EDC Utility Blade... Finally!

[seber]

I've been using this one for a few years. It has aluminum scales but is a bit on the heavy side anyway with all the steel. I seem to remember it being around $10 at the time.

 

[Tinner]

I ordered one from AliExpressthis morning. $39.15 shipped with a two dollar coupon. Seems like a great deal to me.

I carry a good knife at work, but I have to cut a lot of things that would trash any blade. So, I've also carried a Gerber EAB in my other pocket for years. The only thing I really like about it is it's small size. This knife is just a bit longer, but still nice and slim, opens and closes with one hand and doesn't require a tool to change the blade. Winner!

Thanks for posting, Ryan. I'll report back when it arrives.

 

[Ryan]

Someone asked:

 

[toolmiser]

All this talk about a blade holder, but where can you get some decent quality blades?

 

[Ryan]

All this talk about a blade holder, but where can you get some decent quality blades?

I use these exclusively:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PBDS5R/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I tried a bunch... and these were the best of the bunch.

 

[Daedalus]

I use these exclusively:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PBDS5R/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I tried a bunch... and these were the best of the bunch.

Same here. Bought a 50 pack on sale for $19 back in September. Should last a while.

 

[Daedalus]

Maybe they're talking about their logo being machined/milled in WA?

It looks like they're made in China. Even the pictures are the same as the Amazon listing.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...ml?spm=a2700.shop_plgr.41413.9.50993c2fu75mvd

Similar, but not quite the same. Notable differences in details (or lack thereof), the biggest 1 being there's no pocket clip on the 1 on alibaba.

 

[Tinner]

Similar, but not quite the same. Notable differences in details (or lack thereof), the biggest 1 being there's no pocket clip on the 1 on alibaba.

Look at this link.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001591945472.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.70744c4dm0JTbm

This shows a liner lock knife. You can see a clip in one of the photos. Now scroll down to the reviews and sort by newest. Two recent reviews show customer images of a framelock knife with a clip, which appears identical. Most likely the seller hasn't updated the photos.

I hate to say it looks the same, it is the same. I'll post some pics when mine comes and you guys can decide.

 

[Daedalus]

Look at this link.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001591945472.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.70744c4dm0JTbm

This shows a liner lock knife. You can see a clip in one of the photos. Now scroll down to the reviews and sort by newest. Two recent reviews show customer images of a framelock knife with a clip, which appears identical. Most likely the seller hasn't updated the photos.

I hate to say it looks the same, it is the same. I'll post some pics when mine comes and you guys can decide.

Cool, I prefer the look with the extra details and grooves, and would want a clip. But moot point for me, @ $40 it's still above my pay grade. Not at a point where I need a EDC blade on my person. I'll take a pocket knife if I'm going camping or hiking, and I have cheap utility knives stashed around the house, garage and in all my cars.

 

[rlitman]

Look at this link.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001591945472.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.70744c4dm0JTbm

This shows a liner lock knife. You can see a clip in one of the photos. Now scroll down to the reviews and sort by newest. Two recent reviews show customer images of a framelock knife with a clip, which appears identical. Most likely the seller hasn't updated the photos.

I hate to say it looks the same, it is the same. I'll post some pics when mine comes and you guys can decide.

It's aliexpress. There's a fair chance they stole the images from the actual maker and will send you a rock.

 

[PelicanPines]

All this talk about a blade holder, but where can you get some decent quality blades?

I use these exclusively:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074PBDS5R/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I tried a bunch... and these were the best of the bunch.

I actually hand sharpen "BRAND NEW" blades. To give them a small amount of polish on the edge. It's a habit I gained from my father who used to sharpen razor blades... pretty sure he used 5 blades in the 18 years I lived with him.

I also resharpen my utility blades a few times... provided I didn't gouge the blade or chip the tip.

I do also love those Dewalt blades.

 

[Ryan]

It's aliexpress. There's a fair chance they stole the images from the actual maker and will send you a rock.

