British Army Knife - Locking Blade

  1 of 13

  Could be better. I chose this knife because I have a similar clasp knife, bought when I was a Boy Scout many decades ago. On the plus side, it does feel like that old heavy duty Scout's clasp knife - weighty and solid. It feels as if it could 'do the business'. I am sure that it will, eventually. However, the details let it down. The shackle is distorted which means that it cannot pivot freely on the rivet. There is no nail mark on the main blade. (The tin opener blade has one, but not the main blade.) So, the main blade relies on the user pinching the blade to pull it open. Actually, this is quite easy when the knife is clean and dry, but would difficult with wet, cold or greasy fingers. A nail mark on the main blade would solve this problem. The main blade only opens to approximately 170 degrees, the angle at which a non-locking blade is released for closing. It feels incomplete, unbalanced and although locked unsafe. It is not, but, as the workaday tool that it should be, it feels that way. Maybe this is a design feature but all my other folding knives open the full 180 degrees. The locking mechanism is so stiff that pressing it down to close the blade requires padding between thumb and lever (I am a carpenter, my fingers are robust). Maybe this will ease with use? Perhaps. But it currently detracts from the desire to use it hence will it ever ease with use? In comparison, my Mercator K55K folding pocket knife (also purchased from Woodlore) is a beautifully engineered and finished item. The shackle is straight and it pivots freely on the rivet. It has a nail mark to open the blade. The blade opens the full 180 degrees. The locking mechanism is efficient and simple to use. One knife is the work of a craftsman, the other feels like the work of an apprentice. Perhaps, I was just unfortunate.  

  Simon Levett

  2 of 13

  The ideal pocket knife, you don't need 57 different blades. It is well made with good quality materials and will last a life time. The blade takes and holds a good edge, the can/bottle opener comes in for a hundred unexpected uses and the screwdriver is very usable. The flat design means it is pocket friendly. I work outdoors and have carried one of these for forty years and would be lost without it. These are the real deal but beware of the many cheaper shoddy fakes from the Far East.  

  Jeremy Apter

  3 of 13

  Good solid bit of kit. Great general purpose knife; well made and seems very robust. Takes a good edge and looks like it will last.  

  Graham

  4 of 13

  Seems lighter in weight than my previous one but is a very well made knife. Better locking mechanism than before.  

  Robert Hoodless

  5 of 13

  Nothing special but is a well made simple pocket knife. Mine is plain, without the army stamp as pictured.  

  Gary Cohen

  6 of 13

  I have had the knife for about 2 weeks. I really like the quality and utility of the 2 blade version. It seems well built.  

  Tucker Brown

  7 of 13

  I am folding knives collector, at first sight I can say that this knife will fit very nicely into my collection. The knife Seems to be really durable for it's size. I did not have much free time to test it but when it sits in my hand, I know it's sturdy enough.  

  Ivan Stoev

  8 of 13

  Great knife. Quality steel and easy to handle. I am sure I will get years of use from it.  

  John Collins

  9 of 13

  I have been after one of these for a long time; after being passed down a worn one from my grandfather, I wanted a replacement. After receiving it within 48 hours of ordering, it was well packaged and I noticed straight away that it is very well made and has a very sharp sheeps foot blade, which locks into position very positively. Some may say it's a little expensive but I think it's well worth the money and is as good as it gets from a pocket knife. Can highly recommend this product to anyone that wishes to purchase one, you won't be disappointed!  

  Wayne Matthews

  10 of 13

  Good piece of kit, does what it says, and it's well made.  

  Ian Gibbon