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Buck 110 Folding Hunter Review

No history of the folding pocket knife is complete without the Buck 110 Folding Hunter. It is arguably the first modern folder, in ethos if not in design. “Buck knife” is now a catch-all term for a certain style of blade, and the 110 is responsible for that. More than other knife besides the Swiss Army Knife, the Buck 110 is an icon.

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But for all that it heralds modern folder design, the 110 is more antithetical to a Paramilitary 2 or a Griptilian than a traditional knife. It’s a question of refinement. Traditionals evolved on a separate path, and even if that evolution peaked 100 years ago there is a lot more refinement in a Case Peanut than in the 110. Its design is iconic and influential, but it does seem crude by modern standards.

Is it fair to hold the 110 to modern standards? Well, Buck still markets this knife as a tool, not a collectible. The implication here is that they believe it is a competitive offering in today’s knife market. And crude doesn’t necessarily equate to bad. So I’ve tested it as I would any other knife under review, and after several weeks of dedicated carry and use, I have come to my conclusions regarding the 110.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 110 has a handle length of 4 ¾”, a blade length of 3 ¾”, and an overall length of 8 9/16”. It weighs 7.2 oz. The lines of the 110 are so familiar that I hardly need to go over them. The gleaming brass bolsters and wooden scales have been copied by dozens and dozens of manufacturers over the years. Although I take issue with Buck’s decision to keep the 110 design more or less as is for 50 years, I can certainly sympathize with it. Buck struck a chord with the 110. There are major issues with the tolerances, but the finish on the 110 is quite good for a $40 knife. This is a handsome blade.

And beyond looks the 110 has plenty of merit, mainly thanks to its utter simplicity. I’ve talked about handles being task neutral before, but here we have a task neutral knife. Although called a hunter, there’s just an alchemy between the lines and proportions of the 110 that make it able to perform any kind of cutting task.

Some of that versatility is delivered by the blade shape. A low-slung, sharkish clip point, it leverages its length to great effect. The larger blade means that you have a decent run of straight edge before the sweep to the tip, so sawing and slicing are on the table. In relation to the handle, the belly is angled so that you can really push down and get through material quickly. The tip is acute for effective leading and good piercing. And, unlike many large blades, it is a great slicer. A workhorse blade shape that manages to retain its grace as well.

The steel is 420HC. Much is made of Buck’s Paul Bos heat treatments. I have no experience with this steel outside of Buck knives so I can’t say whether it makes a difference. The Buck/Bos 420HC is probably a smidge better than 8Cr13MoV, but not quite as good as AUS-8A. It dulls rather quickly, but you can sharpen the hell out of this 420HC very easily. Some steels, like VG-10, I can work and work and work on without getting past a certain level of sharpness. Here, 420HC got super sharp super quick, which I appreciate.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

I have no complaints about the 110’s handle shape. The bow shape handle is as neutral as it gets. A lot of makers seem to think that we need finger grooves and scallops and jimping to show us the different ways we can hold our knife, but it is always better when the handle lets us decide. There isn’t a wrong way to hold the 110.

I find balance to be an essential part of good knife design. The closer the balance is to the pivot, the more control we have over the blade. The 110’s Dymondwod and brass construction lead to a rather Rubenesque knife. Balance is right in the middle of the handle, where the swell is most pronounced – a decent distance from the pivot. There’s nothing unpleasant about this while holding the knife, but in use it means you lose so much control for finer work. A shame, considering the surprising competency of this nearly 4” in delicate tasks.

But where the weight really kills the 110, of course, is in carry. There is no better way to learn about the advantages of lightweight knives than to spend a little time with a Buck 110. No clip here. My 110 came with a leather sheath, the traditional carry method for this knife, but I find that to be impractical for day-to-day suburban life, so my 110 rode in the back pocket. It wasn’t good, but at 7.2 oz. you’re going to notice this thing wherever you have it. It’s less ‘just bad’ than it is ‘really unfeasible.’

Deployment and Lockup

The 110’s two-handed opening is a bummer. Nail nicks are part of the charm of traditional knives, but the 110 isn’t a traditional knife. That’s why it’s famous. On the other hand I understand that thumb studs weren’t a common sight when the 110 came out, so I’m not faulting Buck for releasing the 110 without them, I just wish that they would have added them at some point in the last 50 years.

