ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife

The ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife immediately grabs your attention with its unique fighter plane artwork and the promise of assisted opening. Manufactured by ElitEdge, this knife aims to deliver a blend of functionality and eye-catching design at an incredibly accessible price point. It’s a knife that seems geared towards everyday carry, and perhaps appealing to those who appreciate aviation themes. I was curious to see if it could hold up to basic tasks while sporting its distinctive aesthetic.

My interest in this knife was piqued because I needed a lightweight, inexpensive folding knife for odd jobs around the campsite and as a backup to my primary blade. I wasn’t looking for a heavy-duty tool, but rather something that could handle simple cutting tasks without breaking the bank.

Unboxing the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife revealed a surprisingly lightweight knife. The synthetic handle felt a little plasticky, but the blade seemed reasonably sharp out of the box, and the assisted opening mechanism engaged smoothly. The fighter plane artwork is definitely the most striking feature, giving it a unique look.

Compared to my Kershaw Cryo, which boasts a sturdier build and a more robust blade, the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife feels considerably lighter and less substantial. Similarly, my Spyderco Tenacious, while more expensive, offers superior ergonomics and blade steel. This ElitEdge knife is significantly cheaper than both of those options, so there are trade-offs.

My first impression was a mix of intrigue and caution. The low price and bold design made me curious, but the lightweight construction and materials raised concerns about its durability and long-term performance. It definitely had the novelty factor on its side.

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

First Use Experience

My first test of the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife was during a weekend camping trip. I used it primarily for tasks such as cutting paracord, opening food packages, and preparing kindling. The knife performed adequately for these light-duty tasks.

The assisted opening was handy, especially when I needed to quickly deploy the blade with one hand. However, the handle became slippery when wet, which made gripping the knife a bit challenging during a light rain shower. No issues or surprises after first-time use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few weeks of occasional use, the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife is showing some signs of wear, particularly on the black finish of the blade. Small scratches and scuffs are starting to appear.

The blade also required some sharpening after moderate use. The synthetic handle remains intact, but the fighter plane artwork is also showing signs of fading. It’s fairly easy to clean with soap and water. This knife is not as capable as my ESEE Zancudo folder, which has proven to be more robust and reliable over time.

Breaking Down the Features of ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife

Specifications

Here are the key specifications of the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife:

• Manufacturer: ElitEdge
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches
• Closed Length: 5 inches
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Color: Synthetic
• Additional Features: Assisted Opening
• Quantity: 1

The 3.5-inch stainless steel blade provides a decent cutting surface for everyday tasks. The assisted opening feature allows for quick and easy deployment of the blade, which can be particularly useful in situations where one-handed operation is necessary. The synthetic handle keeps the weight down, but sacrifices some durability.

Performance & Functionality

The ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife performs adequately for light-duty tasks. It’s sharp enough for basic cutting, but it’s not designed for heavy use.

Its strengths lie in its lightweight design and assisted opening feature. However, its weaknesses include the less durable materials and the slippery handle when wet. This knife meets basic expectations for a budget-friendly folder, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is certainly eye-catching due to the fighter plane artwork. The synthetic handle is lightweight, but doesn’t provide the most secure grip.

There is virtually no learning curve as operation is very straightforward. The assisted opening mechanism is easy to use.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, the ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife is unlikely to last as long as more expensive options. The black finish on the blade is prone to scratching, and the synthetic handle could potentially crack under significant stress.

Maintaining this knife is simple; regular cleaning and occasional sharpening will help prolong its lifespan. It is not designed to be easily repaired.

Accessories and Customization Options

The ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife comes with a pocket clip for easy carry. There are no other included accessories.

Customization options are extremely limited due to the construction and materials. The pocket clip can be removed, but there are no readily available aftermarket scales or other parts.

Pros and Cons of ElitEdge Fighter Plane A/O Folding Knife