154cm

Leatherman Skeletool CX Review

I’d like to open with a small update from my review of the Leatherman Charge TTi. In the conclusion, I stated that even though it was too large to carry, I’d hold onto it because it was handy, well made, and could always be tossed into a bag if needed. I’ve since sold it, perjuring myself in the process. While the complaints in the review were a factor in that decision, the primary reason was that I already had a multitool that handled all my needs: the Leatherman Skeletool CX.

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Mind, the Skeletool isn’t a new design. It debuted in 2007, and judging from the number of variations that have been released, it’s sold well. Tony of Everyday Commentary published a review of it back in 2011. You might be asking yourself why a review of a decade old design is warranted. The simple answer? I moved (for the second time this year) a few months back, and in so doing carried the Skeletool so often I thought it deserved the attention.

General Dimensions and Pliers

The Skeletool CX measures in at a closed length of 4 inches and a weight of 5.08 ounces. While those numbers might not sound noteworthy at first glance, bear in mind that most full size multitools weigh upwards of 8 ounces. Most of these weight savings can be attributed to the tool selection (which we’ll talk about farther down), but the skeletonized, asymmetrical frame is also partially responsible. In addition to lowering the weight, the handle design is ergonomically impeccable, regardless of which tool is being used.

The pliers on the Skeletool are well made and suited to a variety of tasks. I’ve used them for everything from splinter removal to furniture assembly. If I had my druthers, the jaws would come to a finer point like on the wave and charge models. There’s room in the frame, and pliers this size will be used as needlenose more often than not. I can’t rightly say that the pliers have ever been too thick, so take that criticism with a grain of salt. I haven’t had occasion to use the wire cutters yet.

More than one online review notes that the pliers are prone to breaking, although my own experiences don’t back those claims up. One memory in particular stands out: I had locked myself out of the company vehicle, and was trying to use some thick wire to unlock the car door. Lacking any sort of a pry bar, I jammed the pliers into the seam between door and frame and leaned in, creating a gap wide enough to slip the wire through. I failed to unlock the door, but the Skeletool shrugged off the abuse. In the event that the pliers do break, Leatherman’s 25 year warranty will make it right.

Additional Tools

Apart from the pliers, the Skeletool CX comes equipped with the bare essentials:

Plain-edged blade
Large it driver
Double-sided Phillips bit
Double-sided flat bit
Bottle opener/carabiner

Compared to a full-sized multitool, this list might look a tad anemic. I can’t blame anyone who has that reaction; I did as well. Even after owning the Skeletool for years, I thought it lacked in a few areas. That was actually how I justified purchasing the Charge TTi. Over time, I found that even with the Charge available, I reached for the Skeletool, even for heavy-duty tasks. My reasoning was simple: whenever I needed something more capable or specialized than the Skeletool, I just needed an actual tool, not a bigger multitool. Furthermore, the Skeletool is only focused on doing a few things, and because of that it can do those things far better than a less focused tool.

The best example of this is the Skeletool CX’s blade. It’s made of 154CM (one of my favorite blade steels) and has a modified drop point (one of my favorite blade shapes). There’s plenty of belly for slicing cuts, but not so dramatic a belly that it slips out of material during push cuts. The .10” thick stock is taken down to a serviceable edge by a flat grind. It’s not something you’d reach for in the kitchen, but it works just fine for preparing a picnic lunch. The previously mentioned ergonomics are at their best here, as the humped spine of the blade and the curve of the handle produce a grip rivalled only by Spyderco’s famed ergonomics.

Instead of making each driver its own tool, the designers of the Skeletool put a bit driver in the tail end of one of the handles, and a slot for an extra bit in the other handle. It’s a clever way to maximize the utility of the Skeletool using the minimum amount of space. There’s no lock to worry about, as the bit driver doesn’t fold into the handle, and the tapered handle lets it fit into nooks that’d refuse a full-size multitool. As an added bonus, the Skeletool is fully compatible with the Leatherman Bit Kit and Bit Extender, should you need more options or reach.

The tool set is rounded out by a bottle opener that doubles as a carabiner. I’d like to say that this is the least used tool, but that’d be a lie. Suffice to say that I’ve put this particular implement through extensive testing. It lifts the cap off with a single pull, every time.

Pocket Clip and Carry

What truly sets the Skeletool CX apart from every other multitool on the market is that it carries like a modern pocket knife. Most multitools are designed to be carried on a belt or in a bag, with the option (however ill-recommended) of carrying it with a pocket clip. That isn’t the case here. The Skeletool was designed from the ground up for pocket carry, and the end result is a multitool that you don’t need to force yourself to carry. Consider this: it’s less than an ounce heavier than my ZT0900, yet has a blade just as long, pliers, a bit driver, and a bottle opener.

Build Quality

On the whole, I’m impressed by the Skeletool’s fit and finish. The plier jaws mate perfectly, the blade locks up rock solid, and there are no odd rattling sounds or loose tools. One feature that I particularly admire is the slipjoint system built into the frame. It acts similarly to a half stop on a traditional knife, granting the plier jaws and the frame a bias towards closure, as well as a reasonably crisp ‘detente’ that needs to be overcome.

