My quickly growing Chinese folder collection - lots of pics!

[jerseydevil]

This is all Nelly1974's fault.  For years I was of the opinion that all Chinese made knives were garbage, and a lot of the really cheap ones I saw reinforced that opinion.  Then I got my first Rough Rider, and that opinion started to change.  But what about the larger folders?  I knew that companies like SanRenMu and Enlan had a good rep, but.....  Then I made a trade with Nelson for an El01.  And now.....


Mind you, this is just in the past two weeks, and there's several more coming!    I have to say that I was wrong, these are really some quality folders!  I was very pleasantly surprised.  First up is the Enlan El01...


This is one BIG folder, but handles and carries easily.  The flipper is one of the best I've ever handled, and I'm a fan of flippers.  The blade is 8Cr13Mov, takes a nice edge and is easy to sharpen.  The liner lock is well done too....


Next up is a Hinderer-like object, the Inron MY803.




I was a bit put off by the asymmetric handle, but I've since come around to it.  The G10 is nicely done.  This is another MASSIVE folder, but feels great in the hand.  The blade is 9Cr13Mov.  I've read some on the 'net that the frame lock is too weak, but not on mine. 


It locks up nice and tight, no blade play at all, and is amply strong, judging from some impromptu spine whack tests. 

Next is a Land-marked SRM, the 908.  This is an older SRM, the blade size is much larger than current models.


It's a no-frills folder, hand filling and solid.  This is going to be a regular work knife for me....
Last but certainly not least is my latest, the Enlan L01.  I'm loving this knife.  The size is great, and the Micarta handles are great.


I like the blade shape, the tanto front edge has some belly, makes it great for opening boxes and such.


8Cr13Mov, takes a great edge.  The fit and finish are incredible!  The only thing that threw me a bit is the thumb opening disk...


Got used to the technique to use it quickly, it opens very fast if need be.

So there you have it!  Take this as a confession and act of penance, but I'm really liking these budget knives.  If you think that Chinese made blades are garbage, try one of these out.  You'll be as surprised as I was.....

[Gareth]

Good write-up mate.   Just so happens I've been carrying my Rough Rider whittler today for the first time in ages, great little knife.

[Zed]

Very nice jd i really like my el-01 with sand g10 its such a well made knife and so smooth. 

[dks]

  you need a 763 and a 710....

How is the inron? better or worst than the similar enlan?

[Grathr]

Nice collection!
Just got a couple of SanRenMu's, and Im very happy with them.

[Gareth]

I should also say that I've got SRM 710 and another one that's number escapes me for the moment.  Both very well made knives and a total bargain.

[jerseydevil]

you need a 763 and a 710....

How is the inron? better or worst than the similar enlan?

Both of those are actually in my Amazon shopping cart and are getting ordered this week.    I also have another Enlan coming from Nelly1974, it'll be here tomorrow.  As for the Inron, it's a well-put together knife.  The fit and finish are on par with the El01.  No, it's not a Hinderer XM-18, but for 1/100th of the price,    I have no problem carrying and using it.  The Inron is probably the biggest surprise of the four.  Overall the quality is surprising, and I don't see the lock as being as weak as suggested elsewhere.  I'm going to give it its own separate write up at some point soon I think...

[dks]

 

[Northern Geek]

Very nice!

I've just got the SRM 763 and 710 so far but I want some Enlan knives as well.

Might get this version of the L01:



It looks neat at least!

That thumb disk though.. but maybe I ought to take your word for it.

[AimlessWanderer]

Nice assortment Tom  I'm not generally one for lockers as you know, but they do look good hard working knives. Nice write up too 

I should also say that I've got SRM 710 and another one that's number escapes me for the moment.  Both very well made knives and a total bargain.

