China Made Skull Linerlock A/O Review

First Impressions of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O is an aggressively styled, assisted-opening knife that immediately grabs attention with its 3-D printed feather and skull artwork. Manufactured by China Made, this knife boasts a 3.75″ blade and assisted opening, making it appealing to those looking for a budget-friendly tactical-looking tool. But does the $9.95 price tag mean sacrificing quality and performance?

I was initially drawn to this knife as a potential backup for my hiking gear. I wanted something inexpensive but functional, in case my primary knife was lost or damaged. Upon unboxing, the lightness of the knife was immediately apparent. The ABS handle felt a bit cheaper than I expected, but the overall design was surprisingly eye-catching.

I have several other assisted-opening knives, including a Kershaw and a CRKT model. I chose the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O for its unique design and extremely low price point. I wanted to see how it stacked up against more established brands in terms of functionality and durability. My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was curious to see if it would hold up under real-world use, or if it was just a novelty item.

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Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Skull Linerlock A/O to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O was during a weekend camping trip. I used it primarily for basic tasks like opening food packages, cutting rope, and preparing kindling. The assisted opening was surprisingly smooth and quick for a knife in this price range.

While the blade held a decent edge initially, I noticed it dulled relatively quickly when cutting harder materials like small branches. The ABS handle also became a bit slippery when my hands were wet from rain. Despite these minor issues, it performed adequately for light-duty tasks in dry conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of occasional use, I noticed some wear and tear on the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O. The 3-D printed artwork on the blade and handle started to fade in high-contact areas. The blade also developed some minor scratches and dings.

Maintaining the knife was simple; I cleaned the blade with a damp cloth after each use and applied a small amount of oil to the pivot point. However, the edge retention remained a concern, requiring frequent sharpening. While it served its purpose as a backup knife, it fell short of my expectations compared to my higher-quality EDC knives in terms of durability and edge retention.

Breaking Down the Features of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O

Specifications

• Manufacturer: China Made produced this knife.
• Blade Length: The blade measures 3.75 inches, making it suitable for various everyday tasks.
• Closed Length: The knife has a closed length of 4.75 inches, which makes it easy to carry in a pocket.
• Blade Material: The blade is made of stainless steel. While the exact type of stainless steel isn’t specified, it’s likely a lower-grade steel chosen to keep costs down.
• Handle Color: The handle is made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a common thermoplastic polymer.
• Condition: This item comes in new condition.
• Additional Features: It includes assisted opening and a pocket clip. The assisted opening is designed for rapid blade deployment.
• Quantity: One knife is included.

Performance & Functionality

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O performs adequately for light-duty tasks. The assisted opening mechanism is functional, although not as refined as higher-end knives. It locks securely in place thanks to the liner lock.

Its main strength is its affordability and novelty design, while the primary weakness is the lower-grade materials which affects edge retention and overall durability. It meets expectations for a sub-$10 knife, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is acceptable for the price. The ABS handle is lightweight but lacks the robustness of more expensive materials like G10 or Micarta. The feather and skull artwork is eye-catching, although the printing quality isn’t the highest.

The ergonomics are decent, although the handle could benefit from more texturing for improved grip. There’s no significant learning curve. It’s easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O is not designed for heavy use. The lower-grade stainless steel blade and ABS handle are more prone to wear and tear than premium materials.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring occasional cleaning and sharpening. However, the knife is not designed to be easily disassembled for deep cleaning or repair.

Accessories and Customization Options

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O does not come with any additional accessories. Due to its low price point and construction, customization options are limited.

It may be possible to replace the pocket clip with a generic aftermarket clip, but significant modifications are unlikely. The knife is primarily intended for basic functionality and aesthetics, not extensive customization.

Pros and Cons of China Made Skull Linerlock A/O

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Who Should Buy China Made Skull Linerlock A/O?

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O is perfect for casual campers, collectors of novelty knives, or anyone looking for an inexpensive backup knife. It is also suitable for individuals who appreciate the skull and feather design and want a budget-friendly option.

This product should be skipped by those who require a highly durable and reliable knife for demanding tasks, or who prioritize premium materials and long-term performance. Someone working in heavy usage occupations, such as first responders or military, would want to choose a more heavy duty knife with much higher durability.

A must-have modification would be to apply a clear coat over the artwork to protect it from fading, along with a higher quality knife sharpener.

Conclusion on China Made Skull Linerlock A/O

The China Made Skull Linerlock A/O is a budget-friendly knife with a unique design and assisted opening feature. While it’s not the most durable or high-performing knife on the market, it offers acceptable functionality for light-duty tasks.

The price is certainly justified. You get what you pay for.

I would recommend it as a novelty item or backup knife for casual use, but not as a primary tool for demanding situations. If you are looking for an inexpensive knife with an interesting design, the China Made Skull Linerlock A/O may be worth considering.