First Impressions of CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is a no-nonsense, everyday carry (EDC) folder that promises a blend of practicality and durability at an accessible price point. Straight out of the box, its simple design, D2 steel blade, and green Micarta handle hint at a tool meant for hard work. It’s a knife that seems to say, “I’m here to get the job done,” and as someone who appreciates a reliable tool, I was eager to put it through its paces.
I was looking for a sturdy, dependable folding knife that wouldn’t break the bank. I wanted something with a blade that could hold an edge and a handle that would provide a secure grip, even in challenging conditions. After seeing the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife, I felt like it might be able to meet these demands.
The initial impression was positive; the knife felt solid in hand, with a reassuring weight that spoke to its build quality. The green Micarta scales offer a comfortable and tactile grip, while the blade arrived reasonably sharp. It came packaged in a simple black nylon zippered storage case.
Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian and Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is more basic in its features and materials. I chose it for its D2 steel blade and budget-friendly price, hoping to find a robust EDC option that I wouldn’t be afraid to put through serious use. Unlike the premium options with intricate locking mechanisms, this knife’s simplicity was appealing.
I was cautiously optimistic. I wanted to find a diamond in the rough – a capable knife that didn’t demand a premium price. Whether the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife could live up to my expectations remained to be seen.
Real-World Testing: Putting CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
I first took the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife on a week-long camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for a variety of tasks, from preparing food to whittling kindling for the campfire. The knife handled these tasks with relative ease, maintaining a decent edge throughout the initial days.
The knife performed admirably, even when exposed to damp conditions from morning dew and occasional rain showers. The Micarta handle provided a secure grip, even when wet, which was crucial for safety and control. There was a slight learning curve to deploying the blade smoothly, and the action felt a little stiff initially.
There were no major issues, but I did notice that the blade required a touch-up after a few days of consistent use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular carry and use, the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable tool. The D2 steel blade has held up surprisingly well. There are some minor scratches on the blade coating, but no significant signs of damage.
The Micarta handle shows no signs of cracking or wear, and the pocket clip remains secure. I have kept the blade clean and oiled, and the action has become smoother over time. It has outperformed my expectations for a knife in this price range; it holds its own against more expensive knives in terms of everyday utility.
Breaking Down the Features of CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife
Specifications
- The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife features a 3-inch D2 tool steel blade. The D2 steel offers a good balance of hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention.
- It has a 4-inch closed length, making it compact and easy to carry in a pocket. This size strikes a nice balance between being easily pocketable and offering enough blade length for most tasks.
- The handle is made of Green Micarta, providing a durable and grippy surface. Micarta is known for its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and impact.
- Additional features include an extended tang for added safety, a lanyard hole for versatile carry options, and a pocket clip for convenient access.
- It weighs 0.34 lb, which is lightweight enough for comfortable everyday carry. This is a reasonable weight for a knife of this size, suggesting solid construction without being overly bulky.
These specifications indicate that the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is designed for practical use. It’s neither a showpiece nor a specialized tool, but a solid all-around option.
Performance & Functionality
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife performs admirably for its intended purpose as an EDC tool. The blade’s edge retention is satisfactory, requiring only occasional sharpening with regular use. It handles tasks like cutting rope, opening boxes, and food preparation without issue.
The blade’s action is reasonably smooth, and the lockup feels secure. The D2 steel provides good cutting performance. It does meet expectations, offering reliable functionality without exceeding them.
Design & Ergonomics
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife has a utilitarian design. The Green Micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. The knife’s weight is well-balanced, and the overall ergonomics are suitable for extended use.
The knife’s simplicity is a strength. It makes it easy to deploy and use, and the lack of complex features makes it less prone to failure. There’s no learning curve, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Durability & Maintenance
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is built to last. The D2 steel blade is resistant to wear and corrosion, and the Micarta handle is incredibly durable. Regular cleaning and oiling are sufficient to keep it in good working order.
With proper care, this knife should provide years of reliable service. Replacing parts is not likely to be necessary.
Accessories and Customization Options
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife comes with a basic black nylon zippered storage case. There are no included accessories beyond that. The knife itself offers limited customization options, focusing on simplicity and functionality.
Due to its standard design, it is compatible with many aftermarket pocket clips. The scales are pinned and could potentially be replaced by a custom knife maker with some effort.
Pros and Cons of CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife
Pros
- D2 steel blade offers a good balance of edge retention and durability.
- The Green Micarta handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet.
- Compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for everyday carry.
- Extended tang enhances user safety.
- Excellent value for the price, offering reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Cons
- The action can be stiff initially, requiring some break-in time.
- Limited customization options may not appeal to all users.
Who Should Buy CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife?
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is perfect for anyone seeking a reliable and affordable EDC knife. It’s a great option for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Campers, hikers, and backpackers will appreciate its durability and utility.
- Tradesmen: Construction workers, mechanics, and other tradespeople can rely on its ruggedness for daily tasks.
- Everyday users: Anyone looking for a practical and dependable knife for general use will find it a worthwhile investment.
Those who prefer highly customized knives or require specialized features may want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or system to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife
The CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife is a solid and dependable EDC option that delivers excellent value for the price. Its D2 steel blade, Micarta handle, and straightforward design make it a practical tool for a wide range of tasks. While it may not be the flashiest or most feature-rich knife on the market, it gets the job done reliably and without fuss.
The price is definitely justified, offering performance comparable to knives costing significantly more.
I would definitely recommend the CMB Made Knives Green Micarta Blaze Folding Knife to anyone seeking a reliable and affordable EDC knife. If you need a sturdy tool that won’t let you down, this is a great option. Pick one up and experience its reliability for yourself!