Review Y-Start LK5011

Review Y-Start LK5011

Introduction

Throughout more than two years of work in this blog we have seen many wonderful knives at a fairly low price. Now is the time to see what Chinese brands offer us in premium low-cost ranges.

Let's start a series of product reviews with titanium, bigger words. We all know the brand Y-Start, has had some of the most resounding successes of recent times with models Jin01 and Jin02 for example, very well made folder knives with an incredible price carrying steel D2 and with a magnificent design and finishes. Today we are going to see one of its newest models of its high end, ceramic bearings, titanium... the Y-Start LK5011.

Welcome to the titanium party...

Exterior design and appearance

The folder knife is visually different from what we usually see, it's like seeing a costume from a famous fashion designer, you know you're looking at something else and it's not the one you usually buy at the mall. It really has a simple design but that attracts without being able to avoid it, is based on the japanese kwaiken knife, which was a small dagger that carried the samurai class hidden under the kimono, for example for self-defense. Hence the small width of the blade and handle occupying very little space, as well as a rather intimidating blade.

Overview

First of all, to comment that the finishes with which we can choose the model is: coated blade or uncoated, being the black color of the handle required. In the case at hand i have chosen the version of satin blade (uncoated).

It is a knife with opening by a “flipper” with titanium handle and "frame lock" (with possibility of substitution) of the same material, blade type "american tanto" in 440C steel and ceramic bearings.

"Flipper" with jimping

It is worth mentioning that very rarely (almost never) we find models with "flipper" and "without “thumb studs", which is one of the styles that i like more.

Focusing on the handle, we will see that it is made of a block, here we have no G10 or "liners" but the whole handle is a block of titanium type TC4 carved in which the screws we see are larger than we usually see in any chinese folder knives, which is appreciated because they will not deform as easily as others. It also has lanyard hole. The feel is very good, has a certain grip on the texture of the carving (not like the clear G10 is) and is very light both the handle and the folder knife. Recall that some of the advantages of titanium are its lightness, strength in relation to weight, absence of bacteria and totally stainless, so it is used for prosthesis inside the body.

Closed view

 Detail of handle texture

The blade in steel 440C is "american tanto" type especially acute, it is impressive its power of penetration, touching the tip is almost like touching a needle. The grind chosen is partial flat

Blade detail

Awesome tip

Blade with perfect centering

As for the measures, they are actually restrained within what are large folder knives:

Total length	Length closed	Blade thickness	Blade length	Weight in scale
20.8 cm	12.1 cm	3.5 mm	8.7 cm	110 gr

Handling and use

Having it in hand, you can see the low weight of the titanium, next to a size not excessive, and is not very wide, which is transported quite easily. It really is a folder knife that occupies little space closed and of low weight.

The "pocket clip" is very correct, with a balanced level of hardness, it does not completely hide the knife in the pocket but it does match the color of the handle (you know that the color of the "pocket clips" is often satin even if the blade is coated and the handle is black, here is the color of the handle at least).

Correct pocket clip

To open it we can use the "flipper", there are no "thumb studs", obtaining a very good experience thanks to the ceramic ball bearings, opens fluid and soft, being the retention of the blade perfect, neither hard nor soft. To close it, we can also notice how fluid the closing is. I must say that it can be one of the most pleasant blades to open for smooth movement and blade retention that we have seen so far.

The "frame lock" locks the knife well and is well adjusted, in the image we can appreciate what sticks out from the blade, it is a very correct angle for a new knife.

"Frame lock" detail

In addition to saying that it is replaceable: "liner locks" and "frame locks" can wear away over time from the friction between the metal sheet of the locking system and the base of the blade, which is made as an inclined plane so it does not slide. Well, over time and wear the friction every time the locking blade will get more and more on the base of the blade until the angle is no longer adequate and the folder knife loses safety. This problem disappears if that sheet is replaceable, and we are in that case, if you look at the base of the "frame lock" you will see two screws that hold the part where the contact exists. That area is replaceable and we would have a new lock every time.

Replaceable "frame lock" zone

View of replaceable board

It brings its own screwdriver to replace the "frame lock"

I have to insist on the blade, it is a really pointed “tanto” type, a point that is scary to look at, also very sharp, i think it would go through anything and i think that self defense is one of their specialties with no doubt, for something is a kwaiken knife. Extremely penetrating and sharp blade, quick opening, strong locking system with titanium frame lock...

Final verdict

I must admit that the Y-Start LK5011 i liked since i saw them in photos, is one of those that attract you as soon as you see it.

A premium titanium knife, opening by ceramic ball bearing, replaceable “frame lock”, different design to normal, light, strong... the era of titanium has arrived, it is not a cheap element, but i have seen titanium knives that cost more than twice than this. I think that the LK5011 is a very good option if you want to have your first titanium knife that does not cost an outrage, and if you have any, it is a good opportunity to extend it.

I can recommend the LK5011 without any problem because it has quality construction and materials, as it already has us more than accustomed Y-Start, and as it could not be otherwise in its premium range.

The best

- Ceramic ball bearing.

- Titanium structure (light, strong, stainless...).

- Base of frame lock replaceable after wear with screws.

- I love the aggressiveness of the blade.

- Incredibly smooth opening using the "flipper" next to the bearings, I can not think of any more pleasant to open than this one to date.

- Within the premium range of chinese knives is very well priced if compared to other titanium that cost more than double than this.

Worst

- The pivot screw to adjust the blade should be standard. At least you can use a flat screwdriver for it.

- Aggressive blade, not to be used anywhere because people can be frightened. It is not a counter, you just have to know where to use it.

- If you are accustomed to knives without titanium, without ceramic ball bearings and without replaceable frame lock, it may seem the price high.

- D2 steel could have been used as in previous models.

Moving

Where to buy

Online shops of the manufacturer Y-Start:

http://www.dhgate.com/store/20010826#st-navigation-storehome

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/2219158