Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife

The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife is a compelling option in the crowded EDC (Everyday Carry) knife market, boasting a blend of practical design and budget-friendly materials. Manufactured by Bestech Knives, known for their value-driven approach, the Paladin aims to deliver reliable performance without breaking the bank. The use of D2 tool steel and G10 handles suggest a focus on durability, which is crucial for a knife intended for regular use.

I was looking for a dependable folding knife to replace my aging EDC blade, something that could handle a variety of tasks from opening packages to light outdoor work. I needed something sturdy, easy to maintain, and, importantly, affordable. The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife appeared to tick those boxes.

Unboxing the Paladin, my initial impression was positive. The knife felt solid in hand, and the beige G10 handle offered a comfortable grip. The liner lock engaged smoothly, and the blade centered well. The overall aesthetic was understated and practical.

Compared to my old Kershaw Blur and a similarly priced CRKT Pilar, the Paladin felt more robust than the Pilar but less refined than the Blur. The Blur offered assisted opening, a feature the Paladin lacks, but the Paladin’s D2 steel promised better edge retention than the 8Cr13MoV steel of the Pilar. I chose the Paladin because I wanted to test the real-world performance of D2 steel in a budget-friendly package.

I was cautiously optimistic. The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife seemed like a good value proposition on paper, but I was eager to see how it would perform under actual use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The tasks ranged from food preparation (slicing vegetables and cheese) to feathering sticks for fire starting and cutting rope. The knife performed admirably in these basic cutting tasks.

The Paladin handled well even in slightly damp conditions, thanks to the textured G10 handle providing a secure grip. Although it wasn’t raining heavily, the morning dew didn’t affect my ability to maintain control.

There was a short adjustment period due to the slightly thicker blade profile compared to my previous EDC knife. However, the smooth action of the liner lock allowed for easy one-handed operation after some practice.

The only minor issue was a slight stiffness in the pivot screw. This made flipping the blade open a little slower than ideal initially. I anticipated this would improve with use and a bit of lubrication.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife has held up surprisingly well. The D2 steel blade has maintained its edge remarkably, requiring only occasional stropping to keep it sharp.

There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily some light scratches on the blade coating and minor scuffs on the G10 handle. The liner lock continues to engage securely, with no signs of blade play.

Maintenance is straightforward: I simply wipe down the blade after each use and occasionally apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. Cleaning the G10 handle is easy with a damp cloth.

Compared to my experience with other budget-friendly knives, the Paladin has outperformed them in terms of edge retention and overall durability. The steel is better and the design and implementation is very nice for a knife in this price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife

Specifications

• The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife features a D2 tool steel blade, known for its excellent wear resistance and edge retention. This is a significant upgrade over many budget knives that use softer steels like 8Cr13MoV.

• The handle is made of G10, a durable and lightweight composite material offering excellent grip even when wet. G10 is resistant to temperature changes and chemicals, making it ideal for outdoor use.

• The knife utilizes a liner lock mechanism, providing secure blade lockup. This ensures the blade stays open during use and prevents accidental closures.

• The Paladin features a beige handle color and a blade length appropriate for EDC tasks. The blade design is great for slicing.

• The knife weighs in at a comfortable weight for everyday carry. It’s not too heavy to be cumbersome but substantial enough to feel robust.

Performance & Functionality

The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife performs its job admirably, excelling at everyday cutting tasks. The D2 steel blade holds a sharp edge for a significant amount of time, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.

The knife’s strengths lie in its edge retention, comfortable grip, and smooth deployment. One area for improvement is the initial stiffness of the pivot, which can be easily addressed with lubrication and break-in.

Overall, the Paladin meets and slightly exceeds expectations for a knife in its price range. It provides a reliable cutting tool that can withstand regular use.

Design & Ergonomics

The Paladin boasts a simple yet functional design. The beige G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even with wet hands or gloves.

The knife is generally user-friendly, with a smooth liner lock and easy one-handed operation. There may be a slight learning curve for those unfamiliar with liner lock mechanisms.

Durability & Maintenance

The combination of D2 steel and G10 handles suggests excellent long-term durability for the Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife. These materials are resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring the knife can withstand harsh conditions.

The knife is easy to maintain; simply cleaning and oiling the blade and pivot point keeps it in optimal condition. Sharpening the D2 steel may require specialized tools and techniques due to its hardness.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife does not come with a plethora of accessories. It includes the knife itself.

Customization options are limited due to the nature of its design, but aftermarket pocket clips could potentially be installed. The design is very straightforward, therefore customization would be challenging.

Pros and Cons of Bestech Knives Paladin Linerlock Beige Folding Knife