aluminum

CRKT Homefront K270GKP Review

Last Updated: August 12, 2019
One of the hallmarks of a quality folding knife is to be able to take it apart and put it back together without any problems. That is one of the qualities I find most admirable in my Spyderco Sage 1, which remains one of my all time favorite EDC knives to this day. Certainly that is one of the draws to the CRK Sebenza; its unapologetic simplicity and ease of disassembly and re-assembly. I think it’s one thing to put something together properly at the factory and have it work well in the short term, but if it doesn’t go back together correctly after being taken apart then something is horribly wrong.

Buy the CRKT Homefront at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

So when I saw CRKT roll out the Homefront, a knife that was designed to be taken apart, I took notice. At first glance this may seem gimmicky in the same way Lionsteel made a handle that changes color when you hold it. The knife industry is a tough one to innovate in, and some of features touted as “innovations” can be questionable at best. But the Homefront was designed by Ken Onion, and CRKT has a history of executing custom designs well. So I approached the Homefront with both interest and a healthy dose of skepticism.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Homefront has an overall length of 8.3″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 4.8 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. I have a soft spot for utilitarian folders with a 3.5″ blade. Some of my favorite user pieces fall into this category, including the Cold Steel American Lawman, Kershaw Blur, and Buck Marksman. In an age of high dollar titanium framelock flippers these are the unsung heroes of my knife collection. While I am as guilty as the next guy for wanting to check out high end offerings, these humble pieces keep showing up in my pocket to get the job done.

The Homefront has that same “no bullshit” appeal that these other knives have. It’s simply constructed and geared towards functionality. But that is not to say that the Homefront is devoid of detail and visual interest. The knife has a military inspired aesthetic that has grown on me since acquisition. I am still not a fan of the oversize star on the pivot, but the rest of the design agrees with me, and the knife is nicely made and beautifully finished. In my mind this is a dedicated utility knife, and is one that could be pressed into a variety of roles as your situation requires.

The blade is a handsome drop-point design, with a prominent fuller, big belly, and a simple swedge terminating in a capable tip. You almost forget this is a Ken Onion design, except for that suggestion of a recurve. The blade features a hollow grind and a lustrous satin finish. The knife is ground reasonably thin and it slices well. This is a classic and useful blade shape.

One critique is that the edge is not sharpened all the way to the plunge line. Instead, you have about a quarter inch of unsharpened steel. The advantage is that you can use this as a poor man’s forward finger choil, but the disadvantage is that you lose that cutting surface and the knife can be a little harder to sharpen on some systems.

CRKT chose AUS-8 for the blade steel. I’m not a steel snob, but this is my biggest criticism of the knife. Given the near $100 retail price point (I paid $90 for mine, but now see the knife retail for a little over $80 on Amazon), this should be S30V, 154CM, or some other higher end stainless steel. Every other aspect of the Homefront is on par with a $100 knife, so it’s a shame to see the steel suffer here. Still, AUS-8 is serviceable stuff, and it will certainly work for a knife that is meant to be used. It is tough, doesn’t rust easily, and is easy to sharpen.

If you add up all my reviews I have probably written the equivalent of a full length novel on AUS-8, so I won’t belabor this further. At the end of the day I don’t mind the steel in a lower end knife, but would be remiss not to ding the Homefront for the choice of AUS-8 blade steel.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is constructed of 2 slabs of 6061 aluminum that have been type-3 anodized a rich olive green. There is a partial geared aluminum backspacer, and a nested steel liner lock. The handle is modified to accommodate the Field-Strip take down system (more on that below) with the inclusion of a release lever near the pivot and a geared wheel at the pommel.

Fit and finish on this knife is immaculate. The lines are crisp, there is an absence of tooling marks, and everything comes together perfectly. The anodization is tough to capture with photography – it has a subtle depth to it that doesn’t show up well in the pictures. The anodization has held up nicely, but I don’t doubt if I drop it on my driveway it will show signs of wear like my Marksman.

The Homefront benefits from a simple approach to ergonomics, and is a comfortable knife in hand. The handle itself is lightly textured and the aluminum is a far cry from abrasive G-10 or rough patterning. There is a shallow finger choil, and a row of toothy jimping – aggressive enough to bite in sharply if you really bear down on the knife, but easy to avoid if you place your thumb on the spine of the blade. The geared backspacer and release wheel provide additional traction if you need to use the knife in a reverse grip, but largely stay out of the way when you are using the knife with a normal forward grip.

Ken knows how to design a comfortable knife, and this Homefront benefits from his decades of experience.

The pocket clip is an unassuming piece of folded-over stainless steel. It’s black, rectangular, and does a decent job of keeping the knife held in place in your pocket. The aluminum handles don’t offer much traction, so retention isn’t outstanding. It is a deep carry clip, and the Homefront all but disappears into your pocket. Beyond that, there isn’t much to report, beyond the handle being milled, drilled, and tapped for right side tip up carry only – not a big deal for me, but a potential source of contention for some.

