I feel like I should write a mini review, because I've been using my one at work as my main utility knife since the last drop, expecting it to fall apart, but: I'm stunned by the quality I got for under ten bucks... Lock up is positive and perfectly centered, action is smooth... the build is strong and robust - it survived couple drops from a truss with no issue. I was dubious about the quality of the steel, but, it's held an edge well enough and is easy to sharpen. In fact, I'd say it's a perfect knife to practice sharpening, the blade shape is simple and it takes a good edge - you can get it shaving sharp with ease. It's not going to keep it as long as more exotic steels, but it's a breeze to get it sharp again. Are they saving money by using narrow offcuts of steel used in other products? Bolting on a screw for unlocking, instead of grinding a tang, lets the manufacturer get away with using a very thin slither for making the blade; if this knife isn't a byproduct, is pretty decent steel this cheap nowadays?
This is a perfect blade to get someone who is just getting into knives and needs to practice sharpening; hell at that price, it's great for messing around with shaping the blade; for example, while illegal in many countries, changing the false edge on top into a proper stilleto would be a doodle (don't do it!) I don't want to give the impression that the steel is particularly soft, it's certainly durable enough, but it's a very simple shape and takes an edge very well.
Construction is solid and the fit and finish ON MY EXAMPLE is perfect: everything is lined up and the correct size. My only complaint is that the tips on the handle flange are rather sharp, if you have large hands you might want to give them a couple swipes with a file.
HOWEVER - at this price point, don't hold your breath for a lot of QC; judging by comments, you might get a perfect example, you might get a dog - or anything in between. It's hard to complaint much for 7$, get a couple to improve your odds, and if you get a dog - consider it a project: because of the design, there is little that can't be fixed with a rasp, a file and a screw driver.
PS. it uses t6 screws; standard laptop size torx.
This is a perfect blade to get someone who is just getting into knives and needs to practice sharpening; hell at that price, it's great for messing around with shaping the blade; for example, while illegal in many countries, changing the false edge on top into a proper stilleto would be a doodle (don't do it!) I don't want to give the impression that the steel is particularly soft, it's certainly durable enough, but it's a very simple shape and takes an edge very well.
Construction is solid and the fit and finish ON MY EXAMPLE is perfect: everything is lined up and the correct size. My only complaint is that the tips on the handle flange are rather sharp, if you have large hands you might want to give them a couple swipes with a file.
HOWEVER - at this price point, don't hold your breath for a lot of QC; judging by comments, you might get a perfect example, you might get a dog - or anything in between. It's hard to complaint much for 7$, get a couple to improve your odds, and if you get a dog - consider it a project: because of the design, there is little that can't be fixed with a rasp, a file and a screw driver.
PS. it uses t6 screws; standard laptop size torx.