Question, comment, or concern? I used to have a comment form that you could fill out and I would get an email. It stopped working on me, so in the meantime, if you would like to send me a message please feel free to email me directly:
There are no spaces in my email address.
I will try to respond to you within 24 hours. Thanks!
Dan
Have you considered doing a review on a classic Kabar?
Hey Daniel. I have considered it, although I must confess, without any military experience or a real in-depth knowledge of survival or combat scenarios, I am hesitant to tackle a knife with that kind of pedigree at this point in time. I am trying to stick to “what I know” so the information I do provide is as useful as possible.
However, I do have plans to review more fixed blades in the future – when I’m in a better position spend the time and money to carry and use them. With folders I can just throw them in my pocket – for fixed blades I need to make a greater effort to really “test” them in real world applications. As a student about to graduate, I simply haven’t had the time.
Thanks for the interest, the classic Kabar is definitely on my radar now.
Dan,
I noticed that you have the Barrage 581 listed at 4.2 oz with the comment that it seems really light. I checked the Benchmade catalog. The 580 is 4.2 oz and the 581 is listed is 5.2 oz.
Hope that helps. Keep up the good reviews.
I am seeking the handle with the heft and feel of a Benchmade 520 in an assisted version. I think this may be the best answer!
Hey Dave,
Thanks for taking the time to notify me about the BM 581 – you are absolutely right. The weight is 5.2 ounces, not 4.2 ounces. I appreciate the info, and I have updated the review.
I think the 581 would be a nice choice if you are looking for something around the same weight of the 520, but want an assisted opener. This knife feels very nice in hand (“light” may not have been the best word – it doesn’t feel “heavy” is probably more appropriate) and the assisted opening is super fast. To top things off it’s a fantastically well made knife.
Thanks again for the support, and I do appreciate letting me know about the 581 weight as well. Take care.
Dan
BladeReviews.com
hi,
I’m wanting a new pocket knife, but due to the fact I live in the UK my options are reduced as Its illegal to have a knife that locks as an edc. I’m thinking about getting a Citadel Buddy, and I’m wondering if you have any experience with them or know if they are any good? Or if not any other suggestions for a good blade at around £80?
Thanks,
Ash
Hey Ash, I sent ya an email. Let me know if you didn’t get it. Thanks,
Dan
Can you test out the blackjack grunt in 10cr17? Super cheap, great shape. There seems to be some question as to the quality of that steal, and there is alot of conflicting info on the web. Thanks
Hey Confused, I haven’t heard of that one, but I’ll see what I can do. Thanks for the suggestion!
Dan
. politically speaking I am liberal on many issues except our second amendment right. Reading the enty from the bloke from the U.K. it makes me so scared that our right of protection could be compromised by a government who takes a way a right to protect oneself from a criminal who has no regard for the law. Our right to protect ourself from a government that becomes corrupt is a more complicated issue but one our four fathers took seriosly. yes the weaponry was more primitive but the people were allowed to own those same weopons which somewhat made the government fear its people. Now with the patriot act imposed innocent till proven guilty is a thing of the past. I in no way am a revolutionary. I believe in change through the democratic process. Please people understand fascism by definition is when corporations control the government and vise-versa and we all know a corporation is an entity without a soul or conscience. Our right to bear arms should never be compromised. The people should not fear our government. I am sorry about the rant but not being able to have an edc without a locking mechanism.
MD, thanks for taking the time to write this man. One of the interesting things about starting this website is learning how good most Americans have it from a potential EDC knife perspective. The laws in the UK, Australia, Europe, etc are really messed up. I try my best not to take things for granted here – but thanks for the great reminder!
Dan
Hello there, Dan.
Watching some of your videos i’ve noticed you use your left hand when handling blades, are you left-handed or ambidextrous? I’m curious to know because i’m a lefty and find it quite a chore to find left-hand-friendly blades and just wanted to know what your stance is on manufacturers attitudes towards the ten percent.
Hi Ben!
I am a lefty. It can be something of a chore to find 100% lefty friendly blades so I have mostly learned to adapt to the right hand knife world. You may notice that I have all my clips set for right hand carry although I do carry in the left pocket. Some lefties wonder how I can possibly do that – it’s just a force of habit. Seems very natural to me.
Generally, I don’t have an issue with the status of manufacturing for lefties. There are many great ambidextrous offerings (such as anything with an axis lock) and I have no issue manipulating liner locks and frame locks with a left hand. Some models can pose issues (eg, the new Spyderco Techno doesn’t look particularly lefty friendly) but for the most part I am able to carry everything I like. Also some companies do make left hand specific versions of their knives (some Spydercos, Emersons, CRKs etc). Pocket clips aside, if I find a knife really awkward or unusable for a lefty I will mention it in the review.
Thanks for the great question. If there is anything specific I can help you with please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email. 🙂
Best regards,
Dan
Dear Dan,
I love reading your reviews, they are very well done! I just wanted to ask you, can you please do a review of the benchmade 810 contego? I want to hear about your thoughts on one. Thanks.
-Cameron
Hi Cameron,
Thanks for the kind words. Honestly I wasn’t planning on reviewing the Contego, but I’ll keep this in mind. Thanks again.
