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Spyderco Para 3 C223GP Review

The Para 3 started as a fantasy: “Wouldn’t it be great if there were a smaller version of one of the most storied modern production knives of all time?” Then, this fantasy became a rumor, and that rumor became a confirmed project. Then there was a year-long lull. Then all of a sudden, in a whirlwind three months, the Para 3 was unveiled and released.

Buy the Spyderco Para 3 at BladeHQ

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Expectations were not just high, they were at that particular airless altitude where it’s hard to say that people were even aware of just what it was they were asking for. Companies like SOG, Cold Steel, and CRKT habitually release their knives in different sizes – why were we getting so excited about the Para 3?

Well certainly the Paramilitary 2 has a reputation few production knives can match. The knife community is almost unanimous in its praise for the PM2. Most of the criticism comes in the form of wishing for a smaller version. So if the Para 3 address this one issue, wouldn’t it be a perfecter version of a nearly-perfect knife?

No doubt about it, there’s a lot to talk about here. So let’s get into it.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Para 3 has a blade length of just about 3”, with a cutting edge of 2 5/8”, an overall length of 7 1/8”, and a weight of 3.37 oz. It is made in Golden, CO, and is the first Spyderco I’ve handled that was produced in their new facility. Although the Golden, CO knives are fundamentally different in overall ethos than the Taichung stuff, if this Para 3 is a fair representative of the new plant’s capabilities, they are every bit their equal in terms of fit and finish. Unlike some of those fine knives, however, the Para 3 doesn’t feel like a collectible in any sense. This is an immaculately finished EDC blade that you’re meant to use.

What do we call this particular Spyderco blade shape? To me it’s always been their most iconic, appearing on the PM2, the FFG Delica/Endura, and the full-size Military. It’s a great shape for everyday cutting, with all the cutting surfaces you want: straight edge, belly, and a pointy tip. Little performance is lost in the transition to a sub-3” cutting edge, either. It might be a little less efficient in long cuts (as through cardboard), but it gains a little more maneuverability, and that seems like a fair trade.

Spyderco is thought of as an ergonomics-oriented company, but they also always emphasize cutting performance. The Para 3 embodies a lot of Spyderco philosophies, but perhaps this one most of all. The blade stock is thicker than even the saber ground Delica, and yet the flat grind is such that the Para 3 remains a top-tier slicer. It’s tough and aggressive when it needs to be, but graceful and delicate when the situation calls for it. The satin finish is perfectly done to reduce friction as well – definitely a better finish than Taichung.

Some would have it that Spyderco’s S30V is sub-par, but others praise it to the skies. After using it on my Zulu, PM2, and now Para 3, I’m comfortable saying it’s very good. It doesn’t stay hyper keen after a day or two of frequent use, but it retains a clean, usable edge for a very long time. As for sharpening – well, I’m beginning to learn that any steel requires time and attention to sharpen properly. Be patient and maintain a steady hand, and it’s possible to get S30V very sharp, even with rudimentary skills and entry-level equipment.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Para 3’s handle is very similar, but not identical to, the PM2’s. In addition to the obvious reductions in length, it has a more curved spine than its bigger brother. The edges of the G-10 have also been hit with a mild chamfer. Material choices are the expected (but excellent nevertheless) G-10 with nested stainless steel liners.

I think it’s safe to say that the ergonomics are what makes the PM2 so popular. Rarely is a knife so agreeable in the hand, and when it is, it allows all the other excellent elements to shine even brighter. The Para 3’s ergonomics is a story in three parts, starting with the forward finger choil and ending, surprisingly, with the clip.

Utilizing the forward choil, the Para 3’s ergos are excellent. Control over the smaller blade is exemplary, and you’ll have no problem with most cutting tasks. Even smaller details contribute: the curved butt end keeps things comfortable when you’re holding the knife hard or pressing down during a cut. Also, thanks to Spyderco for keeping the finger choil the same size as on the PM2. Nothing more disappointing (nor weirdly prevalent) than a too-small finger choil.

Moving down toward the main part of the handle, the news is less good. If I’m not using the choil, I can’t quite fit all four of my fingers in the main portion of the handle. My pinky usually lands right on the beak at the back, or falls back behind it. The beak isn’t so pointy that it would create a hot spot during most use, but the PM2 was so accommodating in both grip styles that it’s a bummer the smaller Para 3 can’t quite pull it off.

The clip also presents issues. The Spyderco spoon clip is utterly solid in and of itself. I have no complaints with the way it works as a pocket clip. Early reviews/opinions of the Para 3 have lamented the fact that it doesn’t carry deeply due to the large lanyard hole, which has to go above the clip instead of beside it as on the PM2. This means that a good bit of knife is sticking out of your pocket. I didn’t mind this, but I did mind the way the clip interferes with the grip in both positions. The problem is that it goes across so much of the usable handle it’s bound to press uncomfortably somewhere at some point. Not a constant hotspot, but it is noticeable enough to meaningfully detract from the in-hand experience.

As you can see from my pictures, I found a solution to this particular problem. Casey Lynch of Lynch Northwest is well-known for his aftermarket Spyderco pocket clips, and his short clip works perfectly on the Para 3 – and I mean perfectly: it feels like it was made specifically for this knife, and it fixes every issue the stock clip presents. The deep carry is just a bonus for me. Do I think you need the clip to enjoy the Para 3? No. Even stock, ergonomics are well above average. They just aren’t quite as good as the PM2 and the clip helps close that gap.

Deployment and Lockup

If you do a deep-dive on their forums, you’ll find that Spyderco’s bushing/stepped pivot system has been the subject of much discussion over the years. Nobody questions the fast deployment and free-swinging blade, just the variance in terms of lockup from knife to knife. You can get a PM2 that deploys with lightning speed, but you’ll rarely find one that you can dial all the blade play out of, no matter how slight. That was the case with my PM2, although it never bothered me.

