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ESEE Avispa Frame Lock Folder w/ D2 Steel
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ESEE Avispa Frame Lock Folder w/ D2 Steel
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Product Description
Spanish for wasp, the Avispa from ESEE is swift and packs a sting. With a 5-inch handle and a 3.5-inch blade made from D2 tool steel, it’s plenty big enough for tough cutting tasks Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downZapablast05
4
Feb 21, 2019
I'd like to start off by saying I've been partial to Spyderco, CRKT, Emerson, and Benchmade, and I didn't know what to expect from the ESEE Avispa.
I bought this based on impulse coupled with a $10 credit that MD gave me, making this a super cheap D2 blade to buy. I have to say, this is not the best knife I've ever owned, and that's taking gas station knives under consideration above this one as well. My knife arrived yesterday and the first thing I noticed upon taking it out of the box was the great build quality...that is until you start using it.
First issue- the frame lock. As sturdy as the frame lock may be, it constantly stays STUCK with the blade open. I love that it's sturdy and has amazing blade retention, but it's near a PITA to unlock the blade. The tolerance between the blade tang and lock is much too tight by about .001" which is causing the sticking issue. Yes, the tight tolerance helps with eliminating blade play, but at the expense of disengaging the lock. This is not a one handed blade when it comes to unlocking to close the blade. The lock is also hardly higher than the grip which makes it very difficult for me to get a grip with my huge callused thumb which slips off the lock every time.
Second issue- the pocket clip. The design and placement of the pocket clip for right hand tip up is abysmal. The clip springs back onto the frame lock which further exacerbates the issue of my lock getting forced in and stuck. I don't see any other work around for this besides carrying it differently which I am not willing to do.
Third issue- the pivot. I'm assuming it's a bearing pivot and not a sleeve, but it was the grittiest, roughest first opening of a knife I've experienced. It could be that it needs to be cleaned out and oiled, or loosened up, or something, but it's not smooth. This also lends to the one-handed opening difficulty, paired with the poorly placed thumb stud. I've yet to open up and clean this because it will be returned if possible.
Fourth issue- the thumb stud. The distance between the thumb stud and the pivot is roughly .750" eyeballing it. It's much too close to the pivot so it requires more force to open than it really requires, again lending to the two-handed operation. The thumb stud is effectively useless
I don't see myself owning this knife much longer, and would rather not even carry it or use it for box cutting duties. It would be a great beater knife if it wasn't for my issues with the knife. Out of all my current folders, this one is definitely a regrettable purchase. I currently own a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Spyderco Delica 4, Spyderco Ladybug, Spyderco Tenacious, Benchmade MiniGrip, Benchmade Grip, CRKT M16, Emerson CQC7, and now this. My cheapest Spyderco is the Tenacious and I would rather carry that over this, despite the Tenacious being an 8cr blade; at least it's functional without issues.
Woodduck1
70
Feb 17, 2019
Overall this is a pretty decent value, but there's no way it should have been released with the crappy pocket clip mounting design. If you position the clip for RH Tip-Up carry the clip rides on the lockbar and makes it almost impossible to open or unlock the blade with one hand. The work-around is to mod the holes in the clip so that it can be angled a bit to ride on the frame and not on the lockbar and there are a couple of ways to do it that are shown in Youtube vids on the subject.......but, really; one shouldn't have to take a Dremel to a brand new knife to get it to work properly. As I said: Crappy design.
Ontario RAT series I and II are better renditions of the basic design. How about a drop for the RAT I and RAT II in D2 guys. Hello??
14themoney
1395
Jan 29, 2019
14themoney
1395
Jan 29, 2019
I own this. It is an EDLID (That's everyday leave in drawer. It is much better than the Zancudo which I also own. I regret the purchases. They are not terrible knives. In fact, they got many good reviews which lead me to buying them. I also own a RAT-1 in D2 with G10 scales. It is much better with respect to ergos and ease of opening. The Avispa is also thin. It it not comfortable in hand. So when I want to tote a knife like this, it is the RAT. It will never be these. If you are considering this, I urge you to take a look at the RAT-1. I haven't Goggled this, but I believe that this is a good price.
Benzo
370
Jun 25, 2018
I can have it in hand for Basically the same price on Amazon with free shipping... come on MD. How bout a deal for once?!
Yanksdjk60
2
Jun 25, 2018
I have one in aus-8 and it is as smooth as can be opening and closing the blade
SidPost
73
May 2, 2018
Initial impressions are very favorable. I like that it is slimmer than many other knives I have and it is smooth with a great lockbar action. D2 is a very good blade steel for me too.
I'm not sure what all the negative comments are in this thread. Maybe my knife is an improved version or they got a defective knife but, my experence and those comments don't match up for this knife in D2 IMHO.
I'm not sure what all the negative comments are in this thread. Maybe my knife is an improved version or they got a defective knife but, my experence and those comments don't match up for this knife in D2 IMHO.
MASC1104
51
Apr 18, 2018
$34.18 shipped on amazon with 2 day shipping. Better price and faster delivery. nothing to see here.
banjovial
14
Apr 13, 2018
I hope this model is easier to open and close than the Zancudo I just bought in the previous drop. It is terribly difficult to operate and the detent makes it impossible to open one handed. The non-chamfered lock bar doesn’t help as it kills the thumb to operate.
Hokieengineer
35
Apr 13, 2018
banjovialIt is not. I gave my girlfriend one and regret it. It was very gritty, and only on Teflon washers. It is very hard to open and is slippery in the hard. The lock bar sticks horribly. ESEE makes great fixed blades, but not folders.
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