W206 EDC Fixed Blade Knife 14C28N Blade Steel Micarta Handle with Kydex Sheaths for Outdoor Activities Camping (Desert)

I saw this knife was highly recommended, and I was curious how good a $30 knife could be. So I picked one up. Summary: This knife performed well beyond expectations for a $30 knife. It is NOT superior to similar knives from Benchmade, Cold Steel, Lion, Joker, etc. But it is more than 90% as good at a fraction of the price. Compared to other knives in its price range? In my limited experience, I haven't found one that compared. To be fair, the under-$50 knife market has lately seen huge improvements in quality, so if there aren't comparably good, fixed blade knives for a similar price today, there will be tomorrow. The reality about high-value knives is, I'm more likely to carry knives like this in questionable conditions because 1) it WILL do what I need it to do, and 2) I won't be as worried about losing it. You can buy better quality knives, but you'll need to pay some multiple of $30, and in some cases, an order of magnitude more. In fact, this little knife is so good, I'm looking at picking up a couple more Watchman/Brother knives from Amazon. Observations: Blade: This is 14C28N steel, which is an excellent stainless steel for outdoor use. It's nearly rust proof, holds an edge pretty well, is easy to sharpen, and best of all, it is very tough. The blade was beautifully finished, as well finished as knives I have that cost several times more. I chose this particular model for its sheepsfoot blade shape. The blade is a partial flat grind with a sharpening choil in front of the handle guard. The moderately sized handle guard will help prevent your hand from slipping onto the blade during heavy use. Some jimping is cut into the spine of the blade, just in front of the handle. Handle: The handle is made from brown, polished Micarta, which has smooth-edged grooves to aid grip. It's held on by screws, so the handle can be easily replaced if so desired. Sheath: It's a pancake Kydex, black and functional. It holds the knife securely with only slight rattling when the knife is secure. It is right handed, so take that into account. It has a small ledge in line with your thumb which allows for directed thumb pressure to dislodge the knife from the sheath--this is perfect; the knife cannot fall out, but it can easily be withdrawn. It also has a clip which allows you to carry it attached to your belt in either vertical or scout carry. What I Like: Just about everything. It was sharp when it arrived. But I wanted to do a little carving on a wooden puppet head, so I stropped the blade before trying it on the puppet head. It worked very well, much better than I thought it would, based on the handle size. I was surprised by how easy it was to use on small work. What I Don't like: The handle is a bit too thin for my taste. While I had no trouble controlling it, I found that my hand became fatigued more quickly than I would have liked. What Is It Good for? Pretty much anything where a small knife is useful. EDC, hiking, whittling, campsite, etc. Being a good quality, stainless steel, it would also make a good knife for fishing without having to worry about rust.

For the money, this is a great knife. Look, feel, steel... all there. The kydex sheath it came with will be replaced though due to fit issues (it rattles a little and has an open seam toward the tip.) Overall the knife is good but I decided it wasn't for me. I like my small fixed blades to be thin and slicing and this was too thick. It also wasn't good to deploy and re sheath. Might be suited better to a leather sheath. The "teklock" supplied also won't fit a regular sized 1 3/8" belt. Also, the blade came unevenly ground with a few scratches on it. It would be better served to be a tumble finish to hide scratch and scuff marks. Also, the micarta scales were "mashed" on the raised edges. Not a huge deal for such a cheap knife but all these issues made me decide not to keep it. Could be a good neck knife (albeit somewhat heavy) or pocket carry in the long side pocket of carhartts.

I am giving this knife a 5 stars but really 4.5. The knife didn't come very sharp, otherwise the knife is great. 1) The 14c28n steel is strong, stainless, and the blade sharpens easy. 2) To get this steel with a great handle and sheath for around $32 is a great bargain. Most knives are D2 at this price range, which isn't stainless steel. 3) The micarta handle is contoured great so it grips well and the length of about 4" is also great for my hands. 4) Most fixed blades have minimal contouring or a lite pattern. The grip was one of the main reasons that I picked this knife. The handle length might not be perfect for big hands but it should be worth trying it out. 5) The description says "Navy" but it looks dark green to me. Green is my favorite so I am not complaining. 6) The blade design isn't my first choice but I wanted to try it and I am glad that I did. 7) The knife fits well in the kydex sheath. 8) The belt clip is bulky but I am using this knife as a neck knife so the clip isn't that important to me and I'll buy an UltiClip later if necessary. 9) The weight of the knife is fine for neck carry. All in all, I am very happy with this purchase and I doubt you'll find something better at the current price. Other 14c28n knives go for much more. D2 is fine but not stainless so the quality and price make this knife a 'steal.' 😀 This knife would make a great and affordable present or Father's day gift.

Sharp knife but knife is loose in the sheath.

This is a great budget fixed blade. I have a bunch of knifes up to $200 in price. Nothing too fancy. Most are in the $70-80 range. This is one of my favorite knives to use and carry. It is my favorite fixed blade at the moment. I love the blade shape and steel. It's cheap enough that I don't worry about it.

What is not to like? This has to be one of the best knife deals out there and I say that as a collector (and user) with hundreds of knives in my collection. Firstly, the design is gorgeous. Something a little different from a standard hunting knife but it works well. The materials are top notch. Quality stainless steel and micarta scales. The workmanship is top notch. The ergonomics are hard to beat for a utility, hunting or self-defense knife. The kydex sheath is very well made. The knife snaps in with authority and there is no rattle. Very secure. Pulling the knife from the sheath though is easy. Exactly as it should be. I have very expensive custom knives that came with kydex sheaths with nowhere near the quality. I have only one suggestion. As is, the knife can be carried only in the vertical postion. It would be nice if the belt clip could be repositioned for horizontal carry. Also, I have not used the knife so although, I know the steel is high quality, I won't know how good the heat treat is untill I test it out by carving some hardwood.

Love the knife. But the sheath is terrible. Not sure if the weather en route did something to loosen the retention, but I can't EDC it without possibly losing it.

I bought this knife a couple weeks ago to basically scratch an itch. I love the Chris Reeve Inkosa, but not North of $700 worth of love. This knife has exceeded my expectations in fit, finish, edge taking ability and edge retention. It compares remarkably well to several of my custom knives made with similar steel. It has taken a literal hair splitting edge, which demonstrates good steel and heat treat. To be clear, this knife is a bargain. Caveats? The blade is just a wee thick behind the cutting edge. Not even a problem for those who need a more durable edge, but I prefer (and will make it) a bit thinner. The sheath is well made, with good retention. Kinda mediocre design. A "taco" design rather than a pancake would be much more compact for my preferred method of carry. The...half of a tek lock styled thingie is really just good for vertical carry, and does not allow for other positions that this blade is well suited for, such as horizontal. EDITED: I wanted to add that "Scout"/horizontal carry is possible with this sheath, it's just poorly suited in that it leave most of the sheath less supported to flop around and leaves a good inch or more of "Not Tec-Lock" sticking up to make it less comfortable. Mine currently has "Scout straps" which are working excellently. But...these are minor quibbles. This knife offers tremendous value. I put a set of "scout straps" on the sheath, and I'm off and running.