The Protech TR-3 Manual Integrity folder is Protech’s lone manual folder offering, as the majority of their knives are automatics. This is the Jerzeedevil.com limited edition, which is a limited production of 100 pieces with a unique Satin Titanium handle with blue edge annodized accents on them.

Blade
This version of the Protech TR-3 Manual Integrity folder comes with an upgraded S35VN steel blade, instead of the usual 154CM Stainless Steel. While the 154CM is a fine steel, the S35VN is a marked improvedment over the 154CM with improved edge retention and performance. The finish is a satin stonewash combination with satin flats and stonewashed grinds, which gives the blade a nice bit of contrast.

The blade is very sharp out of the box, close to Spyderco Sharp, which is a compliment. The blade shape is a very serviceable unoffending drop point style with pronouced false edge on the spine. Single thumbstud allow for right hand opening only, but can probably be switched if you wish.

Handle
Beautiful satin finished titanium handles, that could even be hand-rubbed. The sides of the handle have been annodized blue along with the stonewashed pocket clip to match. The lock side of the frame is deep laser etched with “Don’t Make Me Cut You”, which is a Jerzeedevil forum slogan as well as the limited edition numbering. The JD Logo is etched on the front side of the titanium handles. The handle shape is very comfortable and fits well in all handling positions.

Fit and Finish
Superb fit and finish. There is almost no blade play in the closed position when optimally tightened, which is nice to see. The blade also opens smoothly and oozes quality when held. To be quite honest, the finish on this knife is definately much better than the JD Pricing would have suggested. If it wasn’t a limited edition I would seriously considering carrying this as an EDC.

I really like the handle finishing. I would love to see knives like the Bradley Alias and Sebenza come with a satin finish. The Sebenza has satin finished handles on the graphic models, but not the basic. I suppose the bead blast is still cheaper and easier to do. Initially, the lockback did not engage as much as I had liked, but after opening and closing a handful of times it has settled in and locks up perfectly.

Overall
I like how the Protech TR-3 has stepped up with this limited edition to provide some very high quality features such as S35VN steel, selectively annodized handles and satin finished handles all in a Titanium framelock package that has superb fit and finish. One of the most satisfying knives I have purchased new at “full price” in a long time.

Blade: S35VN Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 3.5″
Handle: Satin 6al4v Titanium
Overall Length: 7.6″
Weight: 4.45 ounces

Microtech’s popular Ultratech 7 small Dual Action OTF knife is finally reviewed here. I posted a video review of the UT7 on youtube a while back, and have also embedded it at the end of this review for your reference. This is a post Vero Beach period Microtech, and is from the 2006 period, during which production took place in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Blade
The 3.5″ blade is 154CM, made in the USA. Satin is the finish, and dagger shape is the profile. This blade is completely sterile, and was not sharpened very well from the factory. After the move from Vero Beach, Microtech’s QC took a minor dip. Given that they company is now manufacturing firearms, I would say that’s probably not a good thing! Overall, however, this is still a very nice piece of steel. Keep in mind while I say that Microtech’s quality is not as good as before, they still make an exceptional knife that is worth owning and using. I just really like their Vero Beach stuff.

At any rate, the double edged blade is stylish and probably good for thrusting, but in generally, the shape of the blade in conjuntion with the handle just doesn’t make it a very utilitarian design. These UT7′s are more for show than they are for utility. The straight blade does lend itself to be a good letter and package opener, however, which is what I probably use these kinds of knives for more than anything else. It does have a nice “blood groove” and some drilled holes for style and which also lighten the blade.

Handle
Hard Anodized Machined Aluminum handles, with three pin screws requiring a special Microtech driver to disassemble. The Talon logo is featured on the handle, and the pocket clip has the birth date. Unlike the Scarab and Makora from this era of Microtech knives, the Ultratech 7 does not have the grip tape inserts that give the knife better retention and purchase, which can be very useful when hands are when or when under duress in a self defense type of situation. On the other hand, many people find the grip tape ugly.. I kind of like them!

Fit & Finish
Very good fit and finish on this little Microtech, especially given what kind of prices they go for online these days. I think they are some of the better values in OTF’s when it comes to picking them up used. While they are far from my favourite dual action OTF out on the market, they are definately the best value, and for that, it gets some points. Quality is still microtech, but I would have preferred a few more features.. but from a fit and finish standpoint, very well executed.

