ALL THINGS BUDGET KNIVES

I really like the RAT2 but if I had to get another one I’d want the R2D2 as the AUS-8 dulls way too quickly.


This is true. However, putting a blanket hardness of 56-58 across all steels (as it seems generally happens with the chinese manufactured blades) is foolish because you miss out on many of the qualities of various steels.

M390, like I used in my example, is best at 60-62. Unless you are being stupid with it, it will not chip out at that hardness and you get a huge (HUGE) increase in edge retention. Even S35Vn is better around the 60 mark. At 58 it is actually pretty soft (for that steel) and the performance suffers because of that.

Rockwell hardness is a complex thing, and the changes made to each steel are varied. But a lot of people think that 58 is only 1 different than 59 so it can’t really matter than much, but that’s not how the scale works. It’s an exponential scale so 1 point of hardness can make a really large difference in toughness and edge retention etc.

56-58 is fine for the low end or softer steels…8Cr, 440C, etc. Some can be taken a bit higher but generally those steels are reaching their best in that 56-58 range. But newer technology, higher end steels, are usually at their best in the low to mid 60s. Of course there are always exceptions and personal preference based on use. For example if I were making a camp chopper out of 3V, I might leave it about 59 to increase the toughness. But there are a few knife makers that put in the the 60-61 range. I’ve seen it at 62 in smaller fixed blades and folders to help increase edge retention where the toughness matters much less.

The new frame-lock Ganzo Firebird FH13-SS appeared on Aliexpress. :slight_smile:

Thanks for the info, I’ll keep the R2D2 in mind in case I ever want another RAT2 with a blade that keeps its edge better.

Gerber Suspension on sale on Amazon right now. $19.97
https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-01471-Suspension-Multi-Plier/dp/B000EDPT9K/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_d337_e30bb185?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=378ac6ee-552b-4f4f-943a-e84d8730d337&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_all&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=MCF8RXZAV44PERTK6PFF

Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener, Ken Onion Edition on sale too right now for $101.36 for the next 5 hours.

https://www.amazon.com/Work-Sharp-Knife-Sharpener-Onion/dp/B00EJ9CQKA/ref=gbps_tit_s-3_d337_310b55ee?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=378ac6ee-552b-4f4f-943a-e84d8730d337&pf_rd_s=slot-3&pf_rd_t=701&pf_rd_i=gb_all&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1E220ZQZVQGZKHRSPQR4&th=1

I see $129.95 from my end…

Click on the standard packaging. “Frustration Free” is 129.

Click on the standard packaging buying option.

Nice find. Seems to me that in knives 2018 is the year of the Kaiken and the Cleaver styled blades.

In 18 hours from now Vipon will have a coupon available for the Kizer V4461 Series A1/A2. Regularly $66.50, with upcoming coupon $33.25

Amazon Link

Vipon Link

No affiliate link or anything. Just passing on the good deal. At least I think it’s a good deal. Searched around for it some and couldn’t find it this cheap. If you haven’t used Vipon it’s easy. Just create a account, just like anywhere else, then click “Get Coupon” and the coupon code will come up on the screen for you to copy and paste.

Sanrenmu 9001, Ganzo FH11 and Sanrenmu 9002 side by side (more pics here):

Sanrenmu Land 910 plus, Ganzo FH11 and Sanrenmu 1161:

Which one feels the most compact in your hand? Thanks.

That’s the Sanrenmu 9002. It weights only 3.57 oz (101 g) and the handle is the thinnest (0.405” / 10.3 mm).

$85 w/ free shipping

(photos not showing up)

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/IzNpT9W

Found these on ali. the johnnyjammie gamma and zetta. look pretty good. there are some russian vids on youtube about them.
does anybody know if these are good?
they look interesting at least.

New Ganzo FH12, FH21 and FH31 on Aliexpress. All of them comes with D2 blade and ball bearings. :+1:


Two Sun TS48 & TS51

Tangram Santa Fe

Sanrenmu S708

Mora Allround, Hx Outdoors Bushcraft and Sanrenmu S708:

I am a big fan of the AG Russell Rancher. Here is a copy of a mini review I did some years ago.

Due to a recent new job opportunity, I decided to invest in a new EDC to accompany me to work. As I am spending less time in the workshop and more time office based as a design engineer, the trusty Leatherman needed to be replaced by something a little more graceful, and still socially acceptable in almost any situation.

I know there are a multitude of legal slippys to chose from, but after much deliberation, I chose the AG Russell Rancher. A traditionally styled Sodbuster, using a modern steel and traditional (1920s) handle material. These knives are made in China and are available at a very reasonable cost. AG does make some claims as to QC procedures and it would appear he is correct, this is indeed a lovely little knife.





The blade is from the ubiquitous 8CR13MOV as beloved by Chinese manufacturers. Both Spyderco/Byrd and SRM seem to use this steel and produce very fine knives with it. I have always rather liked it as well and prefer it to the more commonly used 440 series steels. The handle material is Delrin, an engineering grade plastic. I chose the yellow colour as its significantly different to most other pocket knives.

The knife has excellent fit and finish, AG wasn't kidding about this, the blade is perfectly centred and the rivets, hinge pin and shield are completely flush with the surface of the scales. The back spring and liners are well finished with almost perfect metal to metal fitting. There is no provision to adjust the pivot, but that is not expected in a knife of this cost.




In use, the broad blade is easily gripped with thumb and forefinger and can be pulled open without needing to use the nail nick. Handy if like me, you have really short nails. There is no centre detent and the blade clicks open with a reassuring thunk. Once open there is no lateral side play, or vertical movement in the blade. Its been some time since I saw a cheap slippy that locked up like this.

The blade arrived sharp enough to remove a generous strip of arm hair, and after a couple of weeks use, is still sharp enough to shave off plenty more. With a blade length of 3" and a cutting edge 1/8" less, this makes an almost perfect little EDC knife.



At the published price of $29.95, this sailed through customs without incident or additional cost. Postage to the UK was an additional $13 and took about 2 weeks. That's £24.85 on the doormat and makes this an absolute bargain. I am looking to get some serious use out of little this knife.

Oh and other peoples reactions? That's nice, where did you get it from.



PS: Also available in black.