SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife immediately presents itself as a solid contender in the EDC (Everyday Carry) knife market. Manufactured by SKIF Knives, this offering boasts a stonewash finish, G10 handle, and a framelock, promising a blend of aesthetics and functionality at an attractive price point of $45.99. I was eager to get my hands on it and see if it lived up to its potential.

My search for a reliable and budget-friendly folding knife that could handle everyday tasks led me to the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife. My existing EDC knife, a pricier model, had recently been damaged, and I needed a quick and affordable replacement that didn’t compromise too much on quality. The Urbanite’s specifications, especially the 9Cr18MoV stainless steel blade and G10 handle, seemed promising for the price.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly robust. The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife’s weight felt balanced, the G10 handle offered a good grip, and the stonewash finish on the blade gave it a rugged appearance. The initial build quality felt above average for a knife in this price range, sparking some initial enthusiasm.

Compared to my previous EDC knife (a Spyderco Tenacious) and a Kershaw Leek that I often carry, the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife felt like a middle ground. It wasn’t as lightweight and slim as the Leek, but it felt more substantial and durable than the Tenacious, and the price was certainly more appealing. The framelock also seemed like a potentially more robust locking mechanism than the liner lock on the Tenacious.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife seemed to offer a good blend of features and build quality for the price. I was eager to put it through its paces and see how it performed in real-world scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The tasks included food preparation, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and general camp chores like whittling wood for kindling. The knife performed reasonably well in dry conditions, making clean cuts through the rope and handling food prep adequately.

However, the humid conditions of the forest quickly revealed a potential issue: the grip became slightly slippery when my hands were even a little damp. The blade, though sharp enough, required more effort than I anticipated to cut through thicker pieces of wood. Despite this, the framelock held securely, inspiring confidence.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife has shown some signs of wear, but has overall proven durable. The stonewash finish has held up remarkably well, resisting scratches and maintaining its aesthetic appeal. The G10 handle, while initially a concern regarding grip, hasn’t cracked or chipped, but the texturing has worn down slightly in the areas most often contacted.

Maintenance is straightforward: a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth after each use, and occasional lubrication of the pivot point has kept it functioning smoothly. Sharpening the blade has been relatively easy, and it retains an edge decently for its steel type. Compared to my experience with higher-end knives, the edge retention isn’t exceptional, but it’s acceptable given the price.

Breaking Down the Features of SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife

Specifications

• The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife features a stonewashed 9Cr18MoV stainless steel blade, offering a reasonable balance between hardness, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. This steel is a decent performer for its class.
• The handle is made of black textured G10, a durable composite material known for its strength, resistance to moisture, and texturing that enhances grip. The handle also incorporates a gray stainless back handle which adds to the rigidity of the knife.
• The knife has a blade length of 10.16 cm (4 inches), providing ample cutting surface for various tasks. The closed length is 127 mm (5 inches), making it compact enough for comfortable pocket carry.
• It utilizes a Framelock locking mechanism, offering a secure and reliable blade lockup. The knife includes an extended tang, lanyard hole, and pocket clip, enhancing its utility and carry options.
• Other features include a thumb stud for easy one-handed opening. The total weight is not listed, but it feels comfortably substantial without being overly heavy.

These specifications translate to a knife that is designed for everyday utility and comfortable carry. The choice of materials suggests a focus on durability and functionality.

Performance & Functionality

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife performs its intended role as an EDC knife reasonably well. Its blade is sharp enough for most everyday tasks, and the framelock provides a secure lockup, preventing accidental blade closure.

However, its performance isn’t exceptional. The 9Cr18MoV steel requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels, and the grip can become slippery in wet or humid conditions. It meets expectations for a knife in its price range, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife features a practical and aesthetically pleasing design. The stonewash finish gives the blade a rugged and worn look, while the black G10 handle provides a good contrast and comfortable grip (in dry conditions).

The ergonomics are generally good, with a handle that fits comfortably in the hand and allows for a secure grip. However, the thumb stud could be slightly more pronounced for easier one-handed opening, especially with gloves.

Durability & Maintenance

The materials used in the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife suggest reasonable durability. The G10 handle is resistant to impact and moisture, while the 9Cr18MoV stainless steel blade offers good corrosion resistance.

Maintaining the knife is relatively simple. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are sufficient to keep it functioning smoothly. The blade is also relatively easy to sharpen with common sharpening tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the pocket clip. There are no factory customization options available.

However, due to its relatively standard construction, it may be possible to replace the pocket clip with aftermarket options. The G10 handle scales could also potentially be replaced or customized, though this would require some modification skills.

Pros and Cons of SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife?

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious individuals looking for a reliable EDC knife.
• Casual campers and hikers who need a general-purpose cutting tool.
• Anyone who appreciates a rugged and aesthetically pleasing knife design.

This knife is not ideal for:

• Professionals who require a knife with exceptional edge retention or grip in all conditions.
• Users who prefer lightweight or very slim EDC knives.

A must-have accessory would be a good sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge. Aftermarket G10 scales with enhanced texturing would also improve the grip.

Conclusion on SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife

The SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife is a solid, budget-friendly option for anyone seeking a reliable EDC knife. It offers a good balance of durability, functionality, and aesthetics at an attractive price point.

The value proposition is strong. For around $45.99, you get a knife with a decent steel blade, a durable G10 handle, and a secure framelock.

I would personally recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and practical EDC knife, understanding its limitations regarding edge retention and grip in wet conditions. It’s a good starting point for those new to knives and a decent backup option for more experienced users. If you need a dependable knife that won’t break the bank, the SKIF Knives Urbanite SW Black Folding Knife is definitely worth considering. Pick one up today and experience its rugged reliability for yourself!