My Para 3 appears to have the same pivot, but is even faster than my PM2 to deploy. It flips open with any sort of positive pressure at all – truly thoughtless deployment. It also stands firm once locked up, with nary a hint of play in any direction. On the PM2 I’ve found the Compression Lock to be a somewhat finicky one to maintain, but I’ll chalk that up to my inexperience rather than some mechanical failing. In terms of the Specialty Locks I think I like the Compression Lock best, despite my personal hang-ups. It offers serious strength while still keeping deployment smooth and fluid.

Para 3 Vs. Sage 5

The Para 3’s strongest competition comes from within Spyderco’s catalogue – and it’s NOT the PM2. I know a lot of people will get both, but to me the size difference is enough to put them in separate knife categories. The Sage 5, however, was released just months ahead of the Para 3, and is in the same product class of the PM3: EDC Compression Lock folder with a circa 3” blade.

The Sage 5 doesn’t have the mystique of the Para 3, but it is quite competitive in an objective sense. It’s lighter and it is better in the hand. The little beak and ill-placed clip that cause so much ergonomic drama on the Para 3 are gone on the Sage 5.

The Para 3, however, is an unquestionably better rendition of the Compression Lock: faster deployment and non-existent blade play where the Sage 5 is sluggish and has a little wobble. It is also better balanced; both knives offer phenomenal blade control but the Para 3 is more graceful and responsive.

How about cost? Well, the Sage 5 is about $15 more – not enough to give most of us pause, but tangible. And I’ll say that I think the Para 3 is perfectly priced. It is worth exactly $120 to me, and pretty much sets the limit for what I consider sensible spending on a pocket knife.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with either, and a full-fledged showdown between the two might be worth doing, but off the cuff I’m giving the nod to the Para 3: ergonomics are important, and the Sage 5 edges out the Para 3 in this category, but I like the blade shape and mechanics better on the Para 3, and it is certainly not a disaster in hand. And hey, you can use the $15 you save to buy a Casey Lynch clip and solve half of that problem anyway.

Spyderco Para 3 Review – Final Thoughts

The Para 3 has been so long in the coming that in some ways it’s just a relief to be able to say a bunch of nice things about it. I was a little skeptical that scaling down the PM2 would be redundant, but Spyderco managed to make it feel like a different knife, and a great one at that.

That being said I’m also not totally blown away. Some things to consider: If you can legally own the PM2, I still think it edges the Para 3 out in terms of design. Technically they aren’t in the same use category, but they do share design fundamentals and I’d rather have more variety amongst my tools than two very similar albeit excellent knives. The Delica 4 is a great EDC knife for half the price. There is also the Sage 5 to consider, as well as knives like the Native 5 and Caly 3.

So I guess the worst thing I can say about the Para 3 is that it’s just another great Spyderco design. This is an excellent follow-up to what is arguably their best knife. Is it a must buy world beater? No. But Spyderco managed to bring something long wished-for to life without losing the magic, and in and of itself that’s an accomplishment.

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Editor: I recommend purchasing the Paramilitary 3 at Amazon or BladeHQ. Purchasing anything through any of the links on this site helps support BladeReviews, and keep this review train running. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated.

Leatherman Squirt PS4 Review

by Dan Jackson 15 Comments

My Leatherman Micra review sparked some pretty excellent responses in the comments section. Great points were made about how much utility is packed into some of Leatherman’s smallest offerings, and how it’s sometimes more acceptable to whip out a multi-tool than a pocket knife. Knives will always be my first love (and main focal point of the website), but you can’t deny the practicality of a multi-tool.

Buy on Amazon

While the Micra is a great tool, it is based around scissors. I think most people associate multi-tools with pliers-centric designs. Enter the Leatherman Squirt PS4. It’s roughly the same footprint as the Micra, but based around a small set of spring loaded pliers rather than scissors. It seemed like a natural succession to my review of the Micra so I decided to pick one up along with a Gerber Dime to test out this segment of the multi-tool market.

General Dimensions and Pliers

The Squirt has an overall length of 2.25″ (closed), weighs 2.1 ounces, and is made in the USA. This tool is similar in size to the Micra. The Squirt is a little thicker, but the Micra is a little longer. The PS4 is advertised as a “keychain multi-tool”, and while technically you could carry this on your keychain, I’m not sure if you would want to.

This is a small tool and can be easily stowed in a pocket, or strategically tucked away in a tool kit, vehicle, or tackle box. That is primarily how I like to use these small multi-tools. They may not be a true “EDC” piece for me, but for around $25 most can afford to have this be a dedicated tool for their car, as part of a little tool kit, survival kit etc. Of course there is nothing wrong if you want to make this a daily carry object as well.

And on the subject of price, I still can’t believe how nicely made these small Leatherman tools are for the money. The pieces all line up nicely. There are no unintentional sharp edges. The action of the springs are all high quality. The tools themselves are all nicely finished. There are no stray tooling marks and everything goes where it should. The handle scales are hard anodized aluminum. The pliers close neatly together. This is a quality tool that is satisfying to articulate. It’s not a disposable object, and it feels like you actually get something for your money.

At the center of the Squirt is a small set of stainless steel pliers. The pliers come to a nice tip and are almost fine enough to be used as tweezers. They can certainly pluck hair, and could probably pull a splinter in a pinch, but they are strong enough to be used to pull staples and manipulate small bolts. The jaws open to over an inch wide but are better for smaller tasks. In fact, these pliers are great for getting into places that are too tight for my fat fingers.

Additional Tools

The Squirt comes with an assortment of 7 additional tools to the pliers. The toolset includes:

Scissors
Penknife
Bottle Opener
File
Flathead Driver
Phillips Driver (small flathead driver)
Wirecutter

This is a nice list of commonly used tools. All but the wire cutter can be accessed from the outside without opening up the tool. That may seem like a small detail in theory, but in practice being able to access the tools without opening up the pliers is huge. I think that feature is right up there with spring loaded pliers.

The scissors are very small. They cut, and can work for delicate tasks, but I wouldn’t want to use them for a lot of cutting. That said they are sharp, spring loaded, and certainly cut. They can be great for when you need to trim something small or make a delicate cut, like trimming away heat shrink from a wire.