Overall
Overall, its an outstanding value at the $175ish they typically fetch on the secondary market. The dual action mechanism is the same as most Microtech D/A OTFs I’ve fired, a bit on the stiff side, but not too bad. This is necessary since you are also charging a spring while you are firing the blade. The machining quality is excellent, as is with all Microtechs, even later models. Really happy with the UT7, and it will have to tide me over while I save up for a Masterpiece!

Specs:
Blade Lenght: 3.45″
Blade Steel:154CM
Handle: Black Anodized Mil-Spec Aluminum Frame
Closed: 4.6″

Video Review:

The Benchmade 755 Mini Pocket Rocket is the brainchild of knifemaker Shane Sibert and Benchmade Knife Company. Shane Sibert makes some pretty nice knives, and the MPR is probably one of his nicest designs. It is the smallest of three custom Pocket Rocket folders that he makes: The Mini, the Regular, and the Monster. Of the three, only the Mini is made by Benchmade.

Blade
The blade measures 2.9″, but is very wide so feels like a bigger blade than its length would suggest – similar to Spyderco’s Little Big knives. Steel is M390 from Bohler of Austria, which is generally considered at least equivalent to S30V if not superior. I haven’t really used any M390 blades so I can’t really offer my opinion here. The blade is quite thick on the MPR, and also has a saber-ground blade so its not the best slicer. Like all the other Benchmades I’ve purchased, its not super sharp out of the box, but it is acceptable.

Handle
The G-10 handles are nice on this blade, milled out of a single thick piece similar to the Strider SnG – a very cool feature. It also had an overlay of G-10 on the lock side, which adds grip and also serves as a lock bar stop. Nice double duty! However, the lock-side pocket clip rests on the rough G-10 and is a pocket shredder. This happens with some designs sometimes, and in my opinion is one of those things that knife designers/companies know happen, but simply don’t feel is worth fixing.

Fit and Finish
Very good fit and finish on this Benchmade 755. Not suprising, obviously, since it is Benchmade after all. One problem I do have is with the Lock. My particular 755 has what I would not really characterise as a faulty lock, but the lock face interface with the blade tang improperly. When pressure is applied to the spine of the blade when it is open, the lock actually slips back and the knife blade moves. This isn’t a good thing. I probably could have sent the knife back to benchmade and got this fixed, though I have to say that should never have slipped the QC department. However, applying some light sanding to the surface of the blade tang to reduce the smoothness seems to have solved that problem. I also bent the lock bar a bit more to increase the pressure which also helps I think.

Overall
Overall this is a pretty killer knife. The fauly lock seems to be a unique thing.. I checked out another one at the local store and it does not appear to suffer from the same problem, though I think that it is not unlikely that other MPR’s have this problem. Otherwise, fantastic fit and finish as well as a great design from Shane Sibert. Really enjoyed this knife.

Specs
Blade Length: 2.90″
Overall Length: 6.90″
Closed Length: 3.80″
Blade Material: M390 Stainless Steel 60-62HRC
Blade Style: Tactical Drop-Point
Lock Mechanism: Mono-Lock

Picked up this Gerber Yari II on eBay just recently because I was looking for a Medium sized fixed blade knife to mount on my Tactical Vest via the Molle webbing. The Yari II from Gerber not only fit the bill as far as size, sheath and ergonomics goes, but also had superior materials and the reliable Gerber name as well for what seems to me to be a bargain bin price.

Instead, boy was I impressed.

This has got to be one of the greatest values in fixed blade knives out there! While the fit and finish isn’t anything to write home about, the premium materials and superb design and sheath are more than enough to make this a hell of a deal.

Handle
First I’ll talk about the handle. The Gerber Yari II has a grooved, hard annodized aluminum handle measuring roughly 5″, which is quite different from most other fixed blades out there. There are both pros and cons to the aluminum handle. The grooves are designed in a way to prevent your hand sliding forward more than for retention. Aluminum is also non porous and will hold up well in the elements. It won’t absorb water or oil, and is a pretty tough material for a handle. However, due to its inability to absorb oil, it can also be more slick when moist. Water isn’t too bad, but slicker oils or fats like when preparing meat can make it slippery to handle.

Blade
The blade is 4.25″ long, and Black PVD coated CPM-S30V steel, with a tanto blade shape and partially serrated edge. This blade is also available in a drop point version, but the one I have is the tanto. Out of the box, extremely sharp – definitely among the sharper factory knives I’ve purchased. Its quite remarkable to get a CPM-S30V fixed blade in this price range, especially a USA Made one with the quality of construction that this blade has. Overall, very happy with the blade. It would make a great camp or utility knife with a secondary self-defence use.

