#MayThe4thBeWithYou - Microtech UTX85 Bounty Hunter
Today’s EDC is the Microtech UTX85 Bounty Hunter
UTX85
Spyderco Manix 2 - CPM S110V - Review
The Spyderco Manix 2 is a robust, highly ergonomic EDC knife designed by Eric Glesser. It is made in Golden, Colorado and is available in a range of steel, handle, and lock variants. This specific variant is the G-10 model in CPM S110V steel. CPM S110V is a highly corrosion resistant and wear resistant steel produced by Crucible in the U.S. Spyderco’s standard production S110V knives come with dark blue handle scales, which brings some additional variety to the company’s U.S. made product line.
This Manix 2 uses Spyderco’s own caged ball bearing lock. The lock is made up of a few components. The steel ball bearing sits in a cage, which provides traction to unlock it. The cage also enables it to be pushed forward by a small coil spring to lock the blade open. As the knife opens, the ball rolls along the tang of the blade and is pushed into a shelf formed by the blade and the steel backspacer. The result is a smooth action and a sturdy lock up. Releasing the lock can be accomplished with one or two hands and is best accomplished by gripping the cage on both sides.
Once the lock is released, a small flick of the wrist easily swings the blade shut. This also keeps the hand safely away from the path of the edge. The lock also provides a strong, crisp detent that keeps the blade stored in the handle. Our Manix 2 locks up perfectly and while the spring was stiff out of the box, it has broken in nicely without the need for any adjustments. Those with smaller hands might have to revert to closing this knife with two hands as the size can make one handed closing a challenge in some cases.
The 3.37" (86 mm) blade of the Manix 2 is leaf shaped and tapers to a fine point. It arrived sharp out of the box and the shape performs well in a range of EDC tasks. It easily pierces thick tape, cardboard, and other materials. The full flat grind takes the 3.2mm thick blade stock down to a fine edge for slicing. The blade features only a few markings. On the front side is Spyderco’s bug, the company’s name, and the steel type. The back of the blade features Eric Glesser’s maker’s mark and the place of origin, which in this case is Golden, Colorado. CPM S110V is known for its wear and corrosion resistance and it is living up to those expectations so far. We will update this review with our thoughts as we continue to test CPM S110V.
Jimping is present both on the spine and the finger choil providing sufficient traction and control. It is aggressive enough to prevent slipping without excessively wearing on the hand. Slightly softer and rounded jimping is present on the steel liners next to the backspacer as well as on the bottom, rear portion of the handle. This lends some visual appeal and a bit more traction. Some may find this excessive, but we never found it to be uncomfortable in our testing.
The G-10 used seems to be the standard texture found on many of Spyderco’s other U.S. knives. It prevents slipping even with sweaty hands and the dark blue color looks great. The edges of the handle subtly glow in the light, which further enhances the look. Unlike the other standard G-10 versions of the Manix 2, the S110V variant features skeletonized liners, which help to reduce the weight while retaining strength. It is a wide knife and it carries fairly large, but it is well suited for anyone looking for a knife that looks and feels solid.
The clip is a standard Spyderco hourglass design with a polished finish. It is certainly not as low profile as some of the company’s wire clips, but the design easily accommodates a range of pocket materials without concern of stressing it. It can be set for either left or right side, tip up carry as the cage of the ball bearing lock would interfere with a tip down position. Its positioned right at the rear tip of the handle which helps to sink the knife down into the pocket. This leaves only a small portion of the knife sticking above the pocket, which we find to be acceptable as it makes it easy to retrieve the knife from the pocket without being excessive.
Overall, we continue to enjoy using the Manix 2 and it has earned a place as one of our EDC favorites. With that said, the size/weight and the color of the scales on this variant might not appeal to everyone. Those looking for something compact and lightweight may not end up liking this particular model. However, we tend to prefer the robust build style of this knife and find that the dark blue G-10 offers something a bit different from the usual black.
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Leatherman Tread – Evolving EDC Review
Leatherman’s Tread seeks to make a range of multi-tool features available in a form that is acceptable in areas with specific restrictions like airports, theme parks, or schools. While it certainly does not bring the capability of a full form Leatherman tool, it fits a specific niche which some of those tools simply cannot reach.
According to Leatherman, the Tread project started after an experience that Leatherman President Ben Rivera had on a family vacation to Disneyland. While entering the park, Rivera found that the Leatherman Skeletool that he was carrying was not allowed into the park and was denied entry until he returned without it. After that experience, Rivera and his team set out to develop a multi-tool that would exclude tools that violate restrictions, while still retaining some useful capabilities in a new, wearable form.
We are evaluating this model as an EDC item and will continue to update our thoughts going forward. The model that we are looking at here is the standard stainless model. It is also available in a black DLC variant, as well as a metric variant. This particular model features a polished, brushed finish on the outside and a matte finish on the inside of the band. The finish picks up hairline scratches over time just as any stainless watchband would. These scratches generally can only be seen when light hits a link just right and do not really harm its appearance at all.