However, the Skeletool isn’t without issues, and most of them are related to the blade. It’s off-center to the extent that it rubs against the handle, the grind is choppy at best, and the tang is just sharp enough to scrape your hand if you have to reach past it for something in your pockets. None of these issues are deal breakers for me. Only one of them (the aggressive tang) impacts the function of the tool, and even then it’s more of an annoyance than a failure.

Leatherman Skeletool CX – Final Thoughts

To sum up, the Skeletool CX is such a good piece of gear that it makes most of my knife collection look frivolous. The few complaints I have are negligible when weighed against the utility of the design. It isn’t as fun as a framelock flipper, and it doesn’t have have the charm of a traditional pocketknife, but if I was relentlessly practical, I’d carry the Skeletool six days out of seven.

How does it stack up to the competition? Well, there are cheaper options. The Leatherman Wingman comes in at less than half the price of the Skeletool CX, but is significantly heavier and made from cheaper materials. I can say from personal experience that the Leatherman Charge TTi (though it boasts more features and better materials) isn’t useful enough to justify the increase in cost, let alone weight. If you’re on a tight budget, the plain Skeletool is a fine option. It’s the exact same design, but with a half-serrated blade made of much cheaper steel.

Who would I recommend the Skeletool CX to? Honestly, everyone. It’s nice enough that I wouldn’t want to abuse it, but that’s not what it’s designed for. At the end of the day, a multitool is meant to save you a trip to the toolbox, not replace the toolbox itself. Do yourself (or a gear geek you know) a favor and pick one up. You’ll be surprised at how capable a tool it is.

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I recommend purchasing the Leatherman Skeletool CX 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.

Emerson Sheepdog Review

by Dan Jackson 10 Comments

Last Updated: July 30, 2019
Having reviewed many Emerson knives over the years, and reaching largely the same conclusions, you would think I am a glutton for punishment in selecting the Emerson Sheep Dog for review. However, the Sheepdog brings something new to the table. This is the first Emerson flipper I have reviewed, and it features their new ball bearing system. Plus the handle has been drilled and tapped for ambidextrous carry. This is big news from a company that is very much set in their ways.

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This isn’t the only flipper Emerson has done. They also released the CQC-7 flipper. The CQC-7 flipper seems interesting on paper, as flippers have been in vogue for years now and the CQC-7 is the knife that put Emerson on the map, but the design is uninspired and the end result is literally a CQC-7 with a gigantic shark fin flipper pasted onto it. I can understand the appeal to some, but personally I wasn’t interested.

In contrast the Sheepdog isn’t a model where the flipper was an afterthought. The knife was designed to be a flipper, per the specifications of Lt. Col. David Grossman, the man who approached Ernest Emerson about collaborating on a knife and designing something for David’s company Sheepdog Knife and Gun.

David Grossman is the author of On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society, a seminal text on the psychology of the act of killing, how most men are reluctant to kill, and how law enforcement and military have trained people to overcome this reluctance. I’m sure On Killing makes for stimulating beach reading, but I didn’t pick up the Sheepdog to write a book report.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Sheepdog has an overall length of 8.4″, a 3.5″ blade, and it weighs 5.54 ounces. This knife is made in the USA. This is a purpose built utility and self defense knife geared towards law enforcement (hence the name). Grossman wanted something functional for a Police officer’s daily work, yet relatively non-threatening. The handle is generous, while the blade is big enough to get work done without being over the top. As usual this won’t be practical for your average urban or suburban EDC, but no Emerson is. I have carried my knife primarily on evenings and weekends.

The Sheepdog comes with your choice of a clip point or spear point blade. Personally, I like the look of the spear point a little more. I think that visually the spear point blade it balances out the handle a little better. It’s also a little less aggressive looking than the clip point. Both designs provide good all round utility and come with partial flat grinds. Both blade shapes are cut from 1/8″ thick blade stock.

As usual the blade on this Emerson is immaculate. Crisp lines, beautiful satin grinds, a generous sharpening choil, and sparkling stonewashed flats. The tip on my clip point is needle fine, while the spear point version appears to have a little more meat behind it. The primary grind is “V” ground, while the edge is only applied to the show side.

Like all the other Emerson’s I have reviewed, the Sheepdog comes in 154CM. At this point the 154CM stainless steel is a known quality. It comes sharp and stays sharp for a good while. Maintenance is easy. You sharpen the bevel side as you normally would, and that quickly raises a prominent burr. I then knock the burr off with a single swipe on a ceramic rod, and the blade is good to go. I have a suspicion that Emerson heat treats their 154CM on the softer side. It makes it an easy knife to sharpen, but you lose a little edge retention and the blade shows wear without much effort.