Fit & Finish
Fit and finish are not this knife’s strong suit. While its not bad and generally well constructed, you’d never want to use it as a show piece. The PVD finish on the blade shows even more scuffing brand new than Strider Knives, and the aluminum handles have some minor marks on it. I was a bit concerned at first that I was sold a used one, but reading some notes online as well as seeing another new one from a local shop convinced me that they just are that way. The grinds are straight and the handles are put on well.

Sheath
I love the sheath on this knife. For a “free” sheath, its one of the best I’ve seen, with double malice clip attachements for both the handle area and the base of the sheath to ensure a strong attachment to your vest or whatever you may be attaching it to. There is also a few other different ways it can be attached, along with a very nicely designed belt clip attachement as well.

Specs:
Blade Length: 4.25″
Overall Length: 9″
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: Type 3 Hard Annodized 6061 Aluminum

I’ve done plenty of video reviews of my Protech Godson knives, so I guess it was time to write one up as well. This particular Protech Godson features Emerald Jazz handles and black G-10 scales with a black coated blade. They are available in many different finish levels for incrementally higher prices. This is one level above the basic models which have no inserts and have a solid aluminum handle.

The Godsons, like the bigger Godfathers, benefit from a very lightweight blade which makes them ideal as automatic openers. The blades spring open with authority and ultra-fast, unlike knives with larger, thicker blades. The Godson has a very thin blade due to the dagger grind.

Blade
Blade on this bad boy is 154CM, with a black PVD coating. It comes relatively sharp, but not quite as sharp as Spyderco knives. I would say that its a Benchmade level of sharpness, meaning that while it cuts paper and splits fingernails cleanly, it won’t shave hair off your arm. Still, a decent edge, and you know the 154CM will sharpen up if you want to.

Fit & Finish & Lockup
The lock is a typical button lock, with a button activated coil-spring automatic action. Very smooth, zero bladeplay and a joy to fire. I’ve taken several of these apart, and like most automatic side openers out there, the Protechs do not have washers. The fit and finish of the knife is very good, though not up to the same quality as Microtech. Having said that, at the price they come, one would not expect it to be. The scales fit perfectly into the machined aluminum handles, and the Annodized Emerald Jazz finish looks pretty good to me. The only place where I’d like to see slightly tighter tolerances is between the two handle slabs. Since the Godson has no backspacer, it is half and half sides that come together. Where the left and right handle slab touch, I would have liked to see the line almost invisible. But again, I guess I can’t complain too much at the price point.

Overall
Tremendous value for money and a very underrated knife. One of my favourites and I own several and have owned several for many years. Lots of colors and configurations out there make it a great choice if you are someone that likes to have a lot of control over the style and color of your knives.

While Benchmade has lost some of its lustre for me due to what some might describe as questionable business practices, I still enjoy some of their knives quite a bit. One of the recent knives that really caught my fancy when handling it was the Bob Lum Onslaught. While its no secret that I am a big fan of Bob Lum’s designs, Benchmade has also done a good job on the fit and finish of this folder.

Blade
Blade on the Onslaught is the workhorse 154CM stainless steel, and unlike most Benchmades in the past, comes sharp enough. I’m not sure why some guys seem to think Benchmades all come sharp.. I have not found this to be the case. Blade measures 3.45″ and grind is a full flat grind with a short Rhino-horned portion that has a swedge grind on it. Blade has a big belly and what Benchmade describes as a modified clip point blade. Blade is opened via a round hole opener like Spyderco.

Handle
Handle is a bead blasted G-10 type of finish, with a little handle dimple – a Bob Lum signature. No jimping and all smooth lines on this handle, giving it a very smooth in-hand feel and still decent grip and purchase due to the finish on the G-10 and the dimple. Handle feels very good in my medium sized hands, and could even work for slightly larger hands than mine.

Fit and Finish
This is where I feel this knife has excelled. Many Benchmades in the past didn’t have the level of Fit and Finish that I was expecting, especially at the price points these knives have been selling at. The 746 Onslaught is relatively affordable and also has very nice lines. The finish is consistent and smooth, and the action is without play. The finish on the blade looks great and also has crisp grind lines. The custom pocket clip looks good and does a good job of reinforcing the lanyard hole, but it would have been nice to have a deep pocket clip.

