Great review, I got myself a couple, one I left stock and the other I modified and it is now one of my favorite folders.
The first modification was to make a emmerson wave hook on the thumb ramp, it works perfect opens fast when I want to and can still be removed from the pocket without deploying.
The second mod was to convex and mirror polish the edge, I recomend this to you all, it is literally razor sharp and it is super easy to mantain the edge, just strop in leather with white compound, no need for fancy sharpeners.
Removing the shoulder between the primary and secondary bevels makes a LOT of difference in the cutting performance.
I've found exduct to be a reliable seller with very good customer service. There may be other sites that are slightly cheaper, but I've read enough reviews to pay the small premium to stay at exduct. I've got an EL-01B as well and find it just as appealing. What's amazing about it is that everything on it is black, not just the blade. The clip, liners, pivot, screws, and barrel spacers are all black.
Funny, I ordered multiples just to do the wave mod on one of them too. The shape of the thumb ramp makes it look like a natural mod.
I cant wait for my EL01 to arrive, I should have ordered an all black version too.
Anyway, is the quality between the EL01 and the ZTs really equal?
I also have a Spyderco Delica which cost me around $70 (with the black plastic handle), and I think my SRM710 is actually a nicer knife too, in all regards, and it only cost me $7. The blade length of the 710 is even a bit longer than the Delica, even though the SRM has a shorter handle.
After taking it completely apart, cleaning it thoroughly, oiling it, and carefully putting it back together...yes, it is on par with the ZT EXCEPT for one thing: The screws are much easier to strip on the Enlan as they're softer and not as deep.
As Vectrex said I did the opposite of hollow grinding, the edge instead of a perfect V is now like a gothic arch.
Since I just convexed the edge not the full height of the blade and because I did it by hand with sandpaper and leather heat was not a issue.
I could have used the belt sander, in that case all that was needed to not ruin the heat treat is to mantain the blade cool while grinding, it is important to not use gloves so that you can feel the heat, and dunk the blade in water every couple passages on the belt. Also is important to notice that because the edge is much thinner than the back of the blade it will heat much faster.
So this is called convexing? I usually put a sanding paper disc on my Dremel and use this to convex my edges. Hand must be trained a little to keep the angle on that little machine but it is easily doable. Don't think I am doing it on a $100-200 blade, though.
I'm sure they'd love to. :) Trouble is Ernest Emerson was smart enough to patent what is, in hindsight, a very simple, straightforward idea. He (or his patent lawyer) just made it seem like the best invention since the microbrewery, while sticking to the legal basics which is one reason why the patent is still valid.
See for yourself. I guess that's the main reason you don't see wave-style hooks on a lot of knives, even 12 years after he filed the patent. And I think that's a shame because it's a great feature. Most legitimate knife makers simply don't want to be sued.
My old Commander is still a favorite of mine and I really want one of those waved Enduras. I just don't want it bad enough to pay 65 bucks for one. ;)
I can't imagine a U.S. patent stopping a Chinese company from make waved knives, considering these companies make axis locks, spyderholes, and "inspired" designs.
