First Impressions of Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag arrives as a compact, patriotic pocketknife that immediately catches the eye with its American flag-themed design. For a seasoned gear specialist, a knife is more than just a tool; it’s an extension of oneself, ready for anything. This little blade, with its 3.25-inch overall length and flag artwork, promises to be a conversation starter and perhaps a handy backup tool.
I was searching for a small, easily concealable knife for everyday carry that wouldn’t weigh me down and could potentially serve as a backup option. This knife’s compact size and patriotic design caught my attention. My initial impression was a blend of curiosity and caution, as the low price point of $9.95 made me wonder about the quality of materials and construction, but it was too interesting to ignore.
Unboxing the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag revealed a lightweight knife featuring an ABS handle adorned with an American flag design and a matching ABS sheath. The 1.5-inch satin finish stainless steel blade was surprisingly sharp out of the box. The lightness of the knife was also surprising.
Compared to my trusted Benchmade Mini Griptilian and my rugged Ka-Bar TDI Law Enforcement knife, the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is significantly smaller and lighter. I picked it for its novelty and ultra-compact size. It seemed like a good option for situations where carrying a larger knife might be impractical or socially inappropriate.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic; the knife felt a bit like a novelty item but its sharpness and compact size held promise. The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag piqued my interest. Could it be a practical tool despite its price and size?
Real-World Testing: Putting Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag during a weekend camping trip in the nearby state forest. I wanted to assess its utility for light tasks like opening packages, cutting cordage, and preparing kindling. The weather was mild, with some light rain, offering a chance to evaluate the handle grip in damp conditions.
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag proved adequate for basic tasks. Cutting cordage was easy due to the sharp blade, but the small handle made extended use uncomfortable. The ABS handle became slippery when wet, reducing confidence in the grip.
The knife’s small size meant it wasn’t ideal for splitting larger pieces of wood for kindling. After the first few uses, I noticed some minor scratches on the blade and sheath.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of carrying the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag as a backup, I can say that it holds up surprisingly well for its price point. It’s been used for opening boxes, cutting fishing line, and various minor tasks. While not designed for heavy-duty use, it has proven reliable for light everyday needs.
The satin finish on the blade has shown some wear and tear, with a few more scratches and a slight dulling of the edge. However, the edge is easy to restore with a sharpening steel. The ABS sheath has held up without cracking or breaking.
Cleaning the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is simple; a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Compared to my more expensive knives, the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is more of a disposable tool. I wouldn’t rely on it for critical situations, but it serves its purpose as a convenient and readily available backup.
Breaking Down the Features of Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag
Specifications
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag boasts the following specifications:
- Overall Length: 3.25 inches (8.26 cm). The compact size makes it easy to carry.
- Blade Length: 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). A small blade suitable for light cutting tasks.
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel offers reasonable corrosion resistance.
- Handle Material: ABS. The ABS handle keeps the knife lightweight.
- Sheath Material: ABS. A matching sheath is included.
- Weight: 0.14 lb. Very light and easy to carry.
- Finish: Satin finish blade. A satin finish gives a decent look to the blade.
- Artwork: American flag artwork on handle and sheath. The American flag design adds a patriotic touch.
These specifications determine the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag’s role as a lightweight, easily concealed backup tool. The small blade length limits its utility for larger tasks, but it’s sufficient for everyday cutting needs. The ABS handle and sheath contribute to the knife’s overall light weight.
Performance & Functionality
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag performs adequately for light tasks such as opening packages, cutting string, and other minor cutting chores. The blade is surprisingly sharp out of the box, allowing for clean cuts. However, its small size limits its usefulness for more demanding tasks.
The knife’s main strength is its portability and ease of concealment. Its weaknesses include the small handle, which can be uncomfortable for extended use, and the ABS handle which may lack grip, especially when wet. For its intended purpose as a backup or novelty item, it meets expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is designed for easy carry. The materials used in its construction are cost-effective, which accounts for the light weight. The knife sits comfortably in the hand for short periods, but the small handle and smooth ABS can become uncomfortable during prolonged use.
The knife is relatively user-friendly, requiring no learning curve. It is simple to deploy and use but the small size could pose a problem for users with larger hands.
Durability & Maintenance
Given its price and materials, the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is not designed for extreme durability. However, with proper care, it should last for a reasonable amount of time for light tasks. The stainless steel blade resists corrosion, but the ABS handle and sheath could be susceptible to damage from impact or extreme temperatures.
Maintaining the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is straightforward. Regular cleaning and occasional sharpening will keep it in good working condition. The knife is easy to disassemble for cleaning, though it’s not strictly necessary for basic maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag comes with only the ABS sheath. There are no official accessories or customization options. Due to its unique design and construction, it is unlikely to be compatible with accessories from other brands. The American Flag artwork might be considered a customization in itself.
Pros and Cons of Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag
Pros
- Ultra-compact and lightweight for easy carry.
- Sharp blade out of the box.
- Affordable price point.
- Patriotic American flag design.
- Simple and easy to use.
Cons
- Small handle may be uncomfortable for larger hands or extended use.
- ABS handle can be slippery when wet.
- Limited durability compared to higher-end knives.
Who Should Buy Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag?
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is perfect for: individuals seeking a small, lightweight, and inexpensive backup knife for light everyday tasks. It’s also a good option for those who appreciate patriotic-themed items. This knife is a great, inexpensive way to show pride in the USA.
Who should skip this product? Anyone requiring a durable, reliable knife for heavy-duty use, or those who need a secure grip in all conditions should look elsewhere. This knife is not intended for hard use.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A lanyard could improve grip and ease of retrieval. Regular sharpening is recommended to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag
The Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag is a novelty knife that offers surprising utility for its price. It’s not a replacement for a high-end tactical knife, but it serves as a convenient and readily available tool for light everyday tasks. The low price makes it an easy purchase for anyone who wants a small, patriotic knife to carry as a backup.
The price is certainly justified for what you get. It’s a budget-friendly option for those who appreciate the American flag design and need a very small and lightweight knife.
I would recommend the Combat Ready Fixed Blade Flag to anyone looking for a novelty knife. It may also appeal to people seeking a backup tool for light tasks. Just don’t expect it to perform like a $100 knife. It’s a fun, affordable, and surprisingly useful little blade. Grab one, show your patriotism, and have a handy tool at your fingertips!