The Homefront carries nicely in the pocket. It’s not overly thick, heavy or large, and it carries like you would expect it to. No complaints.

Field-Strip Technology

The Homefront is the first production knife to feature Ken Onion’s Field-strip Technology. It’s a system that allows the knife to be taken apart without tools in seconds by way of a lever near the pivot and a release wheel at the butt of the handle. Flip the lever, turn the wheel, and in seconds you have a fully disassembled knife.

I have had my Homefront for about 6 weeks at this point, and in that space of time I have disassembled and re-assembled the Homefront probably 100 times. Not out of necessity, but out of that neurotic fidgety compulsion that drives most knife collectors to obsessively and absentmindedly flick the blades of their folders. This is the same neurosis that is responsible for grown men spinning $100+ tops and the TorqBar. Plus I wanted to test the system out thoroughly.

I am here to say that after taking the knife apart obsessively the Field-Strip system still works great. I can take the knife apart and put it back together in under 30 seconds at this point. There was a small learning curve, but with a little practice the Field Strip system becomes easy to manipulate.

The bigger question is, “How handy is this?” I don’t work a particularly dirty job. I’m not in the military, or law enforcement, or anything remotely physical. So I don’t really “need” a knife that I can strip in the field, because, let’s face it, I’m never in the field.

But I can tell you this is a nice well implemented feature. I do occasionally take my knives apart, and when I do it’s at best an ordeal necessitating the use of torx drivers, a quiet space, a clean surface, and 10-15 minutes of my time. At worst you can mess up the knife. I have stripped screws, lost pieces under my desk, and have taken a knife apart only to find out it doesn’t want to come back together quite right.

There is value to this system whether you are trying to take your knife apart inside a tent or at your kitchen table. I wouldn’t want to take my Benchmade apart on a camping trip. But taking apart the Homefront outside is something I am completely comfortable with.

Deployment and Lockup

The Homefront is a sub-liner lock flipper. The flipper looks like a bayonet lug, paying further homage to the Homefront’s throwback military-inspired design. The blade runs on nested teflon washers. I am typically not a fan of teflon washers, but they work here. The washers are nested in such a way that they don’t fall out when you disassemble the knife, and my guess is that was the primary consideration when selecting teflon. Regardless, the blade flips open easily and the action doesn’t have that “floaty” feeling that is typical of teflon washers. It actually flips well, especially after a break in. The oversize flipper provides plenty of leverage, and the blade pops opens with a satisfying snap.

You can get a good look at the nested steel liner lock in the picture of the dissassembled knife. It’s unassuming, but it works well. The lock bar is easy to get at and doesn’t stick. There is a little side to side play, an acceptable trade off for a toolless design, but nothing more than you would find on an axis lock. Also, the blade centering is dead center every single time, without any tweaking on my end. This is super impressive to me, as so many knives get this wrong. It’s a testament to how well the Homefront is engineered and manufactured.

CRKT Homefront Review – Final Thoughts

It would be easy to dismiss the Homefront and its Field-Strip system as a gimmick. But I think doing so would be a mistake. At its core this is a well made and functional piece, and the Field-Strip aspect of the knife works surprisingly well. The knife comes apart and goes back together easily and consistently. This is a legitimate improvement over a regular screw-together folder, and CRKT did a good job with this. I’d like to see them carry this out with other designs and dial the system in even further.

I’d also like to see CRKT beef up the blade steel. I realize that this knife was manufactured in Taiwan, which means there are logistical challenges to getting quality steel to the factory, plus this was probably an expensive knife both to develop and manufacture, but at this price point you really need to be above the AUS8/8Cr13MoV tier of steel. Both Spyderco and Cold Steel have figured out how to get good steel to their Taiwanese factories, so it can be done. The choice of AUS-8 is not a deal killer for me, but I know it will be a turn off for many.

At the end of the day I think the pros to the Homefront outweigh the cons. This is an excellently executed knife, and it’s the most interesting edged tool to cross my desk in 2016. I think this knife is a good choice for both collectors of interesting and unusual knives, and I also recommend it for those who are considering the Homefront as an EDC piece. I purchased this knife with my own money for long term testing and evaluation. I’ll continue to carry and use the Homefront and will update this review if my opinion about the knife or Field-Strip system changes over time.

As I close this review out I can’t help but compare my Homefront to my Marksman. Both feature aluminum handles, classic lines, and solid construction. Both are unique and innovative in their own ways. And both are rock solid workhorse knives. It’s my pleasure to highlight unique offerings like these.

