Thanks Dave - what I didn't know until I did it was how tough hard anodized aluminum is - it took like 30 minutes (because I couldn't use too high of a grit, as it would have created serrations on the edge of those steps). 👊✌️

Shipping notice went out Jan 6, and knife arrived either Jan 16 or 17 (I don't recall exactly), but ~10 days between. Thanks for stropping by to ask.✌️

Mine shows that a label was printed on the 20th and that’s as far as it gone

@Jason-mb7gk I haven't heard a single "real bad" from Kunwu yet, so hopefully it will arrive soon. I know mine was routed through Los Angeles CA, so recent events might be playing a part too. 🤙

@ yeah I didn’t think about the fires holding it up. I’m impatient. Appreciate it

Thank you for stropping by and voicing your support MrBlessed! A 4" bladed version of this would definitely be a bada$$ery climb into Hinderer XM-24 / Medford On Belay territory. 👊✌️

My gut tells me you are referring to CuttingBoard Reviews' - he does a very thorough and data driven review - it's good stuff. As for the Leeb tester in combination with the DLC coating, it wouldn't surprise me if there were variances versus reported HRC - coatings and even room temperature can alter reaults. I just know that Billy at ApexAlchemy HRC tested my uncoated vanax Padre, and it confirmed my one-month carry experience. In other words, it would seem Kunwu is doing things right, and CBRx is doing things right - 👊. Thanks for stropping in! ✌️

Hey thanks! When I get a great knife in hand, it makes it both easier and more fun. Thanks for stroppin by! 🤜🤛

It's a well-executed design and production. Thanks for stopping by BF (or CF...;-). 🤘🤙

Knice!

I was a bit surprised as well - not in a disappointed way - but I may have to pull out my backup (usually a tiny slip joint) a bit more when I carry this depending on who's in the vicinity. MC designed a good one, and Kunwu nailed the production. Thanks always Barefoot Bruiser (man, you know how hard it is to convert my brain from SDA to BB after 5 years - it's like calling my mom 'Mary' instead of mom ;-). 🤜🤛🤙

@ 🤣👊

Hey, nothing wrong with an avocado in a box AC - I hear they stay fresher longer ;-). Yeah, Kunwu is doing things just about as right as they can be done - materials, heat treat, grinding, finishing, working with designers to get the minute details done right. They seem to be "the new Reate". Always appreciate you stopping in.

I did consider a non-coated blade...but in the end the decreased friction combined with the subtler contrast between the DLC and the patterned titanium clip made me go full Metal Complex 🤐. The good thing is...yours will be more rare and leave less finger prints visible ;-). Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this very interesting knife - I won't even be doing a proper carry for a few months (too much backlogged reviews to get done). Thanks always for stropping in AAR. 👍✌😎

@MitchBollig I'm sure they will make as many of these knives that can sell. Plus Kunwu will be getting a lot of free advertising out of this knife by one of the largest knife channels out there (there is a woman out there that gets more views then he does ... Go figure). That was a brilliant move on Kunwus part to have MC basically as a spokes person of sorts. But they make great knives so I'm not hating. You didn't say much about the clip. It's getting bashed pretty much universally, which is kind of funny considering how much MC talks about the function of clips in his videos. I'm really excited to get a hold of this one though.

@appalachianadvrider Oh I wouldn't be surprised based on the pinch-point I can see where the lockbar relief meets the trough of the ramp. But this was definitely not a review - just an amalgamation of the knife design that makes perfect sense based on 7 or so years of knife reviews. Thanks for the convo AAR!✌️

@@MitchBollig I love knives and talking about them, so it's nice to talk with someone that loves them as well. Later.

I've always used Obenaufs on leather sheaths and wood handles due to it's higher beeswax content (and will continue to do so as it is better for leather and more water repellent), but the seemingly slight lean-in to mineral oil on this makes it my preference when I just want to plow through protecting a dozen fixed blades (handles & blade). I also use this one about every 3 weeks on our kitchen blade handles - again, the ease of application and excess removal combined with the higher-viscosity than just liquid mineral oil make it a great all-arounder. Thanks for stropping by! 🤜🤛✌

@MitchBollig thanks, I appreciate that insight! I will have to give this stuff a try.

Yeah, the waxes ease my mind about corrosion in addition to putting on a nice sheen. This one is a bit less waxy than Wicked, which is fine for a lazy a$$ like me who wants easy application, decent protection, but doesn't care about keeping knives looking pristine for future resale. Thanks always Bruiser! 🤙😎

I just took a look at Renaissance - it appears to lean heftier on the wax and less on the oil, so I see how it might be more resilient but with possibly a bit more elbow grease on the wax on/wax off (visions of Mr Miyagi from the Karate Kid saying, "Wax on...wax off." 😂) This Sasquatch has a nice balance for easy on for a lazy bastard like me, but it takes resident much better than just mineral oil. Thanks for checking it out barkingspider 👊

Man sorry to hear that. I'm gonna do a spine whack on mine and I'll post the short. Thanks for stropping by. ✌️