Complaints aside, the nail nick on the 110 works well, as does simply pinching the blade as I normally do on my Opinel. The opening action is smooth and positive, and the sound when the lock engages is satisfying, and all of this was how the knife was out of the box. You expect these things to feel right on a classic, and they do.

Much less right is the lock. I have faith in its safety, but it’s sloppy. From day one there was play in every direction on my 110, and the lock bar flexes quite readily during hard downward cuts. If I don’t sound particularly disappointed it’s probably because it’s the level of QC I’ve come to expect from Buck – which is itself the worst kind of condemnation.

If Buck is going to continue to espouse the virtues of stateside production, I really would like to see them recognize the level of competition out there and up their game. Newer products like the Marksman seem to indicate they’re capable of tight tolerances and complicated designs, and I for one would willingly pay more to see that same attention to detail on their flagship product.

Buck 110 Folding Hunter – Final Thoughts

There is no unqualified recommendation I can make for the 110 other than collectability. If you’re interested in knives and the history of their design, the 110 is 100% required reading. But as a tool, in any application, I can suggest a dozen other knives that outperform it. I can suggest better cutters, better locks, better fit and finish, all at or around the same price and all considerably lighter.

Buck is a company with a proud history, and the 110 is central to that history. I think they’ve convinced themselves that, by changing the 110, they are flouting the tradition it represents. That’s simply not true. Spyderco has been tweaking their flagships for years and nobody’s forgotten the significance of the Delica. There is a difference between honoring your past and being imprisoned by it. It’s frustrating that there aren’t readily available modern variations on the 110 from Buck. A model with G-10 scales, aluminum bolsters, and a clip would be cool. KA-BAR recently released such a knife and it is 2 oz. lighter than the 110.

I don’t even know that it’s a particularly good value at $40. The finish is good in a rough and tumble, barroom countertop kind of way, but the tolerances are way below par. I think that Buck is still trying to work out its priorities and in the meantime customers are left in the lurch with some very shoddy production. The Mini Spitfire I handled was worse than this, but not much worse.

The iconic character of the 110 saves it from being a total pass. This is real knife history that can be had for $40. Go grab one and see how far we’ve come. You’ll learn a lot, but don’t expect to end up using it much. It’s hard not to like the 110, but it is even harder to want to carry it.

If you are considering buying a Buck 110, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Review

by Grayson Parker 21 Comments

One of the biggest events of the year for knife nuts is Blade Show. Put on by Blade Magazine, this industry wide convention draws a cavalcade of steel-toting enthusiasts to Atlanta, Georgia, where custom knives are fought over and new production designs are revealed. For the last several years, their Overall Knife of the Year award has been granted to blades that are…let’s say, of questionable utility. Beautiful, and without a doubt technical marvels, but they bear more resemblance to concept cars than to utility vehicles. To find designs that are within the reach of the hoi polloi, one should look at some of the more obscure awards, which focus on budget, innovation, and place of origin.

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This review focuses on one such design: the Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight, which won the 2010 Blade Show award for Most Innovative American Design and has since garnered quite a bit of critical praise. Nowadays, the Manix is seen as part of the vanilla Spyderco line, but that’s not how it’s always been. At the time, it seemed like the Manix was the way of the future. Thin, fully flat ground blade? Check. Thumb hole? Check. Innovative lock that kept your fingers clear of the blade? Also, check. That all of these features are found at a pretty economical price point and on a blade that’s made in the U.S.A. is impressive today, but was a much bigger deal when the question of the day was Benchmade vs. Spyderco.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Spyderco Manix 2LW measures just over 8” overall, with a 3.37” blade and a 4.66” handle. The Manix 2 LW is made in the USA. As its name would imply, the Manix 2LW doesn’t weigh much – only 2.9 oz. – a weight that’s pretty remarkable for a knife this size. It’s worth mentioning that the cutting edge is actually 2.88” because of the inclusion of a 50/50 finger choil. I applaud that decision. Spyderco is famous for their ergonomics, and the finger choil is part of that recipe.

