CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife Review

First Impressions of CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife immediately struck me as a blend of sleek design and practical functionality. Manufactured by CMB Made Knives, it promised a compact, reliable blade for everyday carry and outdoor tasks, and the white G10 handle certainly offered a distinctive aesthetic. It was the promise of a high-quality, easily-carried fixed blade that drew me to it, something I could rely on whether I was hiking, camping, or just needed a dependable tool around the house.

My search for a durable, yet easily concealable fixed blade led me to the Kisame. I needed something more robust than a folding knife for some of my bushcraft activities. Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its size, the black stonewash finish on the blade hinting at its ruggedness. The white G10 handle provided a comfortable, secure grip, and the included green leather sheath seemed well-made.

I was initially considering the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter and the ESEE Izula II, both respected names in the fixed blade world. The Benchmade, while excellent, was significantly more expensive, and the Izula II, while similarly sized, lacked the aesthetic appeal I was looking for. The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife seemed to offer a good balance of price, performance, and style, which ultimately swayed my decision.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The knife looked great, felt good in hand, but the real test would be how it performed under pressure. I was excited to put it through its paces and see if it lived up to my expectations.


Real-World Testing: Putting CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife on a weekend camping trip in the nearby Appalachian Mountains to put it to the test. This involved basic camp chores such as preparing kindling, food preparation, and some light carving tasks. The varied weather, including a brief rain shower, would also test its performance in different conditions.

The blade performed admirably in dry conditions, easily slicing through rope and feathering sticks for fire starting. However, the black stonewash finish proved to be a bit slick when wet, requiring a firmer grip to maintain control. I did not need time to get used to it, as the handle felt comfortable in my hands and it was easy to control the knife for a variety of tasks.

The only initial surprise was the sheath’s retention; it was a bit looser than I expected and required some adjustment to ensure the knife wouldn’t accidentally slip out during rigorous movement.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife has proven to be a reliable companion. I’ve used it for everything from processing small game during hunting trips to preparing food in the kitchen. The knife has held up exceptionally well.

Aside from some minor scratches on the stonewash finish, the blade shows no signs of chipping or damage. The G10 handle remains pristine. Maintaining the blade is straightforward: a quick wipe down after each use and occasional sharpening with a ceramic rod have kept it in top condition.

Compared to my previous EDC knife, a Spyderco Paramilitary 2, the Kisame offers a more robust and reliable cutting tool for tougher tasks. While the Paramilitary 2 excels in finer cutting applications, the Kisame shines in situations where I need a fixed blade’s strength and dependability.

Breaking Down the Features of CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife

Specifications

  • The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife features a 3.5-inch blade made from 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel. This steel is known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
  • The knife has an overall length of 7.5 inches and weighs 0.44 lb, making it compact and lightweight for everyday carry. This means it’s easy to carry on your belt or in your pack.
  • The handle is made of white G10, a durable composite material that provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. G10 is also resistant to chemicals and temperature changes.
  • Other features include a full tang construction, which enhances the knife’s strength and stability, and a lanyard hole for added carry options. The full tang design maximizes the transfer of force from handle to blade, and the lanyard hole gives you more carry options.
  • It comes with a green leather belt sheath for safe and convenient carry. The leather sheath provides a secure way to carry the knife on your belt, protecting both the user and the blade.

Performance & Functionality

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose as a compact, EDC fixed blade. The blade’s shape and size make it ideal for a variety of tasks, from slicing and cutting to light carving and food preparation. It is a strong knife, that has a variety of uses.

The knife’s strengths lie in its excellent edge retention, comfortable grip, and durable construction. The blade stays sharp for a surprisingly long time, and the G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The only minor weakness is the sheath’s initial retention, which may require some adjustment to ensure a secure fit.

Overall, the CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife meets and even exceeds my expectations for a compact, EDC fixed blade. It’s a reliable and versatile tool that I can depend on in a variety of situations.

Design & Ergonomics

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife boasts a well-thought-out design and comfortable ergonomics. The blade’s drop-point shape is versatile and functional, while the white G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip. The black stonewash finish on the blade adds a touch of style and helps to hide scratches and wear.

The knife feels well-balanced in hand and is easy to control, making it suitable for both experienced and novice users. There is no significant learning curve, as the knife’s design is intuitive and straightforward.

Durability & Maintenance

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife is built to last. The combination of 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel and G10 handle material ensures that the knife can withstand years of use and abuse. It will last a long time.

Maintenance is simple: a quick wipe down after each use and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed to keep the knife in top condition. The materials are resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring that the knife will continue to perform well for years to come.

Accessories and Customization Options

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife comes with a green leather belt sheath. It is a well-made sheath that provides a safe and convenient way to carry the knife.

Customization options are limited, as the knife is a fixed blade with a specific design. However, users can customize the lanyard with different colors and materials to personalize the knife to their liking. The knife is also compatible with aftermarket sheaths from other brands, offering users more carry options.

Pros and Cons of CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife

Pros

  • Excellent Edge Retention: The 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel blade holds its edge remarkably well, reducing the need for frequent sharpening.
  • Comfortable and Secure Grip: The white G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions.
  • Durable Construction: The full tang construction and high-quality materials ensure that the knife can withstand years of use.
  • Compact and Lightweight: The knife’s size and weight make it ideal for everyday carry.
  • Stylish Design: The black stonewash finish and white G10 handle give the knife a unique and attractive look.

Cons

  • Sheath Retention: The sheath’s initial retention may be a bit loose, requiring adjustment for a more secure fit.
  • Limited Customization: Customization options are limited compared to some other knives.


Who Should Buy CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife?

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for:

  • Everyday Carry (EDC) Enthusiasts: Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable fixed blade for everyday tasks.
  • Outdoor Adventurers: Hikers, campers, and backpackers will appreciate the knife’s durability and versatility in the field.
  • Hunters: The blade’s shape and edge retention make it suitable for processing small game.

Who should skip this product?

  • Those who prefer larger, heavier knives for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Individuals who require extensive customization options.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

  • A higher-retention aftermarket sheath if the stock sheath is not secure enough.
  • A quality sharpening stone or ceramic rod for maintaining the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife

The CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a compact, reliable, and stylish fixed blade for everyday carry and outdoor use. Its strengths lie in its excellent edge retention, comfortable grip, durable construction, and overall value proposition. The price of $73.99 is more than justified by the quality and performance of the knife.

I would personally recommend the CMB Made Knives Kisame SW White Fixed Blade Knife to anyone looking for a dependable EDC fixed blade that won’t break the bank. It’s a great knife for people who participate in the outdoors and want a quality knife that won’t let them down. Pick one up and experience the difference for yourself!

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