Extrema Ratio Shrapnel Clone Knife Review!

I've finally received this knife and would like to tell you about it.
I ordered it to serve as a tactical hard use fixed blade (which was lacking in my collection), my criteria was: solid and thick spined knife with good ergonomics, kydex sheath and 4+ inches of blade length.
The knife came in a black "Extrema Ratio" branded cardboard box, reasonably sharp out of the box.
When I got it out, I was quite surprised. From my talks with the seller. he told me that blade length is going to be 10 cm (~ 4''), but it is in fact 11 cm if you count the choil area of the blade, so it was a good surprise, as I wanted a longer blade.
I usually don't test my knives, but with this one I just couldn't resist, so I went up to the yard, shaved and chopped some wood and also tested the tip.

The Pros:

- Awesome ergonomics: The handle is made from a rubbery material, which is nice to the touch and has just the right amount of squeeze and grip. It is also quite long, so can be held comfortably in a few ways and grips. The gimping is pronounced but not sharp and will feel great with or without a glove.
- The weight and the balance: the knife feels very light in the hand (216.7 g/7.6 oz) for a fixed blade, and this is partly due to the great balance between the blade and the handle.
- The design, looks, fit and finish: A big plus in owning an Extrema Ratio knife (or a clone in this case) are the looks and the design. The knife looks great, inside or outside the sheath, just a proper tactical fixed blade look. The fit and finish are also very nice, no visible problems there.
The design is just awesome. It starts with the fact that you can insert the knife into the sheath in both ways, so it will suite lefties as well. The rivets are Tec-lok compatible and positioned great to mount the sheath to your gear. The knife also has a holed finger guard in the front and a striking point/lanyard hole in the back, that extend the usage options of the blade.

The Cons:

- The sheath: It's done well, but a few things still bugged me. The knife sits well, and won't fall off in both directions, but it does rattle quite a lot, especially side to side, which can create quite a loud noise. The genuine one has a rubber insert inside to prevent this. I believe the same solution can be done here. Another solution can be to heat it up and press it. The advantage of a fully hollow sheath is that water will come out right away and also is will be very easy to clean.
Another issue with the sheath is the clip that it comes with - it feels a little flimsy. I will definitely replace it with a good Tec-Loc.
- The blade steel: As I've seen after the tests, the knife has a pretty soft blade steel, which wouldn't hold an edge for a very long time. I mean, it's not bad (behaves sort of like 440C), but it's not some supersteel. The plus is it can be sharpened very quickly and easily.

The Verdict:
-This is a very good knife to be used as a tactical fixed blade for non-combat use. It is solid, and probably won't disappoint you for your regular tactical getaways or outdoors. It is also pretty inexpensive, so you wouldn't regret really using and abusing it. Also, the looks and the design really do it for me.
I probably wouldn't use it for actual combat, as I would like a battle-proven fixed blade for those.

I've bought mine here: Fulcrum C/Shrapnel Clones
(Fulcrum clone could be found in the same store)
Extrema Ratio RAO clone here: Extrema Ratio RAO Clone

Genuine Extrema Ratio knives can be found here: Extrema Ratio Knives
Or here: Extrema Ratio Knives

Curtiss ODT Dog Tag Flipper Knife Clone!

Hey guys!
Are you tired already from small titanium dog tag clones? No? Good, cause here comes another one.
This time it is a clone of the fan favorite ODT knife from Dave Curtiss.
It is a bulky, overbuilt square knife design, that will fulfill the desires of "sick-with-ordinary-knives" knife fans.
It features a 1"/ 2.4 cm square shaped blade, titanium handle and frame and an unusual flipper tab, but can also be opened slowly by using 2 hands.
The blade steel is listed as M390, but at that price point I doubt that it in fact is.
Big plus is that no original logo is used (if you don't count Curtiss's signature pivot).

Check out the knife here: ODT Dog Tag Clone
Genuine Dave Curtiss ODT is sold here: Dave Curtiss ODT
Check out more cool dog tag knives here: Dog Tag knives

V2 Batman BatSignal Fidget Spinner Review!

