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

We can find two finishes, stone-washed or satin blade. And scales in black, green and orange in G10 and a wood version. The chosen version is satin with G10 scales in black.

It is a folder knife elegant but aggressive at the same time, because of the pointy tip, very stylized and fine lines. Some of the measures that we find: total length 20.2 cm, blade length 8.8 cm with 2.3 cm blade width and a spine thickness of 3 mm. The scale weight was 127 gr.

The blade design is a "spear point" (but not completely symmetrical) with full flat grind, aggressive and very pointy in 440C steel, classic of Ganzo. There isn’t much angle at the end of the blade, not just belly, normal in a blade that  puncture much. We find it well centered.

Blade detail

Thick blade for the style that has

To the folder knife suits it beautifully black in combination with steel color, and the handle has a metal area and other in G10, with a good grip texture (very aggressive texture, and i like it). I heard that the orange version has a G10 texture with less grip than green and black, but i can not confirm it. In this case Ganzo should hurry to equalize all handles of the G743 regardless of color because those details should not happen.

Handle detail

Detail of the aggressive texture

Regarding the locking system, we have a "frame lock", but is different from those we have seen before. Let me explain: The "frame lock" systems use a thick (sometimes not so much: Inron My803) steel "liner" in the handle, so there isn’t a scale over it, hence we always see a scale finished in G10 (or other material) and other made of steel only. But here we have G10 in both scales, why? because it has used a "liner" which is thicker above than the rest, hence we have a thinner "frame lock" in a large part of the “liner” length than in other models. I would have preferred to have a scale without G10 and to have the entire thickness of the "frame lock" throughout.

"Frame lock" detail

Detail of the "frame lock" cutting 

Handling and use

We must to start talking about that is not a switchblade despite appearances, which influences course in its handling.

Thanks to it is manual opening solves that problem that we indicated for people who like the style and appearance of switchblades, but that is not legal in your country.

The knife in the hand is ok although the handle is quite narrow as usual in this type of folder knives, so the feeling is different to other types of folder knives designed more for work.

Although it is a knife designed to puncture, it does not find any "jimping" or "hump" on the handle or on the blade to make more force or the finger prevents slippage of the hand to the blade if you are puncturing something hard. Use brass/copper washers (very smooth) and we find good fit and finish with no vertical or horizontal blade play.

Both metal washers

The two obvious ways to open the knife are using the "flipper", in which we find it difficult without using a flick of the wrist, but with a very slight twist opens fast and smooth and the other way is using the " thumb stud". The speed of the knife to open is quick and very smooth (both metal washers), but with the "flipper" is not perfect because the blade weighs little and the "flipper" is rather short, but hey, it's very slight the twist of the wrist that you must do to for opening it.

"Flipper" detail 1

"Flipper" detail 2

The locking system seems quite safe, but as we discussed in the section exterior design and appearance, the thick part of the "frame lock" is blocking the blade, but much of the blade locking is thin, therefore it can not stand such pressure before bending, but at least the base holding the blade is very thick and make it harder to slip.

It is worth mentioning that having small dimensions in width (the knife is very narrow) fits in anywhere, even in tight pockets. It is just the opposite of the Ganzo G720 in that aspect (and their tasks are very different as well).

Being narrow, fits anywhere

If we enter the Ganzo web we will see how is in the category of knife for city, i do not know what city will be that, because it seems to me a knife too aggressive for going into the city with it.

Regarding to the recommended use, well, i would not say it is to prepare food because, although the full flat grind is great for this, the little belly and width of the blade does not invite to that, which does not mean that we can do. I see this knife more for self-defense or cutting elements that need to be drilled before, the penetrability of this knife is one of the best, although, lack of the jimping in the blade or in the handle does not help to cut by pressure. Undoubtedly penetration is the essence of this knife.

Finally, the pocket clip at first view seems fragile because it is hollow, but it is not weak, also hides the knife completely (deep carry clip), there are many people looking for the same thing. Of course, you can not change the position.

Pocket clip

Final verdict

Finally many people who like the style of automatic knives from Ganzo and that in his country are illegal, will can have one being legal, because it keeps all design from them but with a manual opening.

It is a very nice knife that combines a classic look with an aggressive one, ideal for narrow pockets and a system lock that holds more than it seems.

Although it is designed to puncture, the blade is thick, it is not the typical very thin and delicate blade that only puncture, this blade has a great balance between penetration ability, blade strength and even cutting due to the flat grind, although the near absence of belly and little width of the blade does not invite to the food preparation.

In short, if you like the switchblade style and they are prohibited in your country, i recommend you this knife and I hope Ganzo makes more switchblade-like models but which are manual.

Pros

- I love its appearance. Elegant, stylish, beautiful...

- The pocket clip completely hides the knife (deep carry clip).

- The folder knife is very narrow and fits anywhere, even in tight pockets, just the opposite of Ganzo G720. For EDC can be fine.

- Low weight for being a stylized knife.

Cons

- Aggressive look, very pointy blade (this is only negative to take for certain occasions).

- The "flipper" does not open completely the folder knife if is not accompanied by a very slight twist.

- "Frame lock" narrow for much of its length, thick just above.

- Left-handed can not use the "thumb studs", there is only for right-handed.

- Absence of "jimping" and "hump" on the handle and on the blade.

Final view

Moving

Where to buy

Fasttech

Ganzo G743-1-BK

Remember that you can select several versions, 3 G10 colors, wood, satin or stonewashed.