U2 Gemini Folding Knife

Closed length: 3.85 inches
Blade length: 2.52 inches
Blade material: lam.Sgps
Blade edge: plain
Point: drop point

With that said, if you are in the market to buy a U2, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Southard Knives Tolk Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Midtechs. If there was a single thread that bound Blade Show 2015 together for me, that thread would be midtechs. Specifically, midtechs offered directly from custom knife makers.

Midtechs are nothing new, and have been in the knife enthusiast’s vernacular for several years now, although it is admittedly a fuzzy term to define. But at the 2015 show it seemed like any custom maker worth his salt had a mid tech offering of some sort, and whenever I gathered with fellow show-goers it seemed like everyone had acquired at least one midtech at the show.

I don’t think this is a bad thing. I think this is an attempt to resolve an interesting problem in the market. Custom “tactical folding knives” are as hot as they ever were, and still show no sign of slacking off. While the concept of production company collaborations with custom knifemakers is nothing new, it seems like the bulk of the profits go to the manufacturer, and depending on the collaboration the knifemaker’s design is limited by the budget for the production knife. In some cases the result can be spectacular, but the flip side is that the product might be a watered down design with sloppy fit and finish, and inferior materials.

The advantages of producing a direct to consumer midtech is that the knife is more accessible than a full custom, allows the knifemaker to exercise greater control over materials and production quality, and builds in a bigger margin for the maker by virtue of the offering being higher end and the lack of middlemen. In a typical collaboration model with a big brand the production company takes a cut, the manufacturer takes a cut, a wholesaler takes a cut, then a retailer takes a cut. There isn’t much meat on the bone left for the designer.

But now it is possible for a custom knifemaker to essentially private label high end production knives, and offer them directly to the consumer. 10 years ago the technology wasn’t there to make this a viable business model. Today, the midtech model clearly has legs, and you don’t need a crystal ball to predict we will only see more of these hit the market – especially as custom makers take their designs overseas and offer there wares at lower and lower price points.

I was not immune to the powerful draw of the midtech phenomena, and ended up walking off the show floor with this Southard Knives Tolk midtech. Let me start by saying that Brad is a hell of a guy, and was a pleasure to meet and deal with. His custom offerings are among the most popular at the show, and between that and his tremendously successful collaboration with Spyderco might make a lesser man aloof. Not the case with Brad. He was warm, approachable, and it was clear he was proud of this midtech offering. I am happy to offer up this review today.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Southard Tolk has an overall length of 8.75″, a 3.87″ blade, weighs 4.7 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is the second midtech offering from Brad, the first being the Avo. He is dubbing his midtech line the Performance Series. The Tolk is a big knife with it’s near 4″ blade. Definitely a bit outside of what I usually gravitate towards, but given the length of the knife I will say it is lightweight and manageable. This could be an every day carry (EDC) piece for some folks. For me it’s a collectible.

The hump backed blade of the Tolk is reminiscent of the Spyderco Southard Flipper, and has been given a high flat grind and a bright satin finish. Brad also offers the Tolk with stonewashed flats if you care for a little more contrast. Blade thickness is about 3.5mm, which is generous for a thin profiled folder. There is a decent amount of steel traveling out to the tip, and the blade is thinly ground. There isn’t much belly and I find that the Tolk is well suited to slicing.

Southard went with CTS-XHP stainless steel for the blade. This is a proven steel in my book and I am happy to see it on this premium offering. I must confess that my Tolk has not seen a ton of pocket time (or cutting time). It has held up well under the light use I have put it through.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Tolk has a full bead blasted titanium handle. Subtle grooves have been milled into the face of the handle while deep lightening pockets have been milled on the inside. The hardware on this piece is especially interesting, with the show side featuring a decorative pivot and decorative hardware. The non-show side has a high domed pivot and oversize body fasteners. Rounding things out are blue anodized titanium standoffs. They compliment the lockbar stabilizer and thumb studs nicely. Fit and finish is everything I would expect from a high end custom knifemaker like Brad. The knife is highly refined.