The bracelet is comprised of several 17-4 Stainless Steel links that each contain a few tools. Generally, the standard layout is a screwdriver on each side with a box wrench in the center. The bits are capable of turning a range of Philips, flat, and hex screws. One of the center wrenches has a rectangular shape and can be used to open oxygen tanks. Another link merges a few special use tools including a carbide glass breaker, cutting hook, and a SIM card pick.
The clasp even brings a few useful functions as it acts as a bottle opener as well as accepts 1/4’’ sockets. It also has a #2 Square Drive bit. The links are held together with flathead screws and metal joining parts. Removing these screws can be easily accomplished with a flathead screwdriver or coin for easy adjustment. Although, it should be noted that adjustment does come at the cost of losing some tools. In our case, we had to remove one of the full-size (0.5”) links as well as the only half size (1/4”) link.
In use, the screwdrivers pick up some wear given the soft, but corrosion resistant steel used. As such, the tool might not stand up well to repetitive hard use, but that type of use would probably be accomplished better by other Leatherman tools or dedicated tools anyway. This one is designed for use cases where you might not have access to or be able to carry anything else, and in a backup role like that it functions well.
Another use we found for the Tread is quickly assessing the size of tool needed to make an adjustment, particularly with the hex bits and box wrenches. Leatherman’s engravings on the back of each link provide the exact size. If a tool on a link fits, you know exactly what size bit, socket, or wrench is needed. We have not had the opportunity to put the glass breaker to use, but the cutting hook, bottle opener, and SIM Card pick all do exactly what they are supposed to.
As a steel multi-tool that is worn on the wrist, corrosion might be a concern particularly due to regular exposure to sweat. While that was a concern that we initially had, we have seen no visible rust or signs of corrosion in over a year of use. The only maintenance that we have done is wiping it down with a damp cloth and drying it occasionally if exposed to sweat. We do not find the Tread to be uncomfortable, although it does take time to adjust to the weight. The design manages to keep the bits from poking into the wrist while also preventing them from sticking above the band. Managing to strike that balance shows the care that went into the design and engineering of the tool and we were impressed by it. In addition, despite how chunky the links appear in images, they do manage to slide under shirt cuffs quite well, which makes it easier to wear every day.
Overall, we find that we like the Tread and continue to wear one often. It may not be perfect, is not for everyone, and it is expensive for what it is. However, we applaud Leatherman for taking a risk and trying something new and different. It could easily have sat back and pushed out iteration after iteration of the pliers based tools that made it famous and remain on top of its market. Instead it recognized an opportunity to introduce a multi-tool in a completely new form factor for a world with growing restrictions.
Tool Summary:
LINK 1 - 3/32” Screwdriver & 1/8” Screwdriver
LINK 2 - #1-2 Phillips Screwdriver, 1/4” Box Wrench, 3/16” Screwdriver
LINK 3 – N/A
LINK 4 - Cutting Hook, SIM Card Pick, & Carbide Glass Breaker
LINK 5- N/A
LINK 6 - 5/16” Screwdriver, 3/8” Box Wrench, & 1/4” Screwdriver
LINK 7 - 3/32” Hex Drive, 3/16” Box Wrench, 1/8” Hex Drive
LINK 8 - 1/4” Hex Drive, Oxygen Tank Wrench, 3/16” Hex Drive
LINK 9 - 5mm Hex Drive, 10mm Box Wrench, 6mm Hex Drive
LINK 10 - 3mm Hex Drive, 8mm Box Wrench, & 4mm Hex Drive
LINK 11 - #1 Phillips Screwdriver, 6mm Box Wrench, & #2 Phillips Screwdriver
LINK 12 - 1/4 Socket Adapter, Bottle Opener, & #2 Square Drive
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Leatherman Super Tool 300 - Review
When people generally think of the word “multi-tool”, there is a good chance that people imagine a tool with folding pliers that also has knives, screwdrivers, a file, and a saw on board. Today, multi-tools come in all shapes, sizes, and feature sets, but the idea of the modern plier based multi-tool can largely be traced back to Tim Leatherman and his company, Leatherman Tool Group.
The Super Tool 300 sits at the top of the company’s classic design, heavy-duty category. It is quite large at 4.5 inches long and weighs a considerable 9.6 oz. What you get for the money is a sturdy chunk of stainless steel that will withstand most of the tasks that would suit a typical multi-tool. Of course, if something does go wrong there is a good chance that Leatherman’s 25-year warranty will get you back to work again.
The tool is built off of one of the most robust plier heads in Leatherman’s product line. It can turn large nuts or bolts and complete other heavy tasks, while also retaining a fine needle-nose point. The key benefit of this plier head is in the design of the wire cutters at the base.