This is so true. I did, however, order one for the entertainment value... I'll report back.

 

[jeepnut24]

Are there any other mid priced options in this style? The slim folding style. Maybe not titanium or exotic materials? I could see the slimmer form factor being nice, but I have no need for the titanium or cost. I lose stuff too much...

 

[pizza]

It's aliexpress. There's a fair chance they stole the images from the actual maker and will send you a rock.

lol. have you ever ordered from there and not gotten what was advertised?
i'm a satisfied customer but wouldn't hesitate to hit them with a chargeback if a seller scammed me.

also, did you see the customer reviews with images?

 

[Bennylava]

I actually hand sharpen "BRAND NEW" blades. To give them a small amount of polish on the edge. It's a habit I gained from my father who used to sharpen razor blades... pretty sure he used 5 blades in the 18 years I lived with him.

I also resharpen my utility blades a few times... provided I didn't gouge the blade or chip the tip.

I do also love those Dewalt blades.

Is there any video you'd recommend, that lives up to your sharpening standards for razor blades? I'd like to know how to do it well.

 

[dr_clyde]

I thought the whole point of knives that used disposable razor blades was to avoid sharpening.

When they get dull, toss em and load in a freshie. They're so incredibly cheap, if I caught someone sharpening razor blades on my clock I'd have words with them about wasting valuable time.

A nice pocket knife or a kitchen knife, different story. But disposable razor blades? Really?

 

[RTM]

The disposables aren't as sharp as they could be for certain tasks. Great for opening boxes, not so much for slicing a thin layer off rubber or leather.

 

[rlitman]

The disposables aren't as sharp as they could be for certain tasks. Great for opening boxes, not so much for slicing a thin layer off rubber or leather.

That depends on which one you buy. There are a number of types out there. Some are designed to be really sharp, and some are designed for opening a lot of cartons. The carbide tipped blades aren't all that sharp, but they last a long time.

For times when I need something really sharp, I'll often reach for a single edge disposable razor. The thinner blade is too fragile for EDC, but there are some tasks where not much else can compare. And after a few cuts, I'll toss it and get a new one.

 

[RedneckWelder]

This is mine. Blade isn't the tightest but it works good enough. 2 pack is $14.99

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0751B7WXR/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_K9VMCXXJ1849CJN210Z7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Those look pretty slick

 

[PelicanPines]

Is there any video you'd recommend, that lives up to your sharpening standards for razor blades? I'd like to know how to do it well.

Same jig as planer blade... standard back and forth on the following water stone grits. 600, 1000, 3000, 5000

 

[Toomanytools?]

I thought the whole point of knives that used disposable razor blades was to avoid sharpening.

When they get dull, toss em and load in a freshie. They're so incredibly cheap, if I caught someone sharpening razor blades on my clock I'd have words with them about wasting valuable time.

A nice pocket knife or a kitchen knife, different story. But disposable razor blades? Really?

As a General Contractor, I have seen a lot of the old timer drywall guys carry a small sharpening stone. It's takes a few seconds to sharpen the blade back up, quicker than flipping it or replacing it. One guy use to put the date on the blade with a sharpie, think he had one that was two years in service, not much left of it.

 

[rlitman]

As a General Contractor, I have seen a lot of the old timer drywall guys carry a small sharpening stone. It's takes a few seconds to sharpen the blade back up, quicker than flipping it or replacing it. One guy use to put the date on the blade with a sharpie, think he had one that was two years in service, not much left of it.

Drywall, is surprisingly easy on a blade, and a quick touchup should be sufficient to cut the paper. Until you start scoring Wonderboard. The gypsum is too soft to dull the steel, so it's really the paper that slows you down. And maybe the embedded glass in type X.

 

[carmantl]

Check out the workpro utility knife on Amazon...3 pack is 14.99 I have them strewn all over the house and vehicles.