I have received the V2 Batman sign shaped spinner and would like to tell you about it.
It came without a box, but in a nice PU leather case (can be used to carry the spinner).
Features: made of polished gold color metal (probably steel), pretty heavy (3.63 oz/103 g).
Has full ceramic (zirconium) bearing, white colored and very smooth.
The pads are also made of metal and are screwed into each other.
Pros:
- A very good looking spinner IMO.
- Fit and finish are very good, color is even and almost no play between the spinner and the pads.
- Spins very well (maximum spin on a table - little more than 3 minutes).
- Is pretty quiet while spinning in hand or on a hard surface.
Cons: 
- Is pretty heavy. thus harder to carry as an EDC spinner.
- Has a few corners, that can be unpleasant it you hit them when starting or stopping the spinnner.
- I personally didn't like the polished finish (leaves fingerprints), so I brushed the top surfaces, but left the sides polished for a two tone look.

The Verdict - Not the perfect EDC spinner, but definitely a very good for a starter one, has awesome long spinning action and buttery smooth bearings, especially for the price.

Check them out here: V2 EDC Spinners
Can be also found on Fasttech (PayPal friendly): Batman Spinner on Fasttech
Other spinners on AliExpress: EDC Fidget spinners
Check out Fidget spinners here for faster shipment: Fidget Spinners

Extrema Ratio Fulcrum C/Shrapnel Clones Knives!

This is a new release of the tactical full handle clone models.

The blade lengths are 10.9 cm for the Fulcrum and 9.9 on the Shrapnel.

Feature full rubber modular handle, 7Cr13MoV steel, black coating on the blade and a kydex sheath.

Awesome option for a budget tactical fixed blade!

Knives can be found here: Fulcrum C/Shrapnel Clones
Extrema Ratio RAO clone here: Extrema Ratio RAO Clone

Genuine Extrema Ratio knives can be found here: Extrema Ratio Knives

Bean Clone Knife Review - Good EDC keychain tool!

So, I received this knife a few days ago, and would like to tell you my experience with it.
First impressions:
The knife came in a plain white cardboard box.
No flaws out of the box, but it wasn't lubed, so the action was a bit stiff.
(Not necessarily a flaw, as I prefer it to arrive dry, than to have a wrong lube).
Also, the knife wasn't sharp enough (fixed that by stropping it).
Pros:
- The Good - Very good execution. The detent is very strong (which is needed for this kind of knife), so the knife fixates very well in the open and close positions. The stone-wash finish on the blade and the handle is great and fits the key-chain purpose (won't show scratches). The action is good, after you adjust to the unique flipper tab and deploys pretty fast every time.
- The Great - The design and style. The key-chain EDC segment often gets neglected by knife companies and designers and this is a good example of a well designed good looking small knife, that will fit great along with your keys.
It will also be legal in countries, that don't allow locking blades (like the UK knife laws) and could be opened discreetly in a 2-step action using the thumb. If you connect it to your keys, they can serve as a comfortable lanyard for better grip.
Cons:
- The Bad - This isn't a fidget knife (a knife that you love to play with - open and close in the hand multiple times). As I've said, the detent is very strong and the flipper tab has a unique pointy shape, so playing with this knife can result with an unpleasant feeling in your finger.
Another thing is the pivot structure. The knife has very tiny ball bearings, which IMO are completely unnecessary, as they don't contribute to the smoothness and the same action could be achieved with bronze washers.
- The Ugly - The knife's blade stopper pin wasn't locktighted on my piece and came loose after I flipped it a few dozen times, which is a safety issue, so if you get this knife, check if it's locked and if not - apply locktite ASAP.
Also, the blade steel mark says S35VN (I highly doubt that, and suspect it is 9Cr18MoV, which again, is more than OK for this tiny knife), and even if it is true - that is a bit overkill for this type of a small knife.
The Verdict: This is an ad-hock EDC key-chain knife, don't expect it to be much more than that, don't torture test it and expect it to cut like a light saber. (for that, do yourself a favor and get the Green Thorn F95).
But if you fix the issues (strop it and locktite the blade pin) and put it beside your keys - it will serve you well, open any package, fulfill most EDC tasks a key-chain knife needs to perform and will look awesome.
It has already replaced the SAK Classic SD on mine.