The knife blade is small but serviceable. It is flat ground with a chisel edge, and comes sharp out of the box. It’s made from 420HC steel. It won’t win and edge retention competitions but in a pinch it will open a piece of mail or shave down a piece of wood. It’s a slip joint, but if you are smart with it you will be fine.

The file is possibly my favorite tool on the Squirt. It’s over an inch long and is double sided. One side is a single cut file, the other is double cut. Both sides are abrasive and work great for small jobs.

The screw drivers are adequate. The “Phillips” driver is not a true 3-D driver, but it can work in a pinch. The flat head driver is about a quarter of an inch wide and works well.

The bottle opener is small and shallow. It will get a bottle opened, but takes some work and is a far cry from the bottle opener on the Alox Cadet.

Leatherman Squirt vs. Gerber Dime

As I mentioned in the intro, I bought this along with the Gerber Dime. I think the build quality of this Leatherman blows the Dime out of the water. The Dime isn’t a bad tool, and it’s anywhere from $5-15 cheaper than the PS4, but I prefer the PS4.

I mostly prefer the PS4 for it’s slightly better build quality, and the bottle opener jutting out of the back of the dime turns me off, even if it’s a more successful bottle opener than the one on the Squirt.

That said, others have had great luck with the Dime, so if you are torn you can buy them both for under $50 like I did. If I could only keep one I like the PS4 more.

Leatherman Squirt PS4 – Final Thoughts

They say the best tool is the one you have on you. The Squirt isn’t going to replace a tool box, or even a full size multi-tool, but it’s handy in a pinch for small jobs. Given the size constraints I think it’s a great little multi-tool, and you get a lot for your money. That said, I prefer a full size multi-tool for working on bigger projects. The problem with a full size multi-tool is that they are tough to carry unless you can get away with a belt sheath.

I continue to be impressed with the fit, and finish of these inexpensive Leatherman tools. The stellar build quality combined with how they are legitimately useful, make this one a win for me. The fact that the Squirt is made in the USA is icing on the cake.

This is a great back up or EDC item. Even if it doesn’t get tons of use, at around $25 you can’t go wrong with it.

LEATHERMAN, Squirt PS4 Keychain Multitool with Spring-Action Scissors and Aluminum Handles, Built in the USA, Black

LITTLE LIFESAVER: A colorful, keychain-size multitool with durable aluminum handles, spring-action pliers and more
9 TOOLS IN 1: With a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wire cutters, scissors & a bottle opener, this lightweight mini-tool handles everything from snipping fishing line to wrapping birthday gifts
OUR GUARANTEE: We’re proud to stand behind every product that leaves our factory in Portland, Oregon; That’s why we offer our 25-year warranty, so you can be confident your Leatherman lasts a lifetime
ONE-HAND ACCESS: For those moments when you only have one hand to spare, the Squirt PS4 only requires one hand to open and use all the tools
ALWAYS ON HAND: The Squirt PS4 weighs just 2 ounces and is equipped with a key ring so it's always within reach and ready to work

I recommend purchasing the Leatherman PS4 Squirt at Amazon. 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.

Southern Grind Spider Monkey Review

by Dan Jackson 16 Comments

Last Updated: July 30, 2019
Southern Grind is the pet project of country musician Zac Brown. Zac has a strong interest in pocket knives, and he apparently created Southern Grind in part to explore that interest. Southern Grind produces their knives in house, in the USA, and the knives feature a number of design decisions that stray from the beaten path. What I find especially interesting is that they make their custom own hardware.

Buy the Southern Grind Spider Monkey at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Southern Grind’s first folder was the Bad Monkey, a quirky take on the large linerlock EDC knife. For whatever reason I never pulled the trigger on the Bad Monkey, but with the release of the smaller, lighter, and more refined Spider Monkey I finally moved forward.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Spider Monkey features an overall length of 7.50″, a 3.25” blade, and it weighs 3.2 ounces. The Spider Monkey compares favorably to Sage 1. The blade on the Spider Monkey is a 1/4″ longer than the blade of the Sage, but the handle is the same size. While the original Bad Monkey was a large utility folder with a 4″ blade, the Spider Monkey is much smaller and geared towards the EDC crowd.

The blade is a gently sloping drop point shape with a prominent thumb ramp and small swedge. This knife also features a high flat grind and has been finished with a polish and stonewash. This is a classic no-frills blade shape, that gives you a little of everything. The tip is fine and ideal for piercing cuts, there is some belly, but also plenty of edge for draw cuts. The grind is thin and the knife slices well, and the edge has been applied neatly. This is a capable blade, ideally suited for daily tasks. I used my knife to open boxes, cut fruit, and help out with chores around the house.

Southern Grind also offers the Spider Monkey with a tanto blade shape, a partially serrated version, and with an optional black coating.

Southern Grind used S35VN steel for the blade, a good choice given the price point and intended use. I’ve written a lot about S35VN. We seem to see it crop up in more and more premium knives these days. I like how this steel holds a good edge, but is still is easy to sharpen. I prefer it over harder steels that are more difficult to maintain. I like how I can run this knife over a ceramic rod and bring it back to hair shaving sharp without a ton of work.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Spider Monkey features carbon fiber handle scales over titanium liners. The carbon fiber is contoured, and it features a ribbed texture that starts at the pommel and fades into smooth carbon fiber about half way into the handle. The handle is held together with custom hardware and pillars. The fit of all the parts is excellent. The profile of the handle is unique with its swayed back and large pommel, but it all works. Even the laser etched logo on the custom pivot is perfectly aligned. It is little touches like this that show the thought and care that went into engineering this knife.

I am also not a fan of the proprietary body screws. While I can appreciate the fact that these are custom machined parts, you need a special tool to take the knife apart, and it doesn’t ship with the knife. I’d prefer torx hardware for ease of disassembly, or at least charge me a little extra and ship the knife with the necessary take down tool.

The handle of the Spider Monkey may look a little boxy, but it is comfortable. The finger choil does a good job indexing your finger, and the rounded back corner of the handle is fits neatly into your hand. While the carbon fiber scales don’t offer tons of grip, there is some texture here. Plus, there is some aggressive jimping on the thumb ramp. I would dial that back or do away with it, but I know some people will appreciate the extra traction here.

