First Impressions of PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 is a folding knife that, on paper, promises a blend of classic design and modern materials. With its Bohler N690 stainless steel blade and brown canvas micarta handle, it’s a knife that seems equally at home in a display case or strapped to a pack. The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 boasts a capable blade length of 3.25 inches and a closed length of 4.25 inches.
I was on the hunt for a reliable EDC (Everyday Carry) knife that could handle various tasks, from opening packages to more demanding outdoor chores. My current EDC was a bit bulky, and I was looking for something with a slimmer profile and a more refined aesthetic. The promise of Bohler N690 steel, known for its edge retention and corrosion resistance, was also a major selling point.
Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of solid quality. The knife has a good weight to it without feeling heavy, and the micarta handle offers a comfortable and secure grip. The stonewash finish on the blade is attractive and practical, hiding scratches and wear well.
I considered the Benchmade Bugout and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2 before ultimately choosing the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015. The Bugout, while lightweight, felt a little too fragile for my needs, and the Paramilitary 2, while a great knife, was a bit too aggressive in its styling for everyday carry in a more professional setting. This knife seemed to offer a great balance of strength, style, and practicality.
My first impression was definitely positive; I was excited to put the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 through its paces and see how it performed in real-world conditions. It appeared to be a well-built and thoughtfully designed knife.
Real-World Testing: Putting PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 was a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it for various tasks, including food preparation, cutting rope for setting up my tent, and whittling some tinder for a campfire. The knife performed admirably in all these tasks.
The blade was easy to control and held its edge well even after some relatively heavy use. The micarta handle provided a secure grip even when my hands were wet from condensation in the morning. I didn’t need a lot of time to get used to the knife; it felt intuitive and comfortable from the get-go.
The only minor issue I encountered was the liner lock being a bit stiff initially, but this smoothed out with repeated use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 has proven to be a reliable and durable tool. I’ve used it for everything from opening boxes and packages at home to more demanding tasks like field dressing small game while hunting. The Bohler N690 steel has held up remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain a razor-sharp edge.
There are no significant signs of wear and tear beyond some minor scratches on the blade finish, which are to be expected with regular use. Cleaning is simple, a quick wipe down with a damp cloth and occasional oiling of the pivot point keeps it in excellent condition. Compared to my previous EDC knife, the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 is far more durable and holds its edge much longer.
It’s become an indispensable part of my EDC and I’m consistently impressed with its performance and reliability. The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 has exceeded my expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015
Specifications
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 boasts the following specifications:
- Blade Length: 3.25 inches (8.26cm). This provides ample cutting surface for a variety of tasks without being overly large or unwieldy.
- Closed Length: 4.25 inches (10.8cm). The compact closed length makes it easy to carry in a pocket without taking up too much space.
- Blade Material: Bohler N690 stainless steel. This steel is known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and overall toughness.
- Handle Material: Brown canvas micarta. Micarta offers a durable, grippy, and comfortable handle that is resistant to moisture and wear.
- Weight: 0.4 lb (approximately 6.4 ounces). The knife is lightweight enough for comfortable everyday carry.
- Locking Mechanism: Linerlock. A reliable and easy-to-use locking mechanism.
- Additional Features: Lanyard hole, pocket clip, thumb pull, extended tang, zippered storage case. These features add to the knife’s versatility and convenience.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the overall performance and user experience. The Bohler N690 steel ensures that the blade stays sharp longer. The micarta handle provides a secure and comfortable grip.
Performance & Functionality
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 performs its intended job exceptionally well. The blade is sharp and easy to control, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks. The knife feels solid and well-balanced in hand.
One of the knife’s strengths is its excellent edge retention, thanks to the Bohler N690 steel. The only real weakness I’ve found is that the liner lock can be a little stiff initially, but this improves with use. The knife meets and often exceeds my expectations for an EDC knife.
Design & Ergonomics
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 features a well-thought-out design. The micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet conditions. The knife’s weight is well-distributed, making it feel balanced in hand.
The design is intuitive and user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The thumb pull allows for easy one-handed opening.
Durability & Maintenance
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 appears to be built to last. The Bohler N690 steel is known for its durability and resistance to wear. The micarta handle is also very tough and resistant to damage.
Maintenance is relatively simple; regular cleaning and occasional oiling of the pivot point are all that’s required. The stonewash finish on the blade helps to hide scratches and wear.
Accessories and Customization Options
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 comes with a zippered storage case. While there are no specific customization options offered directly by the manufacturer, the knife is compatible with aftermarket pocket clips. The lanyard hole also allows for the addition of a lanyard or fob.
While the knife doesn’t have a plethora of customization options, the basic design is solid and functional.
Pros and Cons of PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015
Pros
- Excellent edge retention thanks to the Bohler N690 steel blade.
- Comfortable and secure grip provided by the brown canvas micarta handle.
- Durable construction for long-lasting reliability.
- Slim and lightweight design for easy everyday carry.
- Attractive stonewash finish on the blade hides scratches well.
Cons
- Liner lock can be a bit stiff initially.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015?
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and durable EDC knife. This includes outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, campers, and anyone who appreciates a high-quality cutting tool. It’s also a good choice for those who want a knife with a more refined aesthetic than some of the more tactical-looking options on the market.
Someone who prioritizes a vast array of customization options might want to skip this product. Also, individuals who prefer assisted-opening mechanisms might find the manual opening of this knife less appealing.
A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge.
Conclusion on PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015
The PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 is an excellent EDC knife that offers a great balance of performance, durability, and aesthetics. The Bohler N690 steel blade provides exceptional edge retention, and the micarta handle offers a comfortable and secure grip. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of other knives on the market, its solid construction and reliable performance make it a worthwhile investment.
The price of $93.99 is justified by the quality of the materials and the overall craftsmanship. I would definitely recommend the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 to anyone looking for a dependable and stylish EDC knife.
If you’re in the market for a new EDC knife that can handle a variety of tasks, give the PMP Knives Spartan Linerlock Micarta PMP015 a try; you won’t be disappointed.