Dan
Dan:
As a guy who only buys an occasional mid-to-higher end EDC folder, I have been rather uninterested in most new production blade releases in the last year from many top manufacturers until this year. I recently emailed/asked you to review a Viper Vox Odino (to which you graciously replied in the affirmative)…since it was one of a few newer knives that peaked my interest…and I certainly thank you for that, and anticipate hearing your thoughts when you see your way clear.
Now however, after just seeing some recent Shot Show 2015 releases at Blade HQ, I’m also interested in hearing your opinion(s), if you’re so inclined, of the (1) “LionSteel TRE Three Rapid Exchange Frame Lock Knife” in any config…as well as the (2) “Benchmade Valet AXIS Lock Knife Gray G-10” since it seems to be a good value for an M390 blade at around $170 street.
If the LionSteel TRE actually becomes available to buy, and isn’t Sebenza money, I may have to pop for it immediately since it looks to be very innovative with end user deployment selection, great materials with absolutely gorgeous looks, and will no doubt be meticulously rendered.
Thanks for your consideration, and all your efforts on your readers/fans behalf!
Regards,
Keith
Hey Keith,
Thanks for the comment. I still don’t have an Odino, although I am expecting to acquire one eventually. Both the LionSteel TRE and the Benchmade Valet look like strong offerings. I would like to get them both to review, and odds are I will in due time. I wouldn’t be surprised if the TRE was at least $300 though. We will see.
Thanks again for taking the time out to comment / write me a note. I really appreciate your support!
Dan
Dan,
I’m wondering how you think older designs like the Reeves Umnumzaan Tanto still stack up well with all the new competition?
I found one for sale and like the design/asthetics and fit/finish, but for around $400 thiers a lot of strong options that are $100-200 less.
Any thoughts on if it still stacks up?
Hey Rob,
Great question. While a lot has happened in the knife industry over the past few years, especially in the $250-350 range, I still think knives like the Umnunzaan have merit to the collector and user. They were never great “value” knives to begin with, and nothing has changed there. I think if you are interested in knives like the CRK Sebenza, or a Strider, to check them out. You can always find them on the forums, and if you buy them right they hold their value well.
With that said, they have a lot more competition these days, and if you are interested in things like flippers, 3-D machining, and bearings then CRK and Strider leave much to be desired. I think arguably the most disappointing thing is that these companies haven’t really stepped up to bring the end user true evolution in their product lines. Like it or not, the industry is rapidly evolving, and if these companies continue to do nothing then they will likely slowly lose market share and relevance to those who continue to seek the latest and greatest.
Just my .02 of course.
Dan
Hey i have a YouTube channel it is knifedude01 and I was wondering if you could send me a knife to review it would be awesome thanks david
Hi Paul, I’m actually not a knife manufacturer, but a reviewer myself.
Dan
Hi, I was wondering if you had planned on reviewing the steel will bruiser folder. It looks like a winner, seems to grade out well with consumers, but I’m not familiar with the blade material, k110 tool steel, comparable to D2 I’m told. I swear by your reviews and purchased my sage 2 and ZT0562cf based solely on said reviews and have been thouroughly pleased with both of them. So a solid review from you would tip the scales I favor of steel will for my next addition to a growing collection. Thanks in advance .
-Eric
I opened a shop earlier this year to showcase fine custom knives made of exotic woods…completely of wood – no steel to be found. As far as I can tell, no one is making knives like this and my orders have been overwhelming. Several articles have been written over the past month as well as some local interviews about my knives and I am now searching for a way to make this a self-sustaining business if indeed the market is there. I am reaching out to several knife shops to pursue a partnership to provide a unique custom shop. Please take a look at my Facebook page and let me know your thoughts…could this be unique enough in the world of folding knives to warrant a story?
Regards,
Tom Scarlett
https://www.facebook.com/FineWoodenKnives/
Would you consider reviewing the Viper Orso?
Hey Zack, Sure, I have reviewed several knives from Viper and the Orso looks like a nice offering from them. I’ll be on the lookout for a good deal on one.
Dan
Hi, I enjoyed your review just now of the Ontario RAT1 – I am looking for some options for folding knives for camping/cooking, and I did not see that listed as one of your knife categories. I like how the Ontario RAT1 is open all the way through for ease of cleaning, in case some food gunk gets stuck in the handle. I’ve been looking at the Spyderco SpydieChef, which is a really nice knife, but is way outside my budget. Anyway, I just wanted to suggest folding-knives for camp cooking as a topic for review. For me, it needs to be easy to clean and probably a stainless steel blade and components. Thank you!
Hi
Reviews of Ganzo knives ? It seems to be good budget knives. For example, the Ganzo G722.
I don’t see myself reviewing their knives any time soon. They have a strong disregard for US intellectual property rights, and have flagrantly ripped off designs from other companies. While it’s not my job to be the patent police, in this case what they are doing is so blatant I won’t be rewarding it with air time.
Dan
Fallkniven F1 Comment. Ok. You are urban. You are wearing your Brooks Bros. suit. You want to carry a fixed blade. And, it cannot be carried on a belt. Carry not require an aftermarket sheath that costs a zillion dollars. So, it must be carried in a factory sheath, in a pocket. This is the knife.
I have a 9.9 “ smith and Wesson boot knife that is nothing comparable to any others I can find. It says prototype on one side and the other side has a serial number 000. Just wondering what it is worth