The Sheepdog takes a nice toothy edge, and has no problem with boxes, and I broke down plenty in the wake of assembling furniture and appliances for my rental house. I also used the knife on wood and for some mild food prep. The clip point is a practical blade shape, although it’s a little aggressive for use in public. It slices well, but also offers excellent penetration ability. Corrosion resistance is pretty good, but 154CM will stain if you aren’t careful with it.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is classic Emerson: coarse peel-ply black G10 scales over a stainless steel non-locking liner, a titanium locking liner, black stand offs, Phillips head body screws, and a slotted pivot. Fit and finish is good on my knife. Emerson got a bad rap for their knives a few years ago for off-centered blades, tooling marks on the liners, late lockups, etc. These days those issues have largely disappeared. All the parts line up, the body screws are counter sunk, the edges are chamferred, and the pocket clip screws don’t stick out past the liners. If I had to nit-pick, I’d say that one of my liners is about .1 mm proud on one spot of the handle, but beyond that I can’t complain. This is a solid knife and it isn’t horrible to look at either.

The ergonomics of the Sheepdog may be inspired by Grossman, but they are pure Emerson. Like most of his designs the handle has an almost orthotic quality to it. The simple shape comes with decades of experience and the end result works great. Your index finger sinks into a deep finger groove while the flared pommel catches your pinky perfectly and the gently sloping spine supports your palm. This handle design would keep your hand in place work without excessive handle texturing, but of course Emerson offers the knife with sandpaper like G-10, and a broad thumb ramp with mild jimping. The end result is an undeniably comfortable and functional handle, but the G-10 will shred your pockets if you aren’t careful.

I know not everyone will share in my excitement, but I think the craziest feature on this knife is the fact that the handle has been drilled and tapped to accept a pocket clip on either side of the handle. Holy shit, what a concept. Some people may be less enthusiastic about this great advance in technology, after all these days you can get a $5 gas station knife that is drilled and tapped for ambidextrous carry, but for Emerson this is a big freaking deal. I’m glad Grossman got more than his company logo on this knife. Congratulations on getting this thing to come ready for ambidextrous placement of the pocket clip.

The clip is the same black parkerized stainless steel spring clip that you will find on every other standard Emerson. It’s a nice functional clip. Here it has been placed on the high on the handle for relatively deep carry. It’s not super deep carry, but you can easily retrieve the knife. The Sheepdog carries pretty well. It’s a relatively big knife, and it is thick, but it’s not going anywhere with this pants-shredding G-10. It carries as you would expect it to.

Deployment and Lockup

While the three extra holes in the handle are a big step forward, the flipper is what truly sells the Sheepdog. Since this is one of Emerson’s first flipper I wasn’t sure how successful of a flipper this would be. I was pleasantly surprised with what arrived. The Sheepdog flips well thanks in part to a large flipper tab, relatively heavy blade, and GTC bearing system. The detent doesn’t feel an stronger than your typical Emerson, and you can use the thumb disk or wave if you want, but it still provides enough resistance for the blade to flip open every time. The blade doesn’t pop like a Zero Tolerance flipper, but it isn’t a wet noodle either. I’d say it’s a solid 6 on a 1-10 scale, with a 5 being a Spyderco Domino, and a 10 being a ZT 454.

The GTC bearing system is worth another paragraph. Regular readers know I am not a fan of the teflon washers found in the regular Emersons. These bearings are like night and day in comparison. While the teflon washers are slow and gritty, these bearings are fast, smooth, and a pleasure to operate. This is is a caged bearing system designed by Brazilian custom knifemaker Gustavo Cecchini of GTC Knives. Gus knows what he is doing, and Emerson has done a great job implementing this bearing system into their knives.

Here is a parting size comparison with my Spyderco Paramilitary 2:

For lockup we have your typical titanium liner lock. As usual I found my lock was sticky out of the box. I applied a little Sharpie marker to the tang of the knife, and it helped tremendously in alleviating the lock stick. I have to re-apply the Sharpie every couple weeks but it makes the knife much more pleasurable to operate.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Emerson Sheepdog Review – Final Thoughts

I think this is the Emerson knife a lot of people have been waiting for. While the company has made minor incremental improvements to their products over the years, the knives have remained largely unchanged. This Sheepdog is still very much a traditional Emerson, but the inclusion of bearings and an ambidextrous pocket clip are big steps. The flipper is successful as well. This isn’t the sleekest flipper design, and the action won’t rival a ZT, but the flipper is functional and less clumsy looking than the CQC-7 flipper. I think they did a good job with it.

I find little to complain about here. I am ecstatic about the switch to bearings. I wish they did this for all their knives. The extra pocket clip holes are nice too. The liner lock still sticks but there is a workaround if you are willing to periodically apply Sharpie marker to the tang of the knife.

I suppose the biggest hangup for me is the bulkiness of this knife. That shouldn’t come as a surprise as Emerson knives are always big and thick. You notice them in the pocket and people will notice you if you use the knife in a public setting. If you already realize that going into the purchase, then I think you will find a lot to like with the Sheepdog. It features significant improvements over past Emerson knives.

I easily recommend the Sheepdog for Emerson fans. But I also recommend it for someone seeking a large folding “tactical” knife. This is my favorite Emerson to date, and is a successful collaboration with Lt. Col. Grossman. I hope it inspires the company to try more new things.

