Made in the USA

Emerson PUK Review

Last Updated: August 5, 2019
Emerson is well known for producing a wide variety of knives, but they are most famous for producing a tactical folding knife known as the CQC 7. The CQC 7 is popular among spec ops troops around the world. The CQC 7 is what caused Ernest Emerson to turn the company from a garage operation to one of the most well-known knife companies in the world.

Buy the Emerson PUK at BladeHQ

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By trade I’m a gun guy, and as a gun guy I find it easy to identify guns in movies. I’ve slowly become more and more of a knife guy and now I’ve started to notice knives in movies. Does this influence my interests? Sometimes… So, was Bruce Willis and Tears of the Sun on my mind when I snatched up an Emerson PUK? Sadly no, but once Tears of the Sun hit Netflix I got a little confirmation bias.

The Emerson PUK, or Police Utility Knife, is one of the few fixed blades Emerson produces. The PUK is not a big knife. It’s short and thin, but easy to carry. If Rambo has set the baseline for your commando knife, you’ll be disappointed at the subtle and small nature of the PUK. The PUK was made for police use, but according to Emerson has found its way into the hands of elite units like the British SAS.

I’m sure it’s a great knife for Bruce Willis’ Navy SEAL, but I wanted to find out what the PUK offered the everyday Joe.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The Emerson PUK has an overall length of 8.5 inches with a 3.6-inch blade and weighs only 5.5 ounces. The PUK is one of the many Emerson knives made in the USA.

The Emerson PUK blade is only .125 inches thick. This thin blade helps keep the knife both balanced and lightweight. The blade is designed for heavy duty cutting and is made from a single piece of 154CM steel. 154CM is better suited for heavier cutting than standard stainless steel and has excellent edge retention. The biggest downside to this steel is its corrosion resistance. It’s far from perfect, but Emerson took steps and coated the blade to protect it against corrosion.

With the words Police and Utility in the name it’s safe to say this knife was designed to be more tool than weapon. However, I wouldn’t want to find myself on the wrong end of the PUK. The intent of the blade is for tactical use and the situations most police will find themselves in.

The cutting work of police is likely going to be heavy duty. Officers may be tasked with cutting through seat belts, through clothing, into the seats of cars and trucks, and much more. This kind of cutting requires a strong and capable knife. This is one of the advantages of using a fixed blade over a folding knife. With this in mind the blade’s V grind makes a lot of sense. V grinds tend to be better suited for heavy duty cutting. The PUK certainly has no qualms about slicing through materials both thick and thin.

I’ve taken the PUK to task by cutting through cardboard, an old pair of jeans, a ratchet strap, and some half inch thick rope. It glided through the cardboard and jeans, and only took a little effort to rip through the rope and ratchet strap. I’d like to try it against a seat belt but the Highway Patrol likely wouldn’t accept that as an excuse for why I’m not buckled up.

The blade’s short length makes it nice and handy. A 3.6-inch blade is something more common on folding knives, but it makes the PUK compact enough for easy carry. For plain clothes officers or civilians this thin and relatively short knife is easy to conceal.

Handle and Ergonomics

The handle is made of two pieces of G10 glass laminate material. G10 is a tough and easy to texture material. Oh boy, are the PUK’s grips textured. The grips are heavily scalloped and between the scalloping is a rough stippling. Near the inside of the grips is a step style texturing all the way to the center of the handle. The combination of these three-different grip texturizations gives you a one helluva grip on the knife. This grip isn’t shy about being rough.

In the hand this is nice because the knife isn’t going anywhere. You can chop, slash, and stab and the knife is staying put. The downside is that heavy work sans gloves really starts to rub into the hand. I developed a few hot spots during testing. This is one knife where tactical gloves are a must have for long term use.

Another downside occurs when carrying the knife concealed. It really rubs against the body to the point where it’s just plain painful. I would suggest an undershirt between the knife and body.

The handles form and shape is nice and comforting. It gives you a sure grip and the handle naturally forms a bit of a cliff to protect the index finger. On the opposite side a slight ridge rises and provides you a good point to rest the thumb for extra leverage.

Sheath

The old PUK’s came with nylon sheaths and this is what you see in Tears of the Sun. The new PUKs come with I’ve found to be one of the most robust and versatile sheaths options out there. It’s a kydex sheath that comes complete with a Tek Lok belt attachment.