Spyderco chose Carpenter’s BD1, a relatively unknown steel, for the lightweight version of the Manix 2. According to the data sheets, BD1’s performance should be the equivalent of high quality 440c. Most online feedback indicates the same. In my experience, it’s been difficult getting the BD1 as sharp as I’d like. Its edge retention isn’t the best, and requires regular maintenance. If there is one attribute it excels at, it is corrosion resistance. I’ve forgotten to clean this knife after cutting citrus before, but even that didn’t leave so much as a mark.

For all the questions about the blade steel, Spyderco hit it out of the park with the blade shape (and grind). The leaf-shaped blade is a mainstay in their product line and never disappoints. When paired with a full flat grind and fairly thin stock (.125”), you’re almost guaranteed success. Extensive use in the kitchen and the field bears that assumption out. My sharpening issues aside, the blade performs very well. The smokey mirror finish Spyderco put on the Manix is easy to clean and doesn’t attract fingerprints like a higher polish would.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handle on the Manix 2 Lightweight is made of fiberglass reinforced co-polymer, or FRCP. It is very similar to the fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN) Spyderco uses on the Delica/Endura/etc. When compared side by side, FRCP is stiff, while FRN has a bit of give to it (akin to rubber). I own knives with both as handle materials, and I don’t know if I have a preference. As with any plastic handle, there will be folks who complain about the material feeling cheap, but I don’t mind it. I prefer the translucent blue handle over the black handle. This knife is very well-suited to backpacking, and a bright handle helps ensure that your knife doesn’t get lost among the foliage.

I’ve found the ergonomics to be just as good as I’d expect from an in-house Spyderco design (read: excellent). Some folks complain that the handles are too blocky. Those people need to find something else to complain about, because I could not find a fault with the ergonomics. The 50/50 finger choil allows the user to choke up for better push cuts, while the rear grip is well-suited for slicing and draw cuts. Spyderco’s bi-directional grip pattern is very effective at gluing your palm to the handle without being abrasive. I will say I could do without the jimping on the interior of the handle.

Spyderco’s wire clip seems to be pretty polarizing, at least if you take online comments seriously. Some love it because it’s discrete, doesn’t generate a hotspot, and doesn’t shred the edges of your pocket. Those who hate it complain that the wire clip wiggles around and doesn’t offer enough tension to keep the blade secure in the pocket. I’m in the former camp; every wire clip I’ve handled has had plenty of tension, and I prefer the practical advantages outlined above. Between the low weight and excellent clip, this knife is a dream in the pocket (particularly for its size).

Deployment and Lock-up

I’ve mentioned this before, but the knife market is almost exclusively focused on flippers right now. Personally, I’ve always preferred the thumb hole as a deployment method. They’re just as easy to flick, but much better when it comes to slow-rolling the knife open. I also don’t wear my fingers out fidgeting with Spydercos the same way I do when I’m messing around with a flipper. This is a very nice execution of the thumb hole. At 14mm, it’s large enough that opening the knife is never a problem, even while wearing gloves. The interior of the cut out has been nicely polished and slightly chamfered.

If it wasn’t for the lock, I probably wouldn’t like this knife as much as I do. The Manix is equipped with the Caged Ball Bearing Lock, which is frequently compared to Benchmade’s Axis Lock and SOG’s Arc Lock. All three offer ambidextrous manipulation of the lock without putting your fingers in the path of the blade. Out of the three, the CBBL is my favorite. It fixes the one problem that I have with the other offerings: a weak detent. On the Manix, the detent is not only quite firm, but crisp as well. There’s a level of security knowing that the blade isn’t going to flop open with a wave of the hand.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Review – Final Thoughts

My thoughts on the Manix 2LW are generally positive. If it weren’t for my issues putting a keener edge on the BD1, I’d carry it more frequently than I do now. Even with that handicap, it’s a great knife. The Manix 2 LW is available at most retailers for around $80.00. If you’re worried about the steel (my experience seems to be an outlier), Spyderco also offers the Manix 2LW in CPM-S110V for around $35 more.

