Pros: Handle Material
Cons: None
Good knife, but EXCELLENT value
This is a well-built knife, functions well, and looks great. Fit and finish is good, on par with some of my Case knives and better than some, lol (can be hit or miss with each knife). Pins and bolsters are flush and smooth, grinds are even and sharpening choil is present and well done, blade is perfectly centered. The only very small issue is backspring fit/flushness, it is completely flush with the covers/liners along the back, but has some gaps in between the liners (very small, no big deal, but noted). Locking is absolutely solid, with a VERY slight front/back rock (typical of lockbacks, this is not an issue at all to me, it is quite good for a traditional lockback). The engraving on the shield on mine was slightly messed up. The "ER" at the end of Old Timer was not as deep and dark as the rest of the words. This was likely cased by final sanding/buffing to make the shield flush. Not a big deal to me as the shield will wear and patina over time with use and I would rather have a fluch shield for consistency in the grip than a more readable name. The action is good. Decently weighted spring pull, not too hard to open and enough purchase to grip the blade to open without needing to use the nail-nick, the detent/pull-in is strong enough to be good in the pocket and easy to close, the lock engagement is not snappy, but finishes with a nick audible click. Finally, the kicker on this review. The materials and look. The materials and look of this knife are absolutely FANTASTIC. D2 steel blade (FULLY MIRROR POLISHED!!!), Brass pins, liners, and shield, polished nickel bolster. . . this is UNHEARD OF in a knife of this price. The value of these materials and finishes is ASTOUNDING. Buy a couple of these, carry one, keep one for backup, and give some to friends. Great knife for the value! I own "better" knives than this, but I have never owned a better knife at this price!!!!