First Impressions of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper knife immediately grabs your attention with its, shall we say, distinctive aesthetic. Featuring a grim reaper design on the handle, this assisted-opening knife promises a blend of tactical functionality and eye-catching style, all at a price point that’s hard to ignore. But does it deliver on that promise, or is it just another cheap novelty item?
I was looking for a lightweight, inexpensive knife to keep in my truck’s emergency kit. Something I wouldn’t be too upset about if it got lost or damaged. The low price of the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper and its assisted-opening feature caught my eye.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight, or lack thereof. It feels incredibly light, almost too light, which initially raised concerns about the durability of the ABS handle and the stainless steel blade. The grim reaper artwork is certainly… prominent.
Compared to my Kershaw Blur or my CRKT M16-14SFG, the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper felt less substantial. Those knives offer robust builds and premium materials. I chose the Reaper for its low cost and because I needed a beater knife I wouldn’t mind abusing.
My first impression was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. While the assisted opening seemed functional, I questioned the long-term durability and overall quality given the price. This is a budget blade that has to prove itself.
Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper during a weekend camping trip. It faced tasks such as opening food packages, cutting rope for setting up the tent, and preparing kindling for the campfire. The assisted opening worked smoothly right out of the box.
The blade performed adequately in dry conditions. I found that when things got wet, the grip became slippery. The spear point blade style proved useful for piercing and detail work.
It was easy to deploy the blade with one hand, thanks to the assisted opening mechanism. However, the liner lock felt a bit flimsy. I had no major issues on the first outing, but concerns about long-term reliability lingered.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of intermittent use, the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper began to show signs of wear. The black finish on the blade started to scratch off with moderate use. The assisted opening mechanism remained functional.
The ABS handle showed minimal wear. However, I noticed some play in the blade when locked open. Cleaning was relatively simple; a quick wipe down with a cloth was sufficient for most tasks.
Compared to my higher-end knives, the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper definitely felt less refined and less durable. It’s more of a disposable tool than a long-term investment. I keep it in my glovebox as an emergency item, mostly.
Breaking Down the Features of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper
Specifications
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper features an assisted opening mechanism. It has a 3.5-inch black finish stainless steel spear point blade. The closed length is 4.5 inches, and the handle is made of ABS material.
The ABS handle keeps the knife light, while the stainless steel blade offers decent corrosion resistance. The extended tang provides added grip, while the pocket clip allows for convenient carry. Its light weight of 0.24 lb makes it a good backpacking tool, although better alternatives exist.
These specifications make the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper suitable for light-duty tasks. The assisted opening provides quick blade deployment in a pinch. The pocket clip makes it a convenient EDC (Everyday Carry) option for those on a tight budget.
Performance & Functionality
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. It’s sharp enough to open boxes, cut rope, and prepare food. However, it struggles with tougher materials.
The strengths lie in its affordability and ease of use. Its weaknesses are its limited durability and the somewhat cheap feel. It meets basic expectations for a budget knife.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is what you’d expect for a knife in this price range. The ABS handle is lightweight but lacks the solid feel of G10 or Micarta. The grim reaper design is a matter of personal taste.
The knife is user-friendly with its assisted opening and accessible liner lock. There’s minimal learning curve. Ergonomically, the handle is fairly comfortable for short periods.
Durability & Maintenance
Given the materials and construction, the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper is not designed to last a lifetime. It’s more of a temporary solution or a backup knife. Maintenance is simple: keep it clean and dry to prevent rust.
Repairing the knife is probably not worth the effort given its low cost. Replacing it would be the more practical option.
Accessories and Customization Options
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper comes with only a pocket clip. There are no included accessories or customization options. Due to its design and construction, modifying the knife is not recommended.
It is unlikely to be compatible with aftermarket accessories from other brands. The knife is designed as a complete, non-customizable unit.
Pros and Cons of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper
Pros
- The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper is incredibly affordable at just $7.95.
- Assisted opening allows for quick, one-handed blade deployment.
- The knife is lightweight and easy to carry.
- The spear point blade is useful for piercing and detail work.
- The grim reaper design makes it a conversation starter.
Cons
- The build quality is questionable.
- The materials feel cheap and may not last long.
- The liner lock feels flimsy.
Who Should Buy China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper?
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper is perfect for: people on a very tight budget, those needing a disposable knife for dirty or risky tasks, and anyone wanting a novelty item.
This knife should be avoided by: serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone requiring a reliable and durable tool.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Honestly, there aren’t any. If you need something more robust, look at a different knife.
Conclusion on China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper
The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper is a budget-friendly knife with a distinctive design. It offers assisted opening and basic functionality at an incredibly low price. The low price point makes it easily replaceable, but the questionable build quality and lack of durability make it more of a novelty item.
The value proposition is debatable. You get what you pay for. I would only recommend it to someone who understands its limitations and is looking for a cheap, temporary solution. For serious tasks, invest in a higher-quality knife.
My final thought is that the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Reaper is a usable knife if you understand the risks. If you need a knife that you are willing to risk the elements and or abuse without feeling a large sting from loss or damage. However, invest in something more substantial if reliability is a must.