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...)
I received today the Enlan EL-01, the same as the Bee EL-01. You can see it in this review.
I've heard some good things about this knive, but having it in my hand just blew me away! It is not an urban EDC, because it's just too huge. But I'll certainly use it on the farm. And won't be afraid to abuse that 4mm thick blade! Freaking awesome!
Didn't buy it from exduct. Bought it from a guy at the same forum.
Buy her something really nice like jewelry and she won't mind when you want to buy something for yourself. Give and take......and take.....and take. :bigsmile:
My knives arrived last week and I have to say: Damn, they are good!
I like knives as part of outdoor equipment but similar as with flashlights they can turn into an addiction making you buying knives not only for practical purpose. In fact I have had quite a few for several years that have never seen any field use at all (yet).
The SRM 763, 909 (marked "Land") and the Ganzo 704 are all very well made, lock securely (no fail in spine wack test) and seem to be reliable, useful tools. The edges are reasonably sharp and all screws appear to be loctited (sorry for verbing). The price makes it easy to use them as they're meant to without being too afraid to damage them which is also less likely due to the good quality than with other, more expensive knives I own.
FYI They made it through customs disguised as "electronics, value US$ 10.00". Guess someone at exduct made a "mistake"... :bigsmile:
Here's the trio:
Nice spacer sleeves on the Ganzo:
The SRM 763 is smaller than I expected, it will make a good backup knife. Here it is next to one of my bigger shelf queens (show off alert!):
Now I definitely have to close my paypal account. ;)
That Gerber knife reminds me of my Rambo knife in Alaska which I used everytime I went hunting. I had to sell it along with everything else before moving here.
I like the Ganzo best. It has a rather thick blade (3.8 mm max) which is marked "440C" - still a good steel and should hold the edge better than 8Cr13MoV. The handle has just the right length for my hands. The only "con" is the rather hard clip. It's almost impossible to lose it by accident, but it is hard to clip in your pocket and will eventually damage any fabric.
The 909 is also very good. And it has a very good clip - optimal balance between flexibility and firmness, but the blade finish is semi-mirror (well, that's just my personal preference) and the thumb pin is only on the left side, so it is a little bit complicated to open it with the left hand. I am right handed but I prefer being able to operate my tools equally with both hands. The excellent handle (the steel liner opposite to the locking liner has four large holes obviously with no other purpose than weight reduction, very unusual in this price range) is ok sizewise for me (I have EU-size 8 ) but if you have significantly larger hands or are wearing gloves it can be too short. Blade thickness is 2.8 mm max.
Both blades feature flat grind.
I have an old Spyderco Military imported from the US in the 90's (cause there were no plain edge models available in Europe by then) which is still one of my favorite edc and it has a much superior steel BUT the build quality is not a bit better compared to the Ganzo or the SRM which cost both together less than 1/10 of the Spyderco.
