Review Ganzo G7531-CF

Review Ganzo G7531-CF

Introduction

As you know, we have already reviewed some models from Ganzo. This company has experienced in the last two years one of the biggest transformations seen in a chinese company of cutlery. Improving its quality in finishing and steel (or heat treatment) and taking a huge number of models.

This one that I present to you today, of last batch, undoubtedly is one of the models from Ganzo more 

requested by the people loving of the mark. Let's see what makes it so special for it ...

Exterior design and appearance

Well, just look at its appearance and we started to answer the question posed in the introduction, it is all a beauty based on the Protech TR-5 model. A very aggressive aspect of the blade but with a handle not too tactical.

There are times when, when there is a new model of folder knife and you see the first photos on the internet, you know you want it. This is one of them.

General view

Preview of some knives that will be reviewed in depth in 2017

Preview of some knives that will be reviewed in depth in 2017

Review multi-tool card VS traditional multi-purpose knife (with cutting tests)

Review multi-tool card VS traditional multi-purpose knife (with cutting tests)

Introduction

Small multi-tools with different functions have proliferated Lately, among them there are some types with the size and shape of approximately a credit card. Today we are going to review an unbranded concrete model, to see if it really works and the most important: can it replace a traditional multipurpose knife?.

At the end of the review we can see the answer and my specific opinion on it. Also, do not miss the video cut-testing section at the end, which is very significant.

Exterior design and appearance

The design is very simple, it is normal, basically it is a steel plate in which perforations have been made, even so, has taken advantage of the space and tried to introduce the maximum tools.

General view 1

Review Sanrenmu 733/7033

Review Sanrenmu 733/7033

Introduction

We already know the brand Sanrenmu, small knives (some exceptions) with quality and some of them really gems belonging to the olympus of chinese knives as the model 710/7010 or 763/7063.

Today we are going to present a model that takes years in the market although it has been renewed with the new nomenclature of the brand, but also has changed the design, it is a shame that it is no longer manufactured with an appearance like the old 733, but still can find the model in stores.

Exterior design and appearance

We have the Sanrenmu 733 in different versions, formerly there was only the 733 all in steel and "frame lock" (with coated blade or not) but now we have several options to choose with the new Sanrenmu format, the equivalent of now would be the model 7033. We can choose both the handle scales and the locking system and even with coated blade, some examples of different versions are: 7033 LUC-PH (polycarbonate handle scales and “liner lock”), 7033 LUC-SCX (all in steel but skeletonized frame and “frame lock”)...

General view

Review Tekut LK5050 Dapper

Review Tekut LK5050 Dapper

Introduction

Tekut is a fairly old brand, has spent years among us, but for some reason, i don’t see they've been too successfuly in dealing with other brands. They have small models but, in my opinion, have never been able to compete with Sanrenmu, and have larger models but i do not see that have been competition for brands like Enlan or Ganzo. Is Tekut a quality brand then? yes, it is, but competition is fierce with many quality chinese brands, and also more and more.

There are some especially interesting model as the Tekut ares model, which exists in version "folder knife" and version "fixed knife". In the case of the version fixed knife it is hard to find, and it's a shame because it has as a good tactical looking (full tang, “tanto tip” ...), but by distribution issue or any other issue it is not possible to find in the usual shops. And in fixed knives chinese brands just take anything and is an area in which Tekut could highlight over other brands.

Exterior design and appearance

What about this little model? Well, the overall look when you have it in the hand is that almost looks like a toy, very small, colorful rainbow… but if we stop of see the knife with innocent eyes and we have abstraction capacity, we can see further and see a very very pointy knife and with "framelock" locking system, actually it features a tactical knife, but for its small size and color that feature is hidden at first view. What I mean by this is that if this knife is made to a large scale would be quite scary.

General view 1

Accessories for sharpening very economical.

Accessories for sharpening very economical

Review Ganzo G743-1-BK

Review Ganzo G743-1-BK

Introduction

Some people will remember when Ganzo only provides as automatic model the G707. But from a while until now, it has taken a few automatic models: G747, G719, G736... and apart from its opening system, they have a common design, stylized, with narrow blades and handles, a visual style that is not seen in other manual models.