I like the way the Tolk feels in hand. This is a generous knife and my fingers had no problem spreading out over the curves on the handle. Like a Cadillac sedan, there is room to spare, and the chamferred edges sink into your palm like a velour seat. The spine jimping stands in sharp contrast – literally – to the rest of the handle. It is aggressive and toothy. It is not as bad as the jimping on the SnG, but under sustained use it will irritate the skin. The jimping on the butt of the blade is even more aggressive, but since I rarely if ever use my knives in reverse grip I view it as decoration more than anything.

The pocket clip is relatively pedestrian compared to the rest of the knife. It is a simple bent titanium clip, and it integrates nicely with the handle. It is drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry only, and there is a recess milled into the handle like an XM-18 or Large Sebenza. The clip of the Tolk has good retention and is set up for relatively deep carry. It carries well in the pocket and is thin and manageable given its length.

Deployment and Lockup

The Tolk is equipped with both a flipper and ambidextrous thumb studs. The thumb studs are set close to the handle and I am unable to use them to flick the knife open. It is a good option for slowly rolling the blade open, but most people will be gravitating towards the flipper. And the flipper is definitely a good choice. The ceramic ball detent is dialed in and the blade pops open with a satisfying snap. The pivot is on bearings and the action is smooth.

For lockup, we have a titanum framelock. Like the Odino, the last framelock knife I reviewed, the Tolk bucks the trend of stainless steel lockbar inserts. I don’t have a problem with this provided that the titanium framelock works well, and I am pleased to report that is the case here. Lockup is early and solid. There is no blade play or lock stick to speak of. This is a titanium framelock done right. Rounding things out is a blue anodized titanium lockbar stabilizer. Blade centering is perfect.

Southard Tolk – Final Thoughts

The Tolk is basically everything I would expect from a high end midtech offering: top flight materials, exceptional fit and finish, and hand tuned details. The Tolk has all these qualities in spades. The packing is also worth noting. The knife comes in a foam lined embossed box and includes a certificate of authenticity signed by the man himself. This has been a fun knife to own and it is obvious that a lot of thought and care went into every detail of the experience.

Some scoff at the notion that this is “as close as you can come to buying a custom offering.” I think that subject should be explored on a case by case basis. The Tolk is obviously not a custom knife, but I think that in this case Brad has put a lot of time and thought into these. He and has apparently even created some of the parts (like the pivots). He was selling them personally, including each with a signed card of authenticity, and he was proud to do it. While this obviously isn’t a custom offering, in this case I believe it is a couple steps closer than a collaboration with a production knife company.

When I turn back to the practicality of the Tolk, the knife is a bit large and expensive to be a true daily carry for me, but I had a fun time meeting Brad at the show and walking away with something he had a hand in. Perhaps one day I will trade it in for something a little smaller, maybe even put the money towards a custom piece. Until then, this will be the closest I have come to owning a Brad Southard custom knife.

The Tolk is currently unavailable. If it were available I’d recommend purchasing it at BladeHQ or Amazon. I’d follow along on Brad’s website and perhaps he will release more models there. 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.

Great Eastern Cutlery #73 “Cody Scout” Review

by Grayson Parker 8 Comments

Last Update: August 11, 2019
Just a few years ago, it seemed that fans of traditional pocket knives and modern “tactical” folders didn’t intersect. Enthusiasts of modern designs (myself included) were often leery of the carbon steel, clipless carry, and two-handed opening. Before the days of Instagram, the most popular way for people to show off their everyday carry was via forum posts; and while it wasn’t uncommon to see something akin to a Case Peanut pictured alongside a Paramilitary 2, traditional knives were largely relegated to a back-up role. It didn’t help that more than a few of the companies producing traditional knives were bought out and had their labor outsourced to China, which meant that (at the time) quality of materials and manufacture plummeted.