That aside, the Manix is arguably in an awkward spot on the product line. For a relatively small amount of money, you could instead purchase a Paramilitary 2, which is widely regarded as one of the best knives available (regardless of price point). This begs the question: budgetary concerns aside, is there a niche the Manix fills that the Paramilitary doesn’t? I think there is. As much as I love my Paramilitary 2, I think the Manix 2LW actually makes for a better outdoors knife. Specifically, for backpacking. The bright handle, low weight, and easily maintainable steel are all desirable qualities for a blade you can tote into the backcountry.

Whether you want a knife for the outdoors, or you’re looking for a bigger everyday carry blade, the Manix 2 Lightweight is sure to satisfy.

Spyderco Manix 2 Lightweight Signature Knife with 3.37" CTS BD1 Steel Blade and Translucent Blue FRCP Handle - PlainEdge - C101PBL2

Ready For Anything: The Manix 2 is an extremely capable full-sized folder that is known for it's strength and performance. Its broad blade provides exceptional cutting power, while its textured index finger choil and thumb ramp allow a forward grip.
Light and Durable: This Manix 2 handle is fabricated with Fiberglass Reinforced Co-Polymer. FRCP creates a tough, chemical and heat resistant handle that is extremely lightweight and Versatile.
Dependable: If you are looking for control and precision, look no more. This knife features our PlainEdge grind which is known for creating a smooth and exact cut.
Low Friction: This knife features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend from the spine all the way to the cutting edge. This grind reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight.
High-Strength Lock: The Ball Bearing Lock features a patented compressive lock that wedges a ball bearing between a fixed anvil and the blade tang. The mechanism also serves as a detent to hold the blade in the closed position.

I recommend purchasing the Spyderco Manix 2 LW at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition (WSKTS-KO) Review

by Chad McBroom 9 Comments

Last Updated: July 29, 2019

Anyone who knows me knows I am passionate about keeping my blades sharp. I am constantly looking for the best tools and techniques for putting a killer edge on a piece of steel and maintaining that edge. I have used several different sharpening systems from table stones and rods to guided-angle sharpeners. The one type of sharpener I have always avoided, however, is the electric sharpener. I have seen the results of many pull-through electric sharpeners, and to say the least, they make me cringe. It’s kind of like sticking your blade inside a garbage disposal.

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After much reservation I finally decided to give a Work Sharp a try. I really wanted a system that would allow me to sharpen some of my larger blades, which includes some machetes, kukris, and tomahawks. After watching a contestant on the show Forged in Fire use a Work Sharp to do some finishing work on a cutlass, I decided it might be worth my time to give the system a test run. I chose to go with the Ken Onion Edition because of the additional features and attachment options not found on the standard model. Plus, I figured Ken Onion wouldn’t put his name on anything unless it was worthwhile.

What You Get

The Ken Onion Edition comes with the Work Sharp Ken Onion Power Platform equipped with a variable speed Power Switch, Power Switch Lockout, Sharpening Cassette with Edge Guide, removable Sharpening Guide with angle adjustment, and five abrasive belts (Extra Course, Coarse, Medium, Fine, and Extra Fine). The Ken Onion Edition also comes packaged with a detailed user’s guide and instructional DVD to guide you through the process of setting up and using your sharpener to the fullest, as well as a quick-reference card to hang in your shop.

Use

Setting up the Work Sharp for use is quick and easy. It is really just a matter of plugging the system in, choosing the appropriate abrasive belt, and selecting the sharpening angle. The belts can be easily swapped out by simply lifting the belt changing lever, sliding the belt on or off, and releasing the lever. The sharpening angle is set by turning the Angle Adjustment Knob located on the Sharpening Guide and aligning the desired angle with the indicator line at the top of the guide. The Angle Adjustment Knob is marked from 15 degrees to 30 degrees in 1-degree increments, offering a wide range of angle selections.

Once the angle is set and the desired belt installed, you are ready to begin sharpening. Beginning with the power off, insert the blade into the right side of the Sharpening Guide at the heel of the bevel. Squeeze the Power Switch and simultaneously pull the blade through the guide at a rate of one inch per second, following the curve of the blade and keeping the edge perpendicular to the belt. Be sure to use only the weight of the blade against the belt. Do not press down into the guide. Release the Power Switch and stop the pull when the tip of the blade reaches the center of the belt to avoid rounding the tip.