But... what about the millions of people who like that style but in your country switchblades are prohibited?. The Ganzo G743 has come to solve this problem...

Exterior design and appearance

There are knives that do not like, others that at first no and then yes (or vice versa), and others that since you look love it and know you want to have it. In this case, since i saw the G743 on photos i liked a lot, and also reminded me to the Ganzo automatic models.

General view

Review Y-Start Jin01

Review Y-Start Jin01

Introduction

When we reviewed the knife Y-Start Lk5800 was a phrase that said:

“The Jin01 model on D2 steel from Y-Start also seems an excellent model to be analyzed.”

I think the time has come…

There are knives that are authentic tanks, very strong, very thick blades and strong tips for wood and bushcraft tasks as the Ganzo G720 or G722, others more for self-defense, not as robust but much more penetrating and with thin tips for piercing as the GanzoG712 or the own Y-start LK5008, brand sister. However, there are other types of knives, not many as it seems, than are knives with a more classic style, elegant, and are not designed (initially) for bushcraft or for self-defense. There are situations that we want a knife that do not call much attention and that will not scare people in a social time or any other susceptible to these issues (camping, birthdays in the field in which not all people know us, walking with friends...). Each type of knife is for a function, task and time ...

Exterior design and appearance

We continue with the talk in the introduction, it is that the appearance of this knife is what we might call a gentleman knife. It is a type of knife with classic touches, which does not attract attention in excess of people, which is not offensive, intimidating or aggressive,  

Overview

Various issues, doubts, questions... about knives 2

Various issues, doubts, questions... about knives 2

Introduction

We continue with the second part of this series of articles where i would like to try to respond, reflect and discuss issues that i see much everywhere. I do not want to impose anything on anyone, but yes to get an analysis and reflection on different facts or very frequent questions...

Issues and questions

The mixed edge is best ... no, plain edge, not serrated...

Answer: Normally, nothing is better, but yes better for some things than others. A knife with a large blade width and thickness to near the tip will be good for bushcraft but not so self-defense, and viceversa. With the kind of edge it's the same, and there is an article in the blog about edge types so i will not dwell. According to your usual tasks choose one or the other. If only short fibrous materials and rope, you might want full sawed, if wood carvings, do tips on sticks, fruit peel etc. you will want one plain. The mixed has the best of both, but with little space for each edge, can be used to start cutting fibrous materials and finish with the smooth edge. To me it is my least favorite, but it's just my taste. My favorite is the plain edge.

Various issues, doubts, questions... about knives 1

Various issues, doubts, questions... about knives 1

Introduction

On this occasion, i would like to try to respond, reflect and discuss on issues that i see much everywhere. I do not want to impose anything on anyone, but i get an analysis and reflection on different facts or very frequent questions...

Issues and questions

I have picked up a folder knife, I did "batoning" with it and the blade has resisted!, why then use a fixed knife?, must be idiots those using fixed knives and not folder knives with how comfortable they are. Yes, no longer blocks just as well…

Answer: If you have no choice to do "batoning" with a folder knife, do it with the lock system off, this technique does to suffer and to fail the lock system. Overall, never do it with a folder knife, and if it is not necessary, either with the fixed knife.

Review Cima 1058 vs Cima 1

Review Cima 1058 vs Cima 1

Introduction

Not long ago we were discussing the now bestselling Cima 1. The impression was quite good and i wanted to repeat with the brand to see what other models could be interesting.

The knife Cima 1 was well finished and was very suitable for bushcraft tasks, lets see what we find on the knife Cima 1058 compared with Cima 1...

Exterior design and appearance

The Cima 1 model was excellent for bushcraft tasks because of its morphology, with a big belly that facilitates cutting food (important in the field), full flat grind, which is great for wood and a good thick spine and tip (specific because the thickness of the spine is not always in line with the thickness of the tip).

OverView

Review Enlan EL03

Review Enlan EL03

Introduction

Enlan EL03, so it’s called one of the hardest knives for thinking why it is so underappreciated, or at least as unpopular.