Emerson Sheep Dog - Spear Point Blade - Folding Knife with Wave SF

I recommend purchasing the Emerson Sheepdog at Amazon, and 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.

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.

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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.

Benchmade 530 / 531 Review

by A Sharp Guest Contributor 8 Comments

Last Updated: July 28, 2019
Shopping on Amazon for knives is a dangerous endeavor. Not only can you find a nearly endless variety of blades, but your account also has a nasty habit of learning your interests. You might not notice it at first. A simple suggestion, “I noticed you like Spyderco. Have you heard of Benchmade?” and suddenly your limited understanding of quality production knives enters a larger world.

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It was during the earliest stages of my newfound fanaticism for knives that Amazon did its now dreaded, “get yourself a little something,” and I saw it: The Benchmade 530. It had come up in my searches before. Like an expert hypnotist, the online shopping site had long implanted it in my psyche. I was drawn to the clean lines, the spear-point blade, and the overall symmetry. Benchmade’s Axis lock system and sparkling online reputation caught my attention. Also, I had been really good lately. So I succumbed to the siren’s call: I “got myself a little something.” I purchased the Benchmade 530 and fell one more step down the rabbit hole.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Benchmade 530 sports a 3.25” blade and an overall length of 7.42”. The knife is designed by Benchmade’s champion Mel Pardue. Those familiar with Pardue will recognize him as the designer of the Griptilian. Under the hood this knife shares some similar design traits with the Griptilian: reinforced plastic handles, partial liners, and the use of 154CM steel. I tend to view the 530 as a sort of companion piece to the Griptilian; a more elegant and svelte cousin to the rough-and-tumble Grip.

The 530’s blade is a satin-finished or black coated spear point with a long flat edge that terminates in a short and narrow belly. There is also the option to add a semi-serrated blade if it is your preference. The thin blade is ground into a dagger profile with a huge swedge dividing the blade evenly down the middle. This style is very similar to the stiletto style found on some of Mel Pardue’s custom offerings.

To the unfamiliar this blade may appear to be double-edged, but one side has been left unsharpened as a faux edge. Just as well, because a double edge would be illegal to carry in many states. The shape has led many uninitiated people to refer to the 530 as a switchblade, a comparison that is figuratively double-edged. On one hand the knife is probably intimidating enough to repel a would be mugger. On the other, flicking the blade to open a bag of beef jerky might raise some eyebrows at the mall. Just something to consider.

On paper this blade may look impractical for every-day-carry purposes due to the small belly and dagger grind, but in practice the performance is pleasing. 154CM steel is a staple of Benchmade’s, and for good reason. It is an American mid-range steel that is a good all around performer. The blade’s dagger shape serves several purposes. The deep swedge softens the feel of the back of the knife allowing you to rest your thumb more comfortably on the spine. If you have handled a Spyderco Dragonfly you will have a pretty good idea of how a swedge can bring a little more comfort.

The blade stock is already very thin at 2.29mm, but the grind on this knife makes the blade even more narrow and light while maintaining a strong tip. Because of this, it is a good slicer and excellent piercer. One thing to note about the blade is that it is so thin that it is possible to flex it ever so slightly, but not enough to be troubling for your every day tasks like opening packages or breaking down boxes. That said, I would be cautious to use this knife for hard use activities and it certainly wouldn’t be the only knife I’d bring along on a serious camping trip. While knives with swedges tend to slice a little more poorly than a full flat grind this knife is ground so thin that it seldom has any issue. Still, if a dagger grind isn’t your cup of tea, Benchmade also makes the 531 which sports a full flat ground drop point instead.

All in all, I like the 530’s style. It is what drew me to the knife in the first place and it has proven to be far more practical in practice than one would think.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle on the 530 is a fiberglass-reinforced nylon called Grivory. Benchmade has received both praise and criticism for similar handle materials in the past. Some people find the plastic cheap and flimsy. I happen to find most FRN handles to be lightweight and deceptively durable, the 530 being no exception. If you aren’t like me and you dislike plastic handles Benchmade again has your solution in the 531, which has handsome gray G10 handles. The 531 weighs a little more than the 530 because of this, but I would think hardly enough to be noticed.

The handle is coffin-shaped; meaning the blade of this knife is relatively straight and nearly symmetrical. Again, like the blade, the handle is deceptively functional. The plastic handles are hollow, but reinforced by bands of plastic segmenting the inner spaces. The back of the handle is mostly of closed construction with only a little bit of flow through where the frame peeks out. It is quite spacious; I can get a four-finger hold on the knife and still have room to spare. I wear a medium sized glove, so I think all but the very largest of hands will be accommodated in full. The plastic handle flares out on every corner, creating a convenient guard that locks the hand in place. These flares create a short finger ramp for exerting more pressure on the blade if required. Because the knife is flared on both ends, it is equally comfortable and functional in a reverse grip.

