Review Ganzo G704

Review Ganzo G704

Introduction

The model we present today can be defined as one of the most sought knives for their qualities of strength, safety and commitment from China, the Ganzo G704, perhaps the most representative model from Ganzo brand. Ganzo is one of the best companies of chinese origin with Sanrenmu and Enlan in overall quality. 

The analysis G704 is the second revision of the model, initially this model had a 3.5 mm blade and a thum stud to open smaller. It was also not uncommon to find some set of vertical blade, that problem disappeared with this second version and took the blade up to 4 mm thick.

Exterior design and appearance

The exterior is a copy of a now discontinued model from H&K, the 14205. I want to clarify at this point the difference between fake and copy, a fake intended to cheat by copying the appearance and putting the original brand and a copy is based on an original model and puts its mark. In this case they have copied the look but has introduced high quality at a price much lower. Knife measures are in the limit for calling "big" size. We have a total length of 20 cm and 8.5 cm blade long giving me a weight of 147 grams on the bascule.

We have a very nice anatomical and grab handle and the blade has added a  hump to support the finger and add force, better and more comfortable can not be for my taste.

Detail overview

If you look at the blade you will see a morphology that I would define almost like "spear point" although with traits of "drop point" with a back edge up for better penetration and a flat emptied but not from the top. It seems to me quite attractive.

Blade detail

The 440C steel is used in general, but in this particular model only wrote 440 and so far seems to be the same steel used for writing 440C models but i can’t confirm that. We must comment that the Chinese steel 440C is really 9Cr18MoV and with the appropriate heat treatment is a good steel. If we look closely we see that the blade has a matte coating that does not shine with reflexes increasing a tactical or survival / hunting aspect.

About the handle, as we said before, allows a comfortable grip and more if we use the blade hump with jumping but the grip is not the best because the textured G10 is not very aggressive, i am not say that it can slip but it is not an excellent texture, not so grippy.

Handle detail

Tip detail

The tip is not too aggressive but thanks to back edge has good penetration, the angle of the belly of the blade is suitable for cutting easily.

There isn't a “cutter” blade due to its thickness and type of grind it’s a survival or tactical knife for hard work.

Top blade detail

The pocket clip is right, having a good compromise between strength and flexibility, and depends on each person will like about it is the tip downward or upward or could be on one side or the other of the handle, the pocket clip is not exchangeable. The "liners" are not drilled and the blade is properly centered.

Pocket clip detail

Closed blade detail

Handling

As mentioned before the grip is very good and comfortable, the lock is a "axis lock", one of the best in the world, and in this case is well implemented. It does not become super soft but the drive is good and we can draw completely suddenly pressing the spring of the locking system, and the same to close a flick of the wrist. Of course we can also use thumb studs.

The tension of the locking system is strong but not too much, I think it is good but there isn’t so much surface of the locking pin above the blade as for example the Enlan EL04 but not necessarily mean worse. No lateral or vertical blade play.

Factory sharpening is okay, it isn’t super sharp but enough to cut paper with only pressure, it is generally correct. Of course we can sharpen more or change the sharpening angle and cutting edge and could get a shaving sharp, this steel gives for it. Just do not get to thin slices of something because we handle a 4 mm thick blade, but will serve for other purposes.

Generally in a situation of need I think it could be done "batoning" with it or pry and could withstand the same or better than knives multiply several times the price.

Final Verdict

It not for nothing is one of the knives made in China most famous of all time along with Enlan EL01, robust, reliable, good settings and good quality / price ratio.

Final view

Pros:

- A blade that attracts her, like "spear point" but it’s a little "drop point".

- Anatomically the best to catch it.

- Very strong lock and gives confidence.

- Very good overall sense to have it in hand.

- A blade thickness makes it suitable for very hard work.

- Tactical appearance by the shape of the blade, the handle and the anti-flashing coating.

Cons:

- The handle grip isn’t too good due to the used texture.

- I would wish between 0.5 and 1 centimeter blade more.

- The thickness of the back of the blade can be inconvenient for some tasks, like peeling fruit or make   thin slices of food.

- Maybe some do not like the weight according to taste.