Folding Knife with CPM S35VN American Steel Blade and Pocket Clip

After having honed it to my usual main bevel 20 degrees per side at 1k grit. While a 22 degrees 18k grit micro bevel it takes a very sharp edge indeed. Push cut and glides thru the thinnest of paper easily without tearing.Push draw cuts equally as well. I used diamond stones and got the impression this is true very wear resistant steel and have no problem believing it is real S35VN stainless. I've been honing and collecting knives for just shy of 50 yrs now. So I think I know steel and knives pretty good by now. I would zadd it came with a fair factory edge on it.. I never judge knives on them as I know I can make them much sharper.The fit is very good and on par with well made knives. Centered blade with good lock up with not a hint of any wobble whatsoever. Only on little con is the finish and not a deal breaker at all. The opening hole and lock release could stand a little chamfering to release the edges. I used a small round diamond hone and took about 5 mins and is much better now. If they address it'll make a great deal even better. It is also a bit stiff opening but I used some Quick Release as I do on all my knives and will work in just smooth in a few weeks as most do.So overall considering what others want for S35Vn bladed knives and the level of construction. This is a true steal and I say buy one before they are gone or raise their prices. I bought a Naitive 12-15 yrs ago from walmart with s30V steel for the same amount ( that is the zytel lite veson). This same knife is about 100 dollars today. The full weight /size is 150 or so.Need any more convincing?I would add I have my doubts these are anyone's seconds. The reason with CNC's abilities to make copies so precise and readily these days. I think I'm more shocked that this does happen more. I believe they've copied a proven design and are running with it.

Pros: This Knife appears to made out of genuine S35vn steel. It's a beautiful knife, and the fit and finish is quite nice. The knife came really sharp, and I've already cut myself with it a couple of times. On a quick glance, you can easily mistake this knife for a Spyderco.Cons: The knife is heavy with solid stainless steel liners, no cut outs. It was heavier than most of my Ganzo knives, so it would not (IMHO) be an ideal EDC knife. The action is quite stiff, so don't expect it to flick out fast and easy. I had to sit at my desk and open & close it for an hour or so before it started feeling comfortable to open, and I still have more work to do in terms of breaking it in. The first knife I purchased had an issue with the blade hitting the back spring, which created a small flat area about 3/4 inch up the blade edge. The second knife I purchased was fine.Update: The steel on this blade is still very sharp, haven't honed or steeled it. The folding mechanism is still "breaking in", and still requires a decent amount of force to open it one handed. One word of caution is to make sure that the blade (tip) goes all the way down into the knife handle when you close it. Once the blade is pushed securely all the way into the handle, it will stay secure. I had a couple of times when I didn't quite get the blade all the way in, and the blade point was hanging just above the liners. It cut my pocket a couple of times, and bit me on the thumb when I took it out of my pocket to open some mail.

In my opinion, it is well worth the $39.00. Came a little stiff, as many new knives do, but after using it for a few days, it is breaking in nice. It came very sharp, and feels extremely sturdy, and well built. Just like the knife it is modeled after, it is very comfortable in hand. Great ergo's.and after using it I do believe it is real S35VN steel. Haven't sharpened it yet, haven't needed to, but I did put it through some hard use. I've cut a ton of cardboard, and a fair amount of rope, as well as quite a bit of wood carving, and the edge has help up well, still as sharp as the day it arrived. The fit and finish is better than I expected from an inexpensive knife. All in all, I am pleasantly surprised. I use my knives hard, and from what I've seen so far, I think this will hold up to the abuse I put my knives to.I would recommend this knife without hesitation, and would not hesitate to buy it again should I ever need to.