Buy the the GEC Cody Scout at KnivesShipFree

However, over the last few years, companies like Great Eastern Cutlery and Queen have been taking up a larger share of the market for pocket knives. One of the first patterns produced by Great Eastern was the #73, which is based on the two-bladed trapper pattern, one of the classic American traditional knives. I went with a single blade pattern in green micarta. The blade pattern sacrifices some traditional flare in favor of greater utility, while the scales avoid some of the wear problems associated with the natural materials more often used with this type of knife.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The “Cody Scout” has a single clip point blade, measuring at 3 1/8 inches of 1095 high carbon steel, with a closed length of 3 ¾ inches, an open length of 6 15/16 inches, and weighs in at 2.25 ounces. Oftentimes, clip points come with an exaggerated top swedge, but fortunately Great Eastern chose a sleek, useful blade profile. The already thin stock is taken down to a very fine edge, though yours may need some reprofiling. Evidently Tom Krein is offering regrinds of several GEC knives. Personally, the stock is thin enough that I can’t see the value in having the blade reprofiled, but if anyone can do it right it’s Tom Krein.

Once I had the edge established on mine, it performed with aplomb at slicing tasks, though the 1095 needs regular touch ups. I’ve had better luck with my Sharpmaker than I have with my strop but your mileage may vary. 1095 is frequently seen on traditional folders, and all knives produced by Great Eastern under the Tidioute Cutlery brand make use of it. This steel tends to deform rather than chip out, so those of you who are tired of dealing with S30V’s chipping problems may be intrigued.

As for rust resistance, the steel on my #73 has performed admirably. If needed, I wipe down the blade after use. A dark patina has developed, which helps prevent the iron-like taste high carbon steels can leave during food preparation, and also protects the knife from the more serious red rust. It may sound odd, but I’ve had more problems with rust on 440c and Aus8a blades (both of which are technically stainless). This iteration of the #73 lacks most of the branding typically seen on knives produced by Great Eastern Cutlery. Apart from a tang stamp on each side of the blade, there are no markings, even on the shield inlay.

Handle, Ergonomics and Carry

Many traditional knives feature natural materials such as bone, stag, or wood as the covers (for you modern knife guys, scales). These materials are beautiful, warm to the touch, and offer an additional element of refinement over the usual selection of G10 and carbon fiber. However, as natural materials, they are more subject to warping and deformation, which may or may not be a concern to you. I live in what is essentially a desert, complete with triple digits, extreme aridity, and the occasional dust storm (a la The Mummy), and felt more comfortable with micarta. It is a material I never tire of, as it has an organic appearance (similar to bone or wood) but with most of the rigidity and resilience of synthetic materials.

Here, the green linen micarta has been sanded down to a smooth polish. The chamfering on the handles combined with the simple trapper frame makes the knife a pleasure in the hand. I’ve never had hot spots develop in use, and the blade is finished so well that it makes a fantastic worry stone (though I can’t advise that in public). Apart from a hairline gap between the back spring and the brass liner (which is only detectable by holding it up to the light), the quality of manufacturing is immaculate. The #73 is a popular pattern in the GEC line-up, so you will likely be able to select the cover material that suits you best.

I purchased a leather slip case along with the #73. Prior experience with traditionals and large Swiss Army Knives has shown me that clipless knives (barring exceptionally odd dimensions) tend to roll around in the pocket in the course of a day, and quickly become a hassle. The leather pouch is made by KnivesShipFree and distributes the weight of the knife in pocket. While it does add a step to accessing the blade, it makes a knife that I would normally consider unpocketable quite pleasant. Besides, if you are interested in quick access, a traditional is likely not the correct call to begin with. The quality of the slip case is excellent, but one of the nylon stitches (melted together) came loose. Quick application of Fabri-Tac solved the issue, though it’s something to be aware of. I opted for the weatherproof finish for this pouch, but that costs extra.

Walk and Talk

The pull on the Cody Scout is smooth, snappy, and very stout. Many reported that the #73 (not the Cody Scout in particular) was a “nail-breaker,” though mine isn’t nearly as tough. It’s worth noting that many of my friends have a hard time opening this knife. If you are acclimated to slip joints, you should be fine, but keep in mind this knife has a reputation for being a bear to open. I prefer to get the pull started with my thumbnail and pinch the blade from that point, as I find the extra purchase helps me open the knife in a more secure fashion. The half-stop doesn’t jerk the blade away from your fingers, which is a concern for some. I prefer slip joints with a strong pull, but that doesn’t mean this knife is safer because of it. As always, use knife sense and exercise caution.

