I recommend you the enlan el04 better instead of the el02, both with axis lock. The El04 don’t have any blade play, it can be that they improved the axis lock for these new model el04. I have the green micarta version. A piece of beauty.
I looked at that one but wanted G10 and liked the EL02b better in that regard.
Regarding blade play…can you just tighten the pivot?
yep I have that one also and it’s much better on blade play…shape is different also…the el-04 actually replaced my el-02 as my EDC…
doesn’t seem to help a whole lot…my play is up and down from the axis lock…funny thing is if you use the thumbstuds to open it it’s pretty good…if you use the axis studs and flick it open it’s loose…
I have the Mica version of the EL02 and mine has also a ever so slightly vertical blade play. Overall I don't have a lot of luck with axis locks (EL02,2x962). It doesn't make the knives unsafe to use, but it bothers the perfectionist in me. Knives that I had a chance to look at lately: SRM PB-728/PR-728 (PR version is better), EL01D (triangular pivot.... slight drop in quality over the old EL01 with the 3 point pivot, but not by much) ,ZBT21, Navy SP-K507 (up-scaled SRM 710 /large Sebenza , one side G10, stone washed blade, very nice, might have to get one too), Bee SP-L01-1 (don't like the "grooves" on the handle/ tanto style blade), Bee L04GN. I have an EL08 on the way for myself.
Yes, the ergonomics of the EL02 are not the greatest... no comparison to the EL01,L05 and especially the 908. Weird finger grooves, sharp axis bar pins. The knife forces a more angled grip on you, in hammer grip position it is not so comfortable. If I read through (my very old) first impressions, I notice that I have gotten a lot less forgiving over time. Back then I was blown away by the value/money ratio... now I am a lot less forgiving, when there are (minor) flaws.
@GC: the EL02 is substantially bigger and has more heft to it compared to the L05-1. Remember EL=Extra Large / L=Large.
The EL04 is also very good (I have the G10 version), but the closed knife is much expanded (the picture of Horst show it well), but the ergonomics of EL04 is better.
The Navy K507 is another nice knife (this is the second knife I know with a stonewashed blade) and more a EDC as the big EL-class of Enlan.
Without the thumbpin (you have to remove it in Germany to carry it with you - you are not allowed to carry knives with a pin or a openhole like Spyderco in public) it’s easy to open with both hands.
At the moment my EDC is a SRM763 (sharp, small and has a bottel opener 
)
My EL06 has also a stone-washed/acid-washed look.
I carried mine around for some time too, but i don’t want to remove the thumbstuds… so in order to prevent problems with berliner cops, the only blade I’ve on me at the moment is the one in the Squirt ps4 :cry:
:bigsmile: :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
you mean, like the one in your avatar? 
emmhhhhh…… yeah…… i believe you…. sure…… I… I didn’t stab him, Officer, he just fell onto my knife…. 55 times…. 0:)
Has anyone been successful in taking this knife apart? What did you use for the odd shaped pivot pin and what size hex does it take for the handle screws?
Maybe this can help:
Love the shape of that blade . . not a fan of mixed grip materials, though.
I had this a while ago.
Purchased with a Ganzo704.
...and because i got the Ganzo also, this one just had to go. Ganzo was better IMO.
I felt the same way at first, I used to like symmetrical knives better. The asymmetrical looked "broken" in the past to me. But since I now hold the EL08 and the Navy K507 in my hands, my reservations strike me as silly in hindsight. Especially the Navy should not miss in any collection. The slimness and smooth clip surface make it such a great knife and it's on sale. At least if one doesn't mind that the design is stolen from a 400 dollar knife.
I like my EL08, but it has some issues, detent ball tension is a little strong making it hard to flick open and the cut-out of the frame lock has some sharp corners. I am a little hesitant to recommend this one. The EL01, 909 have better build quality when I look at the finish.... but the EL08 is certainly a beast when opened and the perfect knife to use with gloves, because the grip is just massive and ergonomic... and the lock engages with authority. Overall a knife for people that think that the EL01 is too flimsy. ;-) The handle screws are Torx T8! ... ha... that's the size of the pivot screws on other knives.
You had me on the Navy at sale, but argggh . . another mixed grip. I’m not paying $400, but I’d buy the clone if it looked as good. Is that 909 the same as that green handled Land - that is a nice looking knife!
I have both the G10 and micarta version of the EL02, and prefer the G10 from Lazy Lizard.
The G10 is more grippy, and I have noticed that the black color on the micarta handle has worn some, so that in places it looks more brown.
Absolutely wonderful knives. Have used them camping and at work, and they hold an edge well and have perfect lock up.
As was stated earlier, the stone washed finish on the G10 version also hides small scratches.
I actually LIKE the shape of the handle. I find it fits my hand well. I guess to each his own.
Has anyone with the EL02b found that the axis lock spring loosened up at all after some use?
I have noticed that mine has loosened up some, but not much.
I would be worried if it got too loose without a tremendous amount of use.
My G10 one was definitely stiffer than the micarta one, so I would say there is a fair amount of variation.