Some gently notched jimping is cut into the partial frame that is exposed almost exactly like on Pardue’s Griptilian, and like the Griptilian this jimping is appreciated but not particularly effective. There are also grooves set into the handle, light contouring to improve grip, and a very small divot where the thumb stud protrudes when closed that functions as a tiny choil when open. There was some gritty texture on the handle of my example around the chamfered edges. I am not sure if this is to make the knife more grippy or if it was a flaw, but I didn’t like it. Eventually I took some light grit sandpaper to it and it smoothed out easily. This leads me to believe that it probably would have smoothed out with time anyway.

Overall, the handle is functional and comfortable, but do not expect Spyderco or Griptilian-level ergonomics. Honestly, I don’t think anyone would consider this knife if they were just looking for good ergos. Rather, this knife’s charm lies in the thinness and lightness of its construction. This is achieved with a partial steel liner that only extends halfway down the hollowed handle and by the lightness of the blade. This guy is seriously svelte at 1.88 ounces, and with a handle of a mere 0.37th of an inch. You barely even feel it, yet it has a full-length intimidating blade.

By comparison, a Victorinox Alox Cadet is only 0.28 ounces lighter and shares roughly the same width. That being said, one of my favorite uses for this knife is when I go out for a run. I can clip it to my basketball shorts pocket and it doesn’t affect me, nor does it threaten to come loose and fall out. I imagine this knife would also be useful to pack-weight conscious hikers and climbers as well as for those looking for an unobtrusive defensive/practical tool to slip into a purse or pocket.

The 530 uses a standard Benchmade split arrow style pocket clip that is painted black. The handle is tapped for tip up, right or left side carry. The clip holds the knife on the pocket, but beyond that I do not like it. It does not bury the knife deeply in the pocket at all. I’d say that roughly ¾ of an inch of the handle sticks out over the edge of the pocket. Deep carry isn’t a huge issue when I pick a knife, but on this one it seems inappropriately shallow. I don’t like that it is simply painted either. It tends to chip and look tacky fairly quickly. The arrow shape is also problematic in my eye. It kept catching the hem threads on my T-shirts and tearing them out as well as slipping into the loops of my pocket stitches and loosening them. On my knife I felt the clip held too tight.

Ultimately, I didn’t want to let a knife I loved be brought down by a clip I didn’t. I contacted Benchmade through email and they immediately sent me a new polished deep-carry pocket clip without charge. I have to commend them on their great customer service. The new clip arrived in a couple of days and I popped it right on. Some slight adjustments later (ie, squishing it between two 2×4’s) and it was 100% perfect. Every issue I had with the old clip was resolved and I have never looked back.

Lastly, I will mention that this knife has a lanyard hole. It is situated on the corner of the butt closest to the closed side of the handle. It appears to be functional (I have never personally seen a need for a lanyard on this knife) and capable of fitting a single run of 550 paracord.

The handle on the 530 is light, relatively tough, and functional. I’d say that it is fairly no nonsense while still complimenting the same overall feel of the blade. That said, I don’t think that this is a knife that would be comfortable for long periods of hard use, but that falls in line with design intent anyway. And it sure looks nice.

Deployment and Lockup

The Benchmade 530 makes use of the company’s proprietary Axis Lock system with dual thumb studs and bronze phosphor washers. The axis lock is quite possibly my favorite design of locking mechanism for a lot of reasons. It is strong, reliable, fast, smooth, completely ambidexterous and incredibly elegant. It keeps one’s fingers free of the blade’s path during closing, which is great for the absent-minded fiddling I tend to do with it. I will note that unlike a lot of Benchmade’s axis locks, the lock bar studs on the 530 are a kind of concave cupped design as opposed to a more convex stacked shape. Unfortunately I have noticed that the cup style is less comfortable, having more of an edge to dig into the fingers. Fortunately, if this is an issue for you, the 531 has you covered, having the standard design. I think that the cupped studs are an attempt to keep the knife profile low and they don’t really bother me, even if I wish they were more standard.

Another thing of note is the so-called “landing gear” style of thumb studs. These reflect the overarching goal of this knife to be slim, as they are only about as wide as the handle at its thickest point. Some people have complained that the thumb studs make this knife hard to flick open. I had issues with this at first as well, but through use I found that if I used the groove leading up to the stud as a guide as I flicked my thumb I could deploy the blade quickly every time. If you can do that, this knife will be a smooth operator for you as well.

Benchmade 530 – Final Thoughts

The 530 is a knife not without its quirks. It is an ultra light, ultra thin EDC option that could easily be pressed into an emergency defensive role if needed. The knife is sturdy enough for regular use, but not quite as robust as some other offerings. If a harder use blade is your preference I could easily recommend better Benchmade models for the task, but I feel like the 530 fills a nice role in their line and for one of the most moderate prices in their catalogue: just under 100 dollars on Amazon.

I really love the 530 because it fills that same unique role in my collection and it has some killer good looks, but in all honesty the 531 is probably a better knife. It seems like it addresses most issues customers may have perceived in the 530. Still, I am not at all disappointed in my purchase and I would easily recommend the Benchmade 530 for anyone looking for a lean, mean knife.

