Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O Review

First Impressions of Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O

The Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O promises an assisted opening knife at a price point that’s frankly, hard to believe. Coming in at just under $12, it begs the question: can you really get a functional, reliable knife for less than the cost of a decent lunch? I decided to dive in, tempering my expectations and hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

My quest for a truly budget-friendly, lightweight backup knife led me to the Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O. I needed something I wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose or damage while backpacking, but still capable enough for basic cutting tasks. I have plenty of high-end blades, but sometimes you just need something disposable.

The Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O arrived in a simple cardboard box, a stark contrast to the elaborate packaging of some higher-end knives. Initial impressions were mixed; the synthetic handle felt lightweight and slightly cheap, but the blade had a decent stonewash finish that hid scratches well. Picking it up, the weight, or lack thereof, was immediately noticeable.

Compared to my Benchmade Griptilian or even a budget Kershaw, the Gypsy felt significantly lighter, bordering on flimsy. I chose it over a similarly priced no-name brand solely for the Rite Edge name, hoping for some semblance of quality control. It certainly wasn’t love at first sight, but the low price tag kept my cynicism in check.

Honestly, I was apprehensive. The price screamed “disposable,” and I fully expected to find significant flaws. It definitely felt like a gamble, but sometimes you find diamonds in the rough.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O to the Test

First Use Experience

The Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O saw its first action on a weekend camping trip in the local state park. The primary task was simple: food prep and fire starting material gathering. I put it to work cutting rope, whittling feather sticks, and slicing open food packages.

Performance was acceptable, but not stellar, and the damp forest conditions revealed some immediate drawbacks. The synthetic handle became slippery when wet, and the assisted opening mechanism felt sluggish compared to higher quality systems. However, it did cut, and the blade held a reasonable edge through the initial tasks.

There were no catastrophic failures, but the liner lock felt a bit soft and required deliberate engagement. I also noticed some lateral play in the blade, a minor annoyance but concerning for long-term durability. I also noted the black stonewash finish was quick to pick up dirt.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a few months of sporadic use, the Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O is showing its true colors. The assisted opening, never particularly smooth, is now noticeably gritty. I feel it may benefit from a cleaning and some lubrication.

Durability is a concern. The edge retention is mediocre, requiring frequent touch-ups with a sharpening stone. The stonewash finish is doing its job of hiding scratches, but the handle is showing signs of wear, particularly around the edges.

Compared to my usual EDC knife, the Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O is a significant step down. It serves its purpose as a beater blade, but I wouldn’t trust it for anything demanding. It is easy to maintain, with a quick rinse and wipe-down being sufficient after each use.

Breaking Down the Features of Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.5 inches. This is a practical size for everyday tasks, providing enough cutting edge without being unwieldy to carry.

• Closed Length: 4.5 inches. This makes it relatively compact for pocket carry, although the handle’s thickness is noticeable.

• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. The specific type of stainless steel isn’t specified, implying a lower grade alloy, but this is expected at this price point.

• Handle Color: Synthetic. Again, the specific type of synthetic isn’t listed. This indicates a budget-friendly material designed to keep costs low.

• Weight: 0.32 lb. The light weight is appealