CIMO 3in Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of CIMO 3in Folding Knife

In a market flooded with tactical knives sporting aggressive designs and hefty price tags, the CIMO 3in Folding Knife arrives as a refreshingly simple, and surprisingly affordable option. Manufactured by CIMO, this knife boasts a mirror-finish stainless steel blade and a brown imitation stag handle, hinting at classic aesthetics blended with modern materials. At a mere $8.18, it begs the question: can a knife this inexpensive actually be useful, or is it destined for the bargain bin? I was intrigued, and perhaps a little skeptical, but decided to give it a try.

I’ve been working with outdoor gear for over a decade and am always on the lookout for a reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife. I needed something compact, lightweight, and capable of handling basic cutting tasks without breaking the bank. My primary need was a knife for opening packages, cutting cordage, and performing minor repairs on the trail.

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife immediately struck me as a throwback to simpler times. Out of the box, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The imitation stag handle looks decent enough, though obviously lacking the character of genuine stag. My initial impression was that this knife isn’t trying to be something it’s not – it’s a straightforward, no-frills cutting tool. Compared to my Kershaw Blur, which I typically carry, the CIMO is significantly smaller and lighter, but also lacks the assisted opening and premium steel. I also own a Buck 110, which has a similar aesthetic but is much more substantial and durable, albeit at a higher price point. I chose the CIMO because I wanted a truly budget-friendly option for situations where I wouldn’t be heartbroken if it got lost or damaged.

Frankly, I was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I wasn’t immediately disappointed either. Only real-world testing would reveal the CIMO 3in Folding Knife’s true capabilities.

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Real-World Testing: Putting CIMO 3in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the CIMO 3in Folding Knife was a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it primarily for food preparation, cutting paracord for setting up my tent, and opening packaging. The blade, while not razor-sharp out of the box, was adequate for these basic tasks.

The knife performed surprisingly well in dry conditions. However, when I attempted to cut through some damp kindling, the blade’s limitations became apparent. It required more force and the edge seemed to dull quickly. While functional, the handle became slightly slippery when wet, highlighting the limitations of the imitation stag material. There wasn’t much to get used to. The simple design is self-explanatory. The only mild annoyance was the somewhat stiff opening action, requiring two hands at times.

After the first use, I noticed a few minor scratches on the mirror finish of the blade. This wasn’t unexpected, but it did highlight the relative softness of the stainless steel.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of carrying the CIMO 3in Folding Knife as an EDC, its strengths and weaknesses became more apparent. It’s proven to be a reliable tool for everyday tasks like opening mail, cutting twine, and the occasional apple slicing.

The knife has held up reasonably well considering its price point. The blade has retained its edge adequately with only occasional touch-ups needed with a sharpening steel. However, the mirror finish is prone to scratching, and the handle has developed a few minor scuffs. Cleaning is straightforward – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. My main concern is the long-term durability of the pivot point, which feels somewhat loose and may eventually require tightening or replacement. Compared to my higher-end knives, the CIMO requires more frequent sharpening and shows wear and tear more readily. But for its intended purpose as a budget-friendly, disposable option, it hasn’t disappointed.

Breaking Down the Features of CIMO 3in Folding Knife

Specifications

• Manufacturer: CIMO
• Blade Length: Approximately 3 inches of mirror-finish stainless steel. The mirror finish, while aesthetically pleasing, is prone to scratching.
• Closed Length: 4.13 inches, making it compact enough for comfortable pocket carry. Its compact size is a key advantage for EDC.
• Handle: Brown imitation stag, providing a classic look but lacking the grip and durability of genuine stag or modern synthetics. The imitation stag attempts to mimic the look of natural material but falls short in terms of tactile feel.
• Additional Features: Lanyard Hole for convenient attachment to a keychain or lanyard. The lanyard hole adds a bit of versatility for carrying.
• Quantity: One knife per package. You get what you pay for – a single, basic folding knife.

Performance & Functionality

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife’s primary function is, of course, cutting. For light-duty tasks, it performs adequately. The edge, while not incredibly sharp from the factory, is easily sharpened to a usable level. The blade’s stainless steel construction offers reasonable corrosion resistance.

Its main weaknesses are its relatively soft steel, which requires frequent sharpening, and the handle’s lack of grip in wet conditions. It definitely meets the bare minimum expectations for a folding knife at this price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife features a simple, classic design reminiscent of older pocket knives. The imitation stag handle provides a traditional aesthetic, though the materials feel inexpensive. The knife feels relatively lightweight in hand, which is a positive for EDC, but it also lacks the solid, confidence-inspiring feel of more robust knives.

There’s virtually no learning curve involved. The knife opens and closes easily (though a bit stiffly initially), and the handle provides a comfortable enough grip for most tasks.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its low price point and relatively inexpensive materials, the CIMO 3in Folding Knife is not expected to last a lifetime. The stainless steel blade is prone to scratching, and the handle may show signs of wear and tear with regular use. Maintenance is simple – cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional sharpening are usually sufficient.

Replacing this knife is far more likely than repairing it, given its price.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife comes with no accessories. The only real customization option is adding a lanyard through the lanyard hole. Due to its generic design, there’s limited potential for aftermarket customization.

Pros and Cons of CIMO 3in Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy CIMO 3in Folding Knife?

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife is perfect for:

• Casual users who need a basic, inexpensive cutting tool for occasional tasks.
• Those looking for a disposable knife for situations where loss or damage is likely (e.g., fishing trips, camping).
• Individuals on a very tight budget who still need a functional pocket knife.

Who should skip this product?

• Those who require a highly durable and reliable knife for demanding tasks.
• Users who need a knife with a secure grip in all conditions.
• Anyone expecting premium quality and performance.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A small sharpening steel or stone to maintain the blade’s edge.
• A lanyard for easier retrieval from a pocket.

Conclusion on CIMO 3in Folding Knife

The CIMO 3in Folding Knife is not going to win any awards for innovation or performance. However, it delivers exactly what it promises: a functional, inexpensive folding knife. For under $10, it’s hard to complain about its limitations. It’s a decent option for light-duty tasks and situations where you don’t want to risk damaging or losing a more expensive knife.

The value proposition is undeniably strong. You get a usable cutting tool for a price that’s less than a fast-food meal. I would personally recommend it as a backup knife or a starter knife for someone new to EDC.

Ultimately, the CIMO 3in Folding Knife is a testament to the fact that you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get a functional tool. If you need a reliable beater knife, give this a try. For its price, it’s a solid deal.