Best Chinese Knives: September 2016

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Chris Reeve Clones on AliExpress - Sebenza 21 Large, Sebenza 25 and Umnumzaan!

The CRK Wild Boar clones are back on AliExpress!
They are great for people who want to try out the design, before splashing out 400$ on a knife they might not like.
Also the page will help people, who are seeking a genuine Chris Reeve knife, to learn the difference between the genuine and a clone, so they won't get ripped off.

You can find the knives here:

Sebenza 21 Large: Link
Sebenza 25: Link
Umnumzaan: 
Link

Specifications:
Sebenza 21:

Full length: 21.7cm
Blade length: 9cm
Handle length: 12cm
Blade width: 2.5cm (widest point)
Blade thickness: 3.4mm
Blade material: D2 high speed steel
Hardness: 60-62HRC
Knife handle: titanium alloy
Surface: stone wash
Weight: 130 gramsRemarks: with real leather



Sebenza 25:

Overall Length : 21.3CM

Blade Length : 9CM

Blade Thickness : 3.4MM

Blade Material : CPM S35VN

Handle Material : Stonewashed TC4 Titanium

Strong Hardness : 60-61 HRC

Weight : 144g
Process : Stone Wash
Quality Guarantee : Yes
Packing : Original Box


Umnuzaan:

Brand : LDT 
Overall Length : 21.2CM
Blade Length : 9CM
Blade Thickness : 0.35CM
Blade Material : Real D2
Handle Material : Titanium Alloy 
Strong Hardness : 60-62HRC
Weight : 240g 
Process : Mirror Sanding
Quality Guarantee : Yes
Package : With Box





Tuesday, September 20, 2016

New Ganzo Knives G752 G7522 Flipper - First Ganzo knife with ball-bearings in the pivot!

New addition to the Ganzo lineup - the G752!
This is a pretty beefy knife with 2 methods of deployment, ball bearings in the pivot and cutouts in the scales to reduce weight - all that any Ganzo fan wished for!
And the best thing - Ganzo listened and acted accordingly - qualities which make a company great (just ask Spyderco).
Hope they will finally do the BM 940 next.

The knife can be found here: https://goo.gl/FXoPAf


Monday, September 19, 2016

CH Knives CH 3504 - Cool original design from China!

CH Knives have been around for a while.
Their knives were always unique and original in the form and design, but always had high quality, fit and finish.



To tell you the truth, the reason I didn't posted about them before is I don't really like colorful and shiny knives, so early CH models didn't appeal to me that much, but I did appreciate their craftsmanship, shape and form design.

Now they have a new one, which is much better (in my opinion), than anything I've seen before.
The knife has darkened handle and the (before) shiny scull and gold/copper color accents, which makes it look great.

Of course, as on previous models, it features stonewashed S35VN blade, bearings in the pivot and steel insert in the frame.

Can be found here: https://goo.gl/TrTEQm

                                                        



Saturday, September 17, 2016

The Noks style knife - New kind of balisong?

This one is a very interesting knife.
It is based on the concept of the Russian maker Noks knives and is basically a kind of balisong.

It needs to be opened with 2 hands and has no lock (except the strength of the palm, which can hold it pretty solid), so it might be considered legal in many countries.
The blade is carved from a solid piece of rectangular steel and is placed in the knife at a 45 degree angle. It also has a point on the other side, so the knife can be used as a glass breaker or a striking tool when closed. 
The handles are also made from steel and supposedly have a titanium coating. The knife will come in 2 color choices - black and grey.

This is definitely an unusual, interesting knife that will diversify any collection.

Check it out here: https://goo.gl/Ah58Ub




Thursday, September 15, 2016

New Budget Lionspy (Spyderco+Lionsteel Collaboration) C157 Style Knife - Ganzo G720 has a new rival!

If you would ask any (Chinese) knives fan - "what is the budget alternative to the Lionsteel SR1 knife" - only one answer would come to mind - the Ganzo G720.
Well, no more, because our friends from the great WLF Store now have in stock the budget version of the LionSpy - the LionSteel and Spyderco collaboration, but with budget materials - G10+Steel frame and 440C/8Cr13Mov steel.
The amazing thing is that for this price they still have the carved frame and even a Roto-Block, that prevents frame over travel and can be engaged as a safety feature. 


Budget version could be found here: https://goo.gl/bmifyn

Titanium + CF version here: https://goo.gl/egtjY8





More Spyderco clones can be found here: http://chinaknives.blogspot.com/2016/06/spyderco-style-knives-on-aliexpress-try.html

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

New Cold Steel Voyager XL Clones - Looks like Third Shift OEM to me!