The pocket clip is perhaps the most novel feature of the knife. This is a shortened version of the clip you will find on a Benchmade or Emerson. This is something Zack Brown himself developed after being frustrated with longer pocket clips. This won’t be to everyone’s taste, but I think it’s cool. The clip works well. Retention is strong and there is no danger of the Spider Monkey slipping out of your pocket. If you don’t like it you could always swap it out with a Benchmade or Emerson clip.

Deployment and Lockup

The Spider Monkey uses dual thumb studs to get the blade open. Again, we have proprietary hardware here, which is cool to see in this application. I found the action on my knife to be a little stiff, and because of the custom body screws I was not able to take the knife apart for a cleaning. I could flick the blade open with some wrist action, but that was it. The action is smooth thanks in part to phosphor bronze washers, but the blade doesn’t want to fly open like on some of my other knives.

The titanium liner lock is substantial and executed wonderfully. Lockup is early and secure. There is absolutely no blade play in any direction, and the lock is easy enough to disengage when you are ready to close the blade. This liner lock works so well, I thought it was stainless steel. I bemoaned titanium liner locks in my Emerson Gentleman Jim review because the titanium liner lock on my knife (and in most Emersons I have handled) stick like crazy. Clearly, not all titanium liner locks are created equal, and this is a great liner lock. It is easily on par with my Sage 1.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Southern Grind Spider Monkey – Final Thoughts

The Spider Monkey is a cool little knife. I have been intrigued by this company, ever since they arrived on the scene a few years ago, but I ended up liking the Spider Monkey more than I thought I would. It’s a great size and there are a number of details that set this apart from your typical slab construction liner lock folders. I like the stubby pocket clip, the custom pivot and thumb studs, and the contoured carbon fiber handles. In a way, this is how I would expect an Emerson knife to be made: beautiful construction, modern materials, and a ~~stainless steel~~ thick titanium liner lock that doesn’t stick with phosphor bronze washers. But like an Emerson, this Southern Grind knife has its quirks as well.

The biggest quirk, and my biggest beef with the Spider Monkey, is that I don’t like the proprietary body screws. I have found that being able to periodically disassemble and clean my EDC knives is essential to a piece being a true “user” knife for me. I don’t care if I never disassemble my 888, but I need to be able to take apart a simple liner lock EDC knife like this.

Still, the pros outweigh the cons with the Spider Monkey. Southern Grind is a young knife company, and they are coming out with some cool stuff. Plus, they clearly know how to make things. The tolerances are great, and the end result is a premium product. I enjoy this Spider Monkey and look forward to keeping it for long term testing and evaluation. In the meantime, buy it if you like the design. I can vouch that it is a quality tool.

Southern Grind Spider Monkey Drop Point Folding Knife with Carbon Fiber Handle

PREMIUM QUALITY: Made from S35VN steel for a strong and dependable knife. Your blade stays safe and secure with our 6AL4V Titanium lock and liner.
BUILT TO LAST: Our tough, durable USA-made tactical knives give you unmatched reliability - resistant to edge chipping and corrosion.
STRONG GRIP: Textured carbon fiber matte finish for a strong and solid, all-conditions grip. The short pocket clip ensures a secure pocket carry with minimal interference.
VERSATILITY: An all-around EDC knife perfect for every day use as well as tactical or military purposes. Foldable and compact to store in your backpack, survival gear kit, and more.
100% GUARANTEE, MADE IN USA: Your Southern Grind knife is guaranteed under our Limited Warranty for the lifetime of the original purchaser. A portion of each sale goes to benefit Camp Southern Ground.

I recommend purchasing the Southern Grind Spider Monkey at Amazon, BladeHQ, and KnifeArt. 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.

Zero Tolerance 0900 Review

by Grayson Parker 13 Comments

Last Updated: May 20, 2019
Alright, peer pressure, you win. You finally got to me. After holding out for god knows how long, I finally jumped on the titanium-flipper-framelock (henceforth TFF) bandwagon. Not just any TFF, mind: if I’m challenging my own tastes, I’m going all the way. Full bore. Thus, I decided to pick up a Zero Tolerance; my first ZT, excepting my brief flirtation with one of their pens. The only concession I granted to my own predilections was blade length, and that’s in part due to workplace regulations.

Buy the Zero Tolerance 0900 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Zero Tolerance 0900 is a design by Les George that’s based on his “Mini Harpy”, but which also bears a ton of similarity to his ESR series. Les’s design aesthetic is tough to pin down, but his fascination with drop points and simple lines gives me the warm fuzzies inside. Honestly, I’m glad ZT picked a relatively conservative designer for their first sub-3” knife. No tanto point, no funky recurve. Just a solid design.

One of the reasons I steered clear of TFF’s was that I (persnickety a-hole that I am) could always find something to complain about. Whether my excuse was the lack of a lock-bar insert, the steel not being quite good enough, or the blade length being a touch too long for polite company, there was always an excuse. Not anymore. All of the reasons that otherwise would stop me from reviewing a TFF are gone, and my pretensions are crumbling around me. On that note, let’s get into the review.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Neither Zero Tolerance nor Les George are known for dainty designs, so it should come as no surprise that their collaboration – though short in the blade – is a bit of a tank, weighing in at 4.3 oz. The 0900 has a 2.7” blade, a 3.9” handle, and an overall length of 6.6”. Most of the time I don’t feel the need to mention weight ratios, but this is a lot of weight for such a short blade. It’s shorter and heavier than the infamous Kershaw Cryo. The balance point of the 0900 is perfectly set in the first (and only) finger scallop, so the knife isn’t poorly weighted, just dense. Very dense.