The Tek Lok, from Blade Tech, is an incredibly versatile sheath mounting system. With the appropriate sheath you can easily change the orientation of the knife. You can do anything from add a little forward cant to mounting and carrying the knife horizontally.

The Sheath uses a passive retention system that ensures the knife stays put. It doesn’t take much to remove the knife, but it feels secure. I’m comfortable running the knife horizontally, and even upside down on tactical gear. The sheath is even compatible with MOLLE Lok components if you want to attach it to a vest or battle belt.

Emerson PUK Review – Final Thoughts

The Emerson PUK is a nice working mans fixed blade knife. It does nothing but excel at its role as a compact fixed blade utility knife. This short, but strong knife is an excellent companion for police and soldiers who want something more compact than your average fighting knife. I could see it being an excellent knife for first responders as well. The PUK could be a camping knife, but a heavier, more robust knife like the ESEE 4 would likely be a better outdoors option.

It’s not exactly a cheap knife, retailing at over 200 dollars. I will say I think the knife is worth the money, but it may not be a knife needed by your everyday Joe. If you are looking for a compact, lightweight and dare I say easy to carry fixed blade utility knife the PUK fills that role. It’s a high quality blade that lives up to its namesake.

Emerson Police Utility Fixed Blade Knife, Stonewashed Finish, 3.60 in Blade, PUK-SF

If you are thinking of buying an Emerson PUK, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

Zero Tolerance 0055 Review

by Dan Jackson 5 Comments

Continuing on with my recent interest in reviewing unusual knives, the Zero Tolerance 0055 caught my eye for obvious reasons. This is an unusual looking knife. Designed by acclaimed Brazilian custom knifemaker Gustavo Cecchini of GTC Knives, the 0055 is a collaboration fusing the practical with the fantastical.

Buy the ZT 0055 at BladeHQ

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I think right off the bat, to even consider buying a 0055 you need to be willing to make some compromises. This knife is not going to work like a “normal” regularly ground drop point. If you are buying a knife to replace your well worn Griptilian or Para 2, then you will want to look elsewhere for that foundation piece for your collection. The 0055 is further out there, for those seeking something different at the expense of pure practicality. It’s not a knife for the masses. With that caveat out of the way lets explore this unique offering from Zero Tolerance.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 0055 has an overall length of 8.75″, a 3.75″ blade, weighs 5.0 ounces, and is made in the USA. Despite being a larger knife, the 0055 feels agile for its size. It’s relatively thin, relatively light, and has a narrow profile. You can EDC it, but I’m not sure it’s something you will be able to easily use in public. It may be mistaken for a piece of Klingon hardware before being recognized as a utility knife.

The blade is what I would describe as a modified reverse tanto. You don’t see many reverse tantos, the most famous of which is found on the Benchmade 940. Still, it can be a practical shape, marrying the utility of a drop point with the reinforced tip of a tanto. Here, the profile is modified so that there is no belly, almost an abstraction of an American tanto blade. Adding to the intrigue is a compound grind.

My immediate reaction to the 0055’s blade was mild confusion, quickly met by acceptance for what it is. You have to suspend convention a bit to get into the spirit of this knife. It’s different. Otherwise there is no point to even considering the 0055.

The blade is no doubt configured to fit into the equally angular handle. The compound grind is odd in that the thinner grind is towards the tip. That seems a little backwards, as generally speaking I think you would want a thinner grind towards the handle for detailed cuts, and for chores like cutting food and rope, but the thin tip section is good for cutting up cardboard boxes, although it can be difficult to orient this knife properly with your cutting medium due to the non-traditional blade shape.

I will say that execution of the blade is nice. The grinds are even and precise. The edge has been nicely applied. The blade itself has been given an almost matte stonewashed finish. The quality is everything you would expect from Zero Tolerance.

ZT decided on S35VN for the blade steel. S35VN is a fine choice for any higher end folder. I continue to appreciate the combination of easy sharpening, edge retention, and stain resistance that S35VN offers. It’s a fine steel and a worthy upgrade over it’s predecessor S30V.

Having absolutely no belly to speak of, the 0055 is challenging to sharpen, especially if you want to maintain the crisp transition between the compound grind. This “inflection point” can get rounded over if you aren’t careful or decide to sharpen this on a rod sharpener like the Sharpmaker. You have to treat this like 2 separate edges to maintain the character of the factory blade, or otherwise you will slowly round this transition over like a rock in a stream.