The Stumplifter earned its place on the stage of great slip joints - this is the way...Thanks for stroppin in AKB.🤙

So holes/cutouts in a fixie tang are common already for balance in the hand. As for these flared-out tubes, my best understanding for choosing holed versus solid core pins/bolts is 1) the added ability to lash the blade to a stick safely for extended length/use by tying rope through the holes and 2) the flaring of the hole essentially creates a positive counter pressure to ensure the scale stays snug to tang - imagine pins cut closer to flat and the epoxy breaks loose...you'd probably rather have the flared tube than a flatter tube/pin. Thanks for asking! 🤜🤛

Maybe after we get to know each other a bit ;-)

I admit my ignorance on what a kerumbo wave is, so let me know, and thanks for stropping by. 🤙

Couldn't agree more! Thanks for stropping in to share. 👊✌️

You know Doug H Nutt EDC...I agree - I just pulled it out to to compare with some of the other acoustic champs in my collection (Demko AD-20, ZT 0562Ti), and though the Model 2 doesn't have "dramatic" 6-shooter cocking volume, it does have a really nice and "throaty" follow-through acoustics for such an easily carryable blade. Thanks for stropping by to point out and I hope 2025 treats you well! 🤜🤛✌️

Thanks Barefoot👊. And I haven't yet reprofiled that edge...so the Tyr is fair game for a full review in 2025😉 as "the ultimate customized bruiser". Have a great 2025 Dave, and thanks for always being a kindred spirit for the kind-hearted knife gals and guys out there. 😎

Most welcome Billy - I really think what you and Courtney do not only provides a great service, but your common sense commentary is entertaining and levels out the full-snob-HRC vitriol. Thanks for stroppin in😎✌️👊

Dang...that's cool, but unexpected - curious if they are inexpensive as well.👊

@MitchBollig I'm not sure bro! I seen sone on Etsy. Wanna say they were around 5 bucks each but don't quote me!

Yes, Dave is definitely "the knife whisperer", and Rodney works wonders on scales and frames. 🤙

Hey thanks! This particular Bravo 1 definitely gave me hesitation, but a subsequent Bushcrafter II and a Trakker both in 3V made me realize it was likely just a burnt edge where they got too aggressive working the final grinds/sharpening, because the Trakker and Bushcrafter suffered no such chippy fate. I guess part of the risks/complexity with full convex. Thanks for stropping in! Have a great 2025👊✌️

Yeah - Work Tuff puts an amazing starting edge on their blades. Thanks for checking it out!😎👊

Sho 'nuf you'd be right (and I was as well when I was sure not to call it steel;-). Will be interesting to see if I can get it sharp first - it could not easily slice a tomato straight from Spyderco. 👊

@@MitchBollig Good luck. Can't wait to see the head to head. I just got and started to carry the Rex 121 myself. I'm sure it will be just fine since I just flick my knife and occasionally open an envelope or Amazon package. I will NOT be using it to baton firewood or chisel nails out of hardwood. Sho 'Nuf reminds me of "The Last Dragon"... I'm too old!

Ooh...that's kind of genius - simplicity meets multi-functionality. I shall try it when I circle back to carrying this little champion. Thanks! 👊🤙

Thanks for stropping by to check it out Shayne! ✌️🤙

Thanks! Even though I sold the 'S', it is almost undeniably the better blade given the stock is the same as the 20.5. Go git 'er at BS 2025! 🤜🤛🤘

Thanks for stropping in! I love the Manix 2, but I'm not sure how comfortable I would be with opening paint cans with it, but I definitely would with "spoons" 😉. 👊✌️🎄

@@MitchBollig Hey, Check out this new video: Demko AD20 vs. AD20S (Slim) Doody's Daggers. I may have to pick one up myself at Blade Show 2025. 😎👍

He has an interesting take - more concern for the innards, blade shape, and TBE (which is almost always warranted). My take on them is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHOXpIp-iZWkl6M

Thanks Dave - this blade is definitely a great one. 👊✌️

Most welcome - this is an excellent design and well made! Merry Christmas to you! 🤙✌️

@GodDutyHonorCountry In the end I did too, so they got swapped back - the "better" the ultem looked on black was still no match for the purple haze CF. Thanks for stropping by.👊✌️

@tonybrock5288 As admitted in the video, I'm not an operator of any discernable kind, but you seem like a proper operator. Thus I cannot answer your question with any authority, but I can say the retention and slimness of this sheath will allow secure carry in all 360 degrees of rotation. I appreciate you stopping by to check it out and comment. ✌️

Brother man this is Erik Hansen, I'm the gentleman who designed the sheath and makes the knife, I own the company. I am not really sure what you're trying to describe here?... Not sure how many people you've actually closed "time and distance" with and then lethally engaged within arms reach but please enlighten me... I'm all ears.

@@erikhansen8235 Sorry, I didn't mean to come across so strongly. I really appreciate the fantastic work you guys do. I had some instruction a long way back and was told to hold the sharp edge upwards and to go for stomach and then upwards. So, kind of using the knife "upside down" to "normal" practice.

