Review Land - Sanrenmu 8103 vs 9103

Review Land-Sanrenmu 8103 VS 9103

Introduction

You already know that one of the most mythical knives of Sanrenmu has been 710/7010, and if you follow the history of quality chinese brands, you will also know that one of the most overwhelming successes of Land-Sanrenmu has been the 910+, followed for its versions with "frame lock" and full body in steel 9103 and 9104.

After the overwhelming success of models 9103 and 9104, there were people who asked for a knife like this one, but in a more measured size, Sanrenmu heard the supplications and here we have it ...

Exterior design and appearance

There is no doubt that the 8103 is based on the 9103, at first glance it looks like the same knife, but on a smaller scale. But it is not exactly like that, now we will analyze it. First of all, remember that versions 8103 and 9103 are in gray and 8104 and 9104 in dark color, being otherwise the same.

One of the first subtle differences that we are going to have between the 8103 and the 9103 is that the 8103 is stone washed, while the 9103 is satin and will reflect more light, as well as more scratches.

Other details that we can see is that the 8103 does not bring in blue color the "thumb studs" or the lanyard hole, in addition the "stop cylinder" is not screwed as in the 9103.

And if we go to the blade, we will see that the form is accurate to 9103 but on a smaller scale, yes, steel, again is another reason for difference, we do not have the acclaimed SandVik 12C27 from Sanrenmu but the classic steel 8Cr14Mov of the brand, which is fine for this range but that can mean a disappointment for those who wanted a knife exactly like the 9103 but in small size.

Continuing with the blade, we find a very classic "drop point" with partial flat grind, which makes it quite strong, although the tip is quite thin. We also have a "jimping hump".

And another difference we found on the back of the blade, which is square and not rounded as in 9103, I like square back blades more, but that's just a mania, does not mean anything.

Finally, the factory sharpening is very good and the blade is perfectly centered.

They seemed the same and look at the differences that we have already found, surprised?, well, let's continue...

The locking system in the 8103 is based on a "frame lock" like 9103, well positioned.

The handle in the 8103 as you know, all in stone washed steel, as the blade, however in the 9103 we can see a satin finish. Then we will see in the corresponding section how it behaves.

Regarding the measures we find:

8103

Total length	Closed	Blade width	Blade length	Weight on scale
18.5 cm	10.3 cm	2.6 cm	8.0 cm	106 gr

9103

Total length	Closed	Blade width	Blade length	Weight on scale
20 cm	11.5 cm	2.9 cm	8.5 cm	134 gr

Comparative

Vamos a ver cómo se ven juntas las Sanrenmu 710/7010, Land-Sanrenmu  910+, Land-Sanrenmu 8103 y la Land-Sanrenmu 9103:

Management and use

Let's start with the opening of the knives, which should be using the ambidextrous "thumb stud" they have.

About the 8103 i must say that the hardness in the blade retention is very high, excessive. This could be improved by touching the bolt of the pivot to loosen it a little, although it would be necessary to see if the blade is not decentered.

The "thumb studs" of the 8103 are quite small in height and somewhat slippery because the base is wider than its end, so between the “thumb studs” and the retention of the blade is very high, i can not open it with one hand and i have to use both to open it. At least that assures me that the blade will not open itself while i carry it in my pocket.

In this i must note another difference with Land-Sanrenmu 910+ and 9103/9104 models, all have ball bearings, but model 8103 has washers. It is not only that the 8103 has a very high retention of the blade, it is that once that retention expires, it does not slip smoothly either, there is a lot of friction.

The retention of the blade of the 9103, much higher than in the 910+, is somewhat similar to the 8103 and the displacement of the blade much smoother to the latter thanks to the bearings.

As for the thumb studs of the 9103, they are equal to those of the 910+ and are also the same as those of the 8103 but in a slightly larger size.

Once open both the 8103 and the 9103, in my hand i find them very good, the handle grip very well with the hand and the slit where the "frame lock" makes you can fit a finger in that area and handle it with looseness. In addition, the "jimping hump" of the upper area are also excellent, the angle of the hump is good and the "teeth" of the jimping are perfect, they are together and do not hurt the finger, it is not easy to find a balance in jimpings for good grip and do not hurt but these knives get it.

In both models the "frame lock" is positioned at a very good angle and transmits security, there is no Blade play neither vertical nor horizontal.

Finally comment that the "pocket clip" on the 8103 can not be changed sideways and on the 9103 yes, as on the 910+.

Final verdict

The 8103 is a knife that distills quality, excellent terminations, comfortable in the hand and the dream of people who wanted a smaller 9103.

But we must bear in mind that it has some differences with the 9103, some minor and others more important as the difference in steel or not bearing bearings.

If you love your 9103 but it seems you too big and you do not care about the differences we have found between the two, this model 8103 (or 8104) is your model, bigger than a 710/7010 but smaller than a 9103.

However, if the size is not a problem for you, then you should choose the 9103 because in addition to a larger size, it offers a better steel, it has bearings to improve its opening smoothness, the "pocket clip" can be changed sideways and has some additional aesthetic detail.

In any case, both form a good couple, one for each situation.

What i liked the most

- Knives manufactured with high quality, all polished, centered blade, perfect lock...

- They adapt very well to the hand, both the handle and the "hump with jimping" are very good.

- If the Sanrenmu 7010 is too small and the 9103 is too big, the 8103 is your knife. It is the average size between the two, although it looks more like 9103 than 7010.

- If the size of the knife is not a problem for you, the 9103 offers a better steel than the 8104 (Sandvik 12C27 vs 8Cr14Mov) and provides bearings to improve the smoothness of the opening, as well as other aesthetic details that you may like (or no) as the blue tone in some areas.

What i liked less

- If Land-Sanrenmu has accustomed us to the Sandvik 12C27 steel on the 9103/9104 models, they should have also used it on the 8103/8014 models if they wanted to make a reduced version of the first and not having changed the steel for the 8Cr14Mov.

- In the 8103 and 9103 the blade retention is very high and the thumb studs with little grip do not help to open it to one hand. Neither is the displacement in the 8103 smooth, since they have removed the ball bearings of the 9103/9104.

Moving

Where to buy it

Exduct

Link: Land - Sanrenmu 8103

Link: Land - Sanrenmu 9103

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