I've already posted about this knife in the first compilation, but decided to feature it in a separate post.
Recently, new lot have become available, that has 10 variations of this knife, which led me to think this is an OEM production from China. 
This  means products that are made from the same materials, using the same equipment and by the same people, but during what is called the "Third Shift" - during or after the manufacturing some knives do not go to the knife company (Cold Steel in this case), but are sold to dealers to be sold on AliExpress or other platform.
The original knife is made in Taiwan, which is basically China, without saying the name - so it would be pretty simple to move those or to "borrow" the prints and programs and make the clone by it.
I'm not sure in this case, but the variety of the models and the similarity to the real one, makes me believe it actually might be so.
It would be interesting to me to hear what you guys think on this subject - in your opinion, is this OEM or just a well made clone?

You can check it out here: https://goo.gl/8yHD5s 




Monday, September 12, 2016

New Strider Style Knives - RC Recurve/Tanto + Budget SnG CC with new grind!

New batch of Strider clones have hit the market!
The RC model is now produced in 4 variations (recurve/tanto and coating) and there is also a budget SnG/SMF version with CC style handle and new blade grind.

Tanto RC can be found here: http://goo.gl/mczg7b





Recurve RC here: http://goo.gl/WF0cYg





New Budget SnG here: http://goo.gl/YRXB0C





Wild Boar SMF from trusted seller on DHGate: http://chinaknives.blogspot.co.il/2016/08/wild-boar-strider-smf-gg-and-plain-g10.html

Quatermaster QTRMSTR QTR-11 General Lee Style Knife - G&G Hawk Lock on a budget blade!

For a long time I wanted to try G&G Hawk's E.T. design.
But the original knives were too expensive in my opinion, and the clones were far too simple, cheap and had not the best quality.

Now, a new knife has entered this scene, and for me it is just what I've been waiting for - has the lock that I wanted to try, pretty light, has decent quality, affordable price tag and no original logo - perfect for me to try out!
The knife comes in 3 color and blade finish choices, with black and mustard color handles and black, semi black and stone-wash finishes.
It features steel moving parts and a 7Cr17MoV blade steel (OK for me for the price).

Knife can be found here: http://goo.gl/u9pS2H

Or even cheaper on Gearbest: 
https://goo.gl/SqxdnU
                                                              https://goo.gl/hi1wUr



Green Thorn Shirogorov Hati Style Knife - Fluted Carbon Fiber Scale, Titanium Frame, D2/S35VN Blade - No Logo!

New from trusted seller and manufacturer Green Thorn Knives:
Shirogorov Hati Style 95 CF now with satin or stonewashed blade!

Specifications: 

Overall Length: 223 mm 
Blade length: 95 mm
Handle length: 125 mm
Blade thickness: 4mm 
Blade width: 30 mm 
System: Dual ceramic ball bearing system 
Hardness: 58-59HRC 
Net weight: 115 g 
Blade material: D2
Handle Material: TC4 titanium alloy + carbon fiber. CNC cutting, molding process, to reduce weight. 
Handle Surface: stone wash

Green Thorn Ti+CF Handle All Versions: https://goo.gl/bDT8O7

Green Thorn Ti+CF Handle S35VN Steel Version: 
https://goo.gl/R12iKL

Green Thorn Budget Steel+G10 Handle Version: 
https://goo.gl/TN4Cgh


Sunday, September 11, 2016

New Lochsa Style Aluminium Integral from Wild Boar Knives - Mastering new knife making technologies!

Integral knives are not easy to make. Not only you have to mill it from a single piece of material (aluminium or titanium), but the slightest error can cost you to dump it and start over.

I'm happy to see, that Wild Boar knives have mastered the technique, and are producing their second aluminium integral (after the Anax). They chose to make it in the style of Scott Cook's great design - the Lochsa. The differences are of course in the material (original Lochsa has milled titanium handle), but also in the pivot - bearings on the clone instead of washers on the original, and will come in 3 color anodization choice - grey, black and red.

My guess is we'll see a lot more integral knives coming out of China in the recent future.

Check out the Lochsa here: http://goo.gl/70B67E




Friday, September 9, 2016

Return of the Clones (Knives) - The Wild Boar Hinderer Style XM-18 3.5 and RJ Martin Q36 - Some clones never die!

Today I would like to bring to your attention 2 knives, that were successful about a year ago, and now making a brief comeback.
These are 2 clones of great knives - the Hinderer XM-18 3.5' and the RJ Martin Q36 (Overkill), and can suit you if you would like to try their design and to know if the original will suit you. 


1. The Wild Boar XM-18 3.5':

Has the waved blackwash full Ti handle, D2 blade and a bearing pivot (like on the Sebenza). One noticable difference between it and the original is the steel insert on the frame. 

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/qPShb8



2. The RJ Martin Style Q36:
Features a full Ti handle with Carbon Fiber insert, bearings in the pivot, D2 blade and Ti pocket clip. 

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/Q15oi4


Thursday, September 8, 2016

CRKT 5235 Tighe Tac Two Tanto EDC Knife Review - When value and design come together!