And ironically it’s not always easy to evenly sharpen a straight edge. It takes some care. The 0055 is not a knife for novice sharpeners, and wouldn’t be my first choice for a field knife.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The handle of the 0055 is technically rich. The outer surface of the titanium handles has been intricately machined. Inside ZT has milled out the pockets to lighten the knife further. A decorative pivot and elegant blue floating backspacer holds everything together. The technical precision of Zero Tolerance is on full display here, and it’s that ability to execute that makes their products so consistently good. This handle is no exception. Everything is dialed in, from the finish on the titanium to the black hardware. There is not an errant machining mark, or jutting screw on this knife. Everything feels purposeful and controlled.

The quality is unquestionable, so the real test is how you feel about the design. I happen to like it. The coffin shaped handle encapsulates the closed blade. It’s different, but cohesive. Gus Cecchini is a world renown knife designer, and his talents are apparent.

Surprisingly, the 0055 feels natural in your hand. That angular handle design doesn’t look particularly comfortable, but it subtly cradles the palm of your hand, while your thumb naturally finds its way to the spine of the blade. Although the handle looks complicated, the lines of the handle are actually simple. What is odd about the 0055 is the placement of the edge. The edge pulls away from you, so depending on the task you may find yourself re-orienting the knife towards the cutting media. Not the most practical configuration, nor is it my favorite, but the 0055 is still capable of getting work done if you are up for the task.

The pocket clip could have been an opportunity to really go off the deep end. Instead Gus and ZT went with a relatively simple spring clip. The shape is non-traditional, but not so far off the reservation that it becomes goofy. It also doesn’t have the typical “ZERO TOLERANCE” billboard, which is a welcome departure. The end result is a clip that compliments the knife, but isn’t remarkable.

The 0055 caries well for a larger knife. Again, ZT has taken steps to keep the weight down, and it’s a relatively thin design. While this isn’t a deep carry clip, the knife carries unobtrusively. The only issue is that the framelock relief is right next to where the clip meets the handle, and I have found that the fabric of your pocket tends to bind up and get caught in the framelock relief. Not a deal breaker, and you could always swap the clip to the show side, but it’s worth noting.

Deployment and Lockup

A part of what makes the 0055 unique to the production knife world is the use of Gus Cecchini’s Spring Loaded Tab (SLT) system. The SLT is a spring loaded flipper tab, which is used to open this manual flipper. You pull back on the tab lightly expose it, and then pull back with full force to release the blade like a typical flipper.

I have found that the SLT system works great. At least in the short term. It successfully opens up the knife, is fun to use, stays out of the way a little better then a traditional flipper, and it doesn’t spoil the lines of the knife as much as a traditional flipper.

The biggest con to the SLT system is that it’s more complicated then a regular flipper tab. Part of the beauty of a flipper is the simplicity. The SLT system is definitely an example of over engineering. It’s just like developing a special pressurized pen to write in space, when you can easily accomplish the same task with a pencil.

Personally I enjoy the novelty of the SLT system on this knife. When it comes to man’s oldest tool, it has become increasingly tough to innovate. Here Gus has managed to create something different. Even if it lacks the elegance of a standard flipper, it has at least been nicely executed and it’s fully functional. The knife flips great, thanks in part to a robust detent and a smooth caged bearing system. I’d rate it a solid “8” on a 1-10 scale. While I wouldn’t want the SLT system on every knife, it is a big part of what made the 0055 interesting to me.

Here is a parting shot of the 0055 next to my Griptilian:

For lockup we have a titanium frame lock with a steel lock bar insert. Just like on every other Zero Tolerance framelock I have reviewed, the lock has been beautifully executed. It’s rock solid and there is no blade play or lockbar stick at all. This continues to be something of a gold standard in framelock knives.

Zero Tolerance 0055 Review – Final Thoughts

The 0055 is a knife you will either connect with or dismiss, and it may take a while to grow on you. I happen to enjoy this funky design thanks in large part to Zero Tolerance’s brilliant execution. I think a lesser manufacturer would have a hell of a time getting away with a design like the 0055. Here the knife has been so finely tuned, that I couldn’t help but appreciate it.

