Spyderco Ladybug

04/03/2010 by RevDevil

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

The LadyBug by Spyderco is a perfect keychain knife. Available with SE or PE

Weight: It is almost weightless coming in at .6 ounces.

Sharpness: Straight out of the box, the knife is shaving sharp.

Blade Shape: Modified Clip Point with a double hollow grind makes small to medium cutting tasks a breeze. Easy to maintain the edge with a small field stone or a sharpmaker.

Construction: Pinned construction makes this knife worry free as far as adjustments. Solid back lock ensures safe operation time and time again.

Overall/Conclusion: Available in VG-10 or H1 this knife is a must have for collector as well as the regular infrequent knife user. The knife is available in multitude of colors to suit almost any tastes, including Yellow, Foliage Green, Black, Orange, Purple, etc.

If you don't own one, you owe it to yourself to have one on your keychain. You will find yourself using it often.

Benchmade 610 Rukus

04/03/2010 by Apec

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for 6 months

Comments:

Steel: CPM S30V

Lock: BM Axis

Back when the Rukus was still in production (and long before BM's MAP pricing policy), I obtained one of these for a little less than 170$ shipped. If you're looking for a large user folder, you will most likely find superior and more economic alternatives today (especially given the rising prices on the secondary market.)

Mine was the stonewash/plain edge model, though there was a black coated plain edge model available in limited quantities (however, you would be paying a premium for that option.)

The axis lock is easy to manipulate and truly ambidextrous. The knife is also aesthetically pleasing, although the visible square corner of the tang detracts from the lines of the knife when in the closed position.

My knife came with a blemish spot to the lower left of the BM logo. I was unsuccessful in removing it with WD40, mineral oil, and various other solvents and surfaces. However, the stonewash finish does not wear as easily as BM's black coating.

The scales are a two piece combination of canvas micarta and G10. The scales have a smooth finish, which does not improve grip traction with sweaty or wet hands. There is jimping on the spine and finger grooves to compensate for this, though the relatively straight handle does not allow for an absolutely secure grip (compared to my Zero Tolerance 0301 and Emerson Commander.)

The pocket clip does not offer much retention. Given the size of the knife, I would recommend carrying it in a holster or pouch instead of a pocket.

The blade is heavy enough to allow to one handed opening via wrist flicking. Flicking seems to be the more convenient method of opening the knife, considering the distance the thumbstud must travel via normal operation. However, do note that this will generate a substantial amount of shock against the stop pin. I noticed that I lost a torx screw securing the stop after a month of use, fortunately I was able to use a spare T6 screw from a Kershaw pocketclip in its place.

Flicking will also loosen the pivot considerably. When the pivot is adjusted to a point where the knife will flick open (but exhibit no blade play), it will only take a couple flicks to re-induce blade play. Loctite is a must.

My knife came with a severely off-center blade. As a result, the edge struck one of the backspacers and received a dent while closing. The damage to the edge was minor and could definitely be corrected by sharpening, though it gave me doubts about BM's QC and heat treat.

Benchmade's factory edge leaves much to be desired however. Though the edge held up through repeated use fairly easily, it did not produce clean cuts while slicing paper.

If I had the power to change the design of the knife, I would do the following:

-texture the canvas micarta scales

-increase the tension of the pocketclip

-design the thumbstud as an secondary blade stop

-contour the edges of the scales

-thin the scales down by 1/16" on each side

If you do decide to obtain a Rukus 610, your mileage may vary. You may receive a knife with superior or inferior build quality. However, do remember that the pivot and stop pin screw are susceptible to coming loose.

Benchmade 610 Rukus

04/03/2010 by Socom Elite

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

The Benchmade Rukus is a big folder. And I mean Big. Everyone says how big it is, but even knowing this you will still say "man thats a big knife" once it's in your hand. The blade is 4.25" of CPM s30v. Offered in either black coated with serrations or satin finish plain edge. My first one however had a black coating plain edge which are hard to find but they did make them for a little while. The blade is a high flat grind and is very thick, but still cuts like a light sabre. The handle is very comfortable to hold and gives a lot of real estate for larger hands. I have medium size hands and it feels good to me. If you have smaller hands then I would suggest the 615 Mini-Rukus. The handles are made out of black G10 and green Canvas Micarta. The green Canvas micarta part of the handle can be swapped out for different grips offered by BM. The lock on the 610 is BM's Axis lock which on this blade makes it open like glass. The Rukus opens way smoother then any other knife I have ever had. Even more then my Striders and my Sebbie. This might be due to how heavy the blade is and once you get the big blade going the inertia of it keeps it going. The pocket clip can either be set to right or left hand carry, tip up only. The clip rides very low in the pocket. When clipped to the pocket you can only see the very tip of the handle and no one will know that you have a mini sword in there. The clip is rather week though and I bent mine to add tension so the knife wouldn't fall out. I carried this knife everyday for almost 2 years and it is a great knife. It did everything I needed and had no problem with anything. I did get the clip caught on a chair and broke it, but a call to BM and they sent me a new one. No questions asked. The fit and finish on the knife is great. No flaws were found. Even the jimping on the blade matched up perfectly with the jimping on the handles when the knife was opened. This knife is out of production and getting harder and harder to find. If you get a chance to get one I suggest you give it a shot.

