First Impressions of Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock knife immediately caught my eye due to its compact size and sleek black finish. Rite Edge isn’t a brand I typically associate with high-end tactical gear, but as a seasoned outdoorsman, I’m always willing to put a budget-friendly option through its paces. I was curious to see if it could hold its own against my more expensive EDC blades.
I was looking for a lightweight, easily pocketable knife to carry as a backup during hiking and camping trips. My primary concern was having a reliable cutting tool for basic tasks like opening packages, cutting rope, and preparing kindling. This knife seemed to fit the bill, at least on paper, but the price point made me a little skeptical of its overall quality.
The knife arrived in a simple cardboard box, nothing fancy. My initial impression upon handling the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock was that it felt surprisingly solid for its size and price. The black textured ABS handle provided a decent grip, and the blade opened smoothly with the thumb stud, although it wasn’t quite as refined as my Benchmade.
Compared to my Spyderco Paramilitary 2, which is significantly more expensive and designed for heavier use, the Black Streak felt smaller and lighter. I also have a CRKT Drifter, which is closer in price range, but the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock has a more aggressive aesthetic. I chose this one because I wanted something compact and inexpensive, with a tactical look.
Honestly, my first impression was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to put it to the test and see if it could live up to my basic expectations, but the low price kept my expectations realistic. I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest to give it a proper shakedown. The weather was mild, but there was some light rain, which gave me a chance to test the grip in damp conditions. I primarily used the knife for simple camp chores, like cutting paracord, opening food packages, and whittling small pieces of wood for kindling.
The Black Streak Linerlock performed adequately in these basic tasks. The blade, while not razor-sharp out of the box, was sharp enough to cleanly cut through rope and cardboard. The thumb stud made one-handed opening easy, even with slightly wet hands, and the liner lock engaged securely, giving me confidence in its safety.
Initially, the ABS handle felt comfortable, but after extended use while preparing kindling, I noticed some slight discomfort due to the texture. I also found that the black finish on the blade scratched relatively easily when used to scrape magnesium for fire starting. This didn’t affect the knife’s functionality, but it was a sign of the coating’s limited durability.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock has held up reasonably well, considering its budget price. I’ve used it as a backup knife during several hikes and fishing trips. I’ve also kept it in my truck’s glove box for emergency situations.
The black blade coating has accumulated more scratches and wear marks from everyday tasks. The blade steel, while stainless, required frequent sharpening to maintain a decent edge, which is to be expected from a less expensive alloy. The liner lock still engages securely, but the action has become a bit gritty, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Compared to my higher-end knives, like my Benchmade Griptilian, the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock clearly falls short in terms of edge retention and overall durability. However, it has outperformed my expectations for a knife in this price range. It is a functional tool for basic tasks.
Breaking Down the Features of Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock
Specifications
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock features a 3.5-inch black-finished stainless steel blade. This provides a reasonable cutting surface for everyday tasks. The overall closed length is 5 inches, making it compact enough for easy pocket carry.
The handle is made of black textured ABS plastic. It provides a decent grip, but it lacks the premium feel of G10 or Micarta. The knife includes an extended tang, a thumb stud for one-handed opening, a lanyard hole, and a pocket clip. These features enhance its usability and versatility.
- Blade Length: 3.5 inches.
- Closed Length: 5 inches (12.7cm).
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel.
- Handle Material: Black Textured ABS.
These specifications make it a lightweight and easily concealable option. It is ideal for everyday carry or as a backup knife. The stainless steel blade provides decent corrosion resistance, while the ABS handle is durable enough for light to medium use.
Performance & Functionality
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. The blade is sharp enough for opening packages, cutting rope, and preparing food. The liner lock mechanism provides a secure blade lockup, preventing accidental closures.
The knife’s primary strength lies in its affordability and compact size. It is a decent option for those who need a basic cutting tool without breaking the bank. However, it has weaknesses in edge retention and overall durability compared to higher-end knives.
Overall, it meets the basic expectations for a budget-friendly folding knife. It is functional, easy to carry, and safe to use, but it is not designed for heavy-duty tasks.
Design & Ergonomics
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock has a simple and functional design. The black finish gives it a tactical appearance. The textured ABS handle provides a reasonable grip, even in wet conditions.
The knife is lightweight and comfortable to carry in a pocket. The thumb stud allows for easy one-handed opening, and the pocket clip keeps it securely in place. The lanyard hole provides an additional carry option.
However, the ABS handle lacks the premium feel of more expensive materials, and the texture can become uncomfortable after extended use. The overall build quality is decent for the price, but there are some minor imperfections in the finish.
Durability & Maintenance
The durability of the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock is limited by its budget-friendly materials. The stainless steel blade requires frequent sharpening, and the black coating is prone to scratches and wear. The ABS handle is durable enough for light to medium use, but it may not withstand heavy abuse.
Maintenance is relatively easy. The knife can be cleaned with soap and water, and the blade can be sharpened with a basic sharpening stone. Applying a small amount of oil to the blade pivot can help keep the action smooth.
While it is not designed to last a lifetime, with proper care, the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock should provide several years of reliable service for basic cutting tasks.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock does not come with any additional accessories beyond the pocket clip. Customization options are limited due to its budget-friendly design. There are no aftermarket scales or blade options available.
However, the lanyard hole allows for the addition of a lanyard or keychain. The pocket clip can be removed if desired.
The compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. The blade pivot may be compatible with some aftermarket washers, but other components are likely to be unique to this model. The extended tang is a nice feature.
Pros and Cons of Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock
Pros
- Affordable: Extremely budget-friendly, making it accessible to almost anyone.
- Lightweight and Compact: Easy to carry in a pocket without being cumbersome.
- Functional Design: Serves its purpose for basic cutting tasks effectively.
- Secure Liner Lock: Provides a safe and reliable blade lockup.
- Thumb Stud: Allows for easy one-handed opening.
Cons
- Blade steel requires frequent sharpening.
- ABS handle can become uncomfortable during extended use.
- Limited durability compared to higher-end knives.
Who Should Buy Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock?
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock is perfect for casual campers, hikers on a budget, or anyone who needs a cheap, reliable backup knife. It’s also a great option for beginners who are just getting into knives and want to learn about basic maintenance and sharpening without investing a lot of money. This knife is also a decent choice for those who need a disposable knife for messy jobs, such as cutting open bags of fertilizer or bait.
This product should be skipped by anyone who needs a knife for heavy-duty tasks, or who prioritizes edge retention and durability above all else. Those who prefer premium materials and a more refined aesthetic should also look elsewhere.
A sharpening stone is a must-have accessory for this knife. A small bottle of lubricant oil will also help to keep the action smooth.
Conclusion on Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock
The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock is a budget-friendly option that offers decent functionality for basic cutting tasks. It’s not going to win any awards for its performance or durability, but it is surprisingly capable for the price. The Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock is an inexpensive tool.
The value proposition is strong, especially for those on a tight budget. While there are better knives on the market, they come at a significantly higher cost.
I would recommend it to anyone who needs a cheap, reliable backup knife, or who is just starting out and wants to learn about knife maintenance. For the price, you can’t expect perfection, but it gets the job done.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly knife for everyday carry or as a backup, the Rite Edge Black Streak Linerlock is worth considering. Just remember to keep it sharp and don’t expect it to perform like a high-end blade.