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Doug Ritter RSK® MK1-G2 Review

Everyone who has been around the knife industry for a while knows Doug Ritter. Doug is the founder and chairman of Knife Rights, an advocacy organization that promotes pro-knife legislation and opposes anti-knife legislation, and they also work to pursue knife owner civil rights. It’s a hugely important organization for knife owners and the industry. Doug is truly one of the pillars of the knife community.

And one of the ways Doug has been able to serve as that pillar is through the sale of his RSK MK1, which was commonly referred to as a Ritter Griptilian. The revenue from selling that knife gave Doug the financial freedom to pursue Knife Rights. Many folks preferred the high flat grind on the MK1 over the standard Griptilian. I had a MK1 with a set of Wilkins Grips. That was a super cool knife.

Somewhat shockingly, in 2016 Benchmade told Doug they would no longer make the MK1. So he had to turn to other manufacturers. He ended up partnering with Hogue, and the result is the RSK MK1-G2. You can read more about this on the KnifeWorks listing. I wasn’t aware of this background info and thought it was interesting.

When Doug approached me about reviewing the knife I jumped at it. I have been getting picky about what knives I review, as I haven’t had as much time to write recenetly, but as a fan of Hogue, Doug, and the original Ritter Grip, this is one I had to check out.

This review sample was provided free of charge. I’ll do my best to keep this review as objective as I can. After the review, I will keep this knife for long term testing and evaluation.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The MK1-G2 has an overall length of 8.15″, a 3.44″ blade, weighs 4.5 ounces, and is made in the USA. This is about the same dimensions of the original MK1. The MK1-G2 is approximately .7 ounces heavier, thanks in part to full G10 handle scales. The knife feels substantial. Not a boat anchor, but not an ultra-lightweight knife like the recently reviewed Para 3 LW. Doug has designed this with outdoor use / survival in mind, but I have carried the knife as an EDC piece. That’s the lens I’ll be examining it from.

The blade features the same wide drop point profile of the original MK1. The 2.92mm thick blade comes with a high flat grind, and a sweeping belly. The finish is a heavy stonewash. The edge bevel is wide and perfectly even.

Doug and Hogue selected Crucible CPM-20CV, a high end powered steel which is chemically similar to Boeller M390. Here is a link to the datasheet on CPM-20CV if you want to do some further reading. I’ve owned a number of knives in CPM-20CV at this point, and have been pleased with the blend of stain resistance, edge retention, ease of sharpening, and toughness. CPM-20CV is simply one of the best blade steels on the market currently, so it’s great to see it on this knife.

Here is a size comparison with a Delica and Endura:

Hogue is known for sending blades out of their factory with mirror polished edges. Mine came with a highly polished edge, and the blade was surprisingly sharp, even for someone like me who regularly handles sharp knives. That edge combined with the thin flat grind makes the MK1-G2 a beast to cut with. It slipped through cardboard, and cleanly sliced apples. I’ve used it on a few projects inside and outside of the house. I did a little carving with the knife for grins, and the blade zipped long peels of wood off a 2×4.

If you are looking for a solid performing folding knife, it’s going to be tough to beat the geometry of the MK1-G2. Combine that with CPM-20CV and you have a potent package.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the MK1-G2 is made of 3-D machined G-10. Gone is the old “cheap plastic” handle of the Griptilian. In it’s place is black G-10, fully machined. They really went all out, with a sunburst pattern around the pivot, blending into a patch of checkering, and then the sunburst picks back up again and radiates down the handle.

The handle itself is contoured. Inside, partial steel liners have been flush mounted into the G-10 handles. Everything is held together with torx bolts and 3 metal standoffs. All the machining is top notch and the fit and finish is excellent.

The MK1-G2 benefits from a practical handle design, and the knife has good ergonomics. The edges of the handle are square, so the knife doesn’t quite melt into the hand like a Griptilian, but it’s still comfortable thanks in part to the simple design and contoured handles.

There is also plenty of traction. The handle is obviously heavily textured, and there is jimping on the spine and pommel. There is a large thumb ramp, and the jimping isn’t overly aggressive. All in all, this is a handle designed for extended use. It’s practical and comfortable.

The MK1-G2 utilizes a deep carry spoon style clip. The clip has been given a tumbled finish. It’s not polished, but it’s not a matte finish either. The result is a fairly discreet pocket flip.

Spring strength and clip retention are pretty good. This is probably my biggest gripe with the knife. I’d prefer a little more spring retention on the clip. Living in Florida, I tend to wear lightweight shorts. This knife has slid around on me a little while in the pocket. The fact that this is a heavier knife doesn’t help. The knife hasn’t fallen out of my pocket, but I would be extra careful with this piece.

One interesting observation is that while the deep carry clip only uses 2 screws, the handle is drilled and tapped for 3 screws, so you may be able to pop a Benchmade clip on there, or an aftermarket clip.

Here is your shot of the knife in the pocket:

Deployment and Lockup

The MK1-G2 utilizes ambidextrous thumb studs. The thumb studs are large and easy to get to, and the blade pops out smoothly wish a brush of the thumb. Inside I can see thick phosphor bronze washers. Bearings are great for titanium framelock flippers, but I prefer the practicality of bronze washers for a true user piece like this MK1-G2. No complaints when it comes to getting this blade open, or the action.

For lockup we have have the ABLE Lock. This is described as an enhanced Axis Lock and the acronym stands for “Ambidextrous Bar Lock Enhanced”. That doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but “ABLE Lock” works. For those wondering, Benchmade’s patent on the Axis lock expired in 2016, so that’s why this lock is able to be used. The lock’s finish and geometry is a little different from the Axis lock, but it looks and feels like an Axis Lock.

In practice this has been a convenient and reliable lock. It’s fully ambidextrous, and locks up tight. There is zero blade play in any direction. Fans of the Axis lock will find a lot here. Practically speaking I haven’t noticed much of a difference between this and the Axis lock. If anything the lock bar on the ABLE Lock feels slightly smoother.

Doug Ritter RSK® MK1-G2 Review – Final Thoughts

Dubbing this knife the “Generation 2” of the RSK MK1 is a fitting title. I think the G2 a worthy successor to the original, and is a true next generation piece. The knife has been re-considered from the ground up and it shows, but at the end of the day it still features the robust cutting geometry, good ergonomics, and easy operation that the original MK1 was known for.

Upgrading to G10 handle scales is bound to appeal to most folks. It makes the knife feel more solid and expensive, and the side to side blade play that is common in a lot of the FRN handled Griptilians is nowhere to be found. The flip side is that you have a heavier knife. The 20CV blade steel was another nice upgrade, especially for a piece like this that will get a lot of use. The rest of the knife has been thoughtfully reworked. From the deep carry pocket clip, to the 3-D sculpted handle scales, to the improved ABLE lock, no stone was left unturned with this build. I am sure Hogue and Doug spent countless hours engineering this knife.

My only criticism is that I’d like to see a stronger pocket clip. This new G-10 version is heavier than the old FRN Ritter Grip, and the clip could use some extra spring. Especially with the thin shorts I wear here in Florida.

Pocket clip quibble aside, the end result is a knife that just works. Regular readers know I have a soft spot for largish work knives like this. I view this as an enhanced version of something like a Para 2 or Griptilian, but it’s not such a nice knife that you will feel bad using it. This knife lacks the jewel like quality of the G-10 Griptilian, but I don’t think that’s a bad thing. The MK1-G2 was not designed to sit on a shelf, and I appreciate the practicality of it.

I can easily recommend this knife to fans of the original, or those looking for a premium folding work knife. It’s an excellent knife.

Doug Ritter RSK® MK1-G2 Review – From $159.95
From: KnifeWorks

The RSK MK1-G2 is available exclusively at KnifeWorks. Please consider that buying anything through any of the links on this website, including Amazon and BladeHQ helps support BladeReviews.com, and keeps the site going. Thank you very much.

Cold Steel AD-10 Review

by Seth Vietti 5 Comments

Of all the words used to describe Cold Steel knives here on BladeReviews.com, “refined” isn’t at the top of the list. That’s not a metaphor – I literally made a list, and “refined” only appears three times. You’re much more likely to see Cold Steel knives described with adjectives like “strong” (41 times), “large” (39 times; followed closely by “big” at 38), and “comfortable” (26).

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Speaking as a former Cold Steel skeptic, I was unsurprised to find that the AD-10 is indeed strong, large (big), and comfortable. What did surprise me was just how good this knife is. It delivers the essence of Cold Steel, refined. It might be the best knife they’ve ever made. And if you, like me, ever scoffed at Cold Steel’s marketing or rolled your eyes at their product names, read on, because the AD-10 will catch you off guard.

General Dimensions & Blade Details

The proportions of this knife are deceptive. Yes, it’s big, but the wide handle, snubnosed blade, and protruding backspacer make it look even bigger – as if there’s another knife trapped in there, bulging through the seams trying to get out. Makes sense, considering the AD-10 is a downscaled version of designer Andrew Demko’s gargantuan 4-Max. Here it is filling out a Spyderco sandwich, between the longer Military and shorter Paramilitary 2:

The AD-10’s blade is clearly optimized for strength. The tip is wide, thick, and feels practically unbreakable. It penetrates more like an armor-piercing round than a needle, meaning it’ll get you into just about anything so long as you don’t care what kind of hole you leave behind. Behind the tip, the grind thins out quickly to a relatively thin edge thanks to a nicely executed hollow grind. Don’t let anyone tell you that thick knives can’t slice – the AD-10’s substantial 3.9mm blade stock and deep hollow grind work together like a zipper, holding material apart from the blade after the edge separates it. Compared to a full flat ground knife of similar stock thickness, the AD-10 carves through cardboard with noticeably less friction, powering through the nasty two- and three-ply stuff rather than getting wedged in.