GEC #73 Cody Scout – Final Thoughts

Traditional folders also exist in a space that many knife companies are leaving behind. As framelock flippers have taken over the market, we’ve seen a massive spike of options in the $200 plus range, while the options at less than $100 have stagnated. The average knife from Great Eastern Cutlery will cost you between $70 and $100, which undercuts many of the new offerings from Spyderco, Benchmade, and Zero Tolerance. Although the materials are not bleeding edge, they are from an era when knives were used much more frequently.

One of the reasons folks tossed a small traditional in their pockets on top of the modern knife they were carrying was that traditional knives have a very nonthreatening appearance. Modern folders can attract funny looks in the wrong environment, but traditional folders and multitools don’t seem to suffer from the same problem.

Whether due to clever marketing, an oversaturation of titanium framelock flippers, or a good value proposition, traditional knives are making a comeback. The tight manufacturing tolerances of companies such as Great Eastern and Queen lead me to believe that the resurgence of traditional knives will last.

I’ve been more than satisfied with the #73 in the month or so that I’ve owned it. The 1095 requires regular maintenance, but apart from that, this is close to my ideal everyday carry knife. If you’re the type to fuss over natural materials but want to give traditional knives a try, consider this blade. Personally, the “Cody Scout” seem more timeless than many traditional knives in production, which appear to be thoroughly grounded in the early twentieth century. Even if you’re only looking at traditionals as back-ups to more modern pocketknives, I’d point you to the #73. It possesses enough charm to put all but the most fervent of anti-knife folk at ease, but also wouldn’t be out of place next to a Sebenza.

GEC #73 Cody Scout – From $82.53
From: KnivesShipFree

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Viper Odino Review

by Dan Jackson 16 Comments

The “Italian Renaissance” of knife making has been on my radar for a few years now. Manufacturers like LionSteel, Fox, Fantoni, and Viper are getting more traction stateside. The Italians have been doing some interesting stuff with manufacturing and innovation over the past few years, and the level of quality is often exceptionally high.

Buy the Viper Odino at BladeHQ

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However, if the end goal is selling knives in the USA, one way these companies have totally missed the mark is by failing to collaborate with high profile custom knife makers. This is a technique that has been leveraged to great success by companies like Spyderco, Kershaw, and CRKT. Viper has worked with some great Italian designers in the past, but if the goal is selling knives in the US market you need to play the game. That game involves working with designers that are popular in the US.

Viper finally got the memo, and entered into a bold high end collaboration with custom knifemaker Jesper Voxnaes to bring us the Odino. When I went to Blade Show 2014, the Odino was in pre-production, and all they had were some prototypes to handle. The knife was one of the highlights of the weekend, and I predicted that it would be a substantial success for the company when the knife eventually released. When I returned for the 2015 show, the Odino had been in production for the better part of a year and was a best seller for Viper. Jesper Voxnaes’ designs are as in demand as ever, and the quality in Viper’s manufacturing is top notch. I was not about to let another year slip away without reviewing the Odino.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Odino has an overall length of 7.25″, a 2.875″ blade, weighs 4.35 ounces (the carbon fiber version), and is manufactured in Maniago Italy. I would describe the Odino as a medium size every day carry (EDC) knife. It is more substantial than something like the Anso/Vox Pingo, but it won’t pull your pants down. The sub 3″ blade make it acceptable to carry in many locations. It comes in a variety of handle configurations, including full titanium, G10 / titanium, and carbon fiber / titanium (shown here). I prefer the carbon fiber version because it is lightweight and a little cooler than than the G10 model. The full titanium Odino is nice, but is a little hefty for my taste.

The Odino features a dramatic clip point blade. The knife has a wide profile, and the blade is relatively stubby when compared to the handle. The result is a substantial belly that meets at an acute tip. The blade is 3.8mm thick, and has a high flat grind, and comes with either a PVD coated blade or satin finish. The spine is rounded and the edge has been neatly applied.