Unlike other multi-tools that feature cutters that may dull or deform with heavy use, the Super Tool 300 offers replaceable 154CM steel wire cutters. This would seem to greatly extend the expected life of the tool and offers an affordable way to fix possible damage without having to send it in. In our experience, the cutters have delivered clean cuts for everything from copper wires to plastic zip ties and continue to be just as functional as day one. The notch at the base of the wire cutters is used to cut hard wires, according to Leatherman. While the tool also features stranded wire cutters and a crimper on the underside of the plier head joint, we have not yet had the ability to test that functionality fully.
Leatherman Rebar (Left), Leatherman Super Tool 300 (Right)
The rest of the tools reside inside of the handles. It should be noted that all of the tools including both blades are only accessible when the tool is fully or partially open. None of the tools are accessible from the outside like Victorinox’s Swiss Tool line or some of the other Leatherman models like the Wave or Surge. It also should be noted that none of the inside tools are easily accessible with one hand. This may be important for some, but we never really had an issue with this setup. For quick access to a one-handed knife blade, for example, we usually had a dedicated folding knife like a Spyderco Mantra 1 in our pocket anyway.
The Super Tool 300 features both a plain edge blade and a serrated one made out of 420HC steel. Both came sharp out of the box and are about 3.2 inches long, according to Leatherman. The finish on the blades appears to be bead-blasted and they do seem to be prone to small spots of surface rust. The occurrence we had was only minor and was easily taken care of. On the plain edge side, the handle includes a metal/wood file, awl, lanyard ring, a medium flathead screw driver, and a large flathead screw driver. The serrated edge side features a wood saw, a small flat head, a large Philips screwdriver, and a combination can opener and bottle opener. The can and bottle opener features a v-shaped edge that works as a wire stripper. Both blades and each of the tools lock into place using a lock back-like tab, which works well and is easy to operate.
Leatherman Super Tool 300 (Left), Leatherman Rebar (Right)
All three flat head screw drivers are hollow ground with sharp edges. In our experience, they worked consistently better than Victorinox flatheads and those found on the Leatherman Rebar when assembling a desk, dresser, night stand, and vacuum cleaner which each had some tricky to turn screws. The design found on the Super Tool 300’s screwdrivers locks them in and reduces the risk of slipping and stripping the screw. While the sharp edges are beneficial, care should be taken in use as it does present the additional risk of scratching the user or surface. This is one area where the polished, rounded finish that Victorinox uses holds an advantage despite the reduction in traction with certain flathead screws. The Philips screwdriver functions just as well as the flat ones. It handles a range of sizes and has held up well to a range of general home repair and furniture assembling use.
The awl is a surprisingly useful tool just as it is on Victorinox tools. It offers a sturdy point to punch into thick materials and the hole can be used for roughly sewing something together. The awl also works well for drilling into wood and other similar materials. This was useful when assembling a desk as one of the holes on the drawer was improperly finished. A few turns with the awl finished the job and allowed it to be assembled fully.
While we are unable to fully comment on the file’s ability to handle metal, it works well on wood but its size does limit its functionality. The toothy texture on the side works well for putting a groove into wood without the extra aggressiveness of the saw. Speaking of the saw, it can be useful for cutting small branches and other pieces of wood. Like the file though, it is size limited which does impact the usefulness of it.
In our experience, the can opener fulfills its role as well as should be expected from a multi-tool based option. We found it to be comparable in performance to the well-regarded Victorinox style even though it looks and works in a different way. Instead of going forward with each puncture, the Leatherman style works by moving back. It also opens bottles well, but the design does deform a cap more than the dedicated design on the Victorinox tools.
One of the interesting things about the tool design on the Super Tool 300 is in the way they clump together when grabbed. This is by design as it prevents having to seek out individual nail nicks. One thing that we would like to see addressed is in the way the saw lifts when the Philips screwdriver is lifted. The blades both avoid clumping and the file appears to do so as well. Therefore, keeping the saw separate would seem to make it safer to use overall. We tend to prefer the precise, individual retrieval method used on Victorinox’s tools, but the clumping can prove to be easier to use at times.
Overall, the Super Tool 300 brings a robust set of tools that will make it through pretty much any task that is feasible to accomplish with it. That does come at the cost of a significant amount of weight that is handled better in a belt sheath than in the pocket. Those looking for a pocketable version of this tool should consider the similar, but much more compact Leatherman Rebar.
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Fisher Space Pen Co. Shuttle Pen - Review
The Fisher Shuttle series takes the AG-7 design and further refines it. While we love the AG-7 for its build quality, history, and clip style, the Shuttle is our top recommendation for an EDC Fisher Space Pen.
