China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife is an intriguing piece, immediately catching the eye with its potential blend of utility and symbolic design. Its claim to be ideal for “any scenario” sets a high bar, one I’m eager to test given my decade in the outdoor and tactical gear world. I’m particularly curious about the “Masonic” aspect and how it integrates into a practical tool.

For years, I’ve needed a reliable folding knife that can handle various tasks while also being compact and easy to carry. I was looking for something more than just a simple blade; I wanted something with character. The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife‘s unique design and advertised versatility piqued my interest.

Upon unboxing, my first impression was that of a solid, moderately weighty knife. The materials feel reasonably sturdy, though not exceptionally premium. The build quality seems decent for the price point. My initial thought was, “this could be a good value option, but let’s see how it performs.”

Compared to my usual EDC, a Benchmade Griptilian and a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife definitely sits in a different category. The Benchmade and Spyderco are known for their high-end materials and superior action. I ultimately chose to test this China Made knife because I wanted to explore a more budget-friendly option with a unique aesthetic.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. It seemed like a decent knife for the price. The true test, however, would be how it held up to real-world use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I decided to put the China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife through its paces on a recent camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. I used it for a variety of tasks, from preparing food and cutting rope to whittling kindling. The goal was to see how it performed in a typical outdoor scenario.

The weather was fairly cooperative, mostly dry with some light rain in the evenings. The knife handled the dry conditions well. However, when my hands were wet, the grip became a little slippery. I also noted the knife did not come exceptionally sharp from the factory and would have benefited from some work on my sharpening stone before the trip.

Initially, the knife felt a little stiff to open and close. After applying some lubricant and working the action, it became smoother, but still not as effortless as higher-end knives. There were no major issues during the first use, but I did notice the blade seemed to dull relatively quickly compared to knives with premium steel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife has proven to be a reasonably reliable tool for light to medium-duty tasks. I’ve used it around the house for opening boxes, cutting zip ties, and other general utility work. It has also accompanied me on a couple of fishing trips.

The durability is acceptable for a knife in this price range. I’ve noticed some minor scratches on the blade and handle, but nothing major. The lockup is still solid, with no blade play.

Maintaining the knife is relatively straightforward. I clean it after each use and apply a light coat of oil to the blade. Sharpening is required more frequently than with premium steel blades, but it’s not overly difficult to bring it back to a decent edge. Compared to my experiences with other knives, the China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife performs adequately for its price point. It doesn’t outperform my higher-end knives, but it’s a decent option for someone on a budget.

Breaking Down the Features of China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife

Specifications

• The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife features a 3.5-inch blade. This size is a good compromise between portability and usability for various tasks.
• The closed length is 5.5 inches, making it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt. Its compact size is definitely a positive for everyday carry.
• The manufacturer is listed as China Made, which is important to note as it generally indicates a focus on affordability rather than high-end materials. While not inherently negative, it sets expectations accordingly.
• A notable feature is the handle that opens to reveal a ruler. This adds a bit of utility, although the ruler’s practicality in real-world scenarios might be limited.

Performance & Functionality

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife performs adequately for general cutting tasks. It’s suitable for opening boxes, cutting rope, and preparing food.
However, it’s not ideal for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood or prying. The blade steel is not exceptionally hard, so it requires more frequent sharpening.

The knife’s main strength is its affordability and unique design. Its weaknesses include the blade steel’s edge retention and the handle’s potentially slippery grip when wet. For its price, it meets expectations, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for a knife in this price range. The materials used are functional, but not premium.
The weight is comfortable for everyday carry. The handle design, while visually interesting, could be improved for better grip, especially in wet conditions.

The knife is reasonably user-friendly. The opening mechanism is relatively smooth after some initial lubrication.
There is a slight learning curve to getting used to the locking mechanism, but it’s nothing significant.

Durability & Maintenance

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife is expected to last for a reasonable amount of time with proper care. However, it’s not likely to withstand the same level of abuse as higher-end knives with more durable materials.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning and sharpening are required to keep it in good working condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife doesn’t come with many accessories. It is simply boxed.
Customization options are limited. Aftermarket scales or clips are unlikely to be readily available.

It’s unlikely to be directly compatible with many accessories from other brands due to its specific design. The focus is on providing a functional tool at an affordable price, rather than offering extensive customization options.

Pros and Cons of China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife?

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife is perfect for casual campers, hobbyists, or anyone looking for an affordable and unique EDC knife. It’s a good option for those who appreciate the Masonic symbolism and want a functional tool with a distinctive design.

Those who should skip this product are serious outdoorsmen, survivalists, or anyone who requires a high-performance knife for demanding tasks. They should invest in a knife with higher-quality blade steel and a more ergonomic grip. A must-have modification would be aftermarket grip tape to improve traction when wet, and ensuring the knife is kept sharp.

Conclusion on China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife

The China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife is a decent option for those seeking an affordable and uniquely designed folding knife. It offers reasonable performance for general cutting tasks.
However, it’s important to be aware of its limitations, such as the blade steel’s edge retention and the handle’s grip.

The $27.99 price is justified for what you get. It’s a good value for a basic, novelty knife.

I would recommend it to someone who is looking for an inexpensive knife with a unique aesthetic and doesn’t require high-end performance. It’s a conversation starter and a functional tool for light tasks. If you’re on a tight budget and appreciate the Masonic symbolism, the China Made Masonic Paratrooper Folding Knife is worth considering. Grab yours today and add a touch of intrigue to your everyday carry!