Viper went with Bohler n690 stainless steel for the blade, a common choice among Italian manufacturers, and a steel that I am experienced with. I like n690 for an EDC knife. It reminds me somewhat of 154CM: it holds a nice edge, exhibits good corrosion resistance, yet is easy to sharpen and won’t break the bank. It takes a nice finish and strikes me as a great all round steel for a folder.

My Odino came sharp and was quickly taken to task on some plastic and cardboard. These can be challenging materials for a pocket knife, and I was pleased with the way the Odino’s thin flat grind handled them. Having carried the Odino for several weeks now I have found it capable as a daily carry piece. It is a good slicer, and has held up well under normal use.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the Odino includes a titanium locking side, your choice of titanium, carbon fiber, or G10 for the show side, and an anodized titanium backspacer. Construction is screw together, and the knife is simply finished with chamfered edges. The carbon fiber on my knife is nice, and I can’t detect any voids in the surface of it. The titanium has been stonewashed and left with a pleasant matte finish. The backspacer is arguably the nicest detail of the knife. It juts from the back of the handle, is designed to accept a very large lanyard, and is contoured and jimped. The powder blue anodizing provides a touch of color without being over the top. It’s a lovely feature. Everything has been beautifully implemented.

The Odino benefits from good ergonomics and is a solid performer in the kitchen and around the house. Naturally, being an Italian knife I had to make a pizza with it. There is no jimping on the spine, and none of the surfaces are especially “high traction”, yet the smart design kept the knife in hand without issue. I find myself choking up quite a bit on the ricasso, although the default grip sets you back on the handle a bit.

The pocket clip of the Odino kind of like a deep carry Strider SnG clip. Viper milled a slot into the handle, and a tab on the clip sits into the slot and allows the clip to be mounted with a single screw. It’s simple, but the end result is functional and elegant. The clip itself is nice. It does a good job burying the knife discretely into the pocket, has good retention, and isn’t funky. The clip has been bead blasted and it compliments the rest of the hardware.

Deployment and Lockup

The Odino makes use of an oval thumb hole to open the knife. Due to the low profile of the blade in the closed position, this isn’t the most convenient knife to open, but the thumb hole works well and is still relatively easy to get at. The detent is tuned to a good balance of blade retention and easy access. There are caged bearings inside and the action is extremely smooth.

The framelock on the Odino is simple and well executed. There is no steel lock bar insert or overtravel stop mechanism (2 features that have become increasingly common on titanium framelock knives). Some might be disappointed with the omission of these features, but the Odino’s lock performs great. Lockup on my knife is early and solid. There is no lock rock or blade play to speak of. The lock disengages smoothly from the blade and there is no stick. This is one of the better true titanium framelocks I have handled.

Blade centering is also perfect on my Odino.

Viper Odino Review – Final Thoughts

The Odino has sold well for Viper. In my weeks of carry and use, it is easy to see why. The design is thoughtful and elegant, the materials are top notch, the build quality is superb, and the price is reasonable for what you are getting. Viper was smart to pair up with Jesper Voxnaes for their first big collaboration. Vox is not just a respected name in the knifemaking community, he is a talented designer that brings function and restraint to his work. Viper did a beautiful job rendering his design, and the resulting knife is likely to appeal to audiences on both sides of the pond.

I especially like the G10 and Carbon Fiber versions for EDC. Weighing a full ounce less than the full titanium version, this compact folder has a very capable blade, is comfortable to use, and carries well. The full titanium version is tank like, and may appeal to folks who appreciate more substantial knives.

I don’t see much in the way of downsides when examining the Odino. The profile is a little chunky, and an oval thumb hole is not my all time favorite means of opening a folding knife, but if you are a fan of the design I think you will love the Odino. It is beautifully done and hopefully a sign of more high profile collaborations to come from Viper.

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Viper Odino – From $169.00
From: BladeHQ

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I recommend purchasing the Odino at BladeHQ or [easyazon_link asin=”B00SNANNFI” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Amazon[/easyazon_link]. Please consider that buying anything through the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Cold Steel 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!

*Note – I have no idea why the picture is of a SOG product.