Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife

The Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife is not your average knife. This collaboration between Bastinelli Creations, Fred Mastro, and Funker Tactical, aims to deliver a formidable cutting tool. It’s a fixed blade designed for serious use, and immediately grabs your attention.

I was looking for a fixed blade that could serve multiple purposes; something robust enough for light bushcraft, but also with the agility for self-defense. I was tired of knives that felt flimsy in hand or couldn’t hold an edge. When I saw the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife, I was intrigued by its design and the pedigree of its creators.

Unboxing the knife, my first impression was one of solid quality. The black PVD coating on the blade looked immaculate, and the G10 handle felt secure in my grip. The weight was substantial, inspiring confidence, and the included Kydex sheath felt well-made, providing secure retention.

I considered the TOPS Knives Tom Brown Tracker T-1 and the ESEE-6 before settling on the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife. The Tracker seemed too specialized, and the ESEE-6, while rugged, lacked the sleek, tactical profile I was looking for. I picked the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife due to its aggressive design and reported superior edge retention of the Bohler N690 steel.

My initial feeling was excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. It looked amazing, but could it truly perform?

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife was a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various camp chores such as preparing kindling, food preparation, and some light batoning. The weather was typically unpredictable – a mix of sunshine and sudden, brief rain showers.

The Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife performed admirably in both wet and dry conditions. The G10 handle provided excellent grip even when wet, and the PVD coating seemed to repel moisture effectively. The blade was easy to control, but initially I wasn’t used to the aggressive tanto point, requiring a bit of a learning curve during food prep.

The only real issue I noticed after the first use was the slight difficulty in re-sheathing the knife one-handed. It required precise alignment to lock into the Kydex sheath securely.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife has proven to be a reliable tool. I’ve used it on numerous hiking trips, as well as for some light yard work. There are minimal signs of wear and tear, primarily some slight scuffing on the PVD coating near the tip.

The edge retention of the Bohler N690 steel is truly impressive. I’ve only had to lightly strop the blade a few times to maintain a razor-sharp edge. Cleaning is straightforward; I simply wipe down the blade and handle with a damp cloth and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent corrosion.

Compared to other fixed blades I’ve owned (Ka-Bar USMC, Gerber Strongarm), the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife outperforms them in edge retention and overall ergonomics. It’s a significant upgrade in terms of quality and performance.

Breaking Down the Features of Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

• Overall Length: 10 inches provides a substantial reach for various tasks. This size lends itself well to both close-quarters work and tasks requiring leverage.
• Blade Length: The 5-inch black PVD coated Bohler N690 stainless tanto blade offers a strong, piercing point. The tanto shape is especially effective for puncturing and piercing, while the N690 steel provides excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
• Handle Material: Black G10 handle scales offer a secure and comfortable grip. G10 is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, chemicals, and temperature changes.
• Tang: Full tang construction ensures maximum strength and stability. The full tang extends through the entire length of the handle, making the knife extremely resistant to breakage.
• Other Features: Includes a lanyard hole for added carry options and a black Kydex belt sheath for secure carry. The lanyard hole allows for various attachment methods, and the Kydex sheath offers excellent retention and durability.

Performance & Functionality

The Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife excels at tasks requiring a strong, sharp blade. The tanto point makes it particularly effective for piercing and detail work, while the overall blade geometry allows for efficient slicing and chopping. It’s a well-rounded performer, though perhaps not ideal for heavy batoning due to the blade shape.

The knife’s strengths lie in its edge retention, ergonomic handle, and secure sheath. The main weakness would be the difficulty in one-handed re-sheathing until you become familiar with the process. It meets expectations, providing a high level of performance and reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is exceptional, with high-quality materials and precise fit and finish. The weight is substantial but balanced, providing a comfortable and secure feel in hand. The G10 handle is well-contoured and offers a very positive grip.

The knife is relatively user-friendly, although the tanto blade shape and sheath retention system may require some familiarization. There’s a slight learning curve, but it’s easily overcome with practice.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife should last for many years. The Bohler N690 steel is known for its durability, and the PVD coating provides added corrosion resistance. Maintenance is simple: regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s required.

The full tang construction minimizes the risk of breakage, and the G10 handle is highly resistant to damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife comes with a well-made black Kydex belt sheath. Aftermarket accessories are limited, but the lanyard hole allows for adding personalized lanyards or paracord wraps. While no direct customization is advertised by Bastinelli Creations, the Kydex sheath can be replaced with aftermarket options if desired.

The knife is compatible with most standard-size belt attachments for Kydex sheaths.

Pros and Cons of Bastinelli Creations PY Fixed Blade Knife