Like its older brother, the Shuttle pen uses a plated brass construction that holds up well to use and looks great. This specific variant is the B4 Black Grid model. It features a spiral engraving up around the body of the pen along with vertical engraved lines. The lines are black which contrasts well with the chrome finish. It hides scratches, smudges, and lends some traction that feels good to the hand. The body of the Shuttle is a bit longer than the AG-7 and lacks the tapered design. It kind of feels like a round, metal pencil with its thin consistent build. The balance point trends a bit higher, but it sits well in the hand while writing. It’s not as aggressive as the standard spiral engraving found on the AG-7 and Bullet pen and as a result can slide a little bit more in the hand. If you like the shape of the pen, but want a bit more traction, Fisher makes a standard chrome plated finish that matches the grip style and finish of the AG-7.
Fisher AG-7 (Left), Fisher Shuttle Pen (Right)
Like the AG-7, the Shuttle uses a two-button mechanism for extending and retracting the point. The tail button is only used for extending the point as opposed to most other ball points that use the same button for both actions. Retracting is reliant on a simple press of the round button on the upper side of the pen. As we mentioned in the AG-7 review, we love the unique quality of the mechanism and the ability to quickly determine the status of the point by touch. In our opinion, the Shuttle’s mechanism is a bit better than the AG-7’s. It’s smoother, firmer, and delivers a more satisfying click. The buttons are also more crisp in their action than its predecessor.
The clip on the Shuttle pen does not sit as deep in the pocket as the AG-7. This means that everything above the P in the Space engraving sits above the pocket. Since the pen looks nice and does not have a distracting design, we do not see an issue with that, but it’s worth pointing out since others might have other preferences. It also makes it easy to retrieve the pen from the pocket. The clip on the Shuttle has great retention particularly on thinner materials. However, it does not handle thicker shirts as well. The front of the clip is nicely engraved with Fisher’s globe logo and SPACE written vertically.
Fisher AG-7 (Left), Fisher Shuttle Pen (Right)
Due to its reliance on the same ink cartridge, we will bring in our thoughts from the AG-7 review. Overall, the Fisher cartridge delivers a decent writing experience. People often seem to be quick to judge the writing experience as inferior or nothing special, but neglect to consider the characteristics that help to set it apart. It is not as smooth as some gel pens like the Pilot G2 series and requires a bit more pressure in use. However, the benefit is that Fisher’s ink is incredibly hard to smear and dries quick. Left-handed writers or those who are simply annoyed by how easily other gel pens can smudge may especially like this cartridge. The ink is also resistant to water and can be used on Rite in the Rain’s treated paper for additional protection. This makes it well suited for use outdoors, as does the wide temperature range that it works in.
Another strength is that the cartridge never seems to dry out and keeps working until it runs out. We have never had an issue in about two years of writing notes where we needed to draw in circles to get the ink moving as sometimes needs to be done with regular ballpoint pens. Instead, the pen gets writing as soon as it starts moving across the page every time. While the cartridges can be a bit expensive at about $6.50, they do seem to last quite a while and are available in a range of options. They can be purchased with fine, medium, and bold points in a range of colors. Black, blue, red, green, burgundy, purple, turquoise, and silver are among the options available.
Fisher AG-7 (Left), Fisher Shuttle Pen (Center), Fisher Bullet (Right/Open)
The Shuttle Pen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a retractable EDC Fisher Space Pen. It is a simple, reliable pen with excellent build quality and an attractive design. It is available in a range of styles from the classic chrome to the attractive grid patterns. If you’re looking for a similar pen with a thicker design or a clip that can fit better on thicker materials, you might want to check out Fisher’s AG-7 pen.
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Fisher Space Pen Co. AG-7 Original Astronaut Pen - Review
The Fisher Space Pen Company was founded by Paul Fisher in 1948. The company has made numerous strides in writing instruments including the development of a universal refill cartridge in 1953. However, it is best known for producing the pen taken to the moon during the Apollo program and into space by practically every U.S. mission with crew since. Its legendary ability to right upside down, underwater, and in temperatures from -30°F to 250°F comes from its nitrogen pressurized cartridge and special ink formula. That cartridge is the heart of practically every pen the company sells delivering the same general writing experience in different shapes and sizes. The model used during the Apollo era is still sold today and is known as the AG-7.
The AG-7 is a solid pen with a brass body. The model reviewed here is the standard AG-7, which has a silver chrome finish. This finish appears to be resistant to scratches and hides them well, which is surprising given the high polish. It also resists tarnish, but can get occasional smudges. The body of the pen starts thin at the point and gets thicker up towards the clip. This puts the balance point a bit higher than the midpoint. Some may dislike that balance point as it does change how it feels to write, but we like how it seems to anchor the pen into the hand. The grip area of the pen is formed by a spiral cut groove. This offers a decent amount of traction without being too aggressive.