I agree - it adds a touch of flair and function in wet conditions. Thanks for stropping by to check it out! ✌️👊

Thanks AAK. Always appreciate you stopping by ✌️😎

😉Love it! Funny that you mention that lanyard hole...for the sake of brevity (yeah right Mitch...16 minutes is brief!), I didn't talk about it as it was neither a pro nor con for me. But...Erik designed it big enough to clip a carabiner through it as another carrying point for operators in the field. Thanks for taking time to check it out and comment! 🤜🤛

Great question brother man, but it's large so you can tether the knife when you're "on rope" and climbing whether that's with an older style military carabiner or snap shackle or a piece of cordage that you can put in the hole and then attach the carabiner or snap shackl to the cordage to tether it and yes you can use it to pull a bullet out of a cartridge to get to the powder if you don't have a multi-tool.

Hi Tom, yep I have the 5 Max seed planted in my brain for you. There's been quite a bit of chaos in my world since June 2, so haven't had much free time to even read email really...always the best to you TQ. ✌️🤙

@@MitchBollig i hopoe you are well brotha mitch there , sadly i can only probably trade/swap/barter for the new scout version when its released , do not know when though , call me here soon , i def. wanna talk more n save big flippers/folders for me too , thanks n talk soon brotha > tom !

Yeah, these OG's are next level - with any luck you were able to return the backspacer to OG...Thanks for stropping by to check it out and comment! ✌️

@MitchBollig Eh, I'll leave it somewhere. Whatever. The scales are so nice that I don't care.

@deadvikingtrolls Did you by chance get the ball groove or the jimped one? If so, I'd buy it off you.

@@MitchBollig It's jimped and stonewashed. Looks like it fits 20s better.

@deadvikingtrolls Oh gotcha...I sold my 20S a bit ago - I just assumed the whaleshark was a bit wider than the standard 20.

You know, it's a good question. Being that I'm an everything-in-front-pockets guy, I wouldn't generally carry this way. As well, I haven't done a dedicated carry of this blade yet, but when I do, I will spend some concerted effort with this in the rear pocket on the outside. I did used to always carry a pen in the rear outside edge some years ago. As for the construction...with the steel liners, it's probably better than a pure plastic Spyderco - I think in the end it's about where it lands when you sit down. I wouldn't put full body weight on it, but if it's a bit of wedge on the side like that pen...maybe.

I'm not sure if this is a tongue-in-cheek jab, but with a handle name containing 'myopic' and 'zeal', I love it. Either way, I definitely never intend to knife-shame anyone for a blade that works for them. For this Spydie, I was merely surprised how quickly the retaining spring bent out and I wouldn't trust it unless I got a positive confirmation after asking a piece of glass I intended to break whether it was in fact tempered or annealed. I'm a huge Spyderco fan, and my channel attests, but I would chose other options over this particular knife (if the glass-breaker calculated into my uses cases for it). Thanks for taking time to check it out and comment! 🤜🤛

Oh absolutely...this was just a first impressions really used as a giveaway platform (at the end for those that made it) and I've learned a lot more about fixed blade production pros and cons (the DBK boys answered back gratefully to JoeX that it was all about balance), which I totally agree with! Thanks for stropping by to check it out, maybe peek at my full review of the South Pole, and stay tuned for the full DBK BC review (hopefully next summer, as I missed most of this summer due to a severe bike crash). ✌️👍

You know...in hand, once deployed, I agree this knife is an excellent folder - good width, good materials, good grind, solid in hand...I guess my hold out will have to be waylaid until a full carry and use about the fixed-pins which always get inset at least half-way when in pocket. Did you just train yourself to always move the release on the spine to move the fixed-pins out? Thanks! 🤜🤛

Not in edge retention

No, Rex 121 has the longest lasting edge in steels.

Thanks G. Yeah, the reate is a mechanized realization of the d9 for the pin insert.🤙👊

...says DOOM with authority, followed by a deep-scratchy-voiced, "So what doo-dads you got planned for 'em?". Thanks BoD - you know this D9 can only ever go back to you or Dave...if and when I part with it. I peeked at the Ketuo site, and was kind of pleased to see the SS sold out. When I'm ready to carry and review, I'll ping you - asking about another possible run of them. 👊🤙

Yeah, no kidding it's good that you got something...after further digging into John @heavysettactical 's travails, there are folks who ordered 5+ blades and literally lost it all (not to mention John himself got hit). A very sad tale that we can't forget. Thanks for stropping by! 🤜🤛🤙

Oh yeah! DOOM, SatuDave, and WCReview all formed my love for bruisers. Thanks for stopping by OD! 🤜🤛

I hadn't realized how thin your D9 hollow grind was until I picked it up again for this video - it's literally an amazing 1-of-a-kind now, and I can't wait to carry it properly in 2025. It can only go back to brother DOOM or you if I part with it. Glad you appreciate my tongue-in-cheek mention of the T1000 ;-). Thanks as always SD! ✌️👊