Benchmade 531 Axis

HIGH-QUALITY: The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well. The G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme temperatures.
WELL-DESIGNED: Benchmade's AXIS lock is exceptionally strong and fully ambidextrous. The 531 is a manual knife that can be opened and closed with either hand.
ALWAYS READY: The 531's lightweight design and one-handed opening make it easy to hold and use. The reversible pocket clip offers ultimate accessibility.
VERSATILE: The 531's drop-point, utility blade style and all-around functionality make it ideal for everyday carry.
SERVICES AND BENEFITS: For information and terms regarding Benchmade's Limited Warranty and LifeSharp Service, please visit Benchmade's website.

I recommend purchasing the Benchmade 530 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.

This was a guest review by Jacob Vandenberg. Jacob is a regular reader and all around good guy.

Hogue EX-F03 Review

by Grayson Parker 9 Comments

Last Updated: August 26, 2019
Hogue is something of an odd brand in the knife industry. Despite their award winning designs, the Hogue line has never really caught on with the majority of the knife community. It could be that they produce button locks whereas consumers [think that they] want framelocks. Or perhaps the market is too caught up in the frenzy over flippers. Whatever the reason, Hogue is a company that rarely gets the praise or online attention it deserves.

Buy the Hogue EX-F03 at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Like its brethren, the EX-F03 is not a trendy knife. Pictures of it won’t clog your Instagram feed. BladeHQ won’t generate a feeding frenzy by announcing a shipment of EX-F03’s has arrived. It certainly won’t scratch the itch behind the EDC top and the torq bar. At the end of the day, it’s a working knife in a market driven by collectors and aficionados. As a collector (and a nonstop fidgeter) I’m guilty of both sins. Whatever the case, the EX-F03 seems to have slipped under the radar. Hopefully this review remedies that.

Before the review really begins in earnest, there’s a bit of a cautionary tale/PSA I should share. Always check state and local laws before purchasing a knife. CA Penal Code 21310 forbids carrying a concealed “dirk or dagger,” which I belatedly discovered applies to all fixed blades. It cuts me deeply that I can’t carry a knife that I [spoiler alert] really like outside of my home. What really twists the blade is that this was a gift from my girlfriend. I’d like to say that it being a gift hasn’t affected this review, but she reads my work here, and I’d rather keep my blood inside of my body.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

Out of the sheath, the Hogue EX-F03 has a cutting edge of 2.25”, an overall length of 5.5”, and a weight of 2.1 oz. In the sheath, the knife is 6.5” long, 2.5” wide, and weighs just under 4 oz. The blade stock is .16” thick. Judging by size alone, the design intent of the EX-F03 is a small utility blade. It’s also available as a dedicated belt knife, which includes a screw-on handle with a karambit style ring incorporated. Of note is that the aforementioned belt version includes the neck sheath as well. Both handle styles of the EX-F03 are available with a hawkbill blade, if you’re so inclined.

The EX-F03 has what Hogue calls a clip point. It doesn’t look like any clip point I’ve ever seen, but one thing’s for sure: the folks at Hogue know how to manage a grind. It’s even and crisp, and the blade stock is thin enough that it cuts well. The blade is a bit short for food preparation, and I’ve learned the hard way that stubby blades can be hazardous at times. Pro tip: don’t try and slice a palmed apple with something this size. It doesn’t end well.

At first I thought the tip was too thin, but some pretty extensive use has shown me the error of my ways. It’s not as durable as an ESEE or a Becker, but I found the thin tip perfect for working with tough materials that tend to bind, such as foam board. Conversely, I was a big fan of the continuous belly on the EX-F03 in theory, but in practice it tends to slip out of the aforementioned tough cutting mediums. Not that it’s a poor cutter – quite the opposite – but some finesse may be required.

Here is a picture of the tip of the EX-F03 compared to the Paramilitary 2:

Hogue uses 154CM for most of their blades. It’s a steel I prefer on any serious work knife, as its blend of toughness, edge retention, rust resistance, and ease of maintenance make it well suited for any given task on the job site. It doesn’t shrug off abuse like 1095, but it doesn’t chip near as often as S30V. Regular stropping keeps the edge keen, and I’ve never had a problem with tarnishing or rust spots. This particular knife has been used on drywall, cardboard, and more than a few clamshell packages without any problems. The true sharpening choil makes for headache-free maintenance. And yes, it did all of this:

Handle and Ergonomics

The EX-F03’s skeletonized construction is as simple as you can get. As such, the EX-F03 really has only one problem: it’s too thin. Yeah, I know. Go figure. Remarks from Captain Obvious aside, without the presence of some contouring, harder cuts press the tang into the palm, which in turn generates some discomfort. That said, I’m looking for a knife that fits into my pocket comfortably, and the extended grip is too long for that. If you have access to some basic tools, you could theoretically purchase the full version and grind off the ring (Allen Elishewitz spoke about doing just that). Bear in mind, that sort of action will void your warranty.

