ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife

The ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife is a budget-friendly option that, at first glance, seems targeted towards a specific demographic. Manufactured by ElitEdge, the skull and Confederate flag handle artwork immediately sets it apart. The assisted opening mechanism and pocket clip suggest some practical utility, but the overall aesthetic makes you wonder about its true purpose.

I was looking for a lightweight, inexpensive knife to keep in my truck’s glove compartment as a backup. Living in a rural area, I often find myself needing a quick tool for odd jobs. The price point of the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife made it an attractive option, despite my reservations about the handle design.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The checkered ABS handle provided a decent grip, and the blade, while clearly not high-end steel, seemed adequately sharp. However, the artwork on the handle felt a bit cheap and printed-on rather than deeply embedded.

Compared to my trusted Benchmade Griptilian or even a basic Kershaw Leek, the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife felt less refined. I chose it over a similarly priced Smith & Wesson model because of the assisted opening and over a no-name brand folder due to ElitEdge‘s established (though not stellar) reputation. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping the functionality would outweigh the questionable aesthetics.

My initial reaction was a mix of amusement and mild concern. The design is certainly…bold. But at $9.95, I wasn’t expecting perfection; I was hoping for a functional tool, and I remained open to being surprised.

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Real-World Testing: Putting ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local national forest. I used it primarily for basic tasks like cutting rope, opening food packages, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The knife performed adequately for these light-duty tasks.

The assisted opening was surprisingly smooth, even with a bit of dirt and grime accumulating. However, I did notice the blade felt a bit flexible when applying pressure during whittling.

The handle, while grippy, became a bit uncomfortable after extended use, especially with sweaty hands. There were no major issues after the first use, but I started to question its long-term durability, and I wished I had brought my trusty Fallkniven F1 as well.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife is showing its limitations. The blade has dulled relatively quickly, requiring frequent sharpening. The assisted opening mechanism, while still functional, feels less smooth than initially.

I’ve noticed some minor scratches and wear on the blade coating. The handle, however, has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or damage.

Maintaining the knife is relatively easy; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and occasional oiling of the blade keeps it in decent condition. Compared to my experience with higher-end knives, the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife falls short in terms of edge retention and overall robustness. It serves its purpose as a backup tool, but it’s certainly not a replacement for a more durable and reliable blade.

Breaking Down the Features of ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.75 inches. This blade length is reasonable for general utility tasks, but not ideal for heavy-duty applications.
• Closed Length: 127 mm (approximately 5 inches). This makes it relatively compact for pocket carry, but perhaps a bit bulky for some.
• Blade Material: 420 Stainless Steel. ElitEdge opted for 420 stainless steel, which is a budget-friendly option known for its corrosion resistance, but sacrifices edge retention compared to higher-grade steels.
• Handle Color: Checkered ABS. The checkered ABS handle offers a decent grip, but ABS plastic is not as durable as materials like G10 or Micarta.
• Additional Features: Assisted Opening, Lanyard Hole, Pocket Clip. These are useful features that enhance the knife’s functionality and carry options.
• Manufacturer: ElitEdge. ElitEdge is known for producing affordable, entry-level knives.
• Skull and Confederate flag handle artwork. This feature is purely aesthetic and will likely be a deciding factor for many potential buyers, attracting some and deterring others.

These specifications suggest a knife designed for affordability and basic utility, rather than high performance or durability. The choice of materials reflects the low price point, and the features are geared towards convenience.

Performance & Functionality

The ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife performs adequately for light-duty tasks such as cutting rope, opening packages, and basic whittling. However, it struggles with more demanding applications, such as cutting through thick materials or prying.

Its strengths lie in its assisted opening mechanism and comfortable (initially) grip. Its weaknesses are the blade’s poor edge retention and the handle’s potential for discomfort during extended use.

It meets basic expectations for a $10 knife, but falls short of the performance offered by higher-quality alternatives.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price, with no major flaws in the assembly. However, the materials used feel inexpensive and the overall construction lacks the robustness of higher-end knives.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, with the assisted opening making it easy to deploy the blade quickly. The pocket clip is functional, but feels a bit flimsy.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, I don’t expect the ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife to last for years with heavy use. The blade will likely require frequent sharpening, and the handle may eventually show signs of wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and lubrication. It’s unlikely that any major repairs would be worthwhile, given the knife’s low price.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife comes with no included accessories. Given its low price and construction, customization options are virtually non-existent.

It’s unlikely that aftermarket accessories such as custom scales or blades would be compatible or cost-effective.

Pros and Cons of ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife?

Perfect for: Individuals on a very tight budget, those seeking a disposable backup knife for emergencies, or collectors of novelty knives. It may also appeal to individuals who are drawn to the specific aesthetic.

Who should skip this product? Anyone seeking a durable, high-performance knife for serious use, or those who are offended by the handle artwork.

Must-have accessories or modifications? None. It’s not worth investing in accessories or modifications for a knife at this price point. Just buy a better knife to begin with.

Conclusion on ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife

The ElitEdge A/O Skull Folding Knife is a budget-friendly option with a distinct, and potentially divisive, aesthetic. Its low price point makes it an accessible option for those seeking a basic utility knife.

However, its limitations in terms of durability and edge retention mean it’s best suited for light-duty tasks and occasional use. The value proposition is decent for the price, but don’t expect a high-quality or long-lasting tool.

I would only recommend it to those who are fully aware of its limitations and are drawn to its unique design. For anyone seeking a more reliable and versatile knife, it’s worth investing in a higher-quality alternative. Consider spending a little more for a significantly better knife.