That's great. I don't live in the UK and I don't give a damn. Why did you bring this up?
SRM Knives use 8Cr13MoV steel, hardened in to the 57-58 range. It's comparable to AUS 8 steel, with a touch more toughness and a touch less corrosion resistance. That particular steel is miles ahead of 440a or whatever steel's been used in most Chinese makes in the past. Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw and CRKT all use it in some of their knives.
I have the exact same expectations of a knife, and I own quality blades from Leatherman, Spyderco, Benchmade and CRKT to name a few, including some in S30V, 154CM and VG-10 steel. You know what? I still carry the SanRenMu daily because it's a really, really good knife.
I guess I came across somewhat abrupt - I live in Canada. We don't have nearly as aggressive knife laws as the UK, but I do know them well and follow them. Locking blades are perfectly legal here.
Anyways, skip the multitools. They're made by Ganzo (which is a different company altogether), and every major big-box store in the world carries them. Multitools, due to the complexity and sheer cost of materials that go in to each, well, they're something you should be willing to spend a little money on. I would say get a used Leatherman, Sog or Victorinox MT off of eBay or other used sites first - all of those companies make great products and will honour second- or third-purchaser warranties.
I belive Australia is having the same problem as the UK, although I hear it is a lot worse for you. Ironically throwing knives and even swords should be fine, but customs are confiscating any knives they find that can be opened by "centrifugal force" as a gravity knife.
I had decided to stop buying new lights for a while (and focus on upgrading some older ones) to save some money for my next holiday, but you guys made me order 3 absolutely not needed pocket knives instead!
Well, as knives are one of my other interests, I guess I'll have to thank you. :bigsmile:
I had stopped buying new knives several years ago because it was getting too expensive and have started making my own/modding old ones, but now I am excited to see what you get from China nowadays for around 10 USD apiece. I hope it's not that good, though, because there is a risk I could be ordering more... ;)
If you're ordering SRM knives... well, sorry to say you'll be ordering more. Great knives for the money. I was convinced to try one because of a review on Bladeforums last year and I now own and use four of them regularly.
Knife manufacturing got a massive boost about 10 years ago when a lot of American companies (Buck and Gerber are the big ones) started outsourcing production to China. Quality went WAY up, but costs didn't go up nearly as fast because a lot of the R&D and training was essentially underwritten by established manufacturers. Chinese manufacturers just have to shake the image of "low price, low quality" that's been built up over time.
Very, very similar to flashlight manufacturing in China in many ways.
Well, I am already afraid you'll be right. Two are SRM (763 and 909) and one is a Ganzo (G704). They are way cheaper than getting just the materials to build your own. If they are any good I will have to close my paypal account in self-preservation. I hope they make it through customs without being noticed, though.
On the other hand, there is a certain satisfaction in making your own blade which I don't want to miss.
And in another 10 years we'll be probably all driving chinese cars! :D (Well, at least mine became suddenly "chinese" last year)
I bought some Sanrenmu knives, before knowing that Spyderco made it's knives at the same place with the same materials. When I saw Sal Glesser's(Spyderco's owner) post at British blades, I became aware that I could grab some pocket knifes, for a reasonable price, and made with somewhat quality materials.
I can't vouch for the multitools, because my Ganzo has not been used a great deal, but it is quite sturdy for what I use if for. Smallish things...
The pocket knives, as stated, aren't ultra tough, but they do hold an edge for a while, but as they aren't super hardened, they are fine for what I used them. What I like it's the easiness of sharpening, and using them only on soft materials, they can maintain uber sharpness(0.5micron strop) for quite a while.
And they are quite awesome for presents.
I have over 20 SRM knives though... way more than I need. As with flashlights, and kitchen knives.... *insert swaring* adictions with shinny(besides carbon knives) stuff! And my girlfriend does like them too! And uses them! Just what I need. Someone that understands, and likes... lol. It's a keeper!
Please don't make these knives more affordable!(not...)