Fisher AG-7 (Left), Fisher Shuttle Pen (Right)
One of the neat parts of this pen is in its retraction mechanism. Normally, a ball point pen extends and retracts with the click of the same button on the back of the pen. The AG-7 works a bit differently. A press of the button will extend the pen, but pressing it again will not retract it. Retraction is handled by the round button on the side. This gives it a unique and special quality that is unlike any other non-Fisher pen that we have seen. We also like it as it makes it easy to determine the status of the point just by feel. Ensuring that the point is retracted is accomplished through a simple press of the side button. The click made by the mechanism is a satisfying one and provides a reassuring sense of the quality of the pen that is further bolstered by its dense feel. However, the spring is somewhat softer and the mechanism is not necessarily as crisp as the one found on the AG-7’s refined successor, the Shuttle pen series.
One of our favorite parts of the AG-7 is its clip. Its shape is reminiscent of a deep carry clip on a pocket knife. This allows only the top button to stick above the pocket. The front of the clip is nicely engraved with Fisher AG-7. The design allows it to accommodate thick pocket material without concern of straining the clip. Now, this does come at the cost of reduced retention on thin materials, but for the most part it works perfectly fine.
The Fisher cartridge delivers a decent writing experience. People often seem to be quick to judge the writing experience as inferior or nothing special, but neglect to consider the characteristics that help to set it apart. It is not as smooth as some gel pens like the Pilot G2 series and requires a bit more pressure in use. However, the benefit is that Fisher’s ink is incredibly hard to smear and dries quick. Left-handed writers or those who are simply annoyed by how easily other gel pens can smudge may especially like this cartridge. The ink is also resistant to water and can be used on Rite in the Rain’s treated paper for additional protection. This makes it well-suited for use outdoors as does the wide temperature range that it works in.
Another strength is that the cartridge never seems to dry out and keeps working until it runs out. We have never had an issue in about two years of writing notes where we needed to draw in circles to get the ink moving as sometimes needs to be done with regular ballpoint pens. Instead, the pen gets writing as soon as it starts moving across the page every time. While the cartridges can be a bit expensive at about $6.50, they do seem to last quite a while and are available in a range of options. They can be purchased with fine, medium, and bold points in a range of colors. Black, blue, red, green, burgundy, purple, turquoise, and silver are among the options available.
Fisher AG-7 (Left), Fisher Shuttle Pen (Center), Fisher Bullet (Right/Closed)
The AG-7 delivers excellent build quality with a satisfying mechanism and a decent writing experience. It also has a neat history, which would make it an excellent gift for anyone who is interested in space. If you are looking for a similar pen with a clip better suited for thinner materials, an improved balance point, and a more refined mechanism feel, it might be worth checking out the Shuttle series. It features the same cartridge and mechanism in a body that is thinner, a bit taller, and doesn’t taper.
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Spyderco Techno – First Impressions
The Spyderco Techno is a small, titanium frame lock folding knife with a 2.55″ (65 mm) blade made out of CTS-XHP. Designed in collaboration with Polish knifemaker Marcin Slysz, the Techno offers a compact and dense build that excels in certain areas and falls behind in others.
One of the first things that is noticed when handling the Techno is that it is stout. While it is generally a small knife, it is a hearty 3.6 oz. Compare this with something like the similarly sized Spyderco Dragonfly 2, which is only 1.2 oz. Although, it should be noted that these knives are clearly built in very different ways. The Dragonfly 2 is a lightweight slicer, while this is an overbuilt, small folder with a 4.5mm thick blade. In general, this works to the Techno’s benefit as it provides a definite sense of its high-quality build, which accompanies its equally sizable price. The MSRP is $329, but it can be found at various knife dealers for around $197.97.
Like each of the Slysz collaborations with Spyderco, the Techno comes out of the box at a top-notch level of fit and finish for a production knife. The titanium scales have a nice stonewash texture, which provides some detail that varies in the light and manages wear quite well. In addition, the titanium offers a decent level of grip for a smooth surface, which when combined with the overall design lends to a generally comfortable knife to hold.
One of the neat things about the Techno is the way it manages to merge round and angular design while still maintaining comfort. The edges of the handle are nicely chamfered which reduces hotspots and generally adds some additional detail. Little details like that reflect care in the design and the excellent execution of them in a production knife is great to see.
One of the more polarizing aspects of the Techno is the inclusion of the blue G-10 backspacer that partially fills the back of the knife. While it may not be for everyone, we feel that the blue complements the gray titanium and steel nicely. The texturing also fits into the palm nicely without being too aggressive.
Also present on the handle is Spyderco’s wire clip. The clip is finished to match the handle scales and is fairly low profile. Retention seems to be a weak point though as the combination of the clip’s finish with the titanium makes it slide easily. While it is easy to retrieve and lessens wear on the pocket, it can be a bit concerning particularly if the clip were to get caught on something.