The 0055 is not a knife for a 1 knife collection. Hell, I don’t think it’s a knife for a 10 knife collection. The 0055 is a knife for fans of Gus Cecchini and his work, or fans of unique designs. If your collection is crowded with the work of designers like G&G Hawk, and Serge Pachenko, then the 0055 could be right up your alley. But if you are looking for a more traditional Zero Tolerance folder, then I have to recommend something like the ZT 0562.

If the 0055 intrigues you, then I recommend checking it out. I have enjoyed owning mine, and appreciate it for it’s non-traditional nature. However, if you are considering this as your only premium pocket knife, then I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

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I recommend purchasing the Zero Tolerance 0055 at BladeHQ or Amazon.

Freeman Outdoor Gear 451 Flipper Review

by Benjamin Schwartz 6 Comments

Last Updated: August 5, 2019
Few of us have the money to shell out hundreds of dollars for every knife we think we might like. We have to cull the herd. Maybe we splash out for a promising ‘Maybe’ every once in a while, but 80% of the time we go for the sure thing. Most of the knives I skip I forget about, with nary a second thought given them. But every so often a Maybe knife won’t be forgotten. It lingers in the memory and asks me over and over again, “What if you’re missing out on something special?”

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Such was the case with the Freeman Outdoor Gear 451 Flipper. I heard good things, and admired the flipping action, unique aesthetic, and button lock mechanism from afar. My cursor would hover over the “Add to Cart” button on the Freeman website, but I never could quite commit. Thankfully, a friend and fellow gear geek offered to send his 451 my way to try out.

After wondering for years what this knife is like, I’ve had a chance to try it out, and the news is mostly very good. The Freeman 451 flipper manages to bring a unique set of features to a section of the market that is saturated with a lot of sameness. It goes deeper than a straightforward recommendation, but there’s a lot of interesting things to cover.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 451 has a blade length of 3 5/8”, a handle length of 5 1/8”, an overall length of 8 13/16”, and is made in the USA. There are bigger blades than the 451, but this pushes up right against the limit of what I would consider reasonable proportions for something that folds and is meant to be carried the pocket. That is strictly a function of the 451’s overall shape, however: at 5.5 oz. it’s actually quite light for its size.

The market is so rife with drop points that you think I’d be sick of looking at them. However, the proportions and grind make the 451’s blade shape memorable and useful. This feels like a blade that can take a beating , with thick blade stock and a lot of material brought right up behind the edge, but the grind is masterful: a mirror-polished secondary bevel that is nice and wide without being thin or brittle. The result is a combination of toughness and slicing ability that is rare in big blades. This is probably as good a balance as you’re likely to see on a knife this size.

The striations on the blade are bound to polarizing. I actually think they’re look pretty good, and they make cutting through choky material like cardboard easier. The knife almost ‘revs up:’ the longer the pull through material, the easier it gets. They might cause issues with long-term sharpening, but other than that I can’t complain.

Steel here is D2. This is a venerable tool steel that I have had very little experience with before now. The edge was very clean and very sharp. I think the thick stock and wide-but-not-narrow edge bevel really accentuate D2’s edge holding ability while minimizing its reported tendency to chip. In another smart move Jeff Freeman chose to Cerakote the blade. As a semi-stainless tool steel, rust is a concern with D2. In an uncoated blade the grooves would give me pause; I can see moisture creeping into them and wreaking havoc. Thankfully, between the coating and the mirror polish on the bare edge, I’d say you’re pretty much protected set barring grossly neglectful behavior.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Carry

The handle on the 451 looks like your average one finger groove affair, but that isn’t quite how it feels when you’re holding it. That finger groove is huge. It can accommodate two fingers, actually, but it works best with one finger in it. Holding the knife naturally, the pointer finger rests at the very bottom of the groove. This gives your knuckle some clearance so it isn’t butting up against the flipper tab – something that so many flipper knives neglect to do.

In terms of control, it’s good. Your hand is situated pretty far back. You undoubtedly lose fine control, but fine cutting tasks aren’t the 451’s calling. I used to think that all big knives that couldn’t also do fine cutting were needlessly sacrificing something, but that’s not true. Just because the PM2 can function as an EDC doesn’t mean that all larger knives have to, and really the PM2 is just barely a big a knife anyway. The 451 is much more clearly meant for specific kinds of tasks, and in those tasks the ergonomics are great. There’s a sort of finger choil on the blade itself as well, but I found it a little too close to the edge for my comfort.

