First Impressions of Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue is a compact everyday carry (EDC) knife that immediately caught my eye with its distinctive blue sculpted handle and practical tanto blade. As someone who’s spent over a decade immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, I’m always on the lookout for a reliable and versatile tool, and this knife seemed to fit the bill. Its promise of durability and ease of carry, combined with a unique aesthetic, piqued my interest.
My search for a new EDC knife stemmed from a need for something smaller and lighter than my current fixed blade. I wanted something that wouldn’t weigh me down during long hikes or fishing trips, but still be capable of handling everyday tasks. The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue appeared to offer a solid balance between portability and functionality.
Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its size. The sculpted GRN handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, and the blade deploys smoothly thanks to the thumb pull. The liner lock engages firmly, inspiring confidence in its reliability.
I also considered the Kershaw Cryo and the CRKT Squid. The Kershaw Cryo felt a bit too heavy for its size, and the CRKT Squid, while very compact, seemed to lack the versatility of the tanto blade on the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue. Ultimately, the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue won me over with its combination of aesthetics, ergonomics, and blade shape.
My first impression was one of pleasant surprise. I was excited to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios.
Real-World Testing: Putting Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue was a weekend camping trip in the nearby national forest. I used it for various tasks, from preparing food and cutting rope to whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. The tanto blade proved surprisingly adept at both piercing and slicing, making it a versatile tool for campsite chores.
The knife performed well even in damp conditions, thanks to the textured grip of the sculpted handle. I did notice that the liner lock could be a bit stiff to disengage with wet or gloved hands. However, with a little practice, this became less of an issue.
The ease of one-handed opening was a significant advantage, especially when my other hand was occupied. I was impressed with how quickly I could deploy the blade and put it to use. No significant issues arose during the first use, further bolstering my initial positive feelings.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue continues to impress. I’ve carried it daily for everything from opening packages and cutting zip ties to more demanding tasks like field dressing small game during a recent hunting trip. Its reliability has been consistently commendable.
Despite frequent use, the blade has held its edge remarkably well. There are some minor scratches on the satin finish, but the handle shows no signs of wear or damage. The liner lock remains solid and secure, demonstrating the knife’s overall durability.
Maintaining the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue is simple. A quick wipe down with a clean cloth after each use is usually sufficient. I’ve occasionally applied a drop of oil to the pivot point to ensure smooth blade deployment. Compared to some of my other knives, this one requires very little upkeep.
Compared to my previous EDC knives, the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue has proven to be a significant upgrade. Its lightweight design, versatile blade, and comfortable grip make it a joy to carry and use. It has consistently outperformed my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue
Specifications
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue boasts a 2.75-inch satin finish 8Cr13MoV stainless tanto blade. The closed length is 3.75 inches, making it highly pocketable.
The blue sculpted GRN handle offers a secure and comfortable grip, while the extended tang adds to the knife’s overall strength. It also features a lanyard hole and pocket clip for versatile carry options. The knife also utilizes a thumb pull for easy one-handed opening.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the knife’s portability, functionality, and overall durability. The blade steel, for example, balances edge retention with ease of sharpening, while the handle material ensures a secure grip in various conditions. The overall weight is only 0.34 lb.
Performance & Functionality
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue performs admirably for an EDC knife in its price range. The tanto blade is excellent for piercing and controlled cutting tasks.
Its strengths lie in its lightweight design, comfortable grip, and ease of deployment. The only notable weakness is the stiffness of the liner lock when wet, although this diminishes with use. The knife meets my expectations for an EDC tool designed for daily tasks and occasional outdoor use.
Design & Ergonomics
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both functionality and aesthetics. The sculpted GRN handle provides excellent grip and feels comfortable in hand.
The knife is user-friendly, with a smooth blade deployment and a secure liner lock. There is no significant learning curve. The weight is perfect for daily carry.
Durability & Maintenance
The use of 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and GRN handle material suggests a reasonable lifespan for the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue. The steel provides good corrosion resistance, and the GRN is known for its toughness.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the pivot point are all that’s needed to keep the knife in optimal condition. The simple construction makes repairs relatively easy, if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue doesn’t come with a wealth of accessories. It does however, feature a sturdy pocket clip, which is essential for EDC.
There aren’t many direct customization options available for this particular model. However, aftermarket lanyards can be easily attached through the lanyard hole, allowing for a personal touch.
Pros and Cons of Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue
Pros
- Lightweight and highly pocketable, perfect for everyday carry.
- Durable 8Cr13MoV stainless tanto blade with good edge retention.
- Comfortable and secure sculpted GRN handle provides a solid grip.
- Smooth one-handed opening with thumb pull.
- Affordable price point for its quality and features.
Cons
- Liner lock can be a bit stiff to disengage when wet.
- Satin finish on the blade is prone to scratching.
Who Should Buy Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue?
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue is perfect for:
- Everyday carry enthusiasts looking for a reliable and affordable knife.
- Hikers and campers who need a lightweight and versatile tool for campsite tasks.
- Anyone who appreciates a unique aesthetic and comfortable ergonomics in their EDC knife.
Who should skip this product?
- Those who require a heavy-duty knife for extreme tasks or self-defense.
- Individuals who prefer a different blade shape than a tanto.
- Users who prioritize premium blade steels over affordability.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality sharpening stone for maintaining the blade’s edge.
- A custom lanyard for added personalization and grip.
Conclusion on Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue
The Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue is an excellent EDC knife that offers a compelling blend of performance, durability, and affordability. Its lightweight design, versatile tanto blade, and comfortable grip make it a joy to carry and use.
The price of $45.49 is absolutely justified, given the knife’s overall quality and features. It’s a fantastic value for the money.
I would definitely recommend the Honey Badger Knives Small Linerlock Blue to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable EDC knife. It’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank. Add this knife to your EDC rotation. You won’t regret it.