Like the handle scales, the blade of the Techno is also nicely stonewashed, but this time with an almost mirror-like appearance. This treatment blends with the handle quite well and keeps visible wear minimal. It also softens the spine, jimping, and edges of the hole on the blade. The result is a blade with a sharp edge only where it matters and feels good to the hand. Although, it should be said that the traction provided by the softened jimping does not rival sharper patterns like those found on the Para Military 2, Manix 2, or Dragonfly 2. However, given the role of this knife and the value of bringing something different to the table, we see this as a strength rather than a weakness.
Blade Length - 2.55″ (65 mm)
Overall Length - 5.98″ (152 mm)
Blade Thickness - .177″ (4.5 mm)
Weight - 3.6 oz (102 g)
As our time with the Techno continues, our impressions will evolve into a full review and we will update this article with both positive and negative points as we encounter them. For now though, the Spyderco Techno brings excellent build quality and a beautiful design to the company’s little big knife line.
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Spyderco Mantra 1 - Review
The Spyderco Mantra 1 is a titanium frame lock flipper designed by Eric Glesser. This variant retains a full size round hole on the blade and weighs 3.0 oz. The knife’s blade is 3.2 inches long and 3 mm wide at the spine. It is made of Crucible’s CPM M4 high speed tool steel, which has excellent edge retention. That steel is not considered a stainless steel, which means that it requires more effort to prevent corrosion and can also develop a patina over time.
The handle of the Mantra is made out of titanium with a stonewashed finish. Like the Spyderco Techno, this finish keeps visible wear minimal and looks great. The titanium provides a surprising amount of traction for a smooth surface. The overall shape of the handle is reminiscent of the Delica and that definitely is a positive thing. It is very comfortable and the flipper tab acts to prevent the hand from slipping up towards the edge. The only hotspots present are very minor and are the touch of jimping on the lock bar and the wire clip. In normal use, they do not pose any problem at all, but in extended use they could start to wear on the hand.
Spyderco Mantra (Left) & Spyderco Techno (Right)
Unlike the Techno, the wire clip seems to excel here on the Mantra. Retention is excellent and the knife carries deep in the pocket. Despite the polished appearance, the wire clip tends to draw less attention than a standard hourglass clip like the one found on a Para Military 2. In addition, the Mantra is easily retrieved and put away, while also keeping wear on the pocket to the minimum. The clip can be moved to either the left or right side, but only in a tip up configuration.
The key feature of the Mantra is that it is a flipper. The pivot runs on bearings and the action is quite smooth. It does take some practice, but the flipper tab works well and the knife can be flipped open without a flick of the wrist. It should be noted that the tab responds better to a push like a button rather than being flicked like a switch. The detent keeps the blade shut when not in use and provides sufficient resistance for flipping. Spyderco’s round hole also works well, which enables a range of deployment options. The frame lock present on the Mantra features a steel interface which also functions as an over-travel stop. Out of the box, there was a hint of lock stick, but that went away after about a week of occasional use and has not returned. Lock up is solid with no perceivable blade play in any direction.
The blade features a satin finish with the beautiful, deeply engraved bug logo found on many of the models that come out of Taichung. The knife arrived quite sharp out of the box and we will update this article when we have to sharpen it. Its full flat grind paired with the 3mm stock makes it an excellent slicer. The M4 steel on our knife has remained in great shape since July 2016 with limited maintenance. Occasionally coating the blade with oil, adding some to the pivot, and limiting prolonged exposure to moisture has been sufficient. However, it will rust easier than stainless steels if mistreated and its particularly important to avoid getting any corrosive or sticky substances into the pivot area due to its usage of bearings.
Blade Length - 3.20" (81 mm)
Overall Length - 7.34" (186 mm)
Blade Thickness - 0.118" (3.0 mm)
Weight - 3.0 oz (85 g)
In general, the Mantra is an impressive knife. The Taichung factory again delivered an item with perfect fit and finish for a production knife and it definitely performs well. If you are looking for a well-made Spyderco flipper and don’t mind caring for its steel, the Mantra might be what you are looking for.
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Opinel No 8 - Review
When you handle an Opinel knife, there is some beauty to its simplicity and its price is also an attractive factor. Opinels typically sell for $12-$30 depending on the style, size, blade steel, and other attributes. This makes it an excellent choice for starting a knife collection. They are cheap to buy, nice to use, and easy to replace if lost or damaged.
For the purposes of this review, we will be looking at the Opinel No 8, which is probably the most common size. The handles are made out of beech wood and it has a Stainless Steel (Inox) blade. The blade steel is Swedish made Sandvik 12c27-MOD, which is a great steel for the price. It has great corrosion resistance, is easy to sharpen, and takes an excellent edge.
The No 8 weighs 1.6 oz and has a blade length of 3.25 inches. The No 8 was reasonably sharp out of the box, slicing through paper and other materials with relative ease. While initially not as sharp as some of the higher priced competition, it did well for its respective price.