Gerber LMF II

04/03/2010 by victgerbsogcamill

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Outdoor/Survival
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Blade: Drop point, partially serrated Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. Very sharp. Holds edge very well. Decent chopper.

The handle I was not crazy about. It's about an inch too long and maybe to narrow in the middle. It did not feel like a good natural fit in my hand. Also the handle scuffs with the slightest scrape. It does absorb shock good when hammering but not the greatest butt cap for hammering. I purchased my knife without the sheath and sharping stone so I can not comment on them.

For the price I paid it's a good knife and a nice addition to my outdoor knives. Knowing what I know now, I still would buy it again.

Spyderco Para Military

04/03/2010 by dinozzo

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

This is one of ym all time favorite knives to carry...its it near perfect...it fits my had very well...the design is awesome...the only thing i dont quite like about it is the clip is lower on the knife...but its not a big deal at all...its a fan-friggin-tastic knife, and an all time favorite of mine...

Chris Reeve Large Sebenza

04/03/2010 by morimotom

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

The Sebenza has the best blade to handle ratio of any folder I have owned.

I have carried a Sebenza every day for the last 2 months, including on duty as a police officer. Previously, a sebenza has been in my edc rotation for at least 7 years.

It is slim and light, while maintaining a large usable edge, making pocket carry easy and comfortable.

The Sebenza is simple in design, and easy to clean and maintain. It takes and holds an exellent edge.

Though not as beefy as folders advertised as "hard use", the Sebenza is no doubt very tough. The lock is reliable and strong, as are the pivot, hardware, and blade.

The only changes I would make would be a less pointy thumbstud and perhaps various steel options (though I have no complaints of the performance of CRK S30V).

I really appreciate this knife more and more every day for its simplicity, elegance, durability, and reliability.

Victorinox Tinker

04/03/2010 by The Gov

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Greater than 1 year

Comments:

Ratings are relative to price paid.

As a general purpose EDC knife you cant beat the Vic Tinker. It is small enough to carry every day without notice. It is cheap enough for anyone to buy. The fit and finish is perfect. The materials are superb for the price paid. The blade takes a great edge and holds it adequately. The amount of work that can be done with a Tinker is amazing. You will use every tool on this knife. The quality/ price ratio is created to satisfy every customer beyond their expectations. There is not much more to say, it is simple and it gets the job with spartan simplicity.

RAT Cutlery Izula

04/03/2010 by Ted Erdelyi

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

This knife has become a favorite pocket knife since I recieved it 3 months ago, it is a very versitile set up and with an extra flint rod and a wrap of Velcro I have a system that is very customizeable.

Outta the box sharpness was 8 0n a scale of 10.

The ergos on the knife were a 7 to start but once I wrapped the handle it was better more like an 8.

The only shortcomming was the coating, it started chipping and flaking, purely cosmetic, didn't affect the function one bit.

Ease of sharpening was an 8 and the steel held its' edge.

For the price ya get a little sharpened prybar that fits the average size hand well and takes a decent edge with ease.

I will be buyin' more, this knife is a definite 8 and well worth the price.

Boker Keycom by Chad los Banos

04/03/2010 by The Gov

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 3 months

Comments:

These ratings are reflective of the knives at their given price point.

The Boker Keycom is an interesting EDC knife. It fits a niche for small EDC knives that not many other knives do, having one-hand opening and a pocket clip all in a very compact size.

It can uniquely transition from keychain cary to pocket clip cary and it is very functional in both roles. The pocket clip carries the knife deeply and securely in the pocket. It is easy to extract and open for a quick clean light duty EDC cut. The blade is small but it is shaped effectively.

Even though the handle is small it is designed with enough ergonomics to be comfortable and functional in actual use given its small size.

The frame lock makes it simple and dependable from a mechanical standpoint.

Overall it is a great knife to carry as a light duty EDC knife or a backup knife.

Spyderco Dragonfly

04/03/2010 by rwasham

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for 1 year

Comments:

Great knife! For edc use this is all the blade you need. It came to me shaving sharp. When I got this knife I was skeptical of the small size, but it small size is quite a good thing when youre not looking to advertize the fact that you have a knife. I would be interested to see a dragonfly with a metal clip rather than an FRN clip. The FRN doesnt keep its original form well so as it wears the clip rises up from the body of the knife and gets looser with time.

Benchmade 550HG Griptilian

04/03/2010 by Twitchyblade

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Every Day Carry
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

After handling my brothers 551 I fell in love with Benchmade knives, in particular the Griptilian. When I got this knife in a trade I was absolutely ecstatic. It opens as smooth as butter and locks up like a vault. The blade is as sharp as a razor and with the serrations on it, it just makes the knife look that much better. It feels perfect in my hands it fits right in and doesn't feel out of place. The one thing that makes this knife is the fact that it has the axis lock and just makes the knife that much more fun to have. I highly recommend this knife to anyone who wants to give Benchmade a try. You will be hooked!

Kershaw Blur

04/03/2010 by gundude73

-Price Paid: N/A
-Used for Light Duty/General
-Owned for Less than 1 Month

Comments:

awhile back i got the CPM 154 blur, i was impressed with the blade steel. the handle feels nice and sturdy on the knife, the olive drab handles look cool to boot. one thing i dont like is the liner thickness, i wish that it was a bit thicker. also the press fit stop pin is another thing i would change. but for the 42 dollars it can be had at, it is a great buy and you get great materials.