Although this is my first ZT, it isn’t the first I’ve handled. A good friend of mine is firmly in the Zero Tolerance camp, and more than a few of their offerings have passed through his collection at one point or another. Handling those set my expectations pretty high. For the most part those were met; apart from one fatal flaw, that is. The secondary bevel is slightly asymmetric at the tip of the knife. I don’t know how ZT could let this leave the factory in such condition.*

*please don’t kill me KAI, that was sarcasm

I’m a bit of a stickler for thin grinds, so the chunky blade of the 0900 made me hesitate to pick one up. Fortunately, those fears were unfounded. The 0900 is a much better slicer than expected; the wide blade and high grind gets it thin enough behind the edge to do some real work. So in that sense, it outperformed my expectations. Sadly, it’s still a thick chunk of metal, and the high flat grind can only do so much to help. When compared to other knives in its class – notably the Spyderco Techno and the DPx HEAT/F – the 0900 falls closer to the Techno than the HEAT. That’s a good thing in my book.

The blade is S35VN, which is probably one of the most well-rounded steels on the market. It’s easier to sharpen than its predecessor S30V and it chips less. Mine arrived with an edge so keen I felt it on my finger before my eyes registered contact. I’ll grant that I haven’t been able to maintain that level of sharpness, but I’m not exactly a gifted sharpener. Infrequent stropping has kept it sharp enough for my needs.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

Les George tends to use fairly simple lines in most of his designs. As a result, Zero Tolerance didn’t have to flex outside of their comfort range – at least, not far out of it – to produce this for a mass market. A good comparison is the ZT0220, designed by Jens Anso. Anso’s aesthetic is more avant-garde and less likely to appeal to a broad market. You can see some of his design aesthetic in the 0220, but it’s so muted that his touch isn’t immediately clear. By contrast, Les’s design aesthetic is much more conservative, and thus easier to translate. Ultimately this feels like a Les George produced by Zero Tolerance, not a Zero Tolerance designed by Les George.

In my experience, ZT knives have had good (but not great) ergonomics. I’ve occasionally been blown away: the contoured handle of the 0454 and the thumb placement on the 0392 come to mind, but those are the exceptions, not the rule. As such, I expected the 0900 to be solid in the hand, but nothing to write home about. That was a mistake on my part. This knife melts into my hand in a way that I never would have expected. It almost sings. My error lay in assuming that the contours were simply for visual appeal, and that otherwise it would feel like any other slab-handled knife. Photographs did the design no favors. The contours are deep and well chamfered, allowing your palm to wrap around the handle without feeling like you’re holding a slab of metal.

Sadly, this knife carries about as well as expected: by that I mean that you need the right pants to carry it securely. Part of the problem is the clip. What makes it great in the hand makes it a bit unreliable in the pocket: allow me to explain. The 0900 (like many modern ZT’s) uses KAI’s deep carry pocket clip. It’s unobtrusive and matches the lines of this particular knife, but has a very thin point of contact on a very wide handle. This problem is exacerbated by the placement of the clip, as around half of the point of contact hovers over the lock bar, which means it’s hovering over empty space when the knife is closed. In work pants, this hasn’t been an issue, but in dress pants, quick-drying shorts, or other thin materials, it’s lead to some anxiety.

Deployment and Lockup

This is the part where I eat a healthy dose of crow. As much as I dislike the market’s obsession with flippers, I have to admit that the 0900 is significantly more fun to fidget with than any other knife I own. The deployment is crisp, clean, and requires zero wrist flick. No weird problems with the lockbar were experienced. Keep everything well-oiled, keep grit out of the bearing race, and you’ll be perfectly satisfied. It’s worth noting that I haven’t seen any of the odd lockbar issues others experienced on the 0450.

What can I say? There’s no stick, and lock up has consistently fallen around 40%. The replaceable steel insert is a very nice touch. In addition to warding off lock stick and making potential repairs less onerous, it also functions as an overtravel stop. To date, I haven’t experienced lock rock or blade play, and I don’t expect to. Would I like a lock that keeps my hands out of the blade path? Yeah, but this is as close to perfection as a framelock can get, so I can’t bitch too much.

Zero Tolerance 0900 Review – Final Thoughts

My complaints are pretty minor: I’d like a thinner grind, a different clip, and maybe a bit of weight off the whole package, but those are wants, not needs. It’s exciting enough that Zero Tolerance took a step into the sub-3” category. I hope the 0900 – and the 0450, and the 0808, for that matter – sell well enough that ZT pays more attention to this share of the market. If the recent runs in blue and gold are any indication, that’s exactly what’s happening.

There is some stiff competition for the 0900. The “little big knife” concept has been around for awhile, and other companies have been doing a lot to refine their own offerings. Spyderco’s Techno and DPx’s HEAT/F are fairly popular and fall in the same price bracket. How does the 0900 stack up to those two? Pretty well, actually. The ~~hollow~~ full flat ~~how is this not a hollow~~ grind of the Techno beats out the flat grind of the 0900, but the George design has better ergonomics and the benefit of a steel lockbar insert. While I’m sure the HEAT/F makes for a great rescue knife, it’s far too chunky for everyday tasks, so I think the 0900 has the edge here as well.

I’ve pigheadedly prided myself on steering as clear as I can from the whole TFF market. I don’t like it when a meta (to use gamer jargon) is solved; in my view, it leads to more iteration at the expense of innovation. My problem is that the 0900 is good enough to shut down any objective complaints I have about a titanium flipper framelock. When those issues are solved, my recalcitrance rings less of legitimate criticism, and more of hipster-ism. If you like flippers already, chances are you’ll like the 0900. If you don’t, this is a great (albeit expensive) way to test the waters.

Zero Tolerance Les George Titanium KVT Folding Knife (0900); Manual Open, S35VN Stainless Steel, KVT Ball-Bearing System, Frame Lock, Reversible Pocketclip; 4.3 oz., 2.7 In. Blade, 6.6 In. Overall Length

Durable S35VN stainless steel makes the smaller, classic drop-point blade tough, chip resistant and razor sharp
Stonewashed finish gives blade and handle desirable roughened, scuffed look and helps hide scratches
Reversible, deep carry pocketclip convenient for left or right handed tip-up carry and sits low and comfortably in pocket
Ideal EDC; sleek, easy folding pocket knife essential for everyday tasks—survival tool, cutting boxes, self-defense, home protection, tactical use or the perfect gift
High quality, general all-purpose knife perfect for EDC or use while hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, working, utility or outdoor activities

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Zero Tolerance 0900 at Amazon and BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review

by Dan Jackson 7 Comments

Last Updated: September 9, 2019
When I think of Emerson Knives, I think of purpose built tactical knives. Models like the CQC-7, the Commander, and the CQC-15. These stout utility/”tactical” knives epitomize the company. But Emerson has released a few designs over the years that have strayed off the beaten path and caught my eye. The Gypsy Jack always intrigued me, but it may have been too far out there. This could explain why it is now discontinued.