CRKT Homefront EDC Folding Pocket Knife Take Apart Field Strip, Stone Washed Blade, Flipper Open, Locking Liner, Nylon Handle, Deep Carry Pocket Clip K270GKP

Breakthrough "Field Strip" technology innovation
Field Strip - easily disassemble your knife for cleaning without tools
AUS 8 Blade Steel with 6061 Aluminum Handles
Designed by Ken Onion in Kaneohe, Hawaii
Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

If you are considering buying a CRKT Homefront, I recommend purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Olight S1 Baton Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 13 Comments

Last Updated: September 16, 2019
With some pieces of gear appreciation takes a while. Advantages and charms are subtle, and only appear over a long period of use. With others, their positive qualities are immediate and obvious. Almost from the second you start using it, you understand and appreciate it.

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So it was, for me, with the Olight S1 Baton. As soon as I had it out of the packaging and put in a battery, I knew I loved it. This is a phenomenal light. It’s less a case of perfection than one of consistent excellence in nearly every category. The things that are bad are minor, and the things that are good are so good that, in some ways, I feel like they couldn’t be improved.

Foolish thoughts, of course, but any time a product inspires such thoughts I think it’s worth it to sit up and pay attention. The Olight S1 Baton is a top-tier piece of kit.

General Dimensions and Construction

The Olight S1 Baton is 2 3/8” long, and ¾” across as its widest point. With the battery in, it weighs 1.6 oz. Very light, but the weight distribution is such that there’s a pleasant heft to the S1 with the battery in. The S1 Baton is available in raw or rose gold copper, polished or bead blasted titanium, or, like mine, in standard black anodized aluminum. It uses a 1xCR123a battery.

The fit and finish of the S1 is thoroughly competent. The Type III anodization is clean, and seems to be more durable than the job on my Microstream. The threads all work smoothly without any drama or a break-in period. The blue accents give this otherwise extremely utilitarian-looking design a little character without being obtrusive or corny.

The S1 Baton is so-called because it features a magnet in the tail cap that allows you to stick it to something for hands free use (like a…baton? I don’t really get the naming convention). The magnet is removable, and before I got it I thought it was something I was going to get rid of, but I ended up really liking it. I keep it stuck to my nightstand lamp so it’s always in the same place if I go looking for it in the middle of the night. A surprisingly handy feature.

The S1’s clip is a friction fit clip. The clip is oriented for ‘tip up’ carry, if you will. Situated the way it is, you can clip it to a hat brim for hands-free operation without the need of an S-style clip. It runs almost the length of the light and is made of surprisingly thick steel.

Instead of a standard reflector, the S1 utilizes a TIR optic. TIR stands for Total Internal Reflection. As a journeyman flashoholic I don’t understand all the attendant TIR arcana, but I do know that it is supposed to produce clean, even beams. I’ll discuss the performance below, but note here that you might be surprised at how the S1’s optic looks – I know I was. It’s concave, made from some sort of polycarbonate, with a raised piece in the center. Not bad, just unusual.

Output, Runtime, and UI

The S1’s specs feel very current, even months after its release. The high of 500 lumens is shocking to see, flaring out of a light this small. I don’t know how practical it is. I haven’t used it all that much for anything other than showing off, but it’s nice to know that it’s there if I ever need it.

Much more useful is are medium and low at 80 and 8 lumens, respectively. The medium setting, for me, is ideal for illuminating the path during night walks. The 8 lumen low is deceptively bright, more than enough for checking under couches or searching for dropped keys in a parking lot. I was a little hesitant at the disparity between each of the modes, but Olight clearly knew what it was doing: these are thoughtful demarcations, each with their own uses.

The .5 lumen moonlight low is great. It’s bright enough to read by, but dim enough to be easy on your eyes and not bother a sleeping partner or freak out the cats. Moonlight lows seem like they are becoming more or less standard features on flashlights, and I can see why. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

The only other light I’ve used with a TIR was an Armytek Partner C1, and its beam pattern was oddly textured and spotty. Thankfully, the S1’s pattern is nice and clean, even and white. Much more flood than throw, obviously, but that’s what you want in an EDC light most of the time.

Runtimes are pretty great. You get 1.5 hours on high, 6 hours on medium, 40 hours on low, and 25 days on moonlight low. I’m surprised that the medium runtime isn’t a little higher, but it isn’t dismal and I don’t use the medium often enough to care.

I think clickies are the best UI. They facilitate one-handed operation better than twisties and, when executed well, are equally as intuitive. The S1’s side button clicky is executed very well. One click turns the light on in the last mode used. Holding it down cycles through the levels. Clicking the button three times while on turns on strobe. You access moonlight by holding the button down while the light is off. Similarly, you can jump right to high by double pressing the button while the light is off. Simple.

There are two hidden timer modes, one for three minutes and one for nine minutes, that can be accessed. I’ve never used them, and never will. I find these hidden modes to be more or less useless on any light, but if they’re sufficiently hidden I have no problem with them being around.

Ergonomics and Carry

The S1 isn’t so much small as it is short. This is a short, short light. It is almost hard to hold on to: the checkered texturing on the aluminum isn’t grippy, nor is the anodization. The aforementioned weightiness keeps the S1 more or less in place, and the flats of the hex-bolt collar give you a place to pinch it. It achieves decent grippiness through balance rather than texturing.

