22-Gram Backpacking Knife

I saw this knife at the OR show and it freaked me out- the frame lock tab sits right under your index finger when holding the knife and it’s flexible. yikes. On thicker stock, no problem. But on this light weight number, it’s an accident waiting to happen, IMO

No way to open one-handed? A serious disadvantage.

So how long does the blade last? It doesn’t lose weight if I have to carry a stone in my pocket with it.

As a sidenote, adding 30 grams in a 20lb pack constitutes a 0.33% weight gain.

On some items, I’m willing to compromise function for weight savings. A knife is not one of them, because frankly, it can save your life. This is a “cute” knife that will get an inexperienced backpacker into trouble.

Via Cigo: I had the same concern when I first began testing, so I approached cutting shores with caution. I’d still say that used correctly, the knife is still a fair amount safer than a non-locking blade.

Just got this knife as a Christmas present. At 0.9 oz, there are lighter knives (Gerber LST @ 0.6 oz or any number of razor blade knives if you are comfortable with that). The knife holds nice in the hand and it does firmly lock into place. I’m not too concerned about accidentally disengaging the lock.

I will say that I am not a fan of the single bevel grind that is necessary to make these type of liner lock knives safe-ish.

The model I got from backpackinglight unfortunately was defective from the manufacturer and is in process of being replaced. The single bevel blade was not flush up against the handle when closed. There was almost an 1/8” gap between the handle and the knife blade when folded…. dangerous.

BPL was very prompt in sending out a replacement.

Why this rather than one of the CRKT KISS models?

Potentially too slippery under less than perfect conditions. The consequences from slicing your strong hand in the woods is greater than whatever potential weight advantage.