Another key point to note about the knife is the wood used for the handles. Beech wood is a nice departure from the cheap plastic feel found on some other low priced knives and most people would probably guess that they are more expensive than they really are. Opinel produces the No 8 in a variety of woods, which further increases the collectability of it. Oak, Walnut, Bubinga, and Olive are among those offered. The company is also working with L.L. Bean on a limited edition run that uses reclaimed Maple that is over a century old.
One thing to keep in mind though is the way in which the handle responds to moisture. Opinel often refers to the handles as a living material and it does so for a good reason. Increases in humidity or exposure to water can cause the handle to swell. This can make it difficult to open and close the knife. In addition, overly dry conditions may lead to it loosening. If they are treated with care, the changes do not seem to be permanent or damaging. It is a simple consequence of the material used and it is just something to be aware of.
Out of the box, the No 8 was pretty much as perfect as one could expect a knife under $15 to be. There is something kind of neat about holding a knife with a basic design that is over 100 years old. The handle is nicely contoured and is smooth to the touch. Opinel’s branding is present both on the blade and on the handle and it looks clean. In a market full of thin metal or plastic handles, the beechwood is a warm and welcoming departure from other options, especially in this price range.
On our No 8, Opinel’s Virobloc locking ring rotates smoothly with just enough resistance to provide a reassuring lock up for a knife of this type. It may not be the strongest one out there, but remember this is a small wooden folding knife. It is not intended for tough tasks that would fully put its lock strength to the test. Instead, it does exactly what it needs to do to stop the blade from closing on your fingers during basic everyday tasks.
The Opinel No 8 is a decent performer when it comes to functionality and ergonomics. The handle fits the hand nicely and provides a good grip. Now, that comfort does come at a cost since this knife is quite a bit thicker than many other knives that share its characteristics. It is surprisingly light though, which helps to offset the size.
Overall, the Opinel No 8 is a great knife for anyone to buy. While it might not be the best performer or as robust as a titanium handled knife that costs 10 times as much, it is highly affordable and it is an item with an interesting past. There is not much to lose from purchasing one and it may end up surprising you as it likely has for many over the years. The design has been around for a long time and there clearly is a reason for it.
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Victorinox Pioneer & Pioneer X - Review
The Victorinox Pioneer is one of the nicest looking knives that Victorinox has ever produced. It is comprised of two layers of tools sandwiched in between two slabs of textured aluminum and then riveted together. The design is simple and effective and therefore it may come as no surprise that this is the civilian version of the Victorinox Soldier knife that was used from the 1960s to 2008 when its larger successor replaced it. Its base tool set is a blade, awl, can opener/ small flat screwdriver, and the bottle opener/large flat screwdriver. The notch at the base of the bottle opener can be used to strip wires according to Victorinox. It can be found online for around $30.
Out of the box, the knife is pretty much perfect. Each tool is almost mirror polished and the alox handle scales are nicely textured. Every one of the tools is held in place by its backspring which provides a reassuring snap when opened or closed. It is important to note that this knife is a traditional slip joint Swiss Army Knife. While the blade and tools are held open by the springs there is really no locking mechanism. Therefore, care needs to be taken to avoid inadvertent closing of them. One of the nice things about the Pioneer is the heft of the tool. It feels dense for its size which provides a sense of quality without being heavy at all. It is precisely made and it is one of those pocket tools that feels like it will never let you down.
In terms of functionality, this tool does exactly what you would think it should do. It slices well, opens cans and bottles, turns screws, and can punch or drill holes. The blade was nice and sharp out of the box. Victorinox steel does tend to be a bit soft so one can expect the blade to dull fairly quickly over time depending on use. Now, the benefit is that it can be honed or sharpened back to that original edge easily without much skill or trouble. Another upside to that steel though is that it is remarkably corrosion resistant. Rust does not seem to be a major problem at all and that makes it a fairly maintenance free knife. The can opener manages to open cans quite well. Obviously, it does not compete with a regular household can opener in terms of speed but that is not its intended competition anyway. It is there for when it is needed and does its job. The same exact thing applies to the Pioneer’s ability to open bottles. In terms of turning screws, the 3mm can opener screw driver can handle small flat head screws and can even take care of Philips screws in a pinch. The larger one on the bottle opener feels more robust and can handle larger flat head screws. It can also snap into position at 90 degrees for more leverage.
While this knife is compact, it is quite easy to hold on to. The textured alox scales provide a nice grip without being harsh or uncomfortable. They also wear much better than the traditional red plastic scales found on other models. This is also a strength of the plain silver model over the color anodized ones. On top of all of that, the scales look really nice and the red Victorinox shield is a nice accent. It feels special and reliable and those traits will probably want to make you carry it often.
The Victorinox Pioneer is among one of our personal favorites. It is simple, compact, robust, and effective. There is not much more to look for, if you want a basic Victorinox that is easy to carry in the pocket every day. The price is also reasonable at about $30. In addition to serving well on its own, it also makes a great companion to a larger knife like a Spyderco Para Military 2. As such, it earns high praise and we would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a compact knife with a few capable tools.