This is (in my opinion) one of the best genuine budget EDC blades on the market right now.
It''s light, smooth, comfortable both in hand and in the pocket, 3 opening methods, flips great, features excellent lockup, ball bearings and a deep carry pocket clip.
I'm not even talking about the unique grind and an awesome Tighe designed lock, that works great!

All pros, almost no cons, except 3 - because it came in a blister packaging - it had a very strong burned plastic smell in the beginning (had since disappeared). One more is the handle scales - if they were made out of Aluminium - the knife would be simply fantastic! And one more small thing - the pocket clip screws come to the other side (a small thing, that doesn't affect the knife, but shouldn't be there).
Overall I'm very pleased with the knife, especially for the price.

Specifications could be found here: http://goo.gl/BQhsLs

My photo and video:






Wednesday, September 7, 2016

New and interesting knives on AliExpress Part2 - Small Karambit, Tactical Scalpel, G-10 DOC, Budget Decepticon 2, Cold Steel, Kevin John, Combat Troodon.

Part 2 of the compilation of the new and interesting knives from AliExpress.
This time almost no pictures - to see the knives, just follow the links :).

If you have any questions about the knives - please use the comment section and I will try to answer them all.

1. Kevin John new Small Sebenza 21:
The long anticipated knife, experts say this one has the known and loved Kevin John quality.
Of course, in the best Kevin John traditions - no original logo and real S35VN steel.


Can be found here: http://goo.gl/HLKO3s

2. Small Tactical Karambit:
Interesting knife I stumbled upon on Ali. This one has a pretty small handle and blade, making it compact and unnoticed in the pocket. Could be a great urban tool. 
Made by The One, who is well known for making great Balisongs and comes with a Kydex Sheath.

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/QPxgtO


3. Tactical Scalpel (Tops Clone):
Another interesting fixed blade. Pretty small size with a thick blade make this knife very strong and unique. Has Micarta handles and kydex sheath.

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/G2BYow

4. G10 handle version of the Microtech DOC:
On par with the latest fashion among Chinese manufacturers - another G10 version of a well known and beloved knife. Has liner lock instead of a subframe lock (afraid of KAI? :) ) and a lighter G10 handle instead of aluminium/titanium on the original. 

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/HlwGjQ

5. Cold Steel Style Recon Tanto:

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/vN0CA9

Cold Steel Style Tiger Claw Karambit:

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/XMN98i

6. Microtech Combat Troodon Style:
Another great version of this knife, this time in a budget version, but with a light aluminium handle. Made by Common Lancehead, who successfully started making OTF knives and have great overall quality.

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/7jtjJT



7. Budget Decepticon 2 Knife:
Budget version of the great Alexey Konygin design. Has all-steel handle, suits people who love hefty, heavier blades.

Can be found here: http://goo.gl/CIUhTl
  

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Buck 110 Style Double Action Automatic Knife - Classic design with a twist!

The Buck 110 is one of the most famous and popular knives of all time.
It has it's advantages (the knife is beautiful, strong and has good lockup) and also disadvantages (relatively heavy and has pretty stiff 2 hand opening).

There were versions of a D/A automatic 110, but they were made by aftermarket masters and didn't always have great quality.
The Chinese have made a knife that was built like a D/A knife from the start and has great quality, snappy opening and good lockup. I know that, because I have a similar knife (without the decorations) in my collection and it is one of my favorite knives.


The knife can be found here: http://goo.gl/96yNBD




Saturday, September 3, 2016

New and back in stock knives on AliExpress (Extrema Ratio, Cold Steel, Brous Blades, Microtech, Lionsteel, District 9, A Dai, CKF, Assimetric Clones) - Check them out!

There are some new and back in stock folders and fixed blades, that I think are interesting and that you would like to know about, so I decided to post them in one article, just links and pictures.
The specifications of these knives are available in the description section of each lot.

If you have any questions about those and would like to know more about these knives - please post in the comment section and I will answer.

The knives:
Cold Steel:
Voyager XL Clone: 
http://goo.gl/HXwxPN




Spartan Clone: http://goo.gl/he5pdT


SRK Clone: http://goo.gl/NXmjON


Extrema Ratio:
RAO Folder/Fixed Blade Clone: http://goo.gl/9n4R60




Dobermann IV Clone: http://goo.gl/T09jI4







A Dai 0999: http://goo.gl/SdH6ad




CKF Assimetric Fixed Blade: http://goo.gl/7GkU12



Assimetric CF Folder: http://goo.gl/pDghSC



Assimetric Budget Folder: http://goo.gl/kcW8UO



Lionsteel Ti Spine Integral with M390: http://goo.gl/x8d3Fj



District 9 Fixed Blade: http://goo.gl/nBKUTw



Microtech DOC: http://goo.gl/G17ayR



Brous Blades T4: http://goo.gl/kKj6NC