The 451 carries quite well for a big knife. You could EDC it if you wanted and not be totally displeased with the in-pocket feel. But where I think the 451 excels is in its lightness and narrow frame relative to other hard-use big blades. You aren’t going to feel like you have a paperback strapped to your thigh carrying the 451 on a hike. The aluminum frame is gentle on your pockets and the titanium clip is adequately-tensioned and beefy as hell.

Deployment and Lockup

I don’t think flippers are, in any way, an improvement over thumb studs or opening holes. I tend to think that they are in fact actively worse. They often muck up the ergonomics of a knife, and they always make it a worse carry. The 451 makes its flipper as agreeable as possible.

It deploys surely and swiftly every time. The weight of the blade and the strength of the detent make the 451 a snappy and sure flipper. You have to try to mess up the flipping in order to get the 451 to not lock up. It’s hard to do.

The button lock is still something of a novelty in the knife world, isn’t it? Hogue has been using it with success, but other than that the only non-automatic production maker using button locks regularly is Gerber. Maybe this is a vestige of Freeman’s influence on the company (he was head designer there for many years), who knows.

Either way, the Freeman clearly believes in the button lock, and it’s easy to see why. On the 451 it is strong, secure, and easy to engage/disengage. Your fingers don’t have to be in the blade channel to disengage it – a major positive given the free-swinging blade. There is variability in the amount of play I get when I lock the 451 up, but it’s never enough play that I care. The button lock also sticks to greater or lesser degrees depending on how hard you flick it. I think these are characteristics of the lock design, and not indicative of poor fit and finish or tolerancing.

In many ways this button lock reminds me of the Axis Lock. It’s probably slightly worse than the Axis, if only because it isn’t ambidextrous, but I never doubted its strength or security, and I am happy to see something in this price range without a frame lock.

Freeman 451 Flipper Review – Final Thoughts

I’m glad I got to try out the 451 flipper. It answers a question I’ve been asking for a long time: Is it a good knife? The answer is a definite yes. Would I buy one for myself? That’s a tougher call. When the 451 first came out, it was a little cheaper ($200 instead of $225), and the market was way less competitive. If you’re looking for a big high-end knife there are a lot of choices out there at or under the same cost, some with better features like S35VN steel – which you can get on the 451, but for a significant premium that puts the knife well outside of reasonable.

If I had bought and reviewed the 451 when I first learned about it, it would have my unreserved recommendation. What a difference a couple years and $25 can make! The 451 is still a competitive knife in a lot of respects. The materials are simple but very well-executed. It’s nice and light for its size without sacrificing any sort of durability. And personally, I think it’s a really cool-looking knife. I can’t say that the 451 is a must-buy, but definitely don’t ignore this knife when you’re looking for something big and bold.

I recommend purchasing the Freeman Outdoor Gear 451 Flipper at Amazon, KnifeArt, BladeHQ, or you can buy it direct from Freeman Outdoor Gear. Thanks for checking out the review.

Hogue EX-F03 Review

by Grayson Parker 9 Comments

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

Buy the Hogue EX-F03 at BladeHQ

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

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

General Dimensions and Blade Details

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

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

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

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

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

Handle and Ergonomics

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

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

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

Sheath

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

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

Hogue EX-F03 Review – Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX

by Dan Jackson 2 Comments

First of all, this is not really a review. The 0888MAX is a pure collectible for me. A collectible I was able to acquire through a trade with my good friend Andrew of the Edge Observer. The knife has been admired and “fondled” (as much as I hate that word – it’s right up there with “hubby” and “moist” for me), but certainly not carried and used. Given the value and rarity of a knife like the 0888MAX, I hope those who came here for a rough and tumble review can look past that and enjoy the knife from the same collector’s mindset that I have.

It seems as if Zero Tolerance has lost their way in some respects with their recent limited editions. To me knives like the 0777>, the 454CF, and this 0888 represent the pinnacle of ZT’s limited editions: bold and innovative designs that are beautifully and meticulously executed, featuring feats of engineering largely unseen in their regular lineup, yet the knives are still timeless and universally appealing.

A 0392 with “toxic green” hardware doesn’t get me going in the same way an 0888 does. The 0427 is cool, but a little busy. It is more of an acquired taste, than a timeless classic. I have similar feelings about the 0999. To me they just gratuitously layered on more stuff, like a chef at a fancy restaurant simply piling on more expensive ingredients.

