First Impressions of CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife
The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife immediately grabs your attention with its striking aesthetic and the promise of practical functionality. Its karambit blade shape combined with the white G10 handle presents a unique blend of tactical intent and modern style. This knife aims to be more than just a cutting tool; it’s designed to be an extension of the user, offering both utility and a distinctive look.
I needed a reliable and easily deployable knife for everyday carry and occasional outdoor tasks. Specifically, I was looking for a karambit-style folder that wouldn’t break the bank but still offered decent steel and a comfortable grip.
Out of the box, the Falcon feels solid and well-balanced for its size. The black stonewash finish on the AUS-10A blade gives it a rugged, already-broken-in look, while the white G10 handle provides a surprisingly comfortable and secure grip. The pocket clip feels sturdy, and the action is relatively smooth right away.
I was considering the Cold Steel Steel Tiger and the Fox 599 Karambit, but the CMB Made Knives Falcon offered a similar style at a more accessible price point. The Cold Steel, while undeniably robust, can be overkill for EDC, and the Fox, while premium, stretches my budget. The Falcon seemed like a good middle ground.
My first impression was definitely positive – a sense of quality exceeding the price point. It’s a knife that sparks curiosity and feels ready for action.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Falcon with me on a weekend camping trip to the local state park. It was used for basic camp chores such as food prep, cutting rope for shelter building, and processing small amounts of firewood for kindling.
The knife performed admirably even in damp conditions, thanks to the stonewashed blade offering good grip when slicing. The G10 handle remained secure even with slightly wet hands, providing confidence during use.
The karambit design took some getting used to, especially when manipulating it for fine tasks like feathering sticks. However, after about an hour of dedicated practice, the finger ring became intuitive, allowing for rapid deployment and secure grip transitions.
The only minor issue was the blade’s initial sharpness, which could have been better. It required a few passes on my sharpening stone before achieving a razor edge.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of everyday carry and numerous outings, the CMB Made Knives Falcon is holding up exceptionally well. The blade remains securely locked during use, and there are no signs of loosening or wobble.
The stonewash finish has proven to be quite durable, hiding scratches and wear marks effectively. The G10 handle is also resistant to staining and abrasion, maintaining its clean appearance even after exposure to dirt and grime.
Maintenance is straightforward – a quick rinse with water and a drop of oil on the pivot point keeps everything running smoothly. I’ve only needed to touch up the edge once since the initial sharpening.
Compared to my previous EDC knife (a Kershaw Leek), the Falcon offers a more robust and secure grip, particularly in demanding situations. The karambit design provides a greater sense of control and safety, making it a noticeable upgrade for my needs.
Breaking Down the Features of CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife
Specifications
- The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife features a 2.75-inch karambit blade crafted from AUS-10A stainless steel with a black stonewash finish. This provides a good balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.
- Its closed length is 4.63 inches, and the overall weight is 0.42 lb. The compact size and reasonable weight make it comfortable for everyday carry.
- The handle is made of white G10, a durable and grippy composite material that resists moisture and wear. The white color provides high visibility.
- The knife includes an extended tang for added strength, a finger ring for secure grip and manipulation, and a pocket clip for convenient carry. A black nylon zippered storage case is also included.
These specifications are significant because they directly impact the knife’s performance and suitability for its intended purpose. The AUS-10A steel ensures a decent cutting edge, the G10 handle provides a secure grip, and the karambit design allows for rapid deployment and defensive applications.
Performance & Functionality
The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife performs its intended function exceptionally well. Its karambit blade excels at slicing and hooking tasks, making it ideal for self-defense, utility cutting, and certain outdoor applications.
The knife’s strengths lie in its secure grip, rapid deployment, and unique blade shape. The AUS-10A steel provides a good balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
The blade could benefit from slightly improved factory sharpness, and the pocket clip placement might not be ideal for all users. However, overall, the Falcon meets and exceeds expectations for a knife in its price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Falcon is impressive, especially considering its affordable price point. The materials used are durable and well-matched, creating a cohesive and functional design.
The knife is comfortable to hold and use, thanks to the ergonomic G10 handle and the intuitive finger ring. There’s a slight learning curve associated with the karambit design, but once mastered, it becomes a natural extension of the hand.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the CMB Made Knives Falcon should last for many years. The AUS-10A steel is resistant to corrosion, and the G10 handle is virtually indestructible.
Maintenance is simple – regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s required. The knife disassembles easily for thorough cleaning and lubrication.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife comes with a black nylon zippered storage case. While there are no readily available aftermarket scales specifically designed for this model, the pocket clip can be replaced with most standard-size aftermarket clips.
The knife’s lanyard hole also allows for the attachment of a paracord lanyard or bead for added personalization and grip. Due to its karambit design, extensive modification of the blade shape is not recommended.
Pros and Cons of CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife
Pros
- Unique and aggressive Karambit design offers excellent control and cutting power.
- Durable AUS-10A steel blade provides a good balance of edge retention and ease of sharpening.
- Secure G10 handle ensures a comfortable and reliable grip in various conditions.
- Affordable price makes it an accessible option for both beginners and experienced knife enthusiasts.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for everyday carry.
Cons
- Factory sharpness could be improved.
- Pocket clip placement may not be ideal for all users.
Who Should Buy CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife?
The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife is perfect for individuals seeking a unique and practical everyday carry knife. This includes martial arts enthusiasts, self-defense practitioners, and outdoor adventurers who appreciate the utility and versatility of a karambit design.
Individuals who prefer traditional blade shapes or require a knife for heavy-duty tasks might want to skip this product. It’s best suited for slicing, hooking, and precision cutting, rather than tasks like chopping or batoning.
A sharpening stone or honing steel is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. A paracord lanyard can also enhance grip and personalization.
Conclusion on CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife
The CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife is an excellent value proposition, offering a unique design, durable materials, and reliable performance at an affordable price. The black stonewash finish paired with the white G10 handle makes for a visually striking and functional tool.
The price is absolutely justified considering the quality of materials, design, and overall functionality. It’s a great entry point into the world of karambit knives without breaking the bank.
I would personally recommend the CMB Made Knives Falcon to anyone looking for a distinctive and practical EDC knife with a tactical edge. It’s a conversation starter, a reliable tool, and a solid investment. Add the CMB Made Knives Falcon Black SW White Folding Knife to your collection today and experience the difference!