Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in Review

Let’s Dive into Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in

The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in is a budget-friendly offering from Outdoor Edge Cutlery boasting their signature RazorSafe replaceable blade system. This knife promises sharpness without the hassle of sharpening, aiming to be a reliable companion for everyday tasks. The Onyx EDC features a Grivory handle, ambidextrous thumb opener, and includes three replacement blades, positioning itself as a practical and convenient option for the discerning user.

I was looking for a lightweight, easy-to-maintain knife that I could carry daily without worrying about constantly sharpening it. The Onyx EDC’s replaceable blade system caught my attention as a potential solution to this problem.

Unboxing the Onyx EDC, I was immediately struck by how light it felt. The Grivory handle felt sturdy enough, but the overall impression was that of a budget-friendly tool. Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, both significantly more expensive options, the Onyx EDC felt less substantial, but offered a different, simpler kind of utility.

I chose the Onyx EDC over other budget knives primarily for its RazorSafe system. While some knives offer similar features at this price point, the Onyx EDC’s focus on ease of blade replacement seemed like a clever solution for maintaining a sharp edge.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The replaceable blade system was intriguing, and I hoped it would live up to its promise of consistent sharpness.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in on a weekend camping trip. The tasks included food preparation (slicing vegetables and opening packages), cutting rope for setting up the tent, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling. In dry conditions, the Onyx EDC performed adequately for most of these tasks.

The knife was easy to use, thanks to its ambidextrous thumb opener. Blade changes were straightforward after a quick read of the instructions, although the initial lockup felt a little loose.

One surprise was how quickly the initial factory blade dulled when used for more demanding tasks like whittling harder woods. I needed to replace the blade sooner than I anticipated.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of regular use, the Onyx EDC has held up reasonably well for its price point. The Grivory handle shows no signs of cracking or significant wear, although the black finish has started to fade in some areas.

The blade replacement system continues to work as intended, but the blade lockup remains slightly wobbly. Regular cleaning is required, especially after cutting anything sticky or fibrous, but the knife is easy to disassemble and reassemble.

Compared to my experience with higher-end knives, the Onyx EDC requires more frequent blade changes to maintain optimal sharpness. However, the ease and speed of blade replacement outweigh the inconvenience of needing to do it more often.

Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Outdoor Edge Cutlery
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches. This makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Blade Material: 420J2 Stainless Steel. This is a budget-friendly steel known for its corrosion resistance but not its edge retention.
• Handle Color: Black. A classic and discreet color for everyday carry.
• Blade Steel: Japanese 420J2 Stainless Steel. This steel offers good corrosion resistance, which is important for outdoor use, but requires frequent blade changes to maintain optimal sharpness.
• Rockwell-C Hardness: 55-56. This relatively low hardness contributes to the easy sharpening (or replacement) of the blade, but also means it will dull more quickly.
• Holder: 420J2 with black-oxide coating. This provides corrosion resistance for the blade holder.
• Handle: Grivory. This polymer is lightweight and durable, making it suitable for EDC.
• Blade Length: 3.5 inches / 8.9 cm. A practical length for a variety of everyday tasks.
• Overall Length: 8.0 inches / 20.3 cm. A comfortable size for most users.
• Weight: 2.6 oz / 77 g. Extremely lightweight, making it ideal for everyday carry without adding significant bulk.

These specifications indicate a knife designed for lightweight carry and ease of maintenance, prioritizing convenience over ultimate edge retention.

Performance & Functionality

The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in performs adequately for light to medium-duty tasks. Its primary strength lies in its consistent sharpness due to the replaceable blade system.

However, its weaknesses include the 420J2 steel’s relatively poor edge retention and the slightly wobbly blade lockup. The knife meets expectations for a budget-friendly EDC option, but does not outperform higher-end knives in terms of durability or cutting performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The Onyx EDC’s design is simple and functional. The Grivory handle is lightweight and provides a decent grip, thanks to the Trimond texture.

The ambidextrous thumb opener makes it easy to deploy the blade with either hand. The knife is user-friendly with a minimal learning curve, making it suitable for both experienced knife users and beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

The Onyx EDC is reasonably durable for its price point, though the blade steel is prone to dulling. The Grivory handle is expected to last for a reasonable amount of time under normal use.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving cleaning and occasional blade replacement. The knife is easy to disassemble and reassemble for thorough cleaning.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in comes with three replacement blades. There are no other customization options directly offered by Outdoor Edge Cutlery.

However, the knife is compatible with Outdoor Edge Cutlery’s RazorSafe replacement blades, allowing users to easily swap out dull blades for new ones. The pocket clip is removable and can be attached to either side of the handle, providing ambidextrous carry options.

Pros and Cons of Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in

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Who Should Buy Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in?

The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in is perfect for:

• Casual campers and hikers who need a lightweight and easy-to-maintain knife for basic tasks.
• Everyday users who prioritize convenience and consistent sharpness over ultimate durability.
• Budget-conscious individuals looking for an affordable EDC option with a replaceable blade system.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks.
• Users who prefer high-end blade steels with excellent edge retention.
• Individuals who prioritize a rock-solid blade lockup and overall robustness.

A must-have accessory is a steady supply of replacement blades.

Conclusion on Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in

The Outdoor Edge Cutlery Onyx EDC Folding Knife, 3.5in offers a unique proposition: consistent sharpness at an affordable price, thanks to its RazorSafe replaceable blade system. While the 420J2 blade steel isn’t the most durable, the ease of blade replacement mitigates this issue.

The value proposition is reasonable. The knife is budget-friendly and provides a practical solution for those who dislike sharpening.

I would recommend it to those seeking a lightweight, easy-to-maintain EDC knife for light to medium-duty tasks, especially if consistent sharpness is a priority. It’s a solid, entry-level option for anyone curious about trying a replaceable blade knife.