Repeat the process described here on the same side until you develop a burr, then repeat the same number of strokes on the other side. Once you have shaped the secondary bevel, you can progress with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. For longer blades such as kitchen knives, fillet knives, machetes, etc., the Edge Guide can be helpful to guide and support the blade during the sharpening process; however, for most field knives and pocket knives, the Edge Guide is not only unnecessary, but can actually get in the way.

The Work Sharp can also be used on serrated knives and gut hooks. Serrated knives are sharpened using the Extra-Fine belt at low speed against the non-beveled/flat side. Gut hooks can be sharpened by placing the curve of the hook over the Extra-Fine belt on the “downhill” side and honing for two to four seconds on each side. The WSKTS-KO can also be used to sharpen scissors using the built-in scissor guide. By removing the Sharpening Guide and rotating the cassette forward, the Work Sharp can be converted to grinding mode for sharpening lawnmower blades, axes, and other large blades.

Testing

I tested a number of different blades out on the WSKTS-KO. I was quite hesitant at first to try the Work Sharp on any of my quality blades, so most of the blades were either severely damaged or much too large for some of the other sharpening systems I normally use. (I do recommend starting out with some lower quality or less sentimental knives until you get comfortable with the system.) I was quite impressed with how even and precise the bevel was after running the knives through the system. Don’t get me wrong, if you don’t use proper technique, you definitely risk over-grinding the bevel, but if you pull the blade through consistently in the manner I described above, you can achieve some very impressive results.

After getting comfortable with the system I sharpened every kitchen knife and utility knife in the house. The Work Sharp works so quickly it is amazing, especially when you are accustomed to doing everything by hand. I then converted the Work Sharp over to grinding mode and went to work on several tomahawks and axes. The system worked like a champ and left me with some very sharp choppers.

Upgrades

As I mentioned earlier, the Ken Onion edition has some upgraded features that make it quite an attractive piece of equipment. There is a Tool Grinding Attachment that allows for both flat platen and slack belt grinding, and can be used as a power file or handheld belt sander for working with metal, wood, and plastics. The Blade Grinding Attachment will turn the WSKTS-KO into a miniature belt grinder capable of shaping, sharpening, and honing blades. There is also a nice selection of abrasive belts available for both the cassette and the Blade Grinding Attachment, including leather stropping belts.

Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition (WSKTS-KO) Review — Final Thoughts

I was quite impressed with the WSKTS-KO, albeit to my surprise. I am still not a fan of electric sharpeners, but the Work Sharp really does not fall into that category as we know it. The Work Sharp is really a miniature grinder with the added benefit of an angle guide, and this makes all the difference. It definitely requires a certain amount of skill to use, which should not come as a surprise since this is true of any sharpening system, even the most rudimentary hand stone, but it is easy to learn and should not be feared.

One thing I have not mentioned is the benefit of the convex edge. The very nature of the Work Sharp’s slack belt system results in a convex edge, which is an edge with a smooth radius void of any shoulders like a typical flat grind. The omission of the shoulders results in less friction during cutting and more supportive steel behind the edge. It has been my personal experience that a convex edge lasts longer and cuts cleaner than a flat-ground edge. In my opinion, the resultant convex edge gives the Work Sharp a leg up over many other systems.

If you are searching for a versatile, high-quality sharpening system, then the WSKTS-KO is an item at which you should take a hard look. The reasonable price tag makes this system even harder to pass up. I am not saying the WSKTS-KO is the end all be all, but it is definitely a great system with a ton of versatility. I have a feeling that I am only going to become more fond of this system over time. In the meantime, I think I need to get that Blade Grinder Attachment and see what I can do with it.

Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener - Ken Onion Edition - Premium Knife Sharpening System - Serrated, Chef, Pocket Knives & Scissors

ADJUSTABLE SHARPENING GUIDE: Produces precise edge bevels from 15 to 30 degrees for that perfect sharpen for your knife or tool.
VARIABLE SPEED MOTOR: Handle every sharpening task, from grinding to honing. This sharpener has more power with improved cooling and the option of slow-speed honing or high-speed grinding.
FAST, PRECISE, & REPEATABLE: Deliver a strong, long-lasting razor-sharp convex edge with no setup or calibration time. The 6000 grit belt measures .5 x inches for better contact with serrations and other hard-to-reach edges.
3-YEAR WARRANTY: All Work Sharp sharpeners come with a comprehensive 3-year warranty. Each knife & tool sharpener is meticulously designed and quality-checked at our Oregon facility. We proudly stand behind our products.
DESIGNED, ENGINEERED, & CALIBRATED IN OREGON: We design, engineer, and calibrate our sharpening machines all under one roof in Ashland, Oregon & ensure our products are sourced from the highest caliber manufacturers, both in the USA and globally.