 

[pizza]

bought the one darkzero found on aliexpress. it'll take a while, but i'll post pics eventually.

will be interesting to compare high res pics against the amazon one.

edit: just before i clicked buy, i decided to message the sellers on alibaba and aliexpress out of curiosity. didn't buy yet. also, i might be able to get it on alibaba for cheaper than aliexpress.

 

[Ryan]

I'm a couple of months in now with the titanium flipper... I can say without doubt that I like it better than the maker knife. It's not as fun to play with and not as cool looking... But, it's more functional, easier to hold, and features a more reliable closing/opening mechanism.

I love it.

 

[Bryan Burns]

Anyone have a pic of the early smaller fastback?

The early model fastback (top pic) was a game changer for me because I never did an everyday carry with a knife until the fastback. (I've had plenty of pocket knives in my 62 year life but none of them compelled me to carry one around.)

Bought the fastback on a lark though and just love the way it opens and closes with a flick of the wrist. Bought a back up (middle pic) and am extremely disappointed and that's an understatement. The open and close action just isn't the same as the original. I like the flat clip instead of the wire clip as well.

Bought the metal bodied Lenox at Menard's recently to spite (almost to spite Milwaukee) and it's my second choice now. Heavy and thick, but in a good way because I know it's in my pocket.

 

[jeepnut24]

I'm a couple of months in now with the titanium flipper... I can say without doubt that I like it better than the maker knife. It's not as fun to play with and not as cool looking... But, it's more functional, easier to hold, and features a more reliable closing/opening mechanism.

I love it.

Thanks for the follow up, I was wondering how it turned out!

 

[healtoeae86]

also curious on someones long term use. I prefer a disposable blade now after having dulled a few full length pocket knifes.

 

[qqzj]

Haha, that's the common sense man. Pocket knife is cool, but I only use them when utility knife doesn't work well

also curious on someones long term use. I prefer a disposable blade now after having dulled a few full length pocket knifes.

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ryan]

Maybe they're talking about their logo being machined/milled in WA?

It looks like they're made in China. Even the pictures are the same as the Amazon listing.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...ml?spm=a2700.shop_plgr.41413.9.50993c2fu75mvd

$60 is way too cheap for US. Only a handful of companies can produce knives in the US cheaply and its because its automated and they make a million of them. Even when those same companies make Titanium handled knives they're quite a bit more than $60. Spyderco currently has 6 models ranging from $200-$500. CRK has some good factory tour/behind the scenes videos as well. A lot of overhead and time is in those knives.

I got these today... they are exactly the same... only difference is no branding. Super happy.

 

[Tinner]

I got these today... they are exactly the same... only difference is no branding. Super happy.

Good to hear! Mine will be here tomorrow.

 

[pizza]

I got these today... they are exactly the same... only difference is no branding. Super happy.

yes good to hear.
i ended up ordering 5 samples from that same alibaba supplier that Skin found.

5*$19 + $20 shipping + $3.4 convenience fee = $118.4 total
or $23.68 per shipped unit

have not received yet, but i'm really looking forward to a new toy.

i talked with the alibaba seller, and he confirmed that he's the supplier for the guy on az.

from the az item description:

THE EXCEED DESIGNS PROMISE: Don’t fall for the fakes, each Exceed Designs TIRANT knife goes through strict quality control . Each knife is built to last a lifetime and is inspected in the USA and shipped from the USA.

that sounds honest and reasonable.

the az seller's response to a question about where it's made (in the Q&A section, 1/25/21):

We are the only official seller of this version of knife and major amount of the CNC and milling work happens here in Washington State at this time. Other parts we source from suppliers in Hong Kong, but it’s made in a combination of places to keep the cost low. This product is NOT dropped shipped from China as some may believe, we spend hours each day working on each knife here in Washington state at this time to ensure proper blade fitment etc. we also provide service and free parts for customers from our location here in Washington state, USA.

some of this statement is a bit more questionable, however.

also, hours each day? on each knife?

One of the posts on the Amazon listing states that the CNC and milling is done in Washington while some parts are sourced from Taiwan to keep costs low.