Is it that H02, or another one 

As an aside Tom, the H02 is a nice little OHO slippy, which will probably not upset the shoppers

[Gareth]

Nice assortment Tom  I'm not generally one for lockers as you know, but they do look good hard working knives. Nice write up too 

I should also say that I've got SRM 710 and another one that's number escapes me for the moment.  Both very well made knives and a total bargain.

Is it that H02, or another one 

As an aside Tom, the H02 is a nice little OHO slippy, which will probably not upset the shoppers

that's the one.

[Northern Geek]

How do you like the cutout for the thumb disk on the L01 btw? Does it give easy access when you want to open it?

[Ashley]

 

[jerseydevil]

Thanks everyone.  There will be more pics coming tomorrow, another Enlan is inbound and expected then.    I'm going to keep my eyes open for an H02 as well, I've always got a slippie on me and I'll put it to good use. 

How do you like the cutout for the thumb disk on the L01 btw? Does it give easy access when you want to open it?

The cutout would be fine  - if I was right-handed, that is. 


 The diameter of the disk is only a tiny bit less than the width of the knife, there's plenty to get a thumb on.


I've found the easiest way for me to open it is to actually push forward on the disk with my thumb, while giving it a bit of wrist action.  It pops open easily.


Note that even without a cutout on the left side, I have no problem getting to the disk, and I have fairly large hands.  With a little bit of practice, you'll be fine with the disk.  I like the red and black Micarta.  I say go for it, I don't think you'll be disappointed.   

[Northern Geek]

Oh tempt me more why don't you?

There are a few Enlan knives I'd like to have tbh. EL01 for the nice flipper, the L01 for the (imho) nice looks and the L02 for the very low riding pocket clip. Oh and maybe the EL01's little brother, the EM01.

It's a good thing they're cheap or I'd end up rather poor..

[nelly1974]

Awesome write up bro. Your chinese collection is almost as big as mine now. Love them chinese folders.

[jerseydevil]

Awesome write up bro. Your chinese collection is almost as big as mine now. Love them chinese folders.

Keep this up, and your collection will become MY collection...    The next couple of pics are for everyone BUT Nelson, since he's seen this knife first hand, while packing it up to ship to me.    I thought that the other folders I posted were great knives for what they are, and that's true.  But man oh man...





Meet the Enlan EL-08.  3 3/4" of 9Cr13Mov, another asymmetric design, VERY well done.  The G10 has a nice, grippy diamondplate-like pattern to it, and is backed by a steel liner.  The frame lock is massive and solid.....


There is a small round plate in the steel handle to prevent you from overextending the lock when opening it.  The clip is very nice and secure.  The knife flicks open easily, and the blade and frame have some decent jimping.....


The fit and finish on this knife is GREAT!  I have folders by other reputable companies, including some US-made ones, that are put to shame by this knife.  It also came with a nice, well-made nylon belt sheath.  That does it, I'm officially hooked..... 

[nelly1974]

 

[jekostas]

All things considered, the Chinese should be pretty good at making knives by this point.  They've been doing it for Western knife companies for 10+ years.  Plus they didn't have to learn from the ground up like a lot of Japanese companies did.

[jerseydevil]

All things considered, the Chinese should be pretty good at making knives by this point.  They've been doing it for Western knife companies for 10+ years.  Plus they didn't have to learn from the ground up like a lot of Japanese companies did.

That is all very true.  I worked for a silverware company that had its products manufactured to a large extent in China, so I know that Chinese companies are capable of quality work.  For whatever reason though, you say "Chinese knife" to me and for the longest time I'd picture a piece of crap that couldn't cut butter.  Those are the sorts of knives I see at the local flea market all the time, guess that's why, even though I have owned Bucks, Kershaws, Spydercos, etc that have been made in China and are good knives.  These Enlans and the like, though, just really surprised me.  I'd have no problem paying $50+ for that EL08.  I've read threads on a certain knife forum where expressing admiration for a Chinese folder immediately results in people jumping on you.  Nice to see here that I can post a quality piece no matter where it's made and get positive comments. 