I recommend purchasing the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Benchmade 15080-2 Crooked River Review

by Dan Jackson 33 Comments

Last Updated: July 19, 2019

It’s no secret that I think the creative team at Benchmade has been adrift for the past few years. This is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that the company’s most exciting new offerings are actually re-issues of old models: the 940-1 and 551-1. These rockstar designs are interspersed among more puzzling offerings like the 808 Loco and 300 Axis Flipper.

Buy the Benchmade Crooked River at BladeHQ

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But Benchmade does seem to be cobbling together a theme. They seem to be taking this “old school, meet new school” approach not only to their classic designs, but also by melding traditional designs with modern manufacturing in their “Hunt” lineup. I thought the Small Summit Lake was a successful mashup of traditional lockback folder with modern materials, beefy construction, and precision manufacturing. The 15080 Crooked River is a knife cut from that same cloth.

In fact, the Crooked River takes the juxtoposition even further. This is an even greater departure from tradition to the point where we almost have a caricature of the classic bowie. Yet there is still a timeless quality to the knife. The low slung blade and bolstered handles tug at the heartstrings of traditional knife design, while the finishes and flourishes appeal to this fan of modern folding knives.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Crooked River has an overall length of 9.3″, a 4″ blade, weighs 5.41 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is a big knife, and is far outside the confines of what I would consider to be an every day carry (EDC) piece. If you were to whip this out in public to trim packing tape or open an envelope, most people would hide under their desk. And if a friend offered up a Swiss Army Knife at a campsite, you could go full Crocodile Dundee on the guy with this Crooked River. This is a “knoife”. I wouldn’t mind a smaller, more manageable version for daily carry.

The Crooked River features a long and lean clip point blade. I have always enjoyed a good clip point for it’s practicality, and the Crooked River is no exception. The high flat grind has been nicely executed complete with Benchmade’s 2-tone stonewashed satin finish. The blade is cut from an impressive 3.15mm thick piece of S30V stainless steel, and it carries a significant amount of steel out all the way to the tip. The end result is a blade that has a good tip for piercing, plenty of edge for cutting, and a nice belly for food prep and possibly even skinning.

The choice of S30V stainless steel for the blade is less exciting now then it may have been 5 years ago. These days I prefer S35VN for it’s improved toughness and ease of sharpening over S30V, but in my opinion Benchmade has always done a great job with their S30V. For example, the S30V on the Volli continues to impress me with it’s sharpness, edge holding, and ease of maintenance. I think Benchmade knows how to make the most of this steel.

The blade geometry of the Crooked River is stouter than the Volli, but this is still a functional blade and the S30V performs nicely on this knife. Capable of taking a keen edge, and holding it for an acceptable period of time, the S30V on the Crooked River is still functional despite there being sexier steels on the market. No issues with corrosion either.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Crooked River has a long curving handle that compliments its long curving blade. The combination of diamond wood, aluminum bolsters, and orange pivot collar is striking, and I am sure that decision alone has sold many 15080-2’s for Benchmade. If resin-injected wood isn’t your thing, then Benchmade also offers the Crooked River with smooth gray G10 handle scales.

Underneath the scales are full stainless steel liners (skeletonized) and a bright orange G-10 backspacer. Holding things together is a large black pivot and blackened steel hardware. Everything is precision fit, and there are a number of nice details to enjoy, like the arced face between handle scale and bolster, the geared backspacer, and of course the snazzy orange pivot collar. Even the lanyard hole is oval and chamfered, adding style to an otherwise mundane feature of a knife.

Despite there being a good deal of weight around the pivot, the balance point on the Crooked River is behind the axis lock, and is close to the “hump” of the finger choil. The hand feels most at home here; set back further on the knife. While this isn’t billed as a tactical folder, I would be curious to get someone like Chad’s take on the Crooked River. I have no doubt that a knife like this could be pressed beyond pure utilitarian purposes if the need arose.