Maybe they're talking about their logo being machined/milled in WA?

haha. even that's not the case.
the alibaba seller sent me this image:

i'm not sure i would pay triple the price for some "washington state QC" and a warranty. but i would totally pay it if i needed one quickly for a gift or something. also, the added logo is ugly imo.

 

[Tinner]

My knife arrived an hour and a half ago. 18 days from China ain't bad.

Golly, I'm really impressed with this knife, fit and finish are great, works perfectly after a minute adjustment of the pivot screw. With the supplied blade I couldn't see or feel any side to side blade play, up and down, a tiny amount but tighter than any toolless change utility knife I've used. With a standard Stanley blade it's perfect. I'm totally over the EAB.

If I had paid $60 I wouldn't feel bad, at $40 I call it a bargain. I'm sure I'll grab a few more of these, one for my portable tool kit and a couple for gifts.

GJ in action, ya gotta love it.

 

[Fatboy148]

Agreed $60 is too cheap for US made & in Ti. I'm not a crazy knife collector but I do have knives that I've paid up to $600 for. But I'm still too cheap to buy a $60 utility blade holder. I did get "suckered" into buying 2 of those Maker Knives. I guess for me I'd expect a box cutter to get beat up quickly & possibly even lost so I won't see myself paying more than $20-$30 max for one.

Here's the same looking utility knife on aliexpress for $39. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...earchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_

These titanium "knives" don't use a utility knife blade but use a scalpel blade. They also make one in Carbon Fiber.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1437/9632/products/IMG_6693_grande.jpg?v=1615243668



These folks build these in small batches and they sell out within a few days. The large one is currently available, the small one is currently sold out. If interested, get on their alert list and they will send an email when they become available again.

Small version:

https://countycomm.com/collections/view-all-tool-products/products/folding-titanium-craft-scalpel-knife-case-spare-blades

Large version:

https://countycomm.com/collections/view-all-tool-products/products/oversized-folding-titanium-craft-scalpel-knife-case-spare-blades

Don't even look at their titanium "Crescent" wrenches.....

 

[p90puma]

This is so true. I did, however, order one for the entertainment value... I'll report back.

Did you get this yet Ryan?

 

[darkzero]

Did you get this yet Ryan?

Look 5 posts up (#70). He says they're exactly the same except for the branding.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Another EAB guy here. I got it based on recommendations here. It works well for me so I don't have to sharpen an EDC pocket knife - though I like the feel-in-hand of a true pocket knife better.

EDIT: Liking the idea of "10x" blade life of the DeWalt blades. Don't know if that claim can be relied on but I'm going to buy some to try. The ONYL thing about the EAB I don't care for is changing blades with a screwdriver.

 

[Ryan]

Did you get this yet Ryan?

Yes... It's the same... And it rules... I love these things.

 

[KnurledNut]

Serious question:
Anyone wanna hit their Exceed knife with a flint and see if the sparks are bushcraft worthy?

 

[David0858]

These titanium "knives" don't use a utility knife blade but use a scalpel blade. They also make one in Carbon Fiber.

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1437/9632/products/IMG_6693_grande.jpg?v=1615243668



These folks build these in small batches and they sell out within a few days. The large one is currently available, the small one is currently sold out. If interested, get on their alert list and they will send an email when they become available again.

Small version:

https://countycomm.com/collections/view-all-tool-products/products/folding-titanium-craft-scalpel-knife-case-spare-blades

Large version:

https://countycomm.com/collections/view-all-tool-products/products/oversized-folding-titanium-craft-scalpel-knife-case-spare-blades

Don't even look at their titanium "Crescent" wrenches.....

I wonder where the carbon fiber ones come from.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001677558366.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.44b378d09UDv7h&algo_pvid=cd0efd89-7cc3-40fb-a539-70b6f1f8ffe0&algo_expid=cd0efd89-7cc3-40fb-a539-70b6f1f8ffe0-33&btsid=0b0a556416180318144514393edb0d&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_