Review Sanrenmu GR5-605

Review Sanrenmu GR5-605

Introducción

The knife that we will discuss today is reputed to be one of the highest quality Chinese brand now possibly, but before of validate this statement see what offers us ...

The Sanrenmu brand has experienced in the last year to two years ago some major changes, first have launched a large number of models, and changed the logo placed on the blade and no longer writes the steel they use, which seems to me a mistake. However, it has started using 8Cr14MoV Steel and 12C27 which are good news since before it was anchored in the 8CR13MoV, but even the latter is an acceptable steel and must take into account that the heat treatment is sometimes more important than the type of steel and Sanrenmu knows how to work with it well.

Exterior design and appearance

The first thing you notice is that this knife is small, very small, almost of being hooked to a key ring, but that does not mean that it hasn’t made with the normal standards of quality of Sanrenmu brand and you can appreciate the very good work like its big brothers.

Overview

There are three models of this knife: GR5-605 (the tested here), GV-604 (“tanto” point, only sharpened on one side of the blade and green handle) 6044LTC-GL (like GV-604 but with red handle and more expensive). Undoubtedly the most successful is discussed here and I think the reason is obvious, because it brings a more useful blade than its brother. We speak of a blade type "drop point" full flat ground and sharpened on both sides, that for such a small blade can more useful than a “tanto” point, although the latter to open boxes can go well the sharp angle between the two edges of a “tanto” blade.

As already mentioned, the knife is really small, but that does not mean that it’s not made as a large folder knife, we have a G10 handle, dark red, with system lock "liner lock" thumb studs only right-handed and a pocket clip, steel liners, "allen" screws for adjusting the pivot, even brings a lanyard hole. You see all that you usually can see on a larger tactical knife. The handle grip is average, but it isn’t too aggressive. 

Handle detail

The blade is made from the popular 8CR13MoV steel, which is fine, plus the heat treatment of this brand is good.

Blade detail

The weight of the knife is only 40 grams, measuring 7.6 cm handle with a blade of 5.7 cm. The most important feature is the finger choil that we will explain the use in the management section.

The "liners" that form the structure of the blade are very thin and without drilling, although in this case it is not necessary, and weighs very little. The "liner lock” is very thin but also the blade, well, relatively, and only when it’s compared with other bigger knives, but for its size the blade is much stronger and thicker than the traditional multipurpose knives, the system lock works perfectly without blade play.

System lock detail 

 Well centered blade and "liners" with points from factory

We have a full flat ground that gives good qualities as cutter, although its size would not be very practical for food, meat cutting or peeling fruit. Note that the factory edge was very badly sharpened, having to sharpen myself and getting shaving sharp. Do not take this as the sharpness of the sanrenmu house is bad, it's just a bit of lottery, other models from sanrenmu have come shaving sharp from factory.

The pocket clip is a bit hard and not too long proportionate to the total length, note that carried a small notch hit or scratch.

Closed view pocket clip

A jimping was not found on the blade or the handle and really be worth that the blade take it in a  good position because we would have a very good grip between it and the finger choil.

View from above, without jimping

Handling

Managing such a small knife is always a bit complicated, but thanks to the finger choil on the knife’s blade we have a very good grip to take such a small handle, thanks to that finger choil you can take three fingers tightly, and if we move the fingers forward, even with nearly four fingers depending on the size of the hand. If there were a jimping it would be perfect, even so, we have a better grip that some larger knives.

To open two retention systems, one at the beginning so the blade is not opened and another when missing 22.5º to finish open, the opening is very soft, and although due to the size is not easy to open with one hand you can expect to get. The feeling is really quite good and smooth

Blocking even being so thin falling into a relatively thin blade is good and keeps the blade safely, and without blade play vertical or horizontal.

The Verdict

Although i do not usually like me small knives, i recognize that you just loving it, it has almost all the features of any tactical knife but in miniature. The market to which it belongs is that of the EDC, knives you carry every day, but in my opinion it is better to have such backup, without being noticed, for if it’s necessary. Perfect to take a small box with a flashlight with the same size for survival issues. I not think it is ideal, if you know you'll need a knife, pick it, but it is perfect for its tiny weight and size carrying just in case.

Very good feeling for the knife with system lock cheaper from Sanrenmu company (this may vary depending stores).

Final view

Pros

- Full flat ground.

- Very good grip thanks to the finger choil.

- Lock system in such a small knife.

- Perfect just in case such a backup with a flashlight in some place.

- Low price to have the characteristics of a tactical knife in miniature.

Cons

- Lack of jimping on the blade, had been perfect with the finger choil.

- Only right-handed thumb stud.

- Too small for many tasks and EDC.