I had heard bad things about the clip before I picked up the S1. I was determined to come to it with an open mind. This clip is really bad. I mentioned above that it’s thick. It’s also tight. I had to fight this thing to get it clipped to my jeans, and when I did the rotund S1 occupied a surprisingly large amount of pocket space. Retrieval is a whole other chore. The retention notch and the angle at which the clip loops it over itself makes pulling this light out feel like you’re wrestling with a misaligned zipper. Terrible, terrible clip. Thank God it’s removable.

Without the clip, the S1 is manageable. It is short, which is nice, but chunky, which is not. Pocket carry is doable, coin pocket carry too, but nothing felt ideal. I do wish it were thinner, but I think its rotundity is a function of the type of battery it takes, and I’m just spoiled from the svelte AAA lights I’ve carried up until now.

Olight S1 Baton Review – Final Thoughts

I don’t buy a lot of flashlights. I average one a year. The S1 may very well slow down the pace even more. It gets the important stuff right. It’s a good representation of the best that the current generation of flashlight technology has to offer, maybe the best representation, and I have a hard time imagining why I would ever need another light.

I mean, I’m sure I will get other lights at some point. The Paramilitary 2 may be all the knife I’ll ever need, but I’ll be damned if I’m not going to keep buying and carrying other knives as well. But, just like with the PM2, I’m sure the S1 will remain in my collection. It’s too good not to have around. Whether it’s your first light or your fiftieth, the S1 is immediately, obviously excellent.

Sale

OLIGHT S1 500 Lumen Cree XM-L2 CW Compact EDC LED Flashlight

Cree XM-L2 CW LED. Maximum light output up to 500 lumens
PMMA TIR lens with a 90% light transmittance rate.
3 standard modes: 8 lumens, 80 lumens and 500 lumens.
2 special modes: 0.5 lumen moonlight mode and a 10Hz strobe mode.
Runs on: 1x CR123A or 1x RCR123(Battery not included).

I recommend buying the Olight S1 Baton at Amazon. Thank you for reading.

Cold Steel Code 4 Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

I have slowly worked my way through most of Cold Steel’s standard folders. I have reviewed the Voyager series, the Recon 1s, the American Lawman (probably my favorite), and even some of their more colorful offerings like the Spartan and Rajah III.

Buy the Cold Steel Code 4 at BladeHQ

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For some reason it has taken me a while to get to the Code 4 line of knives. The Code 4 series is different because they come with slim aluminum handles rather than G10 or plastic. Cold Steel advertises this as a police officer’s duty knife. Apparently a “Code 4” is police radio code for “No further assistance necessary”. Heady stuff.

At any rate, the knife is supposed to be light, slim, and tough. Functional yet easy to carry. That all sounds good to me. And once Cold Steel announced that they would upgrade the Code 4 to CTS-XHP I knew that I needed to make this model a priority. Soon enough I had one at my doorstep for review.

General Dimensions and Blade Steel

The Code 4 has an overall length of 8.5″, a 3.5″ blade, weighs 4.3 ounces, and is made in Taiwan. While it’s no Large Espada, this is still a big knife. Too big for me to EDC at the office, but certainly a good choice for the weekends or working in settings where a larger knife is appropriate. I can see where the Code 4 might make sense for a first responder or military member.

It is also worth mentioning that this is another clean and functional Andrew Demko design for Cold Steel. I have become a big Demko fan over the years, and think he has contributed a lot of great designs to the company.

Cold Steel offers the Code 4 in 3 different blade shapes: clip point, spear point (shown here), and tanto. I settled on the spear point because I think it is the most utilitarian looking of the 3, and I used my Code 4 as an EDC and work knife.

Cold Steel also offers the Code-4 with either a plain edge or partially serrated edge. I prefer plain edges, especially if the knife is coming in a high end steel like CTS-XHP. Plain edges are easier for me to maintain and a quality steel like CTS-XHP will hold a good edge for a long time. No need for serrations for what I need to do, but that comes down to personal preference.

My knife came with a high hollow grind and a swedge (top false edge). The blade has been given an attractive 2 tone satin finish. It has held up well under normal use.

The big draw to this new version of the Code-4 is that it comes with CTS-XHP blade steel. CTS-XHP is a high end steel from Carpenter. I have a good amount of experience with CTS-XHP at this point, and I think it’s a good steel. Offhand, I would compare it with something like CPM-154.

The CTS-XHP blade steel on my knife came with an aggressive edge. The knife attacked cardboard, rope, and wood. The blade is a little over 3mm thick, but has no problem cleanly slicing apples and paper. Edge retention has been excellent. CTS-XHP is a significant upgrade over the old AUS-8 blade, but also comes at a significant bump up in cost (it seems to be anywhere from 50%-75% over the old Aus 8 version, depending on where you shop). CTS-XHP is also easy to sharpen. I think that it is an all around smart choice for a working knife.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Code 4’s handle is aluminum handle slabs with stainless steel hardware, a stainless steel lock bar, and an aluminum backspacer. While the handle slabs are a raw bead blasted gray, it is interesting to note that the backspacer is actually anodized golden brown. The end result is a handle that is simple, thin, and elegant.