There is something about the 0888 that places it the top my favorite ZT LE’s. Maybe because it is an in house design, so simple and elegant yet so meticulously and beautifully rendered. The gentle play between the open blade and handle, the fully contoured titanium scales, and the ingenious one piece pocket clip that flows seamlessly with the rest of the knife, all serve to elevate this design from the rest. There is something almost magical about the 888, made even more etheral by the limited quantity: a mere 250 pieces of the 0888 and 250 of the 0888MAX. These days Zero Tolerance limited releases even seem to be less limited. But that’s OK, this only serves to make the 0888MAX more special.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The 0888MAX has an overall length of 9.125″, a 3.75″ blade, a weight of 7.56 ounces, and is made in the USA. I will use “0888” and “0888MAX” interchangeably throughout this article except for when specifically discussing the steel below. With that said, the difference between the 2 is that the 0888 is uncoated and comes with a composite S110V and 14C28N blade, while the 0888MAX is black DLC coated and approximately half of the 0888MAX knives feature Maxamet steel, and the other half have M390 steel blades after Zero Tolerance realized it would be too difficult to finish out the entire batch in Maxamet. Also the fuller on the regular 0888 does not extend the length of the blade like the 0888MAX.

The 0888 was apparently the 2012 Overall Knife of the Year. Although I agree with Tony that this is an award of dubious distinction, in this case I think they got the award right, and the 0888 is certainly worthy of the Knife of the Year title.

The 0888 features a modified drop point blade. It’s almost a spearpoint, and that spear shaped blade is further accented by a dramatic fuller that runs the length of the blade before transitioning into the handle. The knife is flat ground, with the grind running half the height of the blade. There is no swedge.

The “MAX” in 0888MAX signifies ZT’s choice of Carpenter’s Maxamet high speed powder tool steel. Here is a link to Carpenter’s datasheet. Here is a link to ZKnives always informative Composition Analysis Graph, Equivalents and Overview.

After reviewing Carpenter’s datasheet, it looks like Maxamet is to be hardened to anywhere between 66-71 HRc, which is super high on the Rockwell C scale for knife blades. For reference, steels like S110V and ZDP 189 are taken up to the low 60s (maybe as high as 65 for ZDP-189). According to Zknives, ZT had trouble grinding the Maxamet blades after heat treat, and experienced issues with warping if they ground the blades before heat treat. That is why they did not make the full 250 piece run of 0888MAXs in Maxamet, and that is what makes a “real” Maxamet clad 0888MAX so special.

This all sounds great, but since I have not used this knife I cannot comment on the real world implications of a knife with a Maxamet blade. I can’t imagine it being easy to sharpen.

Handle, Ergonomics, and Pocket Clip

The 0888 comes with a 3 piece titanium handle. I love the absence of visable hardware except for the custom pivot on the show side. The end result is an exceptionally clean and elegant knife; especially when you consider that this was released several years ago. These days we are seeing more integral designs hit the market, but at the time that wasn’t the case. The handle has a full titanium backspacer tastefully engraved with the “Zero Tolerance” wordmark.

The overall fit, finish, and execution of the handle is fabulous. Your fingers catch on the fine, almost herringbone, machining on the handle. The backspacer and handles are almost seamless, and the lockbar is precision cut. The all black MAX version is especially seductive, lending the knife a stealth fighter feel.

The 0888 is a large and comfortable knife. It’s simple shape provides the end user with excellent ergonomics. Again, I haven’t cut with this knife, or carried it, so I can’t offer much besides impressions after handling it. If you were to use it my best guess is that it would feel great. There is no jimping to speak of.

The pocket clip is also quite special. It’s a one piece ambidextrous tip-up pocket clip. Again, it is beautifully finished and 3-d machined from a single piece of titanium. This is easily the most elaborate clip I have ever seen on a knife. It is secured by a single phillips screw hidden from view unless you look down into the inside of the handle. I haven’t carried my 0888MAX. It’s a big heavy knife, and my guess is that you would really feel it in the pocket. Not my choice for an every day carry piece, but definitely a cool collectible.

Deployment and Lockup

The 0888 is a bearing equipped flipper. The action is crisp and smooth, and the knife opens with a distinctive metallic click. After disengaging the lock you can shake the blade closed. Blade centering is perfect on my knife. As with some ZTs, you need to keep your finger off the lock bar when using the flipper.

