China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife is a budget-friendly option that attempts to blend tactical features with everyday carry functionality. Manufactured by China Made, this knife boasts a tanto blade, integrated knuckle guard, and a few other survival-oriented additions. For a mere $9.99, it begs the question: can a knife packed with this many features actually deliver on its promises, or is it simply too good to be true?

My search for an inexpensive, potentially sacrificial, knife for unpredictable field work led me to this intriguing offering. I needed something I wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or damage, while still providing a reasonable degree of utility. The aggressive styling and the inclusion of a glass breaker and cord cutter also piqued my interest.

Upon unboxing the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife, my initial reaction was a mix of curiosity and caution. The synthetic handle, while visually striking with its black and blue color scheme, felt noticeably lightweight and perhaps a little cheap. The blade, however, had a decent weight, and the linerlock seemed to engage securely, though it was a bit stiff.

Comparing it to my trusted Kershaw Blur and a slightly pricier CRKT M16-14SFG, the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife immediately felt less refined. The Kershaw offers smoother action and higher quality steel, while the CRKT boasts a more robust construction, but both come at a significantly higher price point. I chose to test this knife because of its unique feature set for the cost, hoping to find a diamond in the rough or at least a serviceable backup tool.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It was immediately clear that this wasn’t a premium knife, but I was curious to see how it would perform in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip, primarily focusing on using it for general camp chores and some light bushcraft tasks. I tested it in relatively dry conditions, with temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The intended uses included cutting rope, preparing kindling, and opening packages of food.

Initially, the knife performed adequately for simple tasks like cutting paracord and slicing through cardboard. The tanto blade’s tip proved useful for puncturing and scoring, but the edge retention quickly became questionable. The linerlock, while secure, required significant effort to disengage, making one-handed closing difficult, especially with gloves on.

After just a few hours of light use, the edge began to dull noticeably. The cord cutter struggled with thicker ropes, and the glass breaker, thankfully, remained untested.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of occasional use around the house and a couple more camping trips, the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife showed significant signs of wear. The blade developed noticeable scratches and small chips along the edge despite the relatively light tasks it performed. The black coating on the blade also wore off in several spots, revealing the stainless steel underneath.

The linerlock became slightly smoother with continued use, but still lacked the ease of operation found in higher-quality knives. Cleaning the knife was relatively straightforward, requiring only some soap and water to remove dirt and grime. The blue synthetic handle, however, began to show small cracks near the pivot point.

Compared to my experiences with other budget knives, the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife was somewhat disappointing in terms of durability. It underperformed compared to my old Gerber Paraframe, which, while basic, held up much better under similar conditions.

Breaking Down the Features of China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife

Specifications

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife features a 5.25″ closed length, making it a substantial, if not overly large, pocket knife. The 4″ two-tone finish stainless tanto blade offers a sharp point for piercing tasks. The black and blue synthetic handle is visually striking, but its composition contributes to the knife’s lightweight feel.

The extended tang provides a secure grip, while the integrated glass breaker and belt/cord cutter add to its perceived utility. The thumb stud aids in one-handed opening, although its effectiveness is limited by the stiff action. A pocket clip allows for convenient carry, and the integrated knuckle guard is a unique, if somewhat questionable, design element for a knife in this price range.

These specifications suggest a knife geared towards tactical and survival scenarios, but the quality of materials ultimately limits its true potential. The combination of a tanto blade with a glass breaker and cord cutter aims for versatility, but the low price raises concerns about the steel quality and overall durability.

Performance & Functionality

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife struggles to deliver consistent performance across various tasks. Its edge retention is poor, requiring frequent sharpening even after light use. The linerlock, while secure, is difficult to operate quickly and efficiently.

The glass breaker and cord cutter offer limited functionality, with the cord cutter struggling with thicker materials. The knuckle guard is more of a novelty than a practical feature, potentially hindering a comfortable grip in many situations.

The knife meets basic cutting needs, but falls short of expectations in terms of durability and ease of use. Its aggressive design doesn’t compensate for its functional shortcomings.

Design & Ergonomics

The black and blue synthetic handle is visually appealing, but lacks the solid feel and durability of higher-quality materials. The knife feels relatively lightweight, which can be an advantage for everyday carry but detracts from its overall sense of robustness.

The handle ergonomics are compromised by the integrated knuckle guard, which can create pressure points and reduce grip comfort. The thumb stud is poorly positioned and difficult to use effectively, particularly with gloves on.

The design prioritizes aesthetics over functionality, resulting in a knife that looks more impressive than it actually is. The learning curve is minimal, but mastering safe and efficient operation is hindered by the stiff action and awkward ergonomics.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials used, the China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife is unlikely to withstand heavy use or harsh conditions for an extended period. The blade is prone to chipping and dulling, while the handle shows signs of cracking and wear after only moderate use.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional sharpening. However, the low-quality steel and construction suggest a limited lifespan, making it a disposable tool rather than a long-term investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife comes with no additional accessories. Due to its low price and generic design, customization options are extremely limited. Aftermarket grips or blades are unlikely to be compatible or cost-effective.

The knife is essentially a standalone product with no real upgrade potential. Attempting to modify it would likely void any minimal warranty and could potentially damage the knife further.

Pros and Cons of China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife?

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife is perfect for individuals seeking an extremely inexpensive, disposable knife for light tasks. It might serve well as a backup tool in an emergency kit or a beater knife for situations where loss or damage is highly likely. It could be suitable for casual campers on a very tight budget.

This knife is not recommended for serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone who relies on their knife for critical tasks. Its low durability and questionable functionality make it unsuitable for demanding applications.

A sharpening stone or steel is a must-have accessory to maintain some semblance of cutting ability.

Conclusion on China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife

The China Made Combat Trench Linerlock Blue Folding Knife is, ultimately, a reflection of its incredibly low price point. It offers an aggressive aesthetic and a collection of tactical features, but sacrifices quality and durability in the process.

The $9.99 price tag is certainly appealing, but the limited lifespan and functional shortcomings make it a questionable value proposition. You get what you pay for, and in this case, that’s a disposable knife with limited utility.

I would not personally recommend this knife for anyone who values reliability and performance. It’s a novelty item rather than a serious tool. Consider investing in a slightly more expensive, but significantly higher quality, knife for any real-world application. Spend a little more to get a knife that won’t let you down when you need it most.