The handle is also beautifully finished. The edges are all gently chamfered, the hardware is all perfectly inset. This is an immaculate knife. This is also a strong knife. With full metal construction I would wager that the Code 4 is one of Cold Steel’s stronger folding knives.

The ergonomics of the Code 4 is perhaps the knife’s biggest caveat. The design is fine, with a generous handle, 2 finger grooves and a slight thumb ramp, but because the knife is so thin I found the Code-4 uncomfortable to use for more than a minute or so without gloves. It is fine if you are going to open up a box or do some light foodprep, but if you plan on breaking down a bunch of cardboard or working on some serious carving you are going to want some gloves. The thin handle is great in the pocket, but bites into your hand.

Depending on how you intend to use the knife, this may or may not be a problem. For those that are wanting a self defense blade, this may not be an issue. But if you work at a warehouse and break down boxes for a living, I would go for a knife with a thicker handle, like a Large Voyager or Recon 1.

Although the Code 4 may not be the most comfortable knife in hand, it feels great in your pocket. It’s slim and discrete, and is likely ideal for someone like a police officer who carries a lot of gear and doesn’t have room for a massive pocket knife. At 4.3 ounces the knife is lightweight relative to its size and strength.

Cold Steel drilled and tapped the handle for tip up ambidextrous carry, and included 2 pocket clips for the knife. The pocket clips are simple steel clips, have good spring retention, and they work well. One nice thing about the lightly textured aluminum handle is that it does not tear up your pants like peel-ply G10.

Deployment and Lockup

The Code 4 comes with ambidextrous thumb studs. This is more like one and a half thumb studs, just like on the the American Lawman. The thumb stud is reversible with a flat head driver. There are phosphor bronze washers inside the handle, and the blade opens smoothly, and without too much effort. With that said, there is still a hefty backspring to overcome. This is not an easy knife to flick open. It can be done with practice, but won’t be a knife that you mindlessly flick open all day long.

The Code-4 comes equipped with Cold Steel’s infamous Tri-Ad lock. For the uninitiated, this is a lockback reinforced with a stop pin. Cold Steel has come under scrutiny lately over a gauche series of videos “comparing” the Tri-Ad lock to other locks on the market (where the Tri-Ad lock comes ahead by a wide margin). I am not sure what the value of these tests are when you consider the real world applications of a pocket knife, but it certainly has people talking.

Like all of the other Tri-Ad lock knives I have reviewed, this is a strong locking folder. There is not a suggestion of play in any direction on my knife. The lock is also reasonably to disengage, and doing so won’t kill your thumb. I am a fan of the Tri-Ad lock, and it is well executed here.

Blade centering is perfect on my example.

Cold Steel Code-4 – Final Thoughts

I am not sure why it took me so long to examine the Code-4, but I am glad I waited for the CTS-XHP version to come out. While the Code-4 is similar to knives like the Recon-1, the choice of aluminum for the handles over G-10 results in several important functional differences. The knife is super slim and easy to carry. I like that aspect of the Code-4 a lot.

What I am less enthused about is how the thin handle quickly becomes uncomfortable if you try to use the Code-4 for an extended cutting session. Gloves mitigate this somewhat, but this is an important point to mention. So often you hear reviewers (myself included) done on about how important it is for a pocket knife to be slim and light for easy carry. I still largely agree with that, but it’s important to understand that sometimes slimness has a price. In this case that price is comfort in hand. For that reason the American Lawman and Ultimate Hunter (both shown above) with their G10 handles won’t be leaving my collection any time soon.

I still think the Code-4 is an excellent tool and I intend to keep it in my collection. It’s like an upgraded Boker Titan Drop. If you primarily carry it for light utility and perhaps self defense (eg, as a police officer might carry it), then I think there is a lot going for the Code-4. It’s strong, intelligently designed, and nicely made. This is a no-nonsense tool, and I have no doubt that it will hold up for a long long time.

I recommend the Code 4 if you are seeking a long, slim, and strong daily carry folder, and don’t mind donning gloves for longer cutting chores.

Cold Steel Code 4 Spear Point Folding Knife

Blade thickness: 3.5 mm
Handle: 5" long. 6060 aluminum
Overall length: 8 1/2"
Steel: carpenters cts xhp alloy
Pocket Clip: ambidextrous stainless pocket / belt Clip

I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel Code-4 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.

