Review Ganzo G720 VS Ganzo G722

Review Ganzo G720 VS Ganzo G722

Introduction

The g720 and g722 are the "tank" reference of Ganzo, its heaviest folder knives, large and strong in theory. However, if we look at sales we will see that the G720 is much much more sold. Why?.

The reason for this article is to answer that question, and see if it has logical motives that behavior. Also give my opinion on which one seems better to me.

Exterior design and appearance

I must say, that the answer to why the G720 has been sold much more almost i could response it already, it’s very simple: when an affordable folder knife is based on the appearance of another "Premium" range, sales are usually triggered, and The Lion Steel SR1 is to blame for being so popular. But let's investigate a little more...

Above G720. Below G722.

·         Comparison of measures

	Total length	Blade length	Blade width	Blade thickness	Weight
Ganzo G720	21 cm	9 cm	3.2 cm	4 mm	208 gr
Ganzo G722	21 cm	9 cm	3.2 cm	4 mm	206 gr

Above G720. Below G722.

Above G720. Below G722.

Left G722. Right G720. 

Blade

They look the same, but they are not, look at the less pronounced curvature of the G722 in relation to the G720. In addition the tip is more incisive in the G722, but also thinner. Thin to the point that i do not think it is so good in a folder knife so strong that it is intended for bushcraft and field tasks because these types of tools need strong tips when working with wood for example. If you look, the bushcraft knives usually have enough thickness up near the tip because its purpose is not penetration, it is the fortress. In the case of the G720 it is clearly thicker by the tip, which for me makes it a much more logical folder knife with respect to its exterior appearance and the function for which it has been designed.

Above G720. Below G722.

Left G720. Right G722. 

Above G720. Below G722.

There is a difference of finish at the top of the blade, while in the G720 it is rounded and does not reflect much light, in the G722 it is sharp and reflects much more. I think in the video you can see well.

·         Handle

      Visually i like much more the appearance of the handle of the G720, surely for having double handle scales and for its textured, but also has a more rounded form laterally than the G722. But i must admit that the handle of the G722 fits me very well in the hand, it is very nice to grab it. It is normal that there is no traction on the side of the "frame lock" but i was surprised how well it fits to the hand.

Detail of the texture of the G720 handle

Detail of the texture of the G722 handle

Handling and use

Before comparing them i have to say that the retention of the blade in the G722 is quite poor, that makes it open very softly clear, since you do not have to overcome with your finger pushing a great force contrary, but i worry a little it can open itself with movements if you carry it in your pocket. I have seen other G722 that were even worse than my unit and the retention was almost nil, but it is not normal, with such a heavy blade (easier to open by its own weight) has not put a retention at least normal.

Metal washer G722

Metal washer G720

The G720 has more blade retention thanks to its "axis lock" system, but that is no reason why a liner lock or frame lock does not have adequate retention, since in other models with these lock systems the retention is perfectly executed. To give an example of the brand, the Ganzo G743 has much much more strength to retain its blade, clearly much lighter weight in addition. I'm not saying that's reason enough not to buy the G722, but it's clearly below the expected strength, but it even seems that not all G722 come out with the same problem, some are a little worse than others in that respect. Perhaps the transport in a case is a good advice for this particular model.

·         Locking

      Well, we are not going to debate now if it is better a "frame lock" or an "axis lock", a great debate. We will analyze the locking of both models, not to speak of such blocking systems in general.

      The "axis lock" of the G720 seems good to me, and as i have said some times, it fits more part of the locking bar on the blade than in other models of Ganzo, especially older ones. However, it is not difficult to skip this locking system on Ganzo models by "battoning" or hitting the spine, but it depends on the model and even on your particular copy, you do not see a concrete criterion to happen or not in which i have been able to see.

      The frame lock of the G722 is cut with amazing precision, has stabilizer and is well done. It has a cut to make it easier to remove with your finger and is thicker than it actually looks, because those cuts make it look thinner.

Frame lock detail G722

Frame lock detail G722

     Specifically me, i rely more on this locking system of the G722 than on the G720 in the absence of testing under similar conditions. It is a shame that Ganzo does not now take pure “frame locks” but hybrids between "liner lock" and "frame lock", that although they are well, i prefer the traditional ones.

·         Ergonomics

      I'm going to talk about the sensations in the hand of each ones and their differences:

      When picking up the G720, the sensations are very good, the handle is large and wide, good guard and "jimping" on the blade for the finger, and what does not fit perfectly in my hand is that the guard has a slightly pronounced angle and it gives me a similar feeling to the Y-Start Jin02, as if i did not fit my finger into it. But I say that in general a very good feeling, to me it is of those knives that draw me a smile when i get it.

     

      As for the G722, also the sensations are very good, but however, although it seems almost equal to the G720, varies: the handle is more straight on the sides, it is not rounded laterally like the G720, i prefer that curvature outwards. And the "jimping" of the blade of the G722 is with steps much softer and separate than the G720, in addition it is a little longer also, i feel better with the one of the G722 (apart has a zipper in the handle). The guard is also a little more comfortable on the G722.

Left G722. Right G720. 

     

     Actually for me it is almost more comfortable the G722 but the straight handles on the sides doesn’t like me like the rounded ones and it feels quite the difference.

Final verdict

Well, although they are two folder knives that at first sight look very very similar, really divided into sections i like the G720 more everything except the locking system, which i prefer the G722.

A folder knife like the G720 is very suitable and chosen for bushcraft or field, i like the exaggerated curvature of its blade more than the G722, and especially the greater thickness of tip that gives the G720.

Left G722. Right G720. 

Detail of the tip in G720

Detail of the tip in G722

On the other hand, the weak blade retention of the G722 is to me the worst of the knife and I would be careful to take it in a sheath in the field. It's a real shame that a folder knife so good has that problem. As i said before, the Ganzo G743 with "frame lock" having a blade that weighs much less (and less likely to be opened by its weight) has a much better retention. And the Enlan EW054 with "liner lock" has a retention so strong that i can not open it almost using the "thumb studs"

Therefore, let us value:

Global Aesthetics: G720

Aesthetics blade: G720

Aesthetic handle: G720

Use of the blade: G720

Use of the handle: Draw, although with different sensations.

Blade retention: G720

Locking: G722

And that is my personal assessment, although it coincides in this case on the much more popular and sold G720. But i have to say that both the G720 and the G722 are two very good knives and Ganzo's top exponent of the "tank" folder knives, the strongest it has ever made, and who knows if we will ever see something similar with Firebird, which rather tries to lighten weight and reduce size, time will tell if they will continue these two great heavyweights in every way...

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