There’s no avoiding the laws of physics, however: a hollow grind can only do so much for a knife this thick. It’s graceless in the kitchen, where the tip mashes more than it pierces, and crisp produce is split, not sliced. Then again, the AD-10 isn’t anyone’s idea of a kitchen knife. For more utilitarian cutting it works with surprising agility, despite looking like a wrecking ball.

The blade steel, S35VN, has performed well for me. Edge retention has been good; stainlessness, excellent. As for toughness, it did not disappoint. I took the AD-10 on a hike and ended up using it to trim back a bush that had overgrown the trail. A careless chop glanced into a stone, damaging the edge where it hit. Thankfully, the steel was tough enough to roll, not chip, so the damage was easy to sharpen out.

Handle, Ergonomics, & Pocket Clip

At just over three and a half inches long, I wouldn’t call the blade oversized. The handle, though, is another story. Even if you ignore the extended pommel, it still measures in at 5.25 inches. For perspective, that’s almost as much handle as the Spyderco Military, with about as much blade as the Para 2. Yeah. If you’re someone who obsesses over high blade:handle ratios, this isn’t your knife. To top it off, the AD-10 is bulky, too; easily eclipsing my heretofore thickest knife, the Victorinox Alox Farmer.

These comparisons aren’t complaints. Because the AD-10 is the most comfortable folding knife I’ve ever used. Andrew Demko is a master of ergonomics. You’d think a knife with this many finger grooves – plus a front and rear guard – would feel awkward to move around on, but the AD-10’s smooth and deeply sculpted handle isn’t so prescriptive that you feel locked in to any single grip.

The pocket clip is wide, polished, and barely noticeable in hand. The lock bar and backspacer leave no palm-pinching voids in the back of the handle. Every edge, every corner is shaped or softened. It all feels very purposeful, allowing you to exert more force with less strain – this is a knife that makes “hard use” feel easier. One ergonomic caveat: the forward finger choil might be a little cramped for thicker fingers, although I didn’t have any issues.

The unavoidable problem with a knife this fist-filling is how awkward it is to carry in a pocket. I mean, it’s 6.8 ounces and thicker than a coin purse on laundry day. I can deal with large knives (see my review of the Spyderco Hundred Pacer), but the AD-10 stretches (literally) the capacity of my pockets. If you wanted to carry it in your waistband, you’d probably need to buy bigger pants. Even though it hurts to suggest something so shamefully uncool, your best option might actually be a belt pouch.

Still, despite the weight and bulk, I’d pick the AD-10 for my pocket before any of the other Cold Steel folders I’ve owned. The clip – while it could use a little more “ramp” at the lip to help it over thick seams – is an improvement over the too-short, too-stiff, death grip clips I’ve struggled with in the past. And unlike the pocket rasps Cold Steel typically uses for handle scales, the smooth G10 on the AD-10 makes stowing and retrieving the knife a cinch.

Deployment & Lockup

At this point, Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock needs little introduction – it’s simply one of, if not the strongest locking system on the market today. What impresses me more than its absolute strength is its tolerance for abuse over time. Even if you were to impact it hard enough to deform the lock face, the built-in play around the lock bar pivot preserves solid lockup, by allowing the lock bar to reset itself against the stop pin. It’s clever engineering, but that play in the lock bar can sometimes make the Tri-Ad lock sticky and hard to disengage. Not so here: the AD-10 unlocks cleanly without the need for any break-in.

Ambidextrous thumbstuds and glassy smooth Teflon washers make for satisfying deployment, whether you open it slowly or with a quick flick. Closing it back up one-handed is a little counter-intuitive. So long as you don’t pull your fingers away from the heavy falling blade, they’ll safely catch the choil and not the edge, though thicker fingers should proceed with caution.

Cold Steel AD-10 Review – Final Thoughts

The AD-10 feels like the latest and greatest result of an ongoing evolution at Cold Steel. I can’t pinpoint when it started, exactly, but I started to take notice when they upgraded their blade steel across the board in 2015.

Ever since then, it seems like they’ve been taking the cheesy machismo that built the brand and distilling it into impressive products that do more than just tactical wish fulfillment (not that there’s anything wrong with that – I once owned a Rajah 2, after all). The AD-10 doubles down on what Cold Steel have always done well – big, brash, and strong – but doesn’t swagger over the little details. It’s not a knife I can always carry, but definitely one I enjoy using when I do. If your pockets will stretch for it, you won’t find a more capable and comfortable folder at this price point.