Victorinox Alox Pioneer and Electrician Review

by Grayson Parker 6 Comments

There are few companies which possess the brand recognition that Victorinox does. At one time, they were one of the co-producers of the Swiss Army Knife. In 2005, they purchased their ailing rival, Wenger, and have since consolidated the two brands under one label. For many, the word “pocketknife” is synonymous with the little red handle and silver cross of the Swiss Army Knife (or SAK).

Buy the Victorinox Pioneer at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

Much like traditional folders, these multitools possess a certain charm that declassifies them as weapons in the mind of the general public. Most people are familiar with the plastic handled models: they are cheaper, and more widely available in “big box” stores such as Walmart and Target. Although offerings such as the Classic and the Spartan are ubiquitous, they aren’t the best that Victorinox has to offer. In my opinion, that title is reserved for the Alox line of multitools.

“Alox” SAK’s were first introduced in 1957 and represented a fundamental shift away from the original design of the Swiss Army Knife. This variant – the Pioneer – featured aluminum handles, a cigar shaped handle, and a bottle opener in addition to the main blade, awl, and can opener. It was originally intended for civilian markets, but a reputation for sturdiness prompted the Swiss armed forces to adopt it. The Soldier (a cosmetically modified Pioneer) was issued to Swiss troops from 1962 until 2008, when it was replaced by the Soldier 08. Fortunately, Victorinox still produces the Alox line, though it hasn’t been updated in quite some time. Today I’ll be looking at two very similar models in the 93mm family of tools: the Pioneer and the Electrician.

General Dimensions and Tools

Each model features four identical tools: a main blade, a combination flathead screwdriver/bottle opener, and an awl. The Pioneer has a can opener (with a smaller flathead driver on the tip), whereas the Electrician has a 1.6” long sheepsfoot blade. Both have a closed length of 3.7”, a blade length of 2.8”, and an overall length that’s just under 6.5”. Finally, each of them weighs around 2.5 oz. All of these numbers are pretty comparable to similarly sized traditional knives. That’s quite an impressive feat, considering the number of tools Victorinox managed to fit onto these things.

I’ll be the first to admit that 99% of the time I’m just using the main blade or the bottle opener, but the other tools are well designed and occasionally save the day. Ironically, I’ve found that having the odd tool like a can opener, a corkscrew, or an awl only becomes more important as companies move towards “tear along the dotted line” style packaging. Society is becoming used to not needing these small, handy tools. As a result, that can opener might not be in the kitchen drawer when you need it to be. Sure, you might look insufferably handy whipping out your Swiss Army Knife, but you’ll save someone a trip to the nearest store by doing so.

The materials here are fine, even in comparison to modern “tactical” folders. While the edge does need to be regularly maintained, it can be done just about anywhere. I’ve used the bottom of a coffee cup as a stone and a bit of cardboard (no compound) as a strop on more than one occasion, and the results aren’t much worse than what I get from my stones and strop at home.

This steel’s corrosion resistance is quite impressive—so much so that I’ve put my Cadet away wet without consequence. Chipping has never been an issue. All the tools fit neatly inside the aluminum frame without rubbing against each other or the scales, and crisply snap open and closed. It should be noted that Alox models do not have rear mounted tools; as a result of this, the backspring runs the entire length of the spine. As a result, the pull is much stronger.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

Of course, the real differentiating mark between the Alox and the normal models are the ribbed aluminum handle scales. They’re slimmer, more durable, offer a better grip, and in my opinion are much more attractive. The anodization on every model I’ve handled has been quite good, though fairly prone to wear. On the silver models the wear is barely discernable, but with other colors you’ll see fading occur within hours of exposure to your keys.

None of this impacts the stellar grip. With a classic cigar shaped handle, gentle texturing, and slight chamfering, both the Pioneer and the Electrician are very comfortable in the hand. The keyring on the Pioneer is occasionally pokey, but less so than a pocket clip would be.

On paper, the 93mm knives should be great pocket companions. About a month of experience has poked some holes in that assumption. By no means are they awful, but carrying either of these knives is occasionally awkward. Both the Pioneer and the Electrician are just a bit too tall for the front and watch pockets of most jeans (though they’ll fit into the extra-large watch pocket of my work jeans). Additionally, while the handles are great in terms of grip and aesthetics, they’re pretty slick in the pocket. My first Alox Cadet disappeared on me, and I can only assume that it slid out of my pocket one day as I was lying down.

Both models will fit inside a KnivesShipFree Main Street slipcase, which is a great way to distribute the odd dimensions in a bit more comfortable fashion. If that’s not up your alley, the Pioneer has a keyring that you can attach a lanyard to.

Victorinox Pioneer Review – Final Thoughts

Personally, it’s hard to find something new to say about a pair of tools that are fairly well-known among gear aficionados. Neither is as svelte as the Cadet, but they offer longer blades, a more outdoor oriented set of tools, and a better grip. They’re a bit too large to play the role of a back-up knife, but make for a fine primary tool (especially around folks who get fidgety around modern knives). The handles are so classy that either of these could serve as a dress knife, yet the tools are rugged enough for just about any “prepper” scenario.

