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Pros: Blade Material, Blade Sharpness, Ease of Opening, Handle Material, Lock Ease of Use, Lock Type, Overall Quality, Pocket Clip, Weight
Cons: Handle Feel
Stylish, Useful EDC
After about 25 years of carrying the same EDC knife, I recently decided it was time to give myself some daily options, and the CJRB Agave is one of many I chose, mainly due to its unique shape, but also because of the RPM-9 steel its blade is made from. I've had this knife for six months now, and it's become one of my favorite carry blades. I have found that RPM-9 it compares favorably to other budget blade steels, like AUS-8, 8cr, or 9cr18mov. It doesn't hold an edge forever, but does keep an edge reasonably well and sharpens easily to a very fine edge. In short, one really can't ask more from a budget EDC blade, but if you were to expect performance well beyond this price point, it's not likely to impress you much. It's a reasonably well-performing steel with perhaps a finer grain structure than you might find in other steels in knives in this price range.The blade shape is great. The first day I had the Agave, I used it for a garden hose repair, and all went as well as one could reasonably expect. Nice, clean, fast, even cut. Finger choil allows one to choke up easily, and the handle shape tucks nicely into the middle of the palm when the index finger is past the pivot, around the choil. Since then, I have carried this knife more often than some others, in no small part because it looks neat, and people tend to comment or ask questions when they see it. Not only is it a useful EDC, but it's a conversation starter.If there is any con to this knife, it is the slipperiness of the aluminum handles. A rougher texture, maybe the judicious use of some grip tape might help. Or, if you're into metal engraving (laser or manual), this knife would make a great candidate! Otherwise, a different handle material might be a better choice. This one could easily slip, so just be aware of that. Other than that, I am very pleased with the Agave. Action is great, recessed liner lock works perfectly. I am left handed and moved the carry clip over to the other side with no issues. No real complaints, but it can be slippery.
