All About Pocket Knives

I saw this model of the relatively new brand 'Mantis' in the March 07 issue of BLADE. Although I like older styled knives, with leather stacked handled, some new fixed blades (like Extrema Ratio) appeal to me. The modernistic styling, I guess.

No word in the write up about where these are made, and the Company calls itself 'Mantis USA'. But I had my suspicions. Still, a $100 MSRP seemed to say to me no, not China.

I found a new one, finally, for twenty odd dollars. Styling... oh yeah, this is out there, dude. Steel? 154CM, which is OK with me. Handle material is G-10, in eight pieces, hex bolted on. Thick, measures 3/16", and because the knife is only 8.25" long, seems thicker. I like a Tanto blade, for any task other than wild game gutting and skinning. The two angular 'points' can be very useful. Not as uncomfortable to grip as it might appear. Not a word of country of origin on it (let me clear that up now, it is made in China. I called the company yesterday to get the answer).

I like the sheath. I like it because it is not kydex, which does have it's uses. 'Ballistic cloth' or heavy duty nylon, whichever term you prefer. A hard insert to keep from stabbing your leg. Two handle straps with snaps, not velcro which I like. The buckle and strap affair on the front of the sheath is apparently there for 'tactical' looks. I can see no purpose for it.

Most tanto bladed knives brag of strength and punching, or stabbing power. I can believe it looking at this beast. It is sharp, very. Lots of steel backing up the point.

Upon reading the copy by the BLADE writer, you might get a laugh:
"The U-shaped cutouts are designed to reduce drag and enhance balance, grip, heat dissipation and aesthetics." Heat dissipation? Hell, I was just going to take it squirrel hunting today. Drag? Like drag racing? Who writes this stuff, anyway?

A hundred dollar knife? Well, after paying a fraction of that, I don't think so. Although any knive can prove invaluable if it is the only one at hand in time of need. But interesting, intriguing? Oh yeah, to me anyway.

Raining today, so I won't be venturing afield to try this out. Stay tuned.\\

Phil

Very "FUTUREISTIC"

Phil,

I always enjoy your review/opinion, especially on some of the lesser known options availible.

I do wonder how they ended up with 154CM steel, as I thought that was an American made steel, but maybe others are making it now? Maybe that is one reason for a higher price than most imports?

Anyway, here is a link, should someone desire to peruse their offerings...

http://www.mantisknives.com/main.shtml

Under FAQs, there is some steel type discussion, and a chart of steels they are using.

Futuristic does have a nice ring to it!

Bill

I note looking at the website that this model is also available, at half the price, in 420HC.

In the spirit of food and toy recalls from China, I have to look at steel options this company offers in a questionable light. Where would they get 154CM? Import it, of course, just as other countries with no steel production of their own do it. But bottom line, you have to destroy part of a knife blade and have a machine read the emitted gases to know for sure. I should be able to tell if this knife is made of good steel by use and sharpening... something I haven't done yet. Mantis is a new company, but has yet to develop a real reputation except perhaps for design innovation.

Phil