The 0888 is a titanium framelock with replaceable steel blade insert. I think having a steel insert is especially prudent with this Maxamet blade. If the blade is truly hardened to 66+ HRc, it will chew through a titanium lockbar. A steel insert is essential here. Lockup on my knife is early and secure. There is no blade play, and the lock does not stick. Typical ZT quality here. They have the 0888 dialed in just as good as any other Zero Tolerance framelock I have handled.

Zero Tolerance 0888MAX Review – Final Thoughts

It is a privilege to share a knife like the 0888MAX with you. I occasionally run into some cool stuff, but largely stay within the realm of normal production folders. I don’t own many custom knives, nor do I spent a lot of time in the midtech market.

With all that in mind, the 0888 is a special piece unlike anything else I have reviewed. Even compared to my 454CF or Shirogorovs this 888 is a totally different knife. I think it is especially interesting that this is an in house design. That is a testament to the team they have built over at Zero Tolerance. Given the somewhat “funky” nature of the new ZT LE’s I think they should consider another in house design. Clearly they have some talent over there, and I think an overreliance on custom maker designs may be a step in the wrong direction at this point.

The 0888MAX is no longer available at retail, and they rarely appear on the secondary market, but if you are in the market for a Zero Tolerance knife, please consider purchasing it at Amazon or BladeHQ. By purchasing things through any of the links on this website you support BladeReviews.com, keep the website free of annoying banner ads, and help produce future reviews. Thank you very much.

KA-BAR Fighting Utility / USMC Full-Size Fixed Blade Knife Review

by Mike Teeples 15 Comments

Knife, Fighting Utility. That’s what the U.S. Marine Corps lists as the knife they adopted for issue in 1942 when soldiers demanded a replacement that would hold up to the rigors of more than just battle. The previous version was an excellent fighting knife, but wasn’t good for much else. Soldiers began carrying civilian models until the official versions caught up to their standard of use. The Fighting/Utility knife, sometimes called the “USMC KA-BAR”, has been in place ever since 1942 for the U.S. Marine Corps, and has also been issued to U.S. Navy and U.S. Army soldiers.

Buy the Ka-Bar USMC at BladeHQ

Buy on Amazon

While some thought that a multi-use knife would not be ideal for fighting, soldiers reported differently when returning from combat over the years from WWII and Vietnam through Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s hard to argue with that kind of deployment longevity and I have a soft spot for military issued equipment that comes as a result of listening to the troops in the field.

The story behind the KA-BAR name is also hard to ignore. A fur trapper sent the owner of Union Cutlery a letter where he detailed using one of their knives to kill a wounded bear when his rifled jammed. The letter was not completely legible and “k a b ar” were the only letters they could make out from the phrase “kill a bear”. The bear story and their adoption of the name as a result is now printed and sent along with knives from the factory. KA-BAR is now also proudly stamped on one side of the blade right over Olean, N.Y. opposite whatever branch you choose to support.

I hope to never have to take down a bear, but I’ve used mine for virtually every camping task and it has performed exceptionally well. Dead branches still hanging in the forest can take a toll on an edge. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the durability of my knife after using it to clean up older trees and to gather dry timber for firewood.

General Dimensions and Blade Details

The standard (or “full size”) version of the Fighting/Utility Knife has an overall length of 11.875 inches, a 7-inch blade, and weighs 11.2 ounces. The Fighting/Utility knife is made in the USA. KA-BAR makes a shorter version with a 5.25-inch blade that I also picked up thinking it would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, the shorter blade option is coupled with a smaller handle, and I actually prefer the full-sized knife due to its larger and more comfortable handle.

The black coated, flat ground blade comes to a bowie style clip point and is made out of 1095 Cro-Van steel. The chromium and vanadium add both resistance to elements and edge retention over plain 1095. Plain and serrated edges are available based on your preference. Edge retention and ease of sharpening usually have an inverse relationship, but they’ve done a nice job of walking that tightrope here. 1095 Cro-Van takes slightly more effort to sharpen over regular 1095, but is worth that tradeoff for an edge you can count on in the wild.

There is also a 2.5 inch fuller built into the spine side of the blade to keep weight down to what feels lighter than 11.2 ounces. Blade thickness comes in at a perfect .17 inches for the intended use. It’s strong enough to baton firewood, open ammo cans and cut wire without adding weight to a soldier that needs to be mobile to stay alive.