Sale

COLD STEEL AD-10 3.5" S35VN Steel Ultra-Sharp Drop Point Blade 5.25" G-10 Handle Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Locking Mechanism

CONSTRUCTION - The AD-10 tactical folding knife features an ultra-wide, ground thin at the edge, honed to razor-sharpness blade that offers unprecedented cutting, shearing, and piercing power while resisting bending, breaking, or chipping
S35VN STEEL BLADE - Crafted from S35VN steel, the AD-10 folding knife's blade ensures super-fine cutting edges and exceptional edge retention; This premium steel is renowned for its durability and ability to maintain sharpness through rigorous use
STRONG HANDLE - The handle of the AD-10 knife boasts heat-treated, full-length aluminum liners and 3D machined G-10 scales, providing unparalleled strength and grip; Its precise contouring and integral finger guard ensure a snug and secure fit in the hand
TRI-AD LOCK - Complete with the Tri-Ad, the AD-10 offers unrivaled strength, shock resistance, and durability; This reliable locking mechanism provides peace of mind, safeguarding your fingers during use and ensuring the blade remains securely in place
SPECS - Weight: 7 oz (198.4 g); Blade Thickness: 3.8 mm; Blade Length: 3 1/2"; Blade Steel: S35VN; Handle Length/Material: 5 1/4" G-10; Overall Length: 8 3/4"; Knife Type: Folder; Blade Shape: Drop Point; Locking Mechanism: Tri-Ad Lock

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Cold Steel AD-10 at Amazon 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.

Emerson Mini Commander Review

by Travis Pike 1 Comment

The Mini-Commander is my third Emerson folder and third in the line of CQC knives. I guess I’m an Emerson collector. I initially purchased a CQC-7BW during my Marine Corps days, then I purchased a Mini CQC-15 that I thought combined a cool tanto edge and a good belly to replace the 7. Now I have a Mini-Commander that I purchased for no real reason.

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Of course, it’s been serving as my EDC for several months now because you don’t buy a knife like this and not carry it. It’s a knife designed for guys and gals in the military as well as those who typically work in non-permissive environments, and its in a handier size. The Mini-Commander isn’t for everyone, and its combination of features do make it more or less suited for a niche group of users.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mini-Commander loses half an inch of the blade from the standard Commander model and has a 3.4-inch blade with a deployed length of 8 inches. The Mini-Commander’s blade is .125 inches thick and is made from 154CM. The handle is 4.6 inches long and the knife weighs 4.5 ounces.

It’s a convenient and easy knife to pocket carry. The Mini-Commander features a recurve blade design that sports a very prominent belly. You get a lot of cutting edge in a very compact package. It’s got a standard drop point tip and has a black cerakote finish. A stonewash finish is also available.

The use of 154 CM is pretty standard with Emerson knives and a great overall steel. It’s an excellent compromise of features and specs, but also makes an outstanding metal if you deploy to harsh conditions with your knife. Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, wildland firefighters, Border Patrol, etc.

154 CM is very corrosion resistant, and it is tough steel. It’s relatively easy to sharpen and can get quite sharp. 154 CM steel seems to be excellent steel when paired with a chisel grind. A chisel grind is quick and easy to sharpen, something I appreciated with the CQC-7BW when I was in the field and deployed.

You can get a good sharp edge with minimal tools and effort. The blade will also last. A chisel grind is a strong grind and when combined with a strong steel it makes a very dependable knife. When logistics suck you want something you won’t need to replace.

A chisel grind is great for most things, but don’t expect super smooth cuts. It has some grind to it while cutting. While it does cut, it doesn’t give me that tactile satisfaction I get from a super smooth cut. The belly of this blade makes it a great slasher.

The CQC knives and Emerson knives, in general, are designed to be weapons and EDC tools. I’ve never used a knife as a weapon, and likely never will. However, the belly on this knife would deliver deep, penetrating slashes in such an encounter. From my purposes, it’s perfect for cleaning game or cutting apples up for my kid’s basketball team. I do suggest washing the knife in-between those activities.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle is designed to fully fit the hand and it does well. The handle curves slightly forward, reinforcing the blade’s slashing design. The grips are made from G10 material and its heavily textured for comfort and control. The finger guard is deep and ensures nothing will slip and cause an accident.

The rear of the grip has jimping on both the handle and blade. It’s quite a bit and the thumb feels comforting pushing on it. Combined with the deep fingerguard and you’ll have a hard time losing your grip. If you do the grip does have a lanyard hole to ensure you really can’t lose this knife.

The grip is very comfortable and the grip design is well suited for slashing and slicing.

The pocket clip is nice and robust, very durable and it clings to your pants well. It’s certainly strong and well made. As a reader and commenter pointed out in my Mini 15 review the knife is only tapped for right-handed use.

Left-handed models exist and a right-handed model can be tapped for left-hand carry but that costs money. However, for the price of this knife, it should be ambidextrous. Most of the knife is ambi so a left-handed clip option should be standard.

Deployment and Lockup

This model features the Wave opening system. This allows you to open the knife as you remove it from your pocket. It’s neat, and if you were about to get into a fight its faster than an auto knife. However, it takes practice to learn.

In addition to the wave feature you have a thumb disk that is ambidextrous and easy to use. A flick of the wrist and thumb will send the blade flying out and locking reliably with just the thumb disk. This takes time and a little wear. The blade is initially tight and opens slowly but over time mine has become easy to flick open with the thumb stud.

The lock is made from titanium and its slightly jimped for an easy push release. What’s interesting is that my Mini 15 seems to lock up all over the place. The Mini-Commander locks up in the same spot every time regardless of how fast or slow I open it.