Enlan is a great brand, i think all is known, and although lately their new models do not reach the usual shops for some reason, we must recognize them some of the most popular models of the quality chinese knives brands. The Enlan 03 model takes time on the market, however, it is difficult to find in the usual shops along. I will try to decipher in this review if this is motivated by something or there is not reason for it really.

Let us begin…

Exterior design and appearance

This model took him out in 4 different versions, not usual thing in the brand:

EL03A: With partial flat grind, “drop point” blade and drilled handle and “liners”.

EL03B: With full flat grind, “hackbill” blade and drilled handle and “liners”.

EL03C: With partial flat grind, “drop point” blade and undrilled handle and “liners”.

EL03D: With full flat grind, “hackbill” blade and undrilled handle and “liners”.

The model chosen for review is the EL03C.      

OverView

Article old Enlan EL01 VS the new one

Article old Enlan EL01 VS the new one

Introduction

Is there a fan of quality chinese knives and low price that does not know the Enlan EL01 or not have one?. Hardly.

A tactical knife, very strong, with a huge locking system “liner lock”, incredibly thick tip (of the best i've seen in a knife), “flipper” and original blade design. Wich Böker also sells remarked in its Magnum series.

It's been many years since the birth of the model EL01, however, it is still one of the best, plus the price is lower (for its size) than other newer models from Enlan or other brands as Ganzo.

There are manufacturers that, although at first view is not noticeable, vary somewhat designing their knives to improve them, for example the Harnds CK6015 Viper was manufactured initially without drilling the steel "liners" steel of the handle, and then started drilling reducing weight. Or Ganzo with its popular GanzoG704 model, that varied the size of the thumb studs, up the thickness of the blade and eliminated the vertical game that had some copies

I will try to see if there is any difference between the first and the latest models of this popular knife...

Exterior design and appearance

Visually we will carefully observe the following items which may have been changed:

New up vs old below

Review Inron MY803

Review Inron MY803

Introduction

Today we present a very particular knife, it is a model of the Inron brand, which emerged some time ago. The legend says that was forged by employees of Enlan, but can not affirm or deny.

The Inron brand appeared relatively strong in the market with some interesting models of low price and good size, and a steel used above average as in the example that we bring today.

However I must say that today, and especially after the huge rise in popularity and models of the Ganzo brand, is quite in decline in sales. But let's see if still worthwhile or not...

Exterior design and appearance

The first thing that drew attention in the design is that it can remember the model “Hinderer xm-18”, but neither is fully copy, and the second thing is that draw attention visually at first sight is quite large, but i would say more due to the handle than anything else, although it is true that globally is greater than many other models, for example it is clearly larger than an Enlan EL01, which has a respectable size. This model can be chosen in various colors, and as you can see, this version is orange.

OverView

Review Y-Start LK5008

Review Y-Start LK5008

Introduction

Today i bring you a very special knife from the Y-Start brand. We started talking about this company, it takes many years on the market but for some reason is not known really, not like Sanrenmu, Enlan, Ganzo… A few years ago it has several models of fixed knives that can still be found, as “knife with wooden handle old style”, or “swordfish”, both with AUS-8ª steel, also a copy of Baileys S4 on ATS-34 steel and several models. But it has also made knives for other manufacturers who have put their brand. In this I want to clarify something about the difference between copying a model and make a model for another company and then out you with your brand:

Imagine two knives of two different companies but are equal in design. Companies are called A and B.

It can take two things (among many others):

       1)  That the knife is original from A but B copies its design and puts its brand.

       2)  That the knife is original from A but B copies its design and puts the A Brand (fake).

       3)  That the knife is original from A but it offers to B and B put its brand name. But A puts this            model in the market too with its brand (A).

For some of the more quality knives from Y-Start have gone through the process 3). For example with its model Jin01, which it is identical to model of Steelclaw and to the Bokër magnum b&b. The Jin01 model on D2 steel from Y-Start also seems an excellent model to be analyzed.

A brand through the point 3) usually very good because it indicates that you have enough quality to other well-known brands rebrand with its name, for example Enlan also offers some of its models for Böker, like the EL01 and the EL17, that we can find rebranded.

But today we get the model Y-Start LK5008, I think it will not leave anyone indifferent, let's see...