Buy the Emerson Gentleman Jim at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Gentleman Jim is another model that diverges from the hard nosed Emerson lineup. To try and argue that it is a gentleman’s folder is a stretch considering the near 4″ blade, but this knife has always struck me as a strong departure from the rest of the line. And perhaps the Gentleman Jim is that elusive daily carry Emerson that I have always wanted to have, but have yet to find.

Also, before I get started I need to acknowledge that this knife was provided free of charge by the guys at the now defunct BladeFlick.com. In no way did that impact my review. I don’t care if you end up buying a particular knife. My goal is always to try and help you find the best knife for you. That is why I have reviewed hundreds of knives. If I wanted to sell you a knife I would have gotten a job at Cutco. But I do appreciate BladeFlick providing this Gentleman Jim for review. Thank you.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Gentleman Jim has an overall length of 8.55″, a 3.75″ blade, and a weight of 4.6 ounces. This knife is made in the USA. The Gentleman Jim feels a little smaller than its dimensions suggest thanks to the slim profile. Whether it will serve as an every day carry piece for you will depend greatly on your preferences.

Personally, the Gentleman Jim is more of a weekend carry for when I can dress more casually and pocket a bigger knife. Despite it being a smaller Emerson, it’s still quite large. Some might consider this a purpose built self defense tool, for me it rides the line between a utility knife and a collectible. The unique design is what drew me to the knife, not so much any thoughts of it being the ultimate utility blade.

The Gentleman Jim features a slim clip point blade that comes to a fine and pronounced tip. The tip is needle like, and you will need to be careful with it, much like a Kershaw Leek. The partial flat grind meets a shallow swedge about half an inch from the tip.

The grinds have all been perfectly executed. I opted for an uncoated blade and mine has come with belt finished satin grinds and stonewashed flats. I have always loved how Emerson grinds and finishes their blades, and this Gentleman Jim is no different. It’s crisp and perfectly rendered.

Like many modern Emerson knives, the blade is V ground, but the edge bevel is “chisel ground”. This means the edge bevel is only applied to the show side of the knife. All things equal I prefer a V edge because that is consistent with all my other knives and is what I am used to working with, but the Gentleman Jim cuts cleanly and is capable of getting razor sharp.

The Gentleman Jim comes in 154CM stainless steel. This is the exact same steel found on every other knife in the Emerson lineup. I have always enjoyed 154CM, but it makes for a predictable review.

If you are new to the site and this is the first Emerson review of mine that you have read, then let me assure you that 154CM is a good steel. It takes a nice edge and is easy to maintain. It has decent rust resistance, and good edge holding characteristics, although edge retention will be outshined by newer high end steels like S35VN, M390, Elmax, or CTS-XHP to name a few. I invite you to check out the steel section for a deeper dive into blade steel. I like the choice of 154CM here even if it’s predictable.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is your standard black peel-ply G10 scales over a titanium locking liner, and a stainless steel non-locking liner. One little update is the use of black steel standoffs instead of a partial G-10 backspacer like the older Emersons.

The fit of this handle is excellent, and the finish is pretty darn good. The liners and blade have the tell-tale machining marks on the back of them like many of the other Emersons I have handled, but beyond that this knife is dialed in. The G-10 has been neatly chamferred, the holes for the hardware are perfectly countersunk, the screws are the correct length so they don’t poke out from the inside of the liners, and the jimping on the thumb ramp of the blade and the back of the handle match up perfectly. This is simple slab construction, but it has been done purposefully. The whole knife seems to be built a little tighter than the earlier Emersons I have owned, and suggests a refinement of their manufacturing process.

While this design might be a slight departure from the typical Emerson lineup, the ergonomics feel exactly like an Emerson knife. That is to say, they feel great. It’s clear to me that the size of the blade was based on the handle. If you tried to shrink this down to a 3.5″ or 3.25″ blade, the knife may not feel as good in the hand. As it stands the shape feels perfect. On top of that you have good jimping on the thumb ramp and where your pinky rests. You also have the signature aggressive G10. This stuff is almost like an emery board, and out of the box the knife almost sticks to your hand. It will soften slightly with use, but this is pant shredding high traction G10. Perfect for those who value a “traction plan” when picking out a pocket knife.

While the ergonomics are great, it comes at the expense of ease of carry. The Gentleman Jim is not overwieght, but at .54″ thick it does not exactly disappear into the pocket. That’s the trade off you have to make for a knife like this. I am fine with this compromise, but caveat emptor if you are a fan of thin knives.

The pocket clip is the same black parkerized clip found on every other Emerson, and it is similar to Benchmade‘s standard clip. I have always liked this simple clip design, and here the clip has been situated high on the handle, so only a small part of the pommel is exposed. That said, this isn’t a deep carry clip and it’s only drilled and tapped for right side tip up carry.

It won’t be for everyone, but this simple and practical clip does a good job keeping the knife in your pocket.

Deployment and Lockup

The Gentleman Jim utilizes a thumb disk or the wave feature to open up the knife. I reach for the thumb disk most times, and I can flick the blade open with my thumb if I use a lot of force, but I find the pivot to be gritty thanks to the Nylatron washers. Try as I might I still haven’t come around to Nylatron washers, and think that phosphor bronze are much better for their increased durability and smoothness. The wave works great. Just like any other Emerson.

For lockup we have a titanium liner lock. My lock engages fully and securely and there is no side to side or up and down blade play. The lock sticks quite a bit though, and makes an audible “pop” upon disengagement whether I uses the thumb disk or the wave. The lock is sticky because the titanium liner lock is softer than the hardened steel it interfaces with.