All that said, I like the overall design. It’s a 3-finger grip, but the included lanyard gives your pinky something to hold onto. The curves of the handle, although thin, nestle organically into the palm. And I have to hand it to Hogue’s machinists: they made a bare piece of steel as comfortable as they could. Everything is chamfered and polished. The jimping is hands-down some of the nicest I’ve experienced, with thick, rounded ridges that lock your thumb in place without generating hotspots.

It all boils down to intended use: if you want to carry a fixed blade in your pocket (rather than on your belt), chances are you value discretion and ease of carry as much or more than the ergonomics. If you do need a blade that can handle prolonged use, it’s probable that you can carry said knife on your belt without rubbing anyone the wrong way.

Sheath

The sheath of the EX-F03 is truly sublime. Apart from a loose rivet – which Hogue fixed promptly – I have no complaints. If you keep up with Gear Geeks Live, you’ll have an idea how rare that is. There is a firm snap upon sheathing and unsheathing the blade, and no wiggle in any direction while stored. It’s made of Boltaron, which is similar to but slightly tougher than Kydex. I own a couple custom fixed blades and have handled my fair share of productions, and this sheath outclasses all of them. Through some witchcraft, it’s bidirectional and accommodates both blade shapes. One slight downside: you can (with some effort) pop the sheath off with your thumb, but for me it’s mostly a two-handed affair. I don’t know if that’s a deal breaker for some, but I don’t mind.

As shipped the EX-F03 is a neck knife. While I’m reasonably certain that it would serve well in such a role, I don’t work in an environment where that would be appropriate. For the sake of due diligence, I wore it around my neck once or twice, and it worked fine. Deployment was easy and the cord was comfortable. Even so, the cord was removed at the earliest opportunity. To my delight I found that the EX-F03 carries wonderfully in the pocket. The sheath is wide enough that the blade doesn’t roll or bind in the pocket, and rounded enough to fit into a variety of pants without issue. On a few weekend trips up into the woods, I wore it on my belt with a spare Tek-Lok I had lying around, and it worked fine. The dedicated belt sheath is clearly superior, but in a pinch this did the trick.

Hogue EX-F03 Review – Final Thoughts

All told, the EX-F03 is an impressive addition to the Hogue line. By now you should be able to tell I’m overly picky, so of course my jimmies will be rustled by the little things. (Hell, if you don’t see a complaint, call the authorities. It may be a cry for help.) The few flaws present are honestly quibbles, and can’t hold back what I think is a strong competitor in the world of fixed blades.

Speaking of competition: the price point of the EX-F03 is a major departure for Hogue. Typically their knives clock in at $150 and up, but this configuration of the EX-F03 costs just under $70.00. Some may still consider this expensive for a small fixed blade. Depending on what extras you want, the ESEE Izula falls at a similar price point, but I think the costlier steel and stellar sheath are well worth the price of admission for the Hogue.

If you’re looking for a pocket fixed blade, you should start here. Much like traditional knives, a good carry option determines if the knife in question actually gets pocket time. In this regard, the EX-F03 is unmatched. I couldn’t fault anyone for looking elsewhere, and the competition is very strong, but the sheath of the EX-F03 is so well-suited to pocket carry that it at least should be part of the conversation. Whether you’re a veteran to the world of fixed blades, or a green recruit, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving the EX-F03 a chance. If you live in California, well…shell out for the belt sheath. I’ve heard good things.

Hogue 35370 EXF03 Neck 2.25" Knife, Clip Pt., Tumble Finish, Black Sheath

Package length: 2.4 cm
Package width: 7.2 cm
Package height: 17.0 cm
Product Type: SPORTING GOODS

Editor: If you are thinking of buying a Hogue EX-F03, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Covert Review

by Mike Teeples 5 Comments

The first knife I ever owned, even before my Swiss Army knife, was a Gerber that my Dad gave me. It awed me then and awes me now, and is being passed down within my family; hopefully for generations to come. When a couple of military buddies mentioned the Gerber Applegate Fairbair Covert to me as a “must have” for my collection, the were sure to mention the rich history of knife’s designers.

Buy the Gerber Covert at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

I’m not crazy about tricking out a knife with logos and what not, but if you’re going that route they may as well be the signatures of some pretty accomplished dudes. Mission accomplished with the Covert. Both Colonel Rex Applegate and William E. Fairbairn were pioneers in close quarters armed and unarmed combat. Colonel Applegate was even inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame at the 1994 Blade Show. Look them up some time and you are sure to be impressed by their accomplishments.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Covert has an overall length of 8.75″, a 3.75″ blade, weighs 4 ounces, and is made in the USA. A significant challenge in the tactical folder market seems to be balancing weight and size with concealability, and to do this without losing the knife’s function. The Covert walks that tightrope nicely. With a full 5” handle, it accommodates even large hands. One would think that would lead to a noticeable weight in your pocket, but the 4 ounces feels extremely light in hand and becomes an afterthought in the pocket in no time.

And if you are really size sensitive, Gerber also offers a Mini Covert with a 2.92 inch blade and weighing in at a mere 2.2 ounces.