Exterior design and appearance

As i said, its appearance does not leave anyone indifferent, has a fearsome appearance by a little width blade, with a spectacular back edge, very sharp and long. In general it has a fairly aggressive look so be careful where you use it to avoid causing fear in people.

OverView

Blade morphology. Grinding types 2.

Blade morohology

-Grind types 2-

Let's see the main features of each type of grinding, the most common that we can find in the global cutlery:

Partial flat ground

Partial flat ground goes straight from the beginning of the grinding to the edge, in this case it is partial because not drop from the back of the blade, this method ensures that we have a great strength as there is a lot of material on top of the blade to withstand stress and effort, but also you are going removing the blade material smoothly, straight up to the edge. This grinding finds the strength cutting. While we think that the sharpening angle will give us the ability to actually cut, which is true, it remains also true that once introduced the blade material through the edge it will not slide as easily depending on how thin is the material, creating the "wedge effect" that prevents progress.

Blade morphology. Grinding types 1.

Blade morphology

- Grinding types 1-

When we have a cabinet full of knives of all kinds of brands, shapes and colors and choose one of them at what's going on? is it just aesthetic? is it really chosen because it adapts to the tasks we need to do? is it a crush?. The answers to these questions are so personal that i'm not going to answer here, there is no single answer, it depends on each person. But what I dare say is that the morphology of the blade is a decisive factor in this election, and within that morphology the grind type of tip are two absolutely key factors.

In this article we will talk a little about the types of general grinding that we can find and recommended use.

Review Cima 1

Review Cima 1

Introduction

Cima is a new brand in the Chinese cutlery with some interesting models. In its catalog we can see they cover a large part of the market offering from modest specifications knives and pricing to high-priced and high-end specifications, on fixed and folder knives. In this case, i have selected the model Cima 1 for its good quality/price ratio and i think it can be one of the models that more popularity has reached due to its qualities.

Let's see what offers us…

Exterior design and appearance

Outwardly we have a piece with a classic design inspired by the Esee-3 knife but with a much lower price. Blade “drop point” style, good belly near the tip, with full flat ground and black coated, gray micarta handle and overall dimensions of 21.5 cm, 8.5 cm blade length and width 3.2 cm with 4.5 mm thickness and 208 gr weight, a size quite content.

OverView

Review Ganzo G720

Review Ganzo G720

Introduction

Today the analysis refers undoubtedly one of the folder knife of the Ganzo new era most important and most successful. When it was released some claim to be the best knife Ganzo ever made, well, let's see what we have in hand and we will try to see if it is the best that has made this brand or it is not.

Exterior design and appearance

All of us know that Ganzo often copy their designs from other brands and this is no exception, the design is very very inspired (not an exact copy) on the Lion Steel SR1, high price knife with high quality materials. Although they look very similar we can see differences in each part that makes up the knife. 

OverView

Review Ganzo G710

Review Ganzo G710

Introduction

Today we present a model of the Ganzo brand that has not been too popular or best-selling model (but that does not mean it's bad model), this is the model G710, design copy of Benchmade rift with some minor differences. It's a pretty interesting model for a number of features that we will be revealing in the following text.

Exterior design and appearance

Externally there is a large knife, with dimensions of 21 cm total length and 9 cm blade length and weight of 155 gr with a quite tactical appearance. A blade with a fairly aggressive tactic handle.

OverView

Review Sanrenmu 710/7010

Review Sanrenmu 710 / 710LUC-SA

Introduction

Although quality Chinese companies take several years on the market, until today I think it may be true the following statement: if Enlan has as a icon its model EL01 and Ganzo the G704, the icon of Sanrenmu is the 710 (with permission of the 763 model, it also became an icon of the brand over time).

It is true that in recent times Sanrenmu It has renewed its models, its steel used, and even the logo and other details of their blades, but certainly the model 710 has been iconic and one of the reasons that people began to talk about Sanrenmu together with the dearest 763. This model is known as “Poor Man's Sebenza” for its resemblance to the model Chris Reeve sebenza.

Exterior design and appearance

The model presented is the original, the first produced, the classic model 710, but after the renewal of the brand it was renamed to 710LUC-SA, however the appearance is the same except in the print of the blade with the new logo and other text or symbols.

OverView