I’m sure Emerson has their reason for using a titanium linerlock and Nylatron washers, but these are 2 eccentricities that I still haven’t been able to accept.

Some might argue my points on the washers and liner lock, and my response lies in my trusty Sage 1. This is a perfectly executed stainless steel liner lock with phosphor bronze washers. I’ve owned, carried, and used this Sage 1 for the better part of 5 years. The action is still smooth as glass and the lockup is excellent with zero blade stick. It’s a superior liner lock and it has superior action, and I think 90% of that simply has to do with the choice of materials.

I have handled other titanium liner locks, and I have experienced the same problems with lock stick. I have handled other nylon washer knives and have never cared for them as much as phosphor bronze. So for these reasons I feel justified in my criticism of the titanium liner lock and Nylatron washers.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Emerson Gentleman Jim Review – Final Thoughts

Emersons are something of an acquired taste. They are peculiar and polarizing, but I always enjoy the designs. In fact, the designs are what compel me to review what is essentially the exact knife every year or so. The build quality has improved over the years, but at the end of the day my very first review of the CQC-7, will read similarly to the review of this Gentleman Jim. I hope the writing is at least a little better.

In some ways the quirky consistency of an Emerson is a good thing. I like variety, and I like character. Emerson knives offer plenty of both. But there are some aspects of the knife that are just a turn off. Specifically the washers and lock. The titanium liner lock takes the cake for me. I have a hard time looking past that when a steel liner lock is so much better. A sticky lock is one thing that tends to sour a knife for me, and I’m having a hard time looking past it on this Gentleman Jim.

Still I think the Gentleman Jim is worth exploring. It’s a nice little design. While I can’t call this a true EDC, this is about the closest I have come to a legitimate EDC from Emerson. Much like the Roadhouse, the Gentleman Jim has a lot of character and it feels great in the hand. I am guessing that the knife makes sense from the martial arts / tactical knife intended use, but I confess that I have no experience with the Gentleman Jim in that regard.

The Gentleman Jim will not be for everyone, but if you know what you are getting into then I think that this model has its perks. The combination of the distinct blade and comfortable handle hit the spot. I’m glad the company has made some refinements over the years. I hope they continue to evolve their knives and one day offer something without nylatron washers and a titanium liner lock.

Gentleman Jim SF

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Gentleman Jim at Amazon, or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Hinderer MP-1 Review

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

It seems like every time I write a review of a Hinderer knife I can’t help but open with a commentary on the state of the Hinderer market. Maybe it’s the finance degree talking. At any rate, a few years ago a Hinderer XM-18 would sell for well north of retail. Some were selling for close to $1,000.

Buy the Hinderer MP-1 at BladeHQ

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Those prices slowly began to drop from their peak, and when I wrote my review of the XM-18 3.5″ back in October 2014, I paid around $550 for the knife. Still about $150 above retail, but a far cry from the $800+ they were commanding when I was seriously getting into knife collecting in 2011-2012.

Fast forward to October 2015 when I reviewed the XM-18 3″. I paid $385 for that knife, which is right around retail.

And oddly enough I bought my MP-1 right around the fall of 2016, and I paid $450 for it on the secondary market. It retails for $695 on Knife Art. Things sure have changed. Who would have guessed that you can buy a Hinderer for below retail on the secondary market? Probably not the guys that paid $1,000 for their XM-18s.

Regardless of the reason I won’t complain. It allowed me to pick up the MP-1 at a nice price for this review. And the MP-1 is an interesting piece that I might not have checked out at full retail. It shares a lot of similarities to the XM-18, but it’s stockier in build. This knife also comes with a new feature. MP-1 stands for Modular Platform-1, and this knife’s selling feature is a removable backspacer that can be swapped out with various other backspacers. I am not sure if the replaceable backsapcer on its own it would be reason enough to buy the knife, but the rest of the MP-1 was intriguing.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The MP-1 has an overall length of 8″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 5.9 ounces. This knife was designed by Rick Hinderer and is made in the USA. The MP-1 a substantial knife and is about half an ounce lighter than a G-10 handled XM-18 3.5″. Personally, this is not the most practical Every Day Carry (EDC) knife, but it’s beautifully made with lots of detail. The workmanship is unmistakable and I have spent many evenings admiring this knife. While I have carried and used my MP-1, my ideal EDC knife is usually about the size of a Sage 1. I am sure some carry theirs religiously, but must confess this is more of a collectible for me.

The MP-1 has a modified sheepsfoot blade, not dissimilar to the Benchmade Triage rescue knife. This lends a friendlier profile to the MP-1 and gives it a workmanlike feel. Sort of like the orthotic sneakers old people wear. Its much less aggressive than the original XM-18 line. While there are some design flourishes to elevate the MP-1, at the end of the day this is a comfortable and practical knife if you can get over the weight and thickness of it. This blade cuts well with a high flat grind. The tip is a little lower on this knife but is still surprisingly fine. You can easily pierce materials with it without it being needle sharp. The edge has been ground perfectly.

The MP-1 comes with S35VN blade steel. S35VN isn’t super high end stuff, but it’s totally adequate here. I don’t necessarily need this thing to come in S110V, although I suppose that would be interesting. S35VN is a great higher end working steel. Easy to maintain, yet it holds a good edge, is reasonably tough and corrosion resistant. It has become one of my favorite steels for an EDC knife. Similar to CTS-XHP in that it’s just a good all round steel and you won’t need a diamond stone to bring an edge back on it.

These days I tend to gloss over the knife steel part of the review unless it’s a new steel or I really have something to say (beyond my practical observations and a few general words on the steel itself). If you want a deeper dive into blade steel, chemical composition, etc., then I suggest checking out the knife steel section of the website.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

This is a full titanium framelock flipper made by Hinderer. That is to say, it’s both beautifully built and totally overbuilt. They started with two thick pieces of titanium for the frame, and sandwiched it between oversize custom stand offs and a large custom pivot. Fit and finish is exceptional. The titanium has been finished to a buttery smooth texture. The edges have been chased with decorative chamfering while the diamond pattern found on the G-10 scales of the XM-18 have been machined in little reliefs on the handles. The blade, backspacer, pocket clip, and handle all have been stonewashed while in contrast the hardware is satin finished, leaving you with a dramatic monochromatic knife.