The lock is nice and tight and hasn’t let me down yet. Titanium may wear with time but it seems like little pressure or force is exerted over this lock so I doubt we are going to see many issues. I still haven’t seen any of the CQC-7 I’ve owned for years.

Emerson Mini-Commander Review – Final Thoughts

This is an expensive knife, with the price being close to 200 dollars. There are admittedly knives out there at that price that cut smoother, are thinner, and have left handed pocket clip options. However, the Mini-Commander’s combination of features does fill a certain role in the military and frontier world.

It’s nice to have a traditional point with a deep belly for slicing when fall deer season comes around and for tasks with a bigger cutting emphasis. It’s better for EDC than the CQC-7 and the mini designation makes it more comfortable than the standard Commander.

It’s a rock solid and well-made knife and it joins what appears to be my ever growing Emerson Collection with its own rightful place.

Emerson Mini Commander SF Plain Stonewashed Blade

Editor: I recommend purchasing the Emerson Mini-Commander at Amazon 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.

Hardcore Hardware Australia MFE01 Rhino Review

by Andrew Gene Leave a Comment

The Hardcore Hardware Australia MFE01 Rhino is a medium sized utility tool. It was designed by Australia based tool manufacturer Hardcore Hardware in conjunction with SOER, the Special Operations Engineer Regiment which supports the Australian Special Operations Command or SOCOMD. SOER specializes in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CBRNE) threats.

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Their expertise also makes them an integral part of the Tactical Assault Groups (TAG) that were formed after the September 11 terrorist attacks that occurred in the US. With bases in east and west Australia, TAG is a quick response, domestic, direct action (offensive) counter-terrorism entity.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Rhino is made from a massive piece of D2 that’s just over 5/16th” (8mm) thick 12.6″, in length and 6.7″ at its widest. The total weight is 27 oz. To maintain ductility (toughness) during impact, the D2 has been heat treated to a lower hardness between 53-54 HRC. This seems sensible, being in the same range as similar sized, impact/chopping tools that have been around much longer such as hammers, axes etc..

Since D2 is a semi-stainless steel, HHA has coated this, and all their gear, with a thick black, low glare PTFE coating (teflon). The Rhino is also be available in a tan PTFE coating. The company’s logo and model name is etched on one side of the head and the Hardcore Hardware Australia word-mark and steel type appears on the other.

The MFE01 has three main tools. The front of the head has a bladed edge. This is different from the typical tomahawk as it has a much smaller cutting surface. The design focuses the impact force in a smaller area for a concentrated strike. With a steep bevel, it is proficient at splitting tasks. This geometry would be less likely to get stuck in softer materials like wood where a thinner blade is prone to.

The poll (back of the head) is claw shaped for use as an impact or prying tool. The point isn’t sharpened which, is probably a good choice to help prevent self injury when bearing down on the handle.

The back edge is rounded like a claw hammer to improve mechanical leverage and has a row of jimping that grabs the opposing surface when in use.

The jimping also adds traction when manipulating the third tool, the crowbar like pommel. This has a shallow angle resulting in a narrow tip that can be easily wedged into small spaces. A notch in the face will handle a variety of nail sizes making the Rhino great for opening crates or similar jobs.

Handle

The handle on the Rhino is somewhere in between a full and partial tang. Because the tang travels out-to and beyond the scales it could fall into the full tang category. Alternately, large slots cut out of the center for weight reduction, may argue the latter. Regardless, the 5/16th inch thickness coupled with the conservative hardness should make this tool difficult to break.

While the handle slots improve weight they can incidentally be used as large shackle wrench or to thread 550 paracord for added traction. A paracord wrap could also be an alternative handle covering if you remove the scales. The thick G10 slabs echo the tang’s slots, sharing the same weight saving, grip-adding properties. Traction is further improved with a peel-ply texture. The scales are attached with large torx fasteners and come in a brown or black color. Holes at the base of the head and pommel can be used to form a d-lanyard for extra security.

While the slots are great for grip, the over-all handle feels a bit boxy and is probably much more comfortable when wearing gloves. It would be nice to see some contouring for added comfort. Additionally the slots make the Rhino resonate, making a pinging sound when using it, especially when striking something with the head’s flat. Sound probably won’t matter to most though, seeing as the Rhino doesn’t tread quietly. Despite these criticisms the over-all dimensions and weight distribution make it feel nimble and controllable when leveraging all the tools.

Sheath / Carry

For carry the Rhino comes with two options. The first is a large 1000 denier Cordura pouch. This seals with a velcro flap and snaps, completely enclosing the tool.

The back side has a ladder of PALS webbing and a full length strap with a snap making it MOLLE compatible. The front side also has a ladder for attaching other equipment. An eyelet at the top corner and base allow for cord to be tied on, making a handle or sling.

The second option is the Kydex ‘Speed Scabbard’. As the name implies, it is designed for quick access. The scabbard only holds the head, leaving the handle exposed for release. This works by pulling downward with a back sweeping movement, releasing the blade then the claw. The motion is easy and natural.