The knife can be found here: Bean Clone Knife 
Specs of the original here: Genuine Serge Panchenko Bean Knife

Harnds Talisman Knife - Finally a Ganzo Knives Rival?

Ganzo Knives are (rightfully) ruling the budget knife segment as of now, and there is one reason for that IMO - value. They may not be the cheapest (Sanrenmu) or the perfect quality ones, but their value is undisputed. And yeah, they put their own logo on the blades and try to make a design a little different, so that plays in their favor.
But now there is a new kid on the block. Harnds have been around for a while, but never did anything that will step them up from other budget blades (Enlan, Inron, Tonife, etc), until now.
They actually took the time and designed a flipper knife from scratch, that features rounded G10 handles, ball bearings in the pivot and AUS-8 on the blade. I also appreciate their honesty (cause they didn't just put D2 mark, like many do these days), and if they heat treated it right, it can perform very well.
Anyway, I just ordered one from GearBest (they are having a flash sale for only $27.99), and will do a review when it will reach me.
You can check out the knife here: Harnds Talisman
Check out Harnds Knives on Amazon: Harnds Knives

ADV Mini Butcher Clone Review - Awesome EDC Blade!

I have received this knife and would like to share with you my view on it.
First impressions:
The knife came in a plain white cardboard box, but packed well in bubble wrap.
Action out of the box was a little stiff (got better with time).
Arrived hair shaving sharp out of the box.
There were no visual faults in fit and finish.
After I used the knife for a few days:
Pros:
- The Good - Very good quality, fit and finish. No blade-play at all, action is great (through the push-button flipper), has nice detent. Centering is great, but requires tweaking to get centered again if you unscrew the pivot.
- The Great - Details on this one are awesome - from the unique pivor screw (which also has a torx for easy maintenance), the holes in the handle, steel insert on the frame, the Hinderer frame stopper and the ti pocket clip - all are done very very well.
Cons:
- The Bad - First of all the grind lines on the blade are not perfect. It's not really noticeable, but in a close inspection you can see the slight imperfection. Not for grind lines OCD people.
Another thing to consider are the ergonomics (not a flaw of the clone but of the original design as well) - not the best knife I ever held in hand. I mean it's very individual, but for my M sized hand it's not optimal and has a hotspot for the pinky finger. IMO for smaller or larger hands it will be much better. 
Also - it has pretty sharp gimping and blade edges.
- The Ugly - The blade mark says S35V, when in reality it has 9Cr18MoV. I mean the steel is good, but why to put a wrong mark om the blade? Just don't get it..
The Verdict: It is a great little EDC knife, very special and unique. About the quality - not a perfect one, and I wouldn't buy it for $400 but hands down the best knife I had for less than $50. If you seek for a small 3'' flipper cleaver - this one is for you!
Knife can be found here: Mini ADV Butcher clone
Genuine ADV knives can be found here: Andre de Villiers knives
More Cleaver style blades here: Cleaver knives

Ganzo Firebird F753M1 - Smaller version of the G7531!

What I truly appreciate about the Ganzo/Firebird brand, is that they truly listen to their customers!
We were constantly asking for smaller, more EDCable versions of their knives, and they delivered it with the mini version of the beloved Ganzo G7531.
The new model - the Firebird F753M1 has the overall length of only 17.8 cm, blade length of 7.7 cm and closed length of 10.1 cm, which makes it a great small EDC option.
It is available with G10 handles in 3 colors (black, orange and green) and all of the great features of the original model - "axis" lock, and blue colored hardware.
It also has a pretty attractive price tag.
BTW - it seems that GearBest shipping problems have ended, and they now ship knives to most countries. If you encounter a problem - please write in the comments.
Check it out here: Ganzo/Firebird F753M1
Check out other Ganzo made knives on Amazon: Ganzo knives

Neon Ultra Light Clone Knife is back in stock!