Originally the swedge of the blade was shipped out sharpened from the factory, but double edged knives are frowned upon in some states and that practice was eventually put to a halt.

Pommel, Crossguard, and Handle

The full tang of the knife is visible as it protrudes through the pommel where it is securely pinned into place with a stainless steel pin you can see from one side. The pommel itself is steel and appears ready and able to withstand a reasonable pounding.

On the blade end of the handle a slightly curved crossguard lightly protects the hand from danger. It doesn’t cover my full knuckle, but it does offer the end user some protection. Plus making it larger would have been a nightmare in the sheath.

You have options for the handle that rests between the pommel and crossguard. The oval shape of the handle is 1 inch by 1.25 inches in circumference and tapers slightly at top and bottom so the meat of your grip is full. While leather washers are the traditional material, and I personally think make the knife “pop”, another option is the version in grippy Kraton. Kraton is far superior in regards to both resisting the elements and staying in your hand. The leather is purely beauty over function for me, but it will weather over time and that in combination with oils from your hand will generally result in a better grip than a factory new knife. The good stuff just gets better with age, right?

Ergonomics and Sheath

There’s something about a stacked leather handle. Like that pair of jeans that fits better every time you break them out, you just have to appreciate the things in life that get better with age. I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about the uniformly cut notches that may line up with your fingers. It turns out the notches enhance the grip and provide cooling channels that are handy when performing field work. The length of the handle suits a blade of this length nicely, and the knife feels balanced and capable in hand.

When handling the knife you will notice that the 7-inch blade feels surprisingly light and easy to wield. This is the result of two things. First, the blade is just under 1.25 inches wide and is slightly offset when looking at it compared to the handle. The result is a counter effect to the lighter, tapered blade edge versus the heavier spine. While I haven’t come across anything outright from KA-BAR saying this was intentional, I have to believe it is. This offset isn’t built into the smaller 5.25-inch version, but was easily identified on every picture I pulled up while searching full-sized versions online. Second, the balance point between the blade and handle favors the handle somewhat. This makes accomplishing fine tasks more manageable than comparable knives with longer blades.

Sheaths are available that generally match your choice of handle material. The version with the stacked leather handle comes with a leather sheath. The leather sheath can come stamped with your chosen branch of service. The KA-BAR logo includes “U.S.A” if you opt out of the military service versions. Plastic sheaths are standard for those that choose the Kraton handled version. For use in saltwater or very humid regions, the plastic/Kraton version is the obvious choice. Both sheaths are well made and pair amiably with the knife from both a functional and aesthetic standpoint.

The knives I own both came with leather sheaths. The leather is of high quality and the stitching is excellent. I assume the plastic versions are made to the same high standards.

KA-BAR USMC Fighting/Utility Knife Review – Final Thoughts

Finding a more historically rich knife that has proven itself times over and is still in production today (at a VERY reasonable price) would be a challenge.

The KA-BAR Fighting/Utility line boasts a variety of options that will suit the vast majority of users. I’ll be first in line if they come out with a hybrid between the full-sized 7-inch version and the shorter 5.25-inch one. With all the variety in Ka-Bar’s lineup, I still would prefer the blade to be about an inch shorter. I’m pretty sure I’ll be happy to have their standard 7″ version by my side if I ever do run across that legendary wounded bear in the woods. That extra blade length also comes in handy when using the knife to baton firewood. Quibbles about size aside, the fit and finish of my knife is outstanding, and the construction is clearly built to take a lifetime of punishment.

If you are looking for an all-purpose outdoor adventure knife the KA-BAR Fighting Utility knife is one of my top picks in the value category. It’s just a solid all-round knife. Plus, you get to hold in your hand a functional piece of history that helped win World War II and other engagements. I have a couple children to pass this knife on to, and I’ll have to make sure the kid I don’t pass this one down to gets something amazing to compensate. Then again, at this price you can afford to buy one for each kid.

Ka-Bar 1220 US Army Straight Edge Fighting/Utility Knife with Leather Sheath , Beige, 7" Blade

The traditional KA-BAR marked for Army personnel
Blade features U.S. ARMY tang stamp
Leather sheath included
Made in the USA

I recommend purchasing the KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Knife 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.