If I had to pick one of them, I’d pick the Electrician. I rarely use the keyring on the Pioneer, and the funky secondary blade on the Electrician is great for opening packages without worrying about damaging the contents. Both are tools that I’d recommend to anyone, especially at the $30 price point you can find them at.

Victorinox Swiss Army Pioneer Pocket Knife,Silver Alox,One Size

8 functions
Stainless Steel Construction
Alox scale material
Compact Swiss Army pocketknife for hiking, camping, and more
Enclosed in ribbed silver Alox housing made to exacting Victorinox standards

Sale

Victorinox Swiss Army Electrician Pocket Knife (Silver Alox Ribbed),Silver Alox, Ribbed

Stainless Steel Construction
Engraving panel on back
Alex scale material
Size: 93 mm / 3.5 inch
7 functions

If you would like to buy a Pioneer or Electrician, I recommend purchasing them at Amazon. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. As always, any and all support is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Protech Runt J4 Review

by Grayson Parker 7 Comments

Last Updated: August 10, 2019
Over the last few years, pro-knife legislation in many states has contributed to a renewed interest in automatic knives. In part, these laws recognize the futility of banning automatic knives (also known as switchblades) when modern folders can be deployed just as quickly. The advent of the framelock flipper begs the question: when manual knives can be reliably deployed at the same speed, but don’t require as many moving parts, is there still a justification for automatic knives? I argue that there is, but we’ll get to that later on.

Buy the Protech Runt at BladeHQ

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

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

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

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

Deployment and Lockup

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

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

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

Protech Runt J4 Review – Final Thoughts

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

Protech Runt – From $105.00
From: BladeHQ

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

Buck Marksman Review

by Dan Jackson 12 Comments

Last Updated: July 8, 2019
You may have noticed a lack of reviews of Buck knives. I have nothing against Buck. I reviewed the Vantage a couple years back, and haven’t gotten around to reviewing anything else because nothing else in their lineup interested me that much. That is, until I saw the Marksman.

Buy the Buck Marksman at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

The Marksman is a collaboration with Grant and Gavin Hawk. Grant and Gavin are known for pushing the envelope with unique designs and locking mechanisms. They have done a number of collaborations with Kershaw, Chris Reeve, and Zero Tolerance. I think it was especially cool that they teamed up with Buck, because Buck is so well known as a traditional brand, and Grant and Gavin are so well known for re-imagining the folding knife. It is an interesting juxtaposition, and it definitely got my attention. Toss in a 154CM blade, bearings, “made in the USA” quality, and a retail price of under $100, and I’m thinking there might be room for another Buck review on this website.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Marksman has an overall length of 8.25″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 4.3 ounces. This full size knife feels surprisingly lightweight thanks to the aluminum handle. I have mostly been using the Marksman for yard work and weekend chores, and it has made a great carry for those heavier duty applications. I have cut down bamboo, busted open zip ties, broken down boxes, and performed mild food prep. The Marksman cuts well and is lightweight and functional.

It’s the kind of user knife like the Benchmade Volli, Hogue EX04, and Cold Steel American Lawman, that manages to remain in my collection. For whatever reason, most of my fancier knives end up getting sold, but I have a hell of a time parting ways with a good user.

The blade shape of the Marksman is classic Buck drop point. It has the oval thumb hole that they seem to favor, and the design is mild mannered when compared to the handle. It’s also a functional blade shape with a sturdy tip and high hollow grind. The blade has been left with a matte finish which isn’t anything too spectacular. You can still see some rough grind lines and the finish will pick up scuffs and scratches. The laser etched logos on the blade also has shown signs of wear and have faded after the occasional application of Bar Keepers Friend (a metal cleaner). I photographed the knife after using it regularly for a couple months and you can see how the black laser etching has been scrubbed away. I consider this a “happy accident” as I’m a big fan of sterile blades.

Buck went with good ole 154 CM stainless steel heat treated by Paul Bos. The edge has held up well and the Marksman is a fantastic cutter. I have mentioned earlier how I have been using this knife pretty hard (for me at least) and I have been pleased with the performance. It keeps a good edge yet remains easy to sharpen. I have always been a fan of 154CM so I am not particularly surprised by my experience. I will say that I have had 154CM rust on me a little on more than one occasion, so you need to keep an eye on it, especially if you are going to use the knife for food prep and not clean it like I have on several occasions. If you don’t let the knife get too crusty, a little of that Bar Keepers Friend will bring it back to new.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Marksman has a black anodized aluminum handle with a steel backspacer. This makes for a lightweight and strong handle. The anodization on the aluminum has held up well and there are grooves milled into the handle for a little texture and visual interest. The backspacer integrates with the strap lock (more on that below) so you have something of a “closed construction” design. While aluminum isn’t the most sexy of handle materials, it is very practical. I think it suits the design of this knife. Although it first appears as if there is a lot going on with this knife, at the end of the day construction is simple and sturdy. All the pieces have been nicely finished and the handle has been well executed.

