First Impressions of China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp
The China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is an assisted opening knife that immediately grabs your attention with its distinctive purple finish and spider web artwork. Manufactured, unsurprisingly, by China Made, this knife boasts a tanto blade, glass breaker, and belt/cord cutter, all packed into a compact 4.75-inch closed length. At a price point of just $9.95, it promises a lot for very little, begging the question: can it deliver?
I was looking for an inexpensive EDC (Everyday Carry) knife that I wouldn’t be heartbroken about if it got lost or heavily abused. My usual go-to is my Benchmade, but sometimes you need a tool you don’t mind subjecting to more rigorous, potentially damaging tasks. The aggressive styling of the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp initially appealed to the “tacticool” side of me, and the price made it an easy impulse buy.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight – or lack thereof. It felt surprisingly light, almost toy-like. The purple ABS handle, while visually striking, felt somewhat cheap in hand compared to the G10 or Micarta scales I’m accustomed to. Still, the assisted opening mechanism seemed snappy enough, and the liner lock engaged with a reassuring click. Compared to my CRKT M16, which offers a similar feature set but significantly better build quality, the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp feels considerably less substantial. I also considered a similarly priced Kershaw, known for their budget-friendly quality, but the unique look of the spider web design won me over, at least initially. My first impression was cautiously optimistic, leaning slightly towards skepticism.
Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp to the Test
First Use Experience
I first took the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp on a weekend camping trip as my designated “beater” knife. It saw duty opening packages of food, cutting cordage, and even whittling some kindling. The assisted opening was convenient, especially with one hand, but the partially serrated blade struggled a bit with clean cuts on thicker rope.
The knife performed decently in dry conditions. However, when a light rain started, the ABS handle became noticeably slippery, reducing my confidence in my grip. I had no major failures or safety concerns during the initial testing, but the experience reinforced the initial impression of budget materials and construction.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a couple of months of occasional use, the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is showing its limitations. The purple finish on the blade is starting to wear off around the edges. The blade also developed a slight wobble, indicating the pivot screw may be loosening or the tolerances aren’t particularly tight.
Maintaining the knife is simple enough; a quick wipe down with a cloth and occasional application of oil to the pivot point is all it requires. The steel used is fairly resistant to corrosion. Compared to my experience with my trusty Leatherman Wave, which has endured years of hard use, the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp feels like a disposable item. While it’s still functional, its long-term durability is questionable.
Breaking Down the Features of China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp
Specifications
- Blade Length: 3.75 inches. This blade length makes it suitable for most EDC tasks while remaining relatively compact.
- Closed Length: 4.75 inches. A decent size for pocket carry without being overly bulky.
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel. This means it’s relatively corrosion-resistant, but likely not the highest-grade steel for edge retention.
- Handle Color: Purple ABS. The ABS plastic is lightweight but lacks the durability and grip of more premium materials.
- Weight: 0.28 lb. Extremely lightweight, which some may appreciate but can also contribute to a cheaper feel.
- Additional Features: Pocket Clip, Assisted Opening, Extended Tang, Thumb Stud, Glass Breaker, Belt/Cord Cutter, Spider Web artwork on blade and handle. These features add versatility but their effectiveness depends on the overall quality of the knife.
These specifications indicate a budget-friendly knife designed for basic utility. The focus is on affordability and a feature-rich design rather than high-end materials or precision manufacturing.
Performance & Functionality
The China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp performs adequately for light-duty tasks. The assisted opening works smoothly, although the action feels a bit gritty. The partially serrated blade is useful for cutting rope or webbing, but the serrations can make precision cuts more difficult.
The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and the sheer number of features packed into such a cheap package. Its weaknesses are its subpar materials and questionable long-term durability. Ultimately, it meets the low expectations set by its price point but doesn’t exceed them.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is certainly eye-catching, with its vibrant purple color and spider web motif. The handle ergonomics are acceptable but not exceptional; the ABS plastic lacks texture and can become slippery when wet.
The knife is relatively user-friendly, with the assisted opening making one-handed deployment easy. However, the liner lock can be a bit stiff and difficult to disengage, especially with gloves on.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is its biggest shortcoming. The blade steel is soft and prone to chipping. The ABS handle is likely to crack or break under significant stress.
Maintenance is simple; cleaning and oiling the blade. However, the overall construction suggests that it’s not designed for heavy use or long-term durability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp comes with a basic pocket clip. There are no officially supported accessories or customization options.
Due to its budget construction and proprietary design elements, aftermarket customization is unlikely. It is not compatible with accessories from well-known knife brands.
Pros and Cons of China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp
Pros
- Affordable price point making it an easily replaceable “beater” knife.
- Assisted opening mechanism allows for quick, one-handed deployment.
- Multiple features including a glass breaker and belt/cord cutter.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Unique and eye-catching design with the purple finish and spider web artwork.
Cons
- Low-quality materials and construction leading to questionable durability.
- Slippery ABS handle provides poor grip, especially in wet conditions.
- Blade steel prone to chipping and poor edge retention.
Who Should Buy China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp?
The China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is perfect for someone looking for a very inexpensive knife for light tasks, such as opening boxes or cutting tape. It could also be a decent starter knife for a young person learning about knife safety and maintenance.
Anyone who needs a reliable and durable knife for demanding tasks should skip this product. This includes serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone who relies on their knife for personal safety. A must-have modification would be some sort of grip tape to improve the handle’s traction.
Conclusion on China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp
The China Made Spider Web Linerlock A/O Purp is a budget knife that reflects its price point. It offers a lot of features for very little money, but sacrifices quality and durability in the process.
The value proposition is questionable; while it’s cheap, its limited lifespan and performance may make a slightly more expensive, higher-quality knife a better long-term investment. I would only recommend it to someone who understands its limitations and needs a disposable knife for basic tasks. Save your money, and buy a tool with a better reputation.