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Pros: Ease of Opening, Handle Feel, Overall Quality
Cons: Pocket Clip, Weight
An Updated Classic that Got Everything Right
I can't say enough good things about this knife. It's heavy and rock solid in the hand, with full metal liners. The price of some of the full-size variations of this version is incredible, putting this model in contention with the best affordable Cold Steel knives. The action is great and barely feels assisted, although it clearly is. The mechanism looks fully enclosed inside the handle. I have been disappointed with $200 knives with assisted opening that were either too snappy or too sluggish when opened with a reasonably fast flick or with the flipper. There is something about this knife that makes it a pleasure to carry, if you don't mind the weight (sometimes I am in the mood for a heavier, solid knife). No blade play, a thick partly-serrated blade perfect for a lot of practical applications, and the shape of the handle, combined with the guard formed by the flipper tab once the blade is open, ranks this knife among EDC/tactical knives with the best and most secure grips, as good as any Emerson. The shape of the handle also lets you use the bottom of the knife to strike if necessary. I love that the bottom of the handle is fairly flat. Price is a consideration here, of course. I think this is one of the best values you can get in a knife, especially for those who like to carry a more tactically-inclined knife and who also keep a multitool or a Victorinox when needed in social or professional situations. Finally, the deep carry clip is a bit stiff (pull on it and bend it a little to make it more usable).