[Ashley]

Oh yea I'll give you negative you Chinese rat! I can't be your friend anymore until you rid yourself of all that chinese smurf and send it to WV to be properly disposed of.

Sent from Ash forum mobile

[dks]

I think the turning point for many in the US Forum you mentioned was when Sal Glesser of spyderco informed people that SRM was making many spyderco models; shock.   

Also the fact that Buck, AG Russell etc., were able to make quality knives in China. The makers of Rough Rider (and the other brands ) also destroyed the image of the low quality Chinese slipjoint, making it acceptable to be happy with a RR knife. Personally I have never actually carried a RR knife, though I regularly carry the SRM 763.

Finally, people realised/admitted that the SRM 710 would never be confused by anybody sober for a sebenza, though it was nearly as capable as it for a lot less money and could serve many people, not wanting/affording a Sebenza, well.
Do not get me wrong, however. There are still plenty of really bad Chinese knives around (… Schrade..)

Some pictures for fun.

[Grathr]

Since we are posting pics of our chineese folders: Here's my SRM 707 wich Im very happy with. 

[Gareth]

Here are a couple of mine;

Rough Rider Whittler (in my pocket now thanks to this thread).


Rough Rider Canoe.

[jerseydevil]

Ooohhhh.... I like that whittler...... I like my Rough Riders as well, nice slipjoints, and the price makes them even nicer. 

[Gareth]

I really like the backsping set-up on the whittler, very elegant.

[Ashley]

Here is a story I don't tell often as it would mostly bring negative comments. I sell A LOT of tac-force spring assisted knives at the shows I go to. They are china made but honestly not a bad folder. Tom knows I do this but I don't talk about it as I don't want the negative comments. I also have started importing inrons, enlans, srm, ect. I got started in knives many moons ago by chinese folders. I feel if I can sell someone a china folder and get them started into knives I'm just helping grow the knife industry via people learning and buying more knives. If you help I'm wrong so be it, I know lots of people who are big into knives who started out with a piece of crap knife. I know for a fact Tom was one of them. 

Sent from Ash forum mobile

[dks]

Some more fun pics of Chinese knives.

Also Boker makes some knives in China (plus range) though I was not happy with one of mine.

[Grathr]

Here is a story I don't tell often as it would mostly bring negative comments. I sell A LOT of tac-force spring assisted knives at the shows I go to. They are china made but honestly not a bad folder. Tom knows I do this but I don't talk about it as I don't want the negative comments. I also have started importing inrons, enlans, srm, ect. I got started in knives many moons ago by chinese folders. I feel if I can sell someone a china folder and get them started into knives I'm just helping grow the knife industry via people learning and buying more knives. If you help I'm wrong so be it, I know lots of people who are big into knives who started out with a piece of crap knife. I know for a fact Tom was one of them. 

Sent from Ash forum mobile

The way I see it, you should be proud of selling good chineese knives! A good knife is good regardless of the country its made in. Its better to sell good quality chineese knives than bad quality American knives. 
And I too got into folding knives with a cheap chineese POS folder.
 I wish someone had sold me a good quality one instead of the crappy one I bought.

[jekostas]

Here is a story I don't tell often as it would mostly bring negative comments. I sell A LOT of tac-force spring assisted knives at the shows I go to. They are china made but honestly not a bad folder. Tom knows I do this but I don't talk about it as I don't want the negative comments. I also have started importing inrons, enlans, srm, ect. I got started in knives many moons ago by chinese folders. I feel if I can sell someone a china folder and get them started into knives I'm just helping grow the knife industry via people learning and buying more knives. If you help I'm wrong so be it, I know lots of people who are big into knives who started out with a piece of crap knife. I know for a fact Tom was one of them. 

Sent from Ash forum mobile

This is perfectly reasonable to me.  I like, and buy, Chinese made folders.  This has not stopped me from buying knives or MTs from North American makers.