I know a lot of you have been waiting for this clone to come back, and it did.
This time not made by Vespa, but has all the qualities (milled ti handles, ceramic bearings and even Shiro proprietary screws, which are better IMO) D2 blade and is cheaper than the Vespa version.
The biggest dilemma is what handle color to choose :).
Knife can be found here: Shiro Neon Clone
Genuine Shirogorov Neon Ultra Lite sold here: Shirogorov Neon
More cool EDC blades here: EDC Blades

New V2 EDC Fidget Spinners on AliExpress!

Just a quick update on the AliExpress spinners scene.
As expected, the demand was very high, so the AliExpress sellers ordered some more spinners, including heavier metal ones with better ceramic bearings, that will probably spin better and more quetly. 
I liked the one in the picture, but a lot more models are available now for purchase in the $10-$30 price range.
Check them out here: V2 EDC Spinners
All kinds of spinners on AliExpress: EDC Fidget spinners
Check out Fidget spinners here for faster shipment: Fidget Spinners

CH Knives CH 3002 S35VN - Great elegant design!

This is a long anticipated model from CH.
It has a very sleek and slim design, and can fit any gentleman's EDC.
The knife features S35VN blade, titanium handles with a linerlock and bearings in the pivot.
IMO, very good looking knife, that probably won't disappoint any knife aficionado.
BTW, CH Knives have recently changed their logo to a new one, because of some legal issues with an old one.
The knife can be found here: CH 3002
Another great model from CH - CH3504 (scull knife) here: CH 3504
More gentleman knives here: Gentleman knives

Knife Gift Idea - Affordable Damascus Blades!

If you are looking for an affordable Damascus steel blade - I have one for you!
I discovered it while looking for an inexpensive knife as a present for my friend and this one can really fill the purpose.
BTW - those look very (I would even say too) similar to a pretty known company's products - Buck n Bear knives, which leads me to think those might be same knives, but for much less money.

Damascus blade knife: Wood+Damascus blade
(Abalone version is in the same store)
Another awesome damascus knife: Damascus Flipper
Buck n Bear knives here: Buck n Bear Knives
Or here: Buck n Bear 

Mini ADV Butcher Clone - Small Folding Cleaver!

Another new cleaver-style blade has emerged, and this time it's a Mini ADV Butcher style blade.
It has 6.9' (17.5 cm) overall length, 2.8' (7.2 cm) blade length and 4.4 oz (125g) of weight and comes in 2 colors - grey and blue anodized.
It is a small flipper knife and it runs on bearings in the pivot.
Pretty cool little knife, that isn't stabby, so it probably won't scare other people as much as a regular blade.
I have doubts to believe this is really S35VN blade, but at this price 9Cr18MoV is more than fine.
BTW - the knife has a framelock with steel insert, but it is photo-shopped, in order to comply with AliExpress knife laws, that prohibit to sell a locking blade folder (or to show the lock in this matter).
Knife can be found here: Mini ADV Butcher clone
Genuine ADV knives can be found here: Andre de Villiers knives
More Cleaver style blades here: Cleaver knives

Rike Knives RK1508 1508 Knife - Kudos for Richard Wu!

Rike Knives (formerly known as Bama Knives) are celebrating their second anniversary.
And what better way to celebrate than to release a new and special model - the RK1508.
Richard Wu - the head designer and the owner of the company have stated that although this knife is priced much less than other knives in Rike's lineup, it won't fall behind on quality, fit and finish, but has less complicated anodization and design features.
The knives feature stonewashed ti handles (3 color options - grey, black and blurple), ti backspacer, ti pocket clip, ceramic ball bearings in the pivot and real S35VN stonewashed blade.
Best thing about it IMO is the price - $135, which, for a genuine Rike knife, is very good.