The handle may be overbuilt for most normal people, but you can’t deny the beauty of it. I especially like the extra details found on this model. The quality of the workmanship reminds me of my old Shirogorov 95-T. We are talking about the higher end of the production pocket knife section. No one “needs” a knife like this, but enthusiasts of high end knives appreciate these in the same way you would appreciate a nice watch, high end leather goods, or any other type of luxury product.

Since this knife was apparently named after a Hinderer’s new Hinderer Modular Backspacer System (H.M.B.S.), I better spend some time to talk about it. This is a backspacer that can be removed with a single torx screw rather than disassembling the entire knife. The backspacer wraps around the stand offs and the torx set screw holds it all in place. The stock backspacer is a geared affair that comes with an oversized lanyard loop, but RHK offers a variety of backspacers that include bottle openers, impact tools, various anodized options, etc. In practice it works as advertised. Its easy to take it out with the turn of my WiHa driver.

Here is a video by Rick Hinderer himself explaining the H.M.B.S. in more detail. I think looking at the below picture will save you the 10+ minutes. It’s pretty straight forward.

Whether it is something you want to play around with is an entirely different story. Some get a kick out of modding their Hinderers with anodized parts, after market filler tabs, new scales, etc. No doubt the MP-1 is designed to cater to that crowd. Personally, I like the stock backspacer, and the knife seems a little empty without it. I probably won’t be buying any additional backspacers, but I can see the appeal. All in all I think they did a good job with the execution.

As I mentioned earlier, the MP-1 is a comfortable knife. You would hope so given how thick it is. While the knife has some ornate flourishes, at the end of the day the handle is simply shaped. It’s comfortable and will accommodate a variety of hand sizes and grips. There is a small forward choil behind the edge that gives you extra options and control. There is flat top jimping on the spine of the blade and backspacer, and the milled handles also provide a little traction. The titanium has a great feel in hand, and overall the MP-1 is a pleasure to hold and use.

The MP-1 features the same spoon style pocket clip of the XM-18 series. That’s nice because it’s a good pocket clip design. Retention is excellent and the MP-1 stays in place when clipped to your pocket. This isn’t a deep carry clip, and the MP-1 isn’t the most discrete of carries, but the knife mostly buries into the pocket. Being a thick and heavy knife, it isn’t going to EDC like a Dragonfly, but it does stay in place and out of the way. This carries as well as any other 6 ounce knife I have owned.

Also, just like with the XM series, the MP-1 is ready for right side tip up or tip down carry. There is a “filler tab” screwed in place near the pivot.

Deployment and Lockup

The MP-1 has an odd combination of thumb studs and flipper. I say “odd” because the thumb studs do not work unless the blade is partially open. I suppose it’s used in the event the flipper does not completely deploy the blade. That’s a real potentiality on the XM-18, which has a notoriously weak detent, but here the detent on the MP-1 is pretty good. The blade opens reliably and I’d say this flipper is a solid “6” on a 1-10 scale (with a 10 being something like the ZT 0454). Action is crisp, but it is possible to occasionally “flub the flip” and get a partially deployed blade. The knife uses teflon washers. Action is smooth and the knife flips open, so I can’t complain.

With the XM series the thumb studs are technically blade stops, so it could be argued that they don’t “need” to work as thumb studs. Here, the MP-1 actually features a set of hidden blade stops that travel underneath pockets milled out in the handle, so the non-functional thumb studs are a little more puzzling. They do come in handy if the blade doesn’t fully open with the flipper. Beyond that I don’t see the point to them.

For lockup we of course have a titanium framelock. This is just bare titanium against the steel tang of the blade. No steel inserts, although you do have the Hinderer lock bar stabilizer peeking out from behind the pocket clip. My lock has been executed beautifully. The lock face is generous and lock up is around 30%. There is no stick, and absolutely no wiggle, lock rock, or blade play of any kind. The MP-1 is rock solid.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Hinderer MP-1 – Final Thoughts

I like the MP-1 and can appreciate it for what it is. It’s high end pocket knife that is unapologetically overbuilt. This will only appeal to a certain type of knife enthusiast: one who appreciates overbuilt knives, and has a fair amount of disposable income. The thing is, the MP-1 has been beautifully executed. Some high end hard use knives are mere “me too” products that boil down to being janky rip offs. Here it’s obvious that quite a bit of thought and skill went into putting the MP-1 together. It may not be office friendly, but it’s beautifully made. It certainly isn’t a janky rip off.

Similar to the Eklipse, I don’t think the MP-1 will enjoy the success of the XM-18 series, but there was something oddly compelling about this knife. Sure it’s heavy and impractical for mere mortals like myself, but it will appeal to those seeking a full titanium Hinderer. And this is a more premium knife than the XM-18. There is extra work here. Extra detail. I obviously can’t speak for everyone, but it drew me in.

Perhaps the customizable nature of the knife will appeal to people as well. I never got into the knife customization thing, but there are guys that are really into that. Although Modifiedz hasn’t posted a video in years, people still seek out “knife pimpers”, and customized Hinderers regularly find their way onto the secondary market. Buying a Hinderer and then buying different hardware and handle scales to make it your own is a thing. The MP-1 could serve as a blank canvas of sorts and takes the concept of making the knife your own one step further.

If this was released a few years ago there would likely be a lot more fanfare. After all, this is a full titanium framelock flipper straight from the Hinderer factory. This is previously the stuff of legends. Even 3 years ago people would have crapped their pants for the chance to buy one at a knife show lottery. Today it’s another option if you are seeking out a high end folder. A lot more options have come onto the market recently, and while I think the MP-1 has been well done, I’ll be the first to admit that this knife is not for everyone.

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I recommend purchasing the MP-1 at Knife Art, BladeHQ, or [easyazon_link asin=”B0773W7LPG” 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 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.