Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife, crafted by Elite Tactical, immediately strikes you as a serious piece of kit, despite its reasonable price point. Its tactical styling, combined with the promise of a reliable frame lock and D2 tool steel blade, made it a compelling choice in a crowded market. I was hoping for a blend of ruggedness and practicality in a folding knife and the Parallax seemed to deliver on that promise.

For years, I’ve relied on various folding knives for everything from everyday tasks to more demanding outdoor scenarios. My go-to knife recently broke during a camping trip, and I needed a replacement that wouldn’t break the bank but could still handle the rigors of outdoor use. I needed a blade that could hold an edge and a handle that provided a secure grip, even in adverse conditions.

Upon unboxing, I was immediately drawn to the contrasting black and grey G10 handle with its subtle camouflage pattern. The knife felt solid and well-balanced in my hand, lending a sense of confidence. The blade deployed smoothly with a satisfying “snap,” indicating the IKBS ball bearing pivot system was functioning as intended.

I was also considering the Ontario RAT Model 1 and the Kershaw Blur. The RAT Model 1 is known for its durability but felt a bit too bulky for everyday carry, and the Blur’s assisted opening mechanism is prone to failure in dirty environments. The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife appeared to offer a better balance of strength, portability, and reliability.

My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, given the knife’s affordable price. I’ve seen knives that look great out of the box but fall apart under pressure. I was excited to put the Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife through its paces and see if it could live up to its tactical aspirations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The diverse terrain and unpredictable weather provided ample opportunity to assess its performance in various conditions. The knife was primarily used for preparing food, cutting cordage, and whittling kindling for a campfire.

The drop point blade proved to be versatile, making clean cuts through vegetables and processing small branches with ease. Despite a light drizzle, the G10 handle provided a secure grip, even with damp hands. The frame lock was easy to operate with gloves, offering a reassuringly solid lockup.

I did find the positioning of the pocket clip to be slightly awkward initially. It positions the knife at the opposite end of the handle, which meant I had to adjust my grip slightly when drawing it from my pocket. This wasn’t a major issue, but it took a bit of getting used to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife has proven to be a surprisingly reliable tool. The D2 tool steel blade has held its edge exceptionally well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain sharpness. I’ve used it for everything from opening boxes to more demanding tasks like cutting through thick rope, and it hasn’t let me down.

There are some minor signs of wear on the blade’s black finish, particularly around the tip and edge. However, this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the knife’s performance. The G10 handle has held up well, showing no signs of cracking or chipping.

Cleaning the Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife is relatively straightforward. I simply rinse it with warm water and soap, dry it thoroughly, and apply a drop of oil to the pivot point. The frame lock mechanism is easily accessible, making it easy to remove any debris that might accumulate. It outperforms knives I’ve used in the past at similar price points, particularly in terms of edge retention and overall robustness.

Breaking Down the Features of Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife

Specifications

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife boasts the following specifications:

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. This length offers a good balance between cutting power and portability.
• Closed Length: 4.5 inches. Compact and easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
• Overall Length: 8.25 inches. Provides sufficient reach for most cutting tasks.
• Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel. Known for its excellent edge retention and wear resistance, making it a great choice for demanding applications.
• Handle Material: G10. A durable and grippy composite material that is resistant to moisture and temperature changes.
• Blade Shape: Drop Point. A versatile blade shape suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
• Blade Finish: Black. Provides a non-reflective surface and enhances corrosion resistance.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the knife’s performance and suitability for various tasks. The D2 steel blade ensures that the knife will hold its edge even after prolonged use, while the G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip. The drop point blade shape makes it versatile for both fine detail work and heavier cutting tasks.

Performance & Functionality

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife performs admirably in a variety of tasks. The blade deploys smoothly and locks securely into place thanks to the IKBS ball bearing pivot system and solid frame lock. It’s sharp enough out of the box to easily handle most everyday cutting needs, and it can be quickly sharpened when needed.

The knife’s strength lies in its balance of size, weight, and cutting power. A slight issue is the black coating may wear off over time with heavy usage. The knife meets my expectations for a reliable and versatile EDC (Everyday Carry) blade.

Design & Ergonomics

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife features a tactical design with a focus on practicality. The contrasting black and grey G10 handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The handle’s angled design allows for a comfortable grip in multiple positions.

The knife feels solid and well-balanced in the hand, lending a sense of confidence. There is a slight learning curve to the clip position.

Durability & Maintenance

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife is built to last, thanks to its D2 tool steel blade and G10 handle. I expect this knife to withstand years of regular use with proper care. It is very easy to clean and maintain with basic tools.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife comes standard with a stainless steel pocket clip. While there are no readily available aftermarket scales designed specifically for the Parallax, the lanyard hole offers an additional carry option. You can easily add a custom lanyard for improved grip or attachment to a backpack or keychain.

Pros and Cons of Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife?

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, hikers, and anyone looking for a reliable and versatile EDC knife. Its durable construction, excellent edge retention, and comfortable grip make it well-suited for a wide range of tasks. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality tactical knife at an affordable price.

Someone who requires immediate blade deployment or demands extreme corrosion resistance (like saltwater fishermen) might consider a different option. A knife with an assisted opening mechanism or a stainless steel blade would be more suitable in those situations.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife

The Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife is an excellent value for the money. Its combination of durable materials, reliable mechanics, and practical design make it a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a tactical folding knife. The D2 blade and G10 handle provide excellent performance and durability, while the IKBS pivot and frame lock ensure smooth operation and secure lockup.

The price is definitely justified, given the quality and performance. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable EDC knife.

If you’re looking for a dependable, versatile, and budget-friendly tactical knife, the Elite Tactical Parallax Manual Folding Knife is definitely worth considering. Add it to your cart today!