Likewise, the head is stowed by putting the claw in first and then clipping in the rest by pushing upward. Retention is great and further enforced by a rubberized snap ensuring a secure closure. The system attaches via double MOLLE-loks.

Hardcore Hardware Australia MFE01 Rhino Review – Final Thoughts

The MFE01 Rhino is a comprehensive tool cooperatively designed with professionals for their use. The robust build quality, premium materials and useful tool set make it a durable companion capable of taking on a wide variety of hard-use tasks. Two carry options further extend the versatility of this moderately compact yet powerful package.

While finishing details are much less important than utility on any serious gear, the company has still paid good attention to the fit and finish. All in, Hardcore Hardware Australia has created an interesting variation of the modern tomahawk, adding positively to the overall offerings in this category.

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Editor: I recommend purchasing the Hardcore Hardware Rhino at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Additional Specifications

Steel: D2
Finish: PTFE (Teflon) Available in Black or Tan
Total Length 12.6″ (320 mm)
Total Width: 6.7″ (170 mm)
Thickness: .315″ (8 mm)
Weight: 27oz (765 g)
Handle: Brown or Black G10
Country of Origin: Australia

Sheaths:

1000 Denier Cordura®
Speed Scabbard
MOLLE Compatible

The Rhino is distributed by sharpernow.com in the US.
For more on Hardcore Hardware Australia, visit http://www.hardcorehardware.com.au

Emerson Mini CQC-15 Review

by Travis Pike 4 Comments

The Emerson CQC line of folding tactical knives are downright legendary. Mr. Emerson’s knives were the first folding tactical knives and are common to see among the armed forces, with police, and of course average Joes like me. CQC stands for ‘close quarters combat,’ and these knives are designed to be used as weapons as well as useful EDC tools. This particular model is the Mini CQC-15.

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The Mini CQC-15 is a compact option that retains the legendary quality and reliability of Emerson’s knives. The CQC series is quite expansive these days, and the knives come in various sizes, colors, and configuration. The Mini CQC 15 is a hybrid of the two most popular knives in the CQC line, the Commander and the CQC-7.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Mini CQC-15 is smaller than the CQC 15, but it isn’t a small knife by any means. It’s an average size EDC knife with a 3.5-inch blade. The overall length with the blade deployed is 7.9 inches, and total weight is light 4 ounces. The blade is .125 inches thick and is made from 154 CM.

The Mini CQC 15 sports the piercing tanto point of the famed CQC-7B and the recurve blade of the Commander. This odd combination does give you a versatile knife blade that stabs and slices easily. The belly isn’t as prominent as the Commander, but it’s still enough to make it a good choice for skinning deer. You also get that extra cutting edge in a shorter profile. The tanto blade is, of course, a great piercer. If used as a weapon in a military scenario it will make quick work of clothing, web gear, or uniform shirts.

The blade is made from a durable and corrosion resistant 154 CM steel. Its Emerson’s steel of choice for these knives and is a good steel for these knives in particular. It’s tough, but not hard to sharpen. The blade is a chisel grind which has some strengths, but also weaknesses. It’s very strong, easy to sharpen and the edge lasts a good while. A chisel grind is a rough cutter and feels like it catches and jumps when you are trying to do precise cuts.

In my time as a Marine, I carried an Emerson CQC-7BW. At that time I knew nothing about knives, but I knew the CQC-7BW was ‘the’ tactical knife. Over time I grew to appreciate 154CM steel and the chisel grind as something that was easy and quick to sharpen in the field. Often I had nothing more than the sharpening rod on my bayonet sheath.

Getting the Mini CQC-15 ready can be done quickly with minimal tools, time, or effort. In the tactical world, you might not have the tools and time to get a nice sharpening in. Your day patrol may turn into a three-day mission, and all you have is what’s on your back and in your pockets. You also want the edge to last and the blade to be strong. If it breaks in country, you can’t exactly go online and order another

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Mini CQC-15 is a fat bottom girl, and I love it. The handle is wide and fills my paws well. The knife has a palm swell, and a decent jimping for the thumb. The handle fills my hand very nicely, and I have no complaints about its design or shape. The grip design reminds me of a more subtle version of the ancient Greek kopis handle. It’s designed to aid in retention when cutting or stabbing.

The G-10 grips panels are aggressively textured, and some people might find it uncomfortable. You should bear in mind that by order gloves are part of the personal protective equipment of the uniformed services. Gloves can challenge grip, so this aggressive texturing is a must have for a knife like this.

The clip is nice and straightforward. It’s robust and has never bent or accidentally grabbed my chair as I go to sit. It’s tight, so the knife stays planted in the pocket. As the mini variant, it’s a bit more pocket-friendly. I never noticed any discomfort when carrying the knife. I never notice its even there until I need it. Unfortunately, it’s for righties only, but left-handed models of these knives are available. Seems a little ridiculous not to tap the knife for lefties

Deployment and Lockup

The Mini CQC-15 has a titanium liner lock that’s strong, but the knife seems to lock-up at different points. This is especially true if you use the wave method of opening these knives. Sometimes it goes extremely far and other times barely at all. However, I have never had the lock fail me in any way. I will admit I find myself subconsciously checking to make sure the blade is locked before getting the work.