The blade itself is .125” thick, and include signatures of its creators and “USA” proudly stamped under the Gerber logo. The spear point blade features a double bevel and serrations running halfway down the sharp side. The opposite edge could be sharpened to suit the owner. I’ve never been motivated to do so, but could see that being an option since this is a folding knife designed for hand-to-hand combat.

The Covert comes with a titanium nitride coated 154CM stainless steel blade, a nice departure from Gerber’s usual lineup of 420HC blades. 154CM is a great working steel that is reasonable to sharpen yet still good in the edge retention department. Seeing how this nice retails for close to $100, 154CM was an appropriate choice given the price.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The words “Glass Filled Nylon” (GFN) do not give justice to how the Covert feels in the hand. The material is dense and of high quality – it does not feel like “cheap plastic”. Many manufacturers use GFN and when you pick it up its clear why the choice is popular. GFN holds up well to abuse and can be molded into a near-infinite variety of shapes and textures. This one is ribbed for my pleasure, and bears a surface that’s easy to grip without catching on your favorite pair of jeans when removing it from the pocket.

The GFN itself is semi-smooth with the texture of a medium grit river rock and almost seems temperature neutral regardless of conditions. I know this knife isn’t going to slip out of my hand and don’t have to worry about blisters with extended use (as unlikely as extended tactical use is). About three quarters up the length of the handle you will find ambidextrous finger choils with mild jimping.

This knife was designed with combat use in mind, and the simple handle allows for the user to work with the covert in forward and reverse grips.

The finger notches provide an anchor point that give that extra bit off assurance and make for an overall high quality fit in the hand.

The clip falls short. It’s a decent size and sits in your pocket at about the right height, but allows for ambidextrous tip down carry only. Happy days for those of us that are tip down users. The rest of us will have to get over it or find another blade. One other point regarding the clip, and I’ll let it rest: I’m sure this is just an offshoot of the fact that nearly all of my clips are situated near the pommel, but the clip is bothersome when holding the knife for general use. The clip is my least favorite feature of the Covert by a long shot.

Deployment and Lockup

The Covert uses ambidextrous thumb studs for deployment. Personally, I love having thumb studs. The Covert’s thumb studs are accessible without being in the way, and they also serves as an external stop pin. This folder flicks open easily with a little wrist action. It glides open to a secure liner lock that is perfectly centered on my model. One thing I want to mention here is how well balanced the blade feels both while being snapped open and afterwards. Balance was obviously something the Colonel Rex Applegate and William Fairbairn wanted to be perfect. They achieved that goal.

The Covert features a liner lock with an external safety, called the “roto-lock”. The roto-lock is similar to CRKT’s Auto-LAWKS system, and requires the manipulation of a small lever on the spine of the handle prior to closing the blade. The locking mechanism naturally falls into place as your fingers find the deep finger choils and jimping. You pull the lever back (away from the blade) to disengage the liner lock. Although the liner lock and roto-lock are both made of relatively thin steel, everything is solid and exudes confidence. While I am not a huge fan of external safeties, I can see how this would make sense for a combat knife.

Gerber Applegate Fairbairn Covert Review – Final Thoughts

I honestly didn’t want to like this knife. Any time somebody puts a giant signature on the face of a blade it just rubs me the wrong way. I am also not a huge fan of the clip. My preferred blade carry position is tip up and I have to retrain myself when I decide to carry the Covert. This may not be a problem for some of you, and certainly not for folks that commit to one blade for universal everyday carry. I’m not that guy. For that reason, this knife doesn’t find its way into heavy normal rotation.

All that said, it didn’t take long for me to overcome those pet peeves when handling and using this knife. It just flat out does what it is designed to do and performance trumps aesthetics. I am glad I own the knife and many friends and colleagues seem to be drawn to it. I have every confidence in the workmanship of the blade and moving parts and really appreciate how it feels in your hand. I see it being a love-hate kind of knife depending on what features matter most to the buyer. Cost is always a factor and while the MSRP is $182, it’s readily available for under $100.

Gerber makes a ton of inexpensive, low quality blades in the lines they offer from overseas. The big retailers demand this (and so do consumers) and you can’t argue with demand for throwaway knives. The “Made in the USA” line appears to follow tradition of craftsmanship and attention to detail of old. If you’re a right handed, tip down carrier or if that isn’t a stumbling block, you should buy this knife. It may actually be a go-to tactical recommendation for those of you in that camp.

Regardless, you won’t be disappointed with the functionality of this balanced and functional folder designed by two of the biggest names in hand-to-hand combat training.

Gerber Applegate Covert Knife, Serrated Edge, Black, 154CM [05786]

Applegate-Fairbairn Covert double bevel titanium spear-style knife
154CM blade with titanium nitride coating
Features uncommon strength and balance
Includes patented Roto-Lock
An overall opened length of 8.7-inches and closed length 4.9-inches, with 3.78-inches of blade length; weighs 4.2-ounces

I recommend purchasing the Gerber Covert at Amazon or BladeHQ.

Editor’s Note: Please join me in welcoming Mike Teeples as a contributing author. Mike is from Colorado and brings his experience in hiking the Rockies and enthusiasm for all manner of edged tools to BladeReviews.com