Spyderco Para 3. Can it live up to the hype?

If you know me, you know I absolutely adore the Paramilitary 2 with its great ergonomics, style and grace and at first I really hated the Para 3. I hated the looks for sure as it kept a high blade with less length or something of that nature. I went to S & R Knives to test it out and had no intention of buying it until I held it in hand.

Needless to say I am writing a review about using that very knife. It was love as first grasp. Suddenly it looked more normal in comparison to the photos I've seen, the ergonomics are there again but in a slightly smaller package. Full four finger grasp choked up on the choil or just the handle.

I bought the digi camo and satin as that's all they had available and I didn't care for the aesthetics so much as function (even though within the first 24 hours I had dyed the handle a black midnight digi camo, followed by a second dye to all black). Fun fact: My first PM2 had the same aesthetic setup.

So they added some curve to the butt of the knife which is nice but very well could have kept it like the PM2 for my main gripe of the clip placement. Too much sticks out, period. I have a low ride titanium clip on order and I hope that'll help out.

The action right out of box was smooth as butter, as most would expect from most knives nowadays. I added a drop of 3 in 1 oil and it's a slippery beast now! Keep in mind it didn't NEED it but I always add a touch to my pivots.

Now with the lanyard hole. Ok it's fine and it'd work better than most knives because it's at the utmost point of the butt. Of course that makes it pop out the pocket a ton and should have been kept in the PM2 configuration as I mentioned prior. With this being said, screw lanyards on most knives so I filled it with JB Weld and it did the job for now.

I've been hearing a bit of a gripe about the blade to handle ratio, where I tend to not mind that on this knife as I really have found a great niche in small knives so I benefit from small blade but lots of hand purchase.

This is a good offering from Spyderco as I really like my slightly smaller blades lately and the trademark fit and finish are on point! Try it for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Kershaw Dividend. Payout for all?

Being a hardcore Kershaw Link enthusiast I was eyeing the Dividend as soon as I saw M390 cross it's steel, which was recently as well the Link which I'll probably order very soon.

I've read that the Dividend is a smaller Link or beefed up Leek? I've always hated the Leek style but am insanely in love with the Link, a real man's EDC knife! True that this knife closer resembles the Leek but not enough that I dislike it. It has wonderful flowing curves in a small and light package.

The blade shape has a great belly and an extra fine tip for piercing tasks, superior steel obviously as it's M390 and a great regrind from the original Dividend. Like I'm really happy with this shape but for me personally I REALLY love the Link as it's a bit taller. Both amazing slicers but something keeps me coming back to the Link.

Another reason I think I prefer the Link to the Dividend is the handle. The handle on the Dividend is great, don't get me wrong but it's even more smooth than the aluminum on the Link which has a bit more grip so to speak. The Dividend also is amazingly thin and disappears in the corner of the pocket but I don't mind the Link having more girth. In all honesty I feel the Dividend would pass as a gentleman's knife in a second where the Link could do the same but really has that beefy man EDC air to it. Also the length of the handle on the Dividend gives me like 3 and a half pinky grip it seems so I prefer the Link again for full 4 finger grasp without thought. Another thing I'm finding with good use of the Dividend is that with certain pull cuts I'm getting a fair amount of bother on my index finger near the start of the palm as I push down.

I keep wanting to dislike this knife because at times I find I miss the Link and want this to be a mini Link maybe. But then I hold this a certain way and go "Damn I like this knife a lot!" but then am almost forcing myself to try and hate the knife again for some reason. Love hate knife right here folks.

UPDATE: after using this puppy for three weeks the torsion bar already broke, ordered a few more from KAI and we'll see how it goes. Still really love/hate this knife.

Spyderco UK Pen Knife (UKPK). It's good innit?

The ultimate slip joint, the UKPK. Made specifically for the United Kingdom and it's bullcrap knife laws the UKPK (and cousins the Urban and Squeak) is under 3" and non locking but has a stiff enough detent to make it safe for all use, especially with the finger choil it'll never take a digit without notice! Your hand becomes the lock! The lightweight version is even nicer than the titanium handle one as the rocker bar is more clicky and stiffer!

The style is very nice with a leaf shaped blade and lots of belly for the using! The knife is super practical as it does allow for that one hand opening, not so much a flick open as I tightened the pivot some but even stock the knife doesn't tend to flick with the index. There is a blade in the style of the Spyderco stretch as well but I dislike that shape.

The handle on the titanium version fills your hand very nicely and that wire clip really eliminates hotspots. I chose after stone washing the entire knife to round the edges slightly at the end  as it was a bit pointy but in normal use wouldn't affect a thing. The lightweight version handle is really nice too, really the lightweight version just disappears in the pocket, but I feel the titanium one does too.

The fit and finish of both versions is outstanding. Top notch American made Spyderco. The flush back lines and scales, how everything pieces together without a misplaced line. Beautiful.

If you're curious about slip joints like I was this or its cousins would be a great start. I actually bought the Squeak titanium Elmax first and loved it so I migrated quick to a little bigger blade. Eventually I think I'll grab the K390 Urban. Do yourself a solid and pick up one of the versions of this knife, even the standard CTS BD1 version.

Best locking mechanism for folding knives.

Here it is folks, the best locking mechanism for your folding knife!

Now a lot has been said in the industry when it comes to locks. Many companies claim they have the best new and strongest lock but when it boils down to it... do you need it?

Usually the answer is no. Under what circumstances do you need a lock that will never break? How extreme of a condition do you put yourself in on a daily basis that you need a lock strength that would surpass 2,000 pounds of force per square inch?

A little while ago I watched a pair of YouTube videos from Blade HQ testing a bunch of lock styles, the ball bearing and lock back really shined but really a liner lock would do you for your everyday use, even a slip joint I'm sure for 90% of you. I was surprised at the frame lock fairing just better than the liner lock but one thing the liner lock did over the frame lock was stay open when broken meaning the frame lock had a tendancy to break and slip and let the knife close, the liner lock bent and kept the knife open for good.

I rotate a Spyderco UKPK (which is a slip joint for those who are not versed in the model) in my everyday carry as well as liner locks, Axis lock, ball bearing, mid back lock, triad and compression. I have a bunch of different knives with different mechanisms but use them all the same and find no real advantage to one over the other in use. As for playing with them the axis, ball bearing and compression are a lot of fun.

So the best lock?

The one you're using. If you're really that set on a lock that will never fail... Get a fixed blade.

Knaf Steal. I rant.

We all know anyone who is deeply interested in knives wants to learn more about what materials are used for them be it handle or blade or sheath. I started a handful of years ago with a basic Gerber china special. I started looking up EDC tags on Instagram and checked out some knives I thought looked nice which opened my world of knives to Spyderco.

From grade 1 (Gerber) to High School in a few minutes of research. Of course the first offering I got was the Tenacious as most people do. I loved it, the build quality, the feel in hand, everything so I decided they were worth the money and went and got my first Paramilitary 2, satin/digicamo - then satin/black - then S35VN - then M390, the King and the only one I still have left. Now these happened over a span of about 4 years as I really enjoy the carry, usability and style of the PM2.

It was my learning and then real world testing of these different steels that got me deeper in that rabbit hole. True there are a lot of guys who don't give a crap about steel etc. and just carry a china folder for the odds and ends and that's just fine for them, more power to them. I want it all in one, edge retention, toughness and rust resistance - the big three. I couldn't fathom taking my knife out and have a rusty blade like an old fisherman's tackle box utility knife.

I've been dabbling with budget folders recently so I've been sacrificing the big three to an extent. Usually I find the budget folders with 8Cr13MoV lose a razors edge within the first few cuts so you may have a slightly dulled knife before you know it. Now on the high end of the scale, M390 is a super steel and lives up to that rank with amazing edge retention. Other high edge retention steels include CPM M4, CPM 3V, CPM20CV, CTS-20CP.

Toughness comes mid range to the budget steels I find, always depending but for D2 I find in certain situations it can cause small chipping which can also happen to extremely high Rockwell rated knives like ZDP-189. CPM S30V has a good toughness and would roll over chip if stressed. CPM S110V is very tough but also tends to roll under use.

Budget steel also is not known for rust resistance and can often form even within your pocket with moisture and heat from your body. Now on the high end there of course is M390 which resists rust superbly. On the other hand there are steels like M4, 3V and other high carbon steels which are not rust resistant can cause problems if not maintained after use. If you can maintain that non stainless knife it'll treat you very well.

A lot of what I write is from first hand experiences and knowing full well they can change from user to user. These few paragraphs are just my opinions and findings, take it all lightly as I'm not trying to tread on anyone else.

Kershaw Flourish. Does it flower or fail?

The third Kershaw review this month, what a roll. If I were to save the best for last it'd be the Kershaw Link... spoiler? Nope, not in the least because the Flourish is actually pretty darn outstanding.

Now that being said this isn't the end all budget blade as of course it packs 8Cr13MoV. I'm starting to get bored with that steel I suppose as I've seen it and used it in many different grinds and heat treats (I'm sure of) and it's just a ho-hum steel that sometimes can barely make it through the day without a touch up on the Sharpmaker. Yes conditions always change and yes it's always something new to cut so my tests aren't truly representative 100% of each brand and grind.

I digress as this review is about the Kershaw Flourish, not 8Cr13MoV steel or other budget steels.

This Speedsafe opening flipper is constructed actually really well. It is solid and well put together. One thing I did do was pop the plastic backspacer out, just for fun and it made this a better looking handle. After a let down with the Kershaw Natrix this assisted opening worked super well, full lockup with no rock every time. The handle has good heft for a medium to large knife and really fills the hand well with how thick it is. I did however encounter a snag with the handle butt when poking out of the pocket as it seemed to grab a lot on the point so I bench grindered the crap out of it and it got better. The handles are made from G10 and a layer of carbon fiber over top for looks. It feels and looks good with beefy steel liners to boot.

The blade shape is nice, I like hollow grind blades so this fit the bill. It has a good belly on it and is great for the every day piercing tasks too! The blade to handle ratio is fair after I ground off that tip. The steel is nothing to write home about but seeing more American budget knives would be a dream come true.

For the price point you're getting a super premium handle and a mediocre steel blade with a decent shape. I'm not totally in love with this knife but it is good and earns a spot in my rotation. Also I may be becoming warm to blackwash!

Kershaw Link: A Link to the past.

This time I choose to do a review of a 2015 model of Kershaw, the Link.

It's affordable, comfortable and completely usable.

I chose the aluminum scales as I am a bit turned off of full plastic handles as the base model of the 1776 is full plastic handles or whatever fancy term they want to use for cheap plastic. It has substantial weight but outstanding build quality being made in the USA versus their overseas budget knife counterparts. It feels so solid in hand and almost has a gentlemanly knife feel about it as there is no jimping on the thumb rest of the knife. Not saying no jimping on the thumb rest is a deal breaker but maybe the all plastic version could have had it, more of a worker feel, but that's just me.

The 420HC steel blade has a great shape, me and my sheepsfoot blades, but seriously this modified sheepsfoot has a great piercing tip and robust 3/4 way flat grind which means a great slicer but as well because the blade stock isn't overly thick. They've released a version in S35VN which I'd love to get. Even more recently I've seen they've made an M390 version I'll be ordering ASAP.

The handle of this one is beautifully milled and lightly sand blasted for an amazing velvety texture. Everything sits so flush even the backspacer which doesn't even have plastic mold lines. The fit in hand is nearly flawless for my XL - XXL gloved hand. During prolonged use the only thing that caused any discomfort came from the flipper tab being aggressively ribbed and rubbing against my index. Not sure if I call that a handle or blade problem but I only notice it when holding and using so I'd say handle.

It has Kershaw`s Speedsafe assisted opening function. I still don`t mind that yet but might try to de-assist it at some point, not sure. One thing I have to say about this one is that it fires so much quicker and tighter than any other of the China ones I own.

In conclusion you`d not be disappointed in the purchase of this knife. It`s budget and user friendly and if needed could be a gentleman`s folder in the blink of an eye. Well done Kershaw. This makes for a great American standard in budget knives that anyone could own. Smart model choice 1776.

Boker Plus .50 Cal bolt action pen. The only pen you need? Spoiler alert: Yes, yes it is.

Some may "er" and "ah" and "but!" this post but for me, this is truly the only pen you will ever need to carry. It'd shorter than a full size yet fits a XXL glove hand like a charm, bolt action for solid writing pleasure and takes full size fisher space pen refills!

We're talking about the Boker Plus 50 cal pen. It comes in a variety of finishes from the aluminum, micarta and carbon fiber as well I've seen lately anodized versions popping up. I've owned the aluminum and it slid out of my pocket eventually never to be seen again. I own the micarta now to add some pocket stick. It sort of helps. So well since we're on this topic lets get the one and only bad thing about this pen out of the way first.

Staying in place. I never have a problem with things in my pockets with pocket clips getting snagged non stop or sliding out against something until I got the Boker 50 cal. I find it a little bit too slippery on the jeans and it tends to want to jump out at seat belts or chairs or anything, maybe a bit of metal filing to the clip pressure point may help, but thats a chore for another day.

GOOD STUFF! This pen is super comfortable, clicky, fidget worthy and also tip down! As long as you don't use cheap non pressureized refills there should never be an issue with tip down pen carry. The ink is always right there ready to go as you slide it from your pocket.

It writes smoothly but that's mostly thanks to the space pen refill. It does have a nice solid feeling to it as you write and keeps you nice and close to the paper, this micarta version is especially comfortable because of the added grooving in the barrel of the pen, which also helps with the slipping from pocket issue minutely.

It's not a cheap pen but not an expensive pen either but it is a quality pen that will last you for your days. Also it seems to be a talking piece as most people haven't seen a bolt action pen or even a smaller sized pen like this, I think I nearly sold my boss on one of these when he caught a glimpse of it the other day during inventory.

Also I didn't forget to mention but it can be used as a Kubotan.

Kershaw Natrix. Snake in the grass or total let down?

Today I write a review about a knife. Not just any knife, one that brought with it a lot of controversy. Many people now know of a lawsuit and legal battle between KAI and Marifone about plagiarism of KAI's Zero Tolerance 0777. KAI took this in stride and poked back with the Natrix, a budget version of their ZT0777.

First and foremost I think they could have taken a bit more time to hone this knife in to make it worth the 40 some odd dollars they charge. I don't care about milled G10 costing more or whatever, give me a solid knife.

First of all I'll state some good. I love the blade shape, not necessarily the steel but the shape is AWESOME. My preferred blade shape really is sheepsfoot as it's so versatile and easy to sharpen. and second off, I don't mind the speedsafe assisted opening. You other guys have to stop whining about it and just don't buy it if you hate it so much. But again, THAT BLADE SHAPE!

THINGS I DO NOT LIKE VERY MUCH ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR KNIFE MODEL IN QUESTION...

The handles are G10 or whatever but it's so light and awkward in hand, I think it definitely would have some bonus points if it had steel liners throughout. The texture on the G10 doesn't do anything for grip really.

Another hated part which I've read people are having problems with is the stop pin. To me it looks like plastic and it could (and has) popped out of the knife. Mine is fine so far but I have the urge to mod that before disaster strikes.

It has like 82 washers but still isn't centered.

The G10 rubs against the blade when opening causing scuff lines to appear on the show side of my knife. Another gripe of the G10 is that it was pretty unfinished along the spine as it almost felt as if it wanted to cut me when I flipped the knife open, a little bit of sand paper cured that.

The back spacer is useless black plastic. I think I'd prefer standoffs on this model and from what I've seen they're in that back spacer under red loctite... no thanks.

Sub frame lock works.

Wait for a while and see if they fix some of this stuff or maybe release an American made version before you buy. I'd gladly play 80-100 for an American made one with S30V or whatever! Just do yourself a favor and wait until this goes on sale or gets revamped.

High Value Folders.

Today I'm writing about high value folders, not to be confused with high cost. Value in this sense means you're getting the most bang for your buck, the most blade per cent so to speak. I'm looking at all brands here and may update this list as I see fit with amendments.

What makes a high value folder to me? Ergonomics, blade usage as in how much of the edge or how usable in every situation is the blade and finally the cost ratio to these other points. Materials aren't so much a value point but can be factored in at a whim.

No particular order:

1) Rat Model 1 from Ontario Knife Company. The Rat 1 is highly talked about as a value folder in many circles and after I picked one up I found out why. The blade length is on the large size as well as it makes full use of it, the blade to handle ratio is great as well. The ergonomics of the Rat 1 are stellar for a very budget friendly knife and the fit and finish of the knife is outstanding. I bought the D2 steel version just to try something new and it is a welcome addition to my EDC rotation. When anyone talked about high value folders if the Rat 1 isn't in their list you know they know nothing of what they're speaking of. The quintessential value folder.

2) Folding Razel from CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool). The Razel design in general should be on anyones knife list but for value's sake I chose the CRKT Razel, the full size one as the cost to usage is amazing. The handle is micarta and fits the natural grasp of your hand like nothing else and there is plenty of blade to play with. It has a slight belly too which adds another facet to the Razel design and you can't forget the chisel tip for scraping etc. Another truly amazing knife which is unfortunately discontinued.

3) Delica 4 from Spyderco. I don't own one of these anymore but am looking to get another shortly. The size and ease of use of this knife has forever cemented it in to the hall of fame for many, many users. VG-10 is the stock version of the Delica 4 but it has had many sprint variations, one of which is HAP40 which is the one I'm looking at getting. In terms of usage this blade shape is so well rounded from slicing to piercing to food prep even, the Delica has it all. To top things off most models are FRN handles which make this little carry light too!

4) Link 1776 from Kershaw. The Kershaw Link is a beautifully hand crafted knife from Kershaw's US factory. It uses 420HC steel and is made in the USA which is a huge bonus as seeing a lot of Kershaws from overseas gets that same old 8Cr13MoV steel. I proudly support domestic industry albeit from Canada but never the less this knife is a quick fire sheepsfoot that takes no prisoners. Having the Speedsafe is another fun thing with this knife, many people hate the assisted opening for some reason but I think it's neat.

5) Tuff Lite from Cold Steel. The Tuff Lite comes in a variety of handle scale colors now and with the option of the Tuff Lite mini two different styles too. It's small, light and lethal and would make a great companion to any sort of warehouse or dock work. The ergonomics on this little guy are great with a finger choil up front it's as secure as can be. AUS8a along side the hollow grind in this wharncliffe blade make for one sharp purchase if you catch my drift. The legendary Triad lock will also never let you down.

Thanks for taking a look at what I call some of the best Value folders on the market today.

Ontario Rat 1, you dirty rat!

I finally after so much debating I bought a Ontario Knife Company Rat 1 folder but in D2, just to be different. This is a value knife clocking in at only $40 to the wallet. Is it worth it? Of course, many reviewers have raved about this knife. The Model 1 sets a standard for budget knives everywhere.

This is the kind of knife that was made to do work. I want to use it and use it hard and beat it up! It feels like it could handle anything you throw its way. Plus it is a lot of knife for your money. This has also got to be one of the sharpest knives out of the box I've had to date. Hair popping right out of box.

The Rat 1 has it all... a great ergonomic handle starts our journey. It's large enough for bigger hands like mine and super comfortable when doing repetitive cutting tasks. One super small gripe would be the plastic handle scales feeling a bit, well, plastic! I'd like to see a G10 version. But that aside, worth every penny.

Now the construction is immaculate for a cheap knife, on par with some of the $150+ knives I've bought and used over time. Excellent fit and finish all around! No complaints at all.

The blade I chose was the D2 steel over the AUS8 as I haven't had much experience with either except my Cold Steel Tuff Lite was AUS8 and faired pretty decently. D2 is nearly a stainless steel, somewhat comparable to S30V in edge retention in my experience so far but can be slightly chippy. Nothing 2 minutes on the fine rods on the Spyderco Sharpmaker couldn't fix! Another note is the jimping on the back of the blade, it's perfect, great purchase for your thumb but almost wish it continued a bit on to the handle.

Please do yourself a huge favor and buy this knife, any version, AUS8, Assisted, D2 and I'm sure the Model 2 being slightly smaller would be just as amazing, too bad no D2 option for it yet. But as I said this knife wants to be used, make it a truck knife, bugout bag knife, tool box knife even. Just get one and you won't be disappointed.

Does size matter?!

This question has been plaguing mankind for decades, centuries even... DOES SIZE MATTER?!

I'm writing this to give a little insight into my personal experiences and preferences in this matter as what you carry can sometimes say a lot about you or represent your tastes or so on. When it comes to an everyday carry knife personal preference is ALL that matters.

I've always had a fondness for bigger knives as it seemed more manly and, I don't know, sword like? Either way I've slowly been gravitating away from 3.5"+ blades. Never the less I still love to carry and use the Paramilitary 2 and others but something new and shining is attracting my attention and wallet... I LOVE the Paramilitary 2 and recently got a Manix 2 from a good friend on Instagram, but any longer of a blade and I find it unwieldy and cumbersome to use and carry at times.

Now every knife has a situation but I'm kind of focusing on the everyday city carry as it tends to be my everyday situation.

I've been starting to use a lot more 3" and sub 3" knives now for everyday use and I'm loving them! I never really cared about the 'sheeple' effect of larger knives, if anything it let me talk to them and educate them on my tools and why I carry. I find the speed and action of the smaller knives just suits my day to day needs better. Maybe if I was doing a lot more camping and bushcraft I'd pack a larger robust knife and/or fixed blade. But remember the best knife to have in an emergency situation is the one on you. So emergency bushcraft would still work with my smaller carry but not everything.

Anyway.

Recent knives I've been cycling through are the Cold Steel Tuff Lite, Spyderco Ladybug3 Hawkbill, Dragonfly 2 G10, UKPK and Squeak. They're small and pack so much punch! Try some of these for yourself and maybe you'll start to see the primary knife could be a small blade. 

Again I also seem to carry larger knife paired with the small to be prepared for anything. It's usually the Paramilitary 2 or Manix 2. But thats my silly brain not wanted to be left out, as of late I've started trying to only carry one knife a day again but you know what they say: "Two is one, one is none" and I always let that ring around my head before I try and battle it out for the day.

This is personal preference and I still love the looks and style of some larger knives.

Cold Steel Tuff Lite. Light, Little, Lethal and Legit!

My foray into Cold Steel Knives has begun with this little guy.

I spent $40 CAD and got the Tuff Lite an AUS 8A steel little tank of a knife. It has a wharncliffe style blade which lends itself excellently to a ton of tasks like simple box opening, envelopes and even cutting food. Over that it of course is a blah blah self defense blah, lets be honest we aren't using our knives for self defense because majority of us are not in the military or law enforcement. But for those who are I'm sure this would be a great secondary solution to close encounters.

The construction is surprisingly good for a low end knife. Great ergonomics as well. The triad lock is present which engages really deep on the blade which can sometime hinder the closing of the knife but feels more than secure when using it. The handles are pure plastic which is whatever and the worst thing is there is no tip up option stock on this knife.

Is it worth it? Oh hell yeah, it's a beautiful little knife that will surpass expectations like it did with me as Cold Steel has a stigma of showy joke knives in my opinion but now I'm actually looking at more of their stuff. An excellent first for anyone cold about Cold Steel.

Boker Tech Tool 5. Take a look at the SAK killer.

Boker Tech Tool 5, review.

Click the link to see my full review up on the YouTube!

Yeah this is a cheap out instead of writing it all, haha. Ya win some and ya lose some.