Overall a very nicely made knife with a superb fit and finish. I am a big fan of the Onslaught and it has slightly restored my interest in newer Benchmade Product. Very nice knife with fantastic build quality at an affordable price, with a very versatile modified clip point blade. If you are looking for something with a bit more belly in the blade and 3 1/2″ of steel, this is the way to go. Some cons would be the non adjustable tip-up pocket clip and the Axis Lock if you don’t like it.

Blade Length: 3.45″
Blade Thickness: 0.114″
Blade Steel: 154CM
Handle Thickness: 0.630″
Handle Material: G-10
Blade Hardness: 58-61HRC

This one’s another old school model – Benchmade 722, Mel Pardue designed Axis Lock Folder. When the 722 was released, it was one of my favourite Axis Lock designs from Benchmade and has since been discontinued. Its such a versatile folder and features a reliable design by one of the most trusted names in custom knifemaking, Mel Pardue.

The blade comes in a 3 1/4″ length, which is a very good EDC length in my opinion. While some may prefer longer knives above 3 1/2″, I tend to prefer the shorter length as my day is spent primarily in an office. The blade shape also reminds me a lot of Allen Elishewitz’s Stryker design, but with a beefier handle and height.

Handle
Great G-10 handle in solid black with a raised area in the middle to give a bit more ‘fill’ to the handle in your hand, and it also gives a little extra detail to give the blade a little style. The G-10 is moderately textured to give it a good amount of grip without tearing up your pant pocket. You’ll notice that my 722 is missing a pocket clip screw. The pocket clip itself is a typical Benchmade pocket clip used on every single Benchmade knife during that era. I love the shape of the handle… it just fits my hands really nicely and the slight guard is a nice feature to have as it gives a bit of confidence when thrusting the knife forward.

Fit & Finish
Great fit and finish with this knife, though because its so well-used, its hard to say how good it was when new. I did not get this one new, so I am not sure. I do remember all my other Benchmades from that time were superb, so I don’t think this one would have been any different. I’ved used many of my Benchmades pretty hard, and they do hold up very well. While they do hold up well, I have had some issues with lock up and some times blade play and blade centering being affected after long term hard use. Nothing that I would say is unexpected, but they’re not Striders.

Fit and Finish is still above average for a Production blade, and in-line with the price of the knife. I am always happy with what I get with Benchmade, and the 722 is no exception. Great knife with a very versatile blade shape and handle shape.

Specs:
Blade Steel: ATS-34
Handle Material: G-10
Locking Type: Axis Lock
Blade Length: 3 1/4″
Overall Length: 7 5/8″

I’ve reviewed a couple of older SnG’s – the Generation 1 SnG and the Generation 2 SnG, and now I’ve got one of the newer double gunner grip models with Hinderer Lock Stabilizer. Much improvements offered in these newer models, even if they aren’t numbered!

Blade
This SnG DGG features the typical stonewashed CPM-S30V steel blade that we see on many SnG’s. There are several available with digicam and other fancy finished, but this one is old school. The blade is sharp as heck, and can shave hair off my arm without any difficulty. The full flat grind makes it a great slicer and a much finer knife than its Strider pedigree would suggest.

Handle
The Gunner Grip handle is obviously one of the highlights of this piece, with double super dimpled handles – one G-10 and one Titanium. The handle feels very thin, especially compared with the regular SnG. The GG feels thinner than even the concealed carry versions, but still has a decent solidity to it. I don’t think this is as solid as the regular models, but it will hold up to fairly hard use. The Hinderer lock stabilizer is great too. The dimples are sort of rough polished on the peaks, and bead blasted in the valleys so it has a nice varied look that is quite appealing.

Fit and Finish
The F&F is typical Strider. Not the best, but intentionally roughed up in a way that they’re like destroyed denim. They look the way they’re supposed to and feel the way they are supposed to, and in my opinion, it works. They’re not meant to be high-polished or hand-rubbed blades. They’re bead blasted and stone washed – high speed tools for hardcore individuals.

Overall
The GG SnG is a great knife for lighter use than what one would normally expect from an SnG, and gives the user a great Concealed Carry sized blade with extra purchase on the handle. Overall, a nice little bit of extra for a little extra money. Not to mention, they are pretty darn cool looking with the Gunner Grip. I’d recommended this knife, even though its not quite as tough as the regular SnG. Still has the Strider Warranty.