Beyond my comments on the balance of the knife, the Crooked River benefits from a subdued approach to ergonomics and traction. The long handle provides plenty of room, even for extra large hands. The diamond wood scales offers some texture (not much), while a mild run of jimping on the back of the handle indexes the thumb while still allowing the user to cut with the knife for extended periods without significant thumb fatigue. All said, the ergonomics have proven to be adequate for my purposes.

The Crooked River is a big knife. While I don’t think 5.41 ounces is overweight given the build quality and footprint, it’s still substantial, and when closed the knife is pivot heavy. This creates something of a pendulum effect in your pocket. Benchmade has tried to counter this with a stiff pocket clip. This is a good idea, and my Crooked River holds firmly in place.

On the subject of pocket clips, Benchmade went with a black parkerized version of their split arrow clip. I have always liked the split arrow clip, and here it is situated high on the handle for a relatively deep and discrete carry. The handle is also drilled and tapped for ambidextrous tip up use. That said, Benchmade’s deep carry clip will fit on this knife, and if you prefer a more discrete deep carry option Benchmade typically will send you a deep carry clip free of charge if you ask them nicely.

Deployment and Lockup

While some may grow bored with the axis lock, it remains one of my favorite locking mechanisms. I like the easy one handed opening and closing. Plus it’s fully ambidextrous. And I don’t know if I am simply bullshitting myself, but to me it looks like the phosphor bronze washers on these Benchmades have gotten thicker over the years. Much like my new 551-1, this Crooked River is smooth and easy to open. The blade pops into place with a satisfying “snick”, and the ambidextrous thumb studs are easy to get at with either hand.

Unlike some of the axis lock knives that have crossed my path, my Crooked River locks up tightly and without any play. Blade play is a common complaint on axis lock knives, but I have found that most knives can be fixed with a targeted application of Loctite. Here, blade play was a non-issue, and the axis lock remains as practical and easy to use as ever.

Benchmade Crooked River Review – Final Thoughts

Not to get all jingoistic on everyone, but the Crooked River appeals to the red blooded American in me. This knife takes me back to my childhood, handling my dad’s old Buck fixed blade tucked away his closet next to the well worn Swiss army knives, and old harmonicas.

There is an undeniable charm to the Crooked River that strikes at that primal note that has drawn many people to knife collecting in the first place. While not the most practical offering for an erudite urban EDC, the Crooked River is unapologetically bold and beautiful, and I think it is one of the nicer new designs from BM.

The Crooked River is a knife that I would like a smaller version of. As it stands I don’t see it getting a ton of use personally, but perhaps it has a place in your collection. If the Crooked River piques your interest in the same way that it piqued mine, then I am pleased to report that it is a well made and satisfying folder.

Benchmade - Crooked River 15080 EDC Knife with Wood Handle (15080-2)

BUILT FOR THE HUNT: Simplicity and style meets unmatched function, no matter the application; An ideal hunting knife capable of countless tasks in the field.
AMERICAN MADE CPM-S30V STEEL: For first-rate edge retention and corrosion resistance; Clip-point construction for easily controlled cuts.
STABILIZED WOOD HANDLE: Is made from a durable composite material that's been backfilled with resin; Stands up to a range of harsh elements and environments; Stronger than natural wood.
AXIS LOCKING MECHANISM: Ensures safety and a smooth open and easy close; Reversible split arrow clip; Lanyard hole for versatile carry options.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade Crooked River at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Benchmade G10 Griptilian 551-1 Review

by Dan Jackson 29 Comments

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

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

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

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

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

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

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

Deployment and Lockup

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

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

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

Benchmade 551-1 Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

I recommend buying the 551-1 at Amazon, or BladeHQ, KnifeArt.com. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

KA-BAR BK14 Becker Knife and Tool EsKabar Review

by Chad McBroom 3 Comments

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

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

Handle and Ergonomics

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

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

Sheath

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sale

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

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

I recommend purchasing the BK&T/KA-BAR EsKabar at Amazon or BladeHQ. Please consider that purchasing anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.