Flash sale on the Jiaheng JH04!
The knife features 3 colored G10 handles, axis lock imitation (more similar to the axis found on Shiro knives, such as the Tabargan, than to the Benchmade ones), satin or stonewashed blade, ball bearings and deep carry pocket clip.
It is very similar in overall quality and construction to the great Jin 02 knife (I believe it is made in the same factory).
Great price for the next 15 hours.
Check it out here: Jiaheng JH04 knife
More axis lock knives here: Axis Lock knives
For the comparison I used the very popular Ganzo G7533 model, which I received at about the same time.
The comparison:
Overall fit and finish - pretty much the same level of quality, both have milled liners and excellent fit and finish, maybe a slight advantage for the Jin02.
Mechanics and lockup - a clear win for the Jin02 - perfect centering, 0 blade play in any direction and much smoother action right out of the box (bearings in the pivot) give it a clear advantage over the Ganzo (even after I polished the washers on a Ganzo).
Axis lock - is easier to disengage on the Jin, but it is also a bit stiffer and has sharper edges, so a tie at this point.
Blade steel and shape - A slight advantage to the Jin, due to FFG (Full Flat Grind) shape, thinner grind and D2 steel (EDIT: later found out Ystart use 7Cr17MoV and label it as D2. Can't get much more for the price).
Ergonomics - I personally prefer the Ganzo, it sits a little bit better in my Medium sized hand but the Jin is OK as well (it is individual).
Pocket clip - If there is a weaker side on the Jin, it is it's pocket clip. Ganzo clearly takes this one, due to to the more stiff, pointy polished clip on the Jin. Also the Jin's clip creates a small "hot spot" in my hand while squeezing it hard in the hand.
Verdict - the Jin02 is an awesome knife and will serve you well as an EDC blade.
It's clear advantages are the mechanics, overall quality (especially in the details) and the better cutting blade shape.
If you care about those things in the knife, you will probably like the Jin02 a lot.
I got mine here: Y-Start Jin02
Same knife on Amazon: Y-Start Jin02