Specs:
Blade Length: 3 1/2″
Overall Length: 8 1/4″
Closed Length: 4 3/4″
Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
Handle Material: G-10 and Titanium

Video Review:

I am a big fan of Chris Reeve Knives.. and of all the Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) fixed blades out there, the Pacific has got to be my favourite, with the Green Beret coming in a close second. The Pacific has a fantastic finishing and looks as well as great feel and balance in the hand, which can sometimes be hard to find all in the same knife.

Blade
The Pacific features a fairly wide clip-point blade slightly reminiscent of a Kabar USMC knife, with a hollow ground CPM S35VN blade hardened to 55-57HRC with CRK’s signature Kubuli serrations on the back portion of the blade. Kubuli Serrations work quite well in my limited use of them, but I did not find them any more proficient than standard serrations even though they are supposed to be more aggressive. I suspect there might be a slight advantage in terms of strength as the sharpened portions alternate from one side to the other, making the blade edge less prone to damage.

Out of the box, the blade is VERY sharp, and can pop hairs with ease. The blade is on the thick side, so the knife is not the best slicer, but makes a great outdoorsman or survival blade. It does excel at chopping and has a Gun Kote finish for low-profile combat use. The blade measures 6″, which is a fine size, albeit smaller than some might like.

Handle
The CRK Pacific has a Canvas Micarta Handle, sandblasted for optimal purchase. The handle also has three small grooves cut into the side of it for improved grip. The Pacific has one of the most comfortable handles of any high-end production combat fixed blade that I’ve ever handled, and for that reason it is my favourite. For me, the handle is comfortable, and flexible in all grip types. The full tang blade protrudes out from the edge of the handle slightly but is fully contoured all the way around for a comfortable feel. It even has a glass-breaker point on the end of the handle.

Fit & Finish
Like all Chris Reeve Knives products, the Pacific is immaculately finished to a very high standard. The CRK is probably the best finished production fixed blade I’ve ever handled, obviously without mirror polishing and fancy materials that are also gloss finished there isn’t the same opportunity for a high-level finish as with many custom pieces.

The Spec Ops sheath that comes with the Pacific alone costs around $85, making the $325 price tag seem much lower than it actually is.

Overall
An exceptional knife, with all the earmarks of a classic. With the endorsement of the US Army First Special Forces Group behind it, the pedigree is all there as well. Once you handle this knife in person, you truly understand what a great value it is, with outstanding steel and immaculate fit and finish that CRK has become known for. Throwing in a top-of-the-line Spec ops sheath is a smart move by CRK, and makes the knife useable right out of the box.

The Darrel Ralph DDR TAS Automatic has been around for a few years, and has gone through a few iterations. The knife was initially machined and produced by Wilson Combat, but Wilson Combat and Darrel Ralph parted ways and this appears to be a later edition of the TAS Automatic that does not come from Wilson Combat.

Blade
The blade is a dagger-point single edged blade, with a SLIGHT sharpening of the back side of the blade near the very tip. The blade steel is 154CM and very sharp, and features a black DLC coating on the blade. I really dig daggers, so this stiletto-style knife really does it for me as I find it functional as well as aesthetically pleasing.

Handle
This is a Hard Annodized Type-III Aluminum handle, and reminds me a little of a Dalton. Devoid of any real intricate details, but still contoured well to fit the hand. It doesn’t have the “schwict” sound that Dalton’s have, but from looks alone, one could easily mistaken the knife for a Dalton. The finish is very good, and I don’t have much to complain about there, but the stop pin is loose in the handle, which makes the knife rattle when you have it closed. This is annoying to me. Perhaps this is an isolated incident?

Fit and Finish
Overall the machining is excellent and very suited to a knife in this price range. Price online is approximately $229 right now. The knife fires hard and fast, and the lockup is very good. The finish on the piece gives it feeling of quality with no machining marks that you often see on cheaper pieces. There is no safety on this button lock automatic.

Overall
A great piece if you like Automatics, and a nice Darrel Ralph design that has stood the test of time. I think this is a very versatile piece that would have a home in any knife collection. As for using it as an EDC, I find the stiletto style guards a bit awkward for storage and for tucking in the pocket as they can get in the way. I personally don’t like Autos for EDC, so that would be a deal breaker for me as well. Aside from that, it could work well for another person. The dagger shaped blade has a nice long flat edge for slicing, as well as some belly and a good tip for penetration.

Specs
Overall Length: 9″
Blade Length: 4″
Blade Steel: 154CM
Handle Material: Aluminum
Weight: 4 oz.

Video Review