The Marksman is a full size knife. Ergonomically it is straightforward and performs like you would expect. What impresses me most when I use the Marksman is how nice and light it feels in hand. I will say that the strap lock is uncomfortable to use repeatedly – at least until you build some callouses up on your hands. The serrations on the lock are no joke, and they tore up my thumb at first. Having used the knife for months now I don’t feel anything uncomfortable, but it took some getting used to.

Buck went with a deep carry reversible pocket clip mounted on the butt of the handle. This is a lot like the clip found on the LionSteel SR-1. The clip itself is simple and sturdy. It buries the knife discretely into the pocket. I like the clip and the way the Marksman carries. It’s worth mentioning that the knife is fully ambidextrous.

Deployment and Lockup

Grant and Gavin really know how to shake things up in the deployment and lockup section. Sometimes I find myself starting to yawn when I put this part of the review together, but the Marksman really gives me something to talk about.

So you are probably already aware that the Marksman uses a “strap lock” to lock the blade in place. Chances are you have never encountered a strap lock on a knife before. It’s a big strip of stainless steel that runs the length of the back of the handle and snaps into place over a protrusion on the back of the blade. What makes it cool is that in the closed position, it serves as a big spring, and when you hit the flipper the knife launches open effortlessly.

I have never been a huge fan of assisted openers, but the action on the Marksman is really cool and satisfying. It’s unlike any other spring assisted knife I have handled, to the point where I am reluctant to even identify it as an assisted opening knife. Closing the blade is kind of like setting a bear trap, and the trigger takes only a very light touch. It makes a very distinct tinny sound when you deploy it. Even my girlfriend could pick up on the fact that something was different with this knife. If the novel deployment system wasn’t enough, Buck also included a caged bearing system. The bearings work great and the action is so smooth that the blade just falls shut. This is a knife that you can easily open with the flipper or the thumb hole.

To disengage the blade you have to pull up on the strap with the serrations on the side of it. The serrations are rough and your thumb will get chewed up when you first start using the knife – especially if you obsessively open and close it like I did. The initial pain is definitely a negative, but overall I found the strap lock mechanism endearing, and like it more than I thought I would. With some practice you can learn how to open and close the knife one handed. It takes some tough thumbs and a little finesse but even this southpaw has managed to figure it out.

Another interesting aspect about the lock is that it is fully adjustable with a set screw on the pommel. I have used the knife for months and have opened it thousands of times. I have yet to notice any blade play, but if some were to develop you could tune it out with the set screw and pivot.

Here is a parting shot with my Spyderco Para 2:

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Buck Marksman Review – Final Thoughts

The novelty of the Marksman is what made me buy it. The thoughtful design, solid build quality, and excellent performance are what made me keep it. I would have never guessed that I would like the Marksman as much as I do. I wrote this review back in 2014, and as I update it in 2019, the Marksman is still part of my rotation. It’s a truly excellent knife. Perfect for those looking for a workhorse EDC that’s different.

The knife definitely has some novel features to it, and it doesn’t disappoint in that respect. But at the end of the day what impresses me most about the Marksman is that it’s actually a really good knife. The strap lock is unique, and I love how the blade deploys. The knife is also lightweight, tough, and functional. The materials are all high quality and it’s nicely put together – especially at the price point and considering that it is USA made. It carries well, cuts cleanly, and is a lot of fun to open and close. The Marksman has really grown on me. I would go so far as to say this is one of my favorite designs in 2014. I am glad I gave it a chance.

With all of that said I realize that this knife isn’t for everyone. The futuristic design is bound to polarize people, and the strap lock and it’s sharp edges could be a deal killer as well. But if you are in the market for something different and like a good user blade, then the Buck Marksman should definitely be on your radar. I liked it so much it earned a spot on my recommended EDC knives page.

Buck Knives 830 Marksman Folding Knife with One Hand Opening Action

RAZOR SHARP BLADE- 3-1/2" Drop Point 154CM Steel Blade delivers excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and is suitable for heavy cutting applications. Closed Length 4-3/4" Weight 4.0 oz.
AMBIDEXTROUS ONE HAND OPEN - Opens with the flick of a finger. The unique SLS Strong Lock System is one of the strongest locking mechanisms on the market. Once deployed, it offers the strength of a fixed blade knife
SAFE AND SECURE GRIP - The Black anodized aluminum handle provides a comfortable and secure grip while you work. This tactical knife will hold up in the most demanding situations
CONVENIENT CARRY - Includes a removable, reversible, tip-up discreet deep pocket carry clip for easy attachment to your belt, pocket, or in your bag
MADE IN THE USA - FOREVER WARRANTY - Since 1902 Buck Knives has offered a lifetime warranty on our knives because we believe in the integrity of our products. This knife is proudly made in the USA.

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