The Pioneer X
The Pioneer X builds on Victorinox’s excellent 93mm Alox platform with the addition of scissors. A long desired option and popular choice for modified Swiss Army Knives, Victorinox’s scissors are a worthy and useful addition to this tool. While the scissors do add additional thickness and weight, they do bring some additional versatility. They’re well suited for making delicate cuts such as removing tags from new clothing, cutting paper, trimming stray threads, taking care of hangnails, and pretty much any other application where more control is desired. This added capability does come at a price increase of as much as $10-$15 in some cases. We tend to carry a Victorinox alongside a larger knife like the Spyderco Manix 2, so the Pioneer X is our favorite of the two models due to the extra versatility it adds without being overly bulky.
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Spyderco Ladybug 3 Hawkbill Salt – First Impressions
Spyderco has a reputation for providing a range of knives of all different shapes and sizes. In fact, one of their preferred terms is the “little big knife”, one that is physically small but handles and cuts like one that is much larger. This brings us to one of the smallest of the locking knives offered by the Golden, Colorado company. The Ladybug 3 comes in a variety of different configurations. The standard blade shape is offered in both plain and serrated edge models with VG-10 or H-1 steel. This particular model is the non-sprint Hawkbill Salt variation which is currently only available in serrated H-1 Steel with Yellow FRN handle scales.
As expected, the Hawkbill Ladybug came out of the box with a sharp factory edge. One of the things that surprised us the most was the ease in which it can be opened and closed with one hand. Even at this scale, Spyderco’s trademark round hole works well. Going further, the knife’s overall design provides for a secure grip. The thumb rests naturally and securely on the thumb ramp which is covered in jimping that provides sufficient traction without creating a hotspot. Three fingers then fall naturally into the indentations on the handle. The result is a surprisingly secure grip on a very small knife which can be further augmented via a lanyard.
Initial impressions of the blade shape and serrations are positive. The blade can easily pierce and cut through materials like tape, cardboard, and thicker plastic/paper materials like those used in dogfood bags and other heavy packaging. The serrations are sharp enough to push cut through paper but also offer extra aggressiveness when cutting through material like paracord and rope. As we continue our testing, we will expand upon any additional strengths and weaknesses discovered. In general, we are impressed with the cutting power provided by the Hawkbill given that its 1.875 inch (48 mm) blade length might seem so small that it would lack usefulness. After all, the blade is not all that much longer than the one found on a Victorinox Classic SD. However, the combination of the blade shape, robust lock, and ergonomic handle make all of the difference.
Spyderco’s FRN continues to provide a quality feel with great traction which benefits a knife as small as this one. While the ultra-light weight of only 0.6 oz. (18 g) might feel cheap to some, we feel that the overall build conveys a sense of quality that makes it worth the price. We have not noticed any major flexing, rattling, gaps, or any other element that would indicate a cheap or poor build. In addition, we like how FRN holds up to wear as it does not seem to scratch easily or lose traction significantly over time.
Lockup is as solid as can be reasonably expected on a knife of this size. Should tuning or deep cleaning be necessary, the pivot and lockbar can be adjusted via small torx (T5) screws. Although, those who seek to disassemble this knife should be aware that it would likely void the knife’s warranty.
Of course, no examination of a knife would be complete without a brief discussion of its steel. This is especially the case with many of the knives in Spyderco’s Salt line which use H-1 steel. In many ways, H-1 is an interesting metal. It uses nitrogen to mostly replace the carbon present in many steels. This change provides it with extreme corrosion resistance that makes it well suited for any use case that exposes it to moisture or salt. H-1 is also interesting for its work hardening qualities which means that grinding, rolling, and other work done over the course of production increases the hardness of the metal. This is a reason why Spyderco and others familiar with Salt knives believe that the serrated H-1 models hold their edge longer than plain edge variants. The increased work done to serrated blades seems to result in a much harder edge. Another potential strength of H-1 is its response to use. While it may be a softer steel that may need to be sharpened more often, it tends to roll and bend as opposed to chip or break. This might make general maintenance easier over time and may make it easier to recover from mishaps or damage from hard use.
Blade Length - 1.875 ” (48 mm)
Overall Length - 4.313 ” (110 mm)
Blade Thickness - .078 ” (2 mm)
Weight - 0.6 oz. (18 g)
Overall, we are impressed with the Ladybug 3 Hawkbill Salt. It fills a role as a compact, ultralight knife with major cutting performance. As such, we look forward to preparing a full review as we complete our thoughts and observations on this model. In general, we feel that this is an excellent companion knife especially to a larger, plain edge blade knife like a Manix 2 or a Para Military 2.
FIT4RecreationTM is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
To help support our site and continue to provide new content in the future, these links provide us with a small commission for each sale.