Check it out here: Rike RK1508
More Rike knives are sold here: Rike Knives
More titanium knives here: Titanium handle knife

Kevin John Venom Wing M390 Integral Knife!

This knife was announced a while ago, but just now have become available for purchase.
It features integral (machined from one piece of titanium) handle, M390 blade steel (we know KJ has real M390), of course bearings in the pivot and an overall flight theme, starting with the name (Wing), followed by the "aerodynamic" wing shaped thumb studs and a helicopter style screws.
I believe that guys, who are into aviation will probably dig this one.
Have to say - it reminds me a lot of another blade that came out not a long time ago - the LW Knives AH-64, which has similar overall features and theme. Maybe aviation is a new favorite topic with Chinese knife designers these days.
Anyway - gotta love the new original designs coming from China, the price tag is a little bit less lovely, but I guess that is the price to pay for a great quality titanium integral knife.
Check out the knife here: Kevin John Venom 4 Wing
Kevin John Venom New Concept is sold here (under the CKF brand): Kevin John Venom New Concept
More high end integral knives here: Titanium Integral Knives

Ganzo Firebird G758 G7582AL Aluminium Automatic Switchblade Knife Review!

I have received the knife from Fasttech and would like to share with you my review of it.

The knife comes in a new Firebird branded box, with a microfiber sleeve.

First impressions: The knife feels pretty light in hand, no visible scratches or nicks, opens fast from the beginning - very well done!

Pros:
1. Blade centering, lockup, sharpness, grind - all are done great! So is the stonewash finish on the blade, really liked it.

2. Mechanics are also awesome, opens smoothly and fast, with a small kick.

3. Safety - finally they have done it right! It is solid, made from aluminum, doesn't wiggle and has a nice tactile feeling to it. Kudos Ganzo!

4. Pocket clip is finally in the right position - tip up carry.

5. The handle is made from 2 pieces of aluminum, screws are only visible from the clip side, which adds to the overall clean look. In my case it has a purple anodizing, which also looks unique and adds color to my collection.

Cons (more of suggestions of improvement):
1. The pocket clip is poliched, I would really prefer it stonewashed, like the blade.

2. The blade has marking on the other side "Made by China Ganzo". A smaller "Ganzo" writing would have been nicer and cleaner.

3. The inside of the handle slabs feels a little sharp, smoother edges would feel better.

The Verdict - this is a huge leap for Ganzo/Firebird knives, the knife is well made and feels much more expensive than the price it is sold at. I can't wait to see which aluminum model Ganzo will come out with next! I really hope it will be something Microtech style (Microtech Socom Elite Mini for example), another Protech style or a small, sleek auto knife.

Check out the knife here: Ganzo Firebird G758 G7582AL

Check out other Ganzo made knives on Amazon: Ganzo knives

Serge Panchenko Bean Clone - Cool small EDC keychain knife!

A new knife has appeared on AliExpress - a clone of a Bean model by Serge Panchenko!
This is a pretty small knife, that will fit great to every knife lover's keychain.
It features titanium handles, non-locking (fixture is created by a detent) blade with an unusual flipper tab and ball bearings in the pivot.
A great option if you are looking for a small legal EDC knife!
(Although it could be done better by not putting the original SP logo on it).

It can be found here: Bean Clone Knife
Specs of the original here: Genuine Serge Panchenko Bean Knife
More small keychain knives here: Keychain Knives

New Cold Steel AK-47 Triad Lock Clone Knife on AliExpress!

The new CS AK-47 clone have appeared on AliExpress.
It features one of the toughest locks ever - a copy of the Triad Lock, a wave, OD green G10 handles and described "9Cr18" steel, although it might be a lesser one, but for less than $20, it's OK.
Users have already given a positive feedback about this model, so I hope more CS models will appear in the future.
Knife can be found here: CS AK-47 Clone
Genuine CS AK-47 here: Cold Steel AK-47 Knife
More genuine Cold Steel knives here: Cold Steel Knives