Deployment can be done through a top thumb disk that’s ambidextrous, well textured and feels strong. It’s a slow deployment method, but a functional one. If you want to go a little faster, you have the wave method. The wave is based on that little hook on the thumb rest that is supposed to catch on your pants and open the knife as you draw it.

It’s a neat feature, but it doesn’t always work. It seems to work better in some pants than others. Pulling the knife like that is not dependable enough to trust in a self-defense scenario. I will say it works way better in jeans than in the typical material uniform pants is made of, which is odd seeing as who these knives are designed for. I may also be bad at opening a knife this way. The utility is there, but I can’t seem to master the wave.

Emerson Mini-CQC 15 Review – Final Thoughts

The lens you view this knife through is likely going to significantly affect your opinion on it. It’s not a graceful tool, and for the cost, you can get a knife that cuts smoother, features an ambidextrous pocket clip, and a more natural method of deploying the blade.

The Mini CQC-15, as well as the rest of the CQC series, is designed for folks in uniform. They have a broad set of features that make them an excellent knife for those in uniform. I still love it, and my CQC-7BW, but I am aware of my own bias and nostalgia. That being said its an objectively good knife, and one I would suggest if strength and simplicity are your main desire.

Emerson Mini CQC-15 with Plain Black Blade

If you are thinking of buying an Emerson Mini CQC-15, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. Thanks for reading.

Cold Steel Golden Eye Review

by Dan Jackson 8 Comments

One visitor to the site commented that we are “a little biased towards Spyderco”. It’s probably because we have reviewed a lot of Spyderco knives over the years. More than any other brand. I like Spydercos and so does Ben, Grayson, Josh, and pretty much everyone who has written for the site. We all like their knives and consequently Spyderco has gotten a ton of air time over the years. If reviewing Spyderco knives is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.

Buy the Cold Steel Golden Eye at BladeHQ

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Perhaps more controversial is my attraction to Cold Steel Knives. I have reviewed a bunch of them over the years. I’m a big fan, although most of them are too big and impractical for me to truly carry and use. I think I may have a fetish because none of the other authors appear to share the desire to review C.S. stuff. Ben reviewed the Large Espada and the Pro-Lite, so I suspect he may also have a little Lynn Thompson in him, and Chad reviewed the Kudu, but that’s it.

Me? I’ve reviewed 15 Cold Steel knives. 16 if you include this Golden Eye. Yeah… that’s an addiction. I blame it mostly on their excellent marketing videos. Also Cold Steel keeps coming out with stuff I want to review. Andrew Demko keeps turning out hits, and I keep buying them. The Golden Eye is no exception. It looked cool, and slightly different from the other Cold Steel knives with it’s golden thumb hole. Had to have it. Sorry (not sorry).

General Dimensions and Blade Details

For some reason I thought the Golden Eye would be smaller. Maybe that’s because Tony wrote a quick review on it a few years back, and he typically picks out smaller more practical knives. Who knows. This is not a small knife. It has an overall length of 8.375″, a 3.5″ blade, and weighs 4.3 ounces. It’s made in Taiwan like most of Cold Steel’s other folders.

This is a bigger knife. The handle in particular is pretty large, but that’s OK as we will soon learn it is comfortable. That said, it feels light for its size and will make a great work knife. Not a great urban EDC option.

The blade is a big beautiful drop point. The overall profile reminds me of the Terzoula Slipit with its angled thumb ramp extending into a swedged drop point blade. It’s the kind of no-nonsense blade shape that will serve you well in virtually any task. The blade is ground thin with a deep hollow grind, has been given a two-tone satin finish, and is finished with a neat and evenly applied edge.

Cold Steel selected S35VN for this knife. These days the vast majority of their premium folders come in S35VN, replacing CTS-XHP, which replaced AUS-8. S35VN should need little introduction at this point. It is an American made steel designed as a follow up to S30V. It is specifically formulated for knife steels and is great stuff. It takes a good edge, has good edge retention, doesn’t rust or stain easily, finishes nicely, is reasonably tough, yet is easy to sharpen. It’s an excellent blade steel.

And the S35VN really sings on the Golden Eye. I was borderline shocked with how well this knife performed. It slices cardboard with aplomb. It absolutely zips through the stuff. No issues with rope. Great for slicing fruit and other work in the kitchen as well. This is a sturdy knife but it’s ground to slice and has performed phenomenally well in my use and testing.

I’ve been touching up the Golden Eye on my [easyazon_link identifier=”B001JL1I6Y” locale=”US” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″]Spyderco Golden Stone[/easyazon_link], and the edge stays freaky sharp that way. Must be all the gold. No complaints with the blade or blade steel on this knife.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The Golden Eye uses Cold Steel’s tried n’ true method of thick linerless G-10 handle scales. I’ve reviewed many of their knives with similar construction, and this knife works just as well as the others. The G-10 is thick and sturdy. There is very little flex when you try to squeeze the handle slabs together.

Fit and finish on the handle is excellent. Everything has been neatly finished. The parts are all flush and the handle screws together so the knife can be taken apart and maintained. The choice of forest green for the handles is a nice touch. It’s a little different without being too far out there, and contrasts with the gold hardware.

I wasn’t sure how the ergonomics would be on the Golden Eye. I guess that’s true for every knife I order, but the Golden Eye in particular had me guessing thanks to the multiple finger scallops. Complicated finger grooves can be a mistake if they force your hand into an awkward position. Here the groves are generous. They feel comfortable and work well for me. I think that most people will find this knife comfortable to use, but I haven’t taken a poll on this. Let me know in the comments section if you have this knife but don’t like the way it feels in hand. Personally, I’m a fan.

In addition to the finger grooves you have peel ply G10 for grip, and some light jimping along the back of the handle. These features provide a good amount of texture without going over the top. Overall I find this to be a comfortable knife to hold in forward and reverse grips. I’ve used this knife extensively and find it to be comfortable to cut with.

The Golden Eye comes with a large gold colored pocket clip and is configured for ambidextrous tip up carry. The clip appears to be designed for strength. You have milled recesses in the handle for the clip along with 3 screws. Spring strength is excellent and the knife is kept firmly in place.

In the pocket the Golden Eye carries well for what it is. It’s a bigger knife, so I tend to notice it, but it’s also a thin handled knife and it’s relatively light for its size. Not a boat anchor, but not a feather either. The strong clip keeps the knife firmly in place. All said I think the Golden Eye behaves nicely in the pocket for a larger knife.

Deployment and Lockup

This knife uses a stepped thumb hole to get the blade open. Cold Steel calls this the “Hollow Thumb Ramp” (HTR), and that acronym is pretty accurate. In practice the HTR works well and is a cool idea. It’s kind of a hybrid between a thumb hole and thumb stud. There is a lot for your thumb to grab onto, and this knife can be opened with gloves as well. The serrated thumb hole is held in place with a set screw, which is kind of interesting. It’s a nice design and one I wouldn’t mind seeing on more knives.

It’s worth noting that the gold plating on the thumb hole has worn off. I bought this knife off BladeForums in “Like New” condition, and it clearly was not like new. Disappointing, but given the price I paid and the fact I was going to use this knife I ultimately decided to keep it. However, the pictures you see here demonstrate that the gold finish is subject to wear.

The action of this knife is smooth thanks to a large pivot and phosphor bronze washers. Like most Cold Steel Tri-Ad lock knives, a good amount of force is required to open and shut the blade. This isn’t a blade you will be able to flick open. But you will find the action to be smooth and reliable, and that’s what I would expect from a rugged utility knife like this.

For lockup we have the aforementioned Tri-Ad lock. I’ve reviewed a dozen or so knives featuring this knife of lock, so forgive me if this sounds a little repetitive, but the Tri-Ad lock is a lock back reinforced with a stop pin. It’s an extremely strong lock design. The Tri-ad lock on the Golden Eye knife is no exception. You can’t muscle blade play out of this even if you try to move the blade out at the tip.

Here is a size comparison with another workhorse in my collection, the Buck Marksman. Still rocking the Marksman:

Disengaging the lock requires a good amount of force, but it’s not as bad as something like the 4-Max. Actually, I find the amount of effort it takes to open and close this knife to be reasonable. That said, this knife has been used quite a bit. Out of the box these can be stiff to open and close, so you may need to break your knife in.

Blade centering is perfect on my knife.

Cold Steel Golden Eye Review – Final Thoughts

Cold Steel has done it again. This is a strong and practical utility knife. It handles well, cuts like a beast, and features the strongest lock on the market. The “Golden Eye” (Hollow Thumb Ramp) works great. The HTR combined with the unique profile, gold hardware, and green handles help distinguish this knife in Cold Steel’s lineup. With so many great Demko designs on Cold Steel’s roster you would think that they cannibalize each other. The Golden Eye is a unique knife, even if it follows Cold Steel’s formula in many ways.

Where the knife may fall short is that this is another large folding knife from Cold Steel. It’s a great performer if you can carry and use this knife, but this isn’t a knife I can pull out at the office or the grocery store. It’s just too big. If I worked on a ranch or something this would be a great choice, but as a mild-mannered couch commando I usually carry a smaller knife. Also, the finger scallops in the handle won’t work for everyone.

That said, I found this to be an impressive knife. Especially the way it cuts. It’s a joy to cut things with this knife. Andrew Demko knows what he is doing and Cold Steel has a track record of executing his designs to brilliant standards. The Golden Eye is no different. Well worth seeking out if you like the design or are an unabashed Cold Steel fan like me.

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If you are thinking of buying Cold Steel Golden Eye, please consider purchasing it at [easyazon_link identifier=”B019RSXKXO” locale=”US” tag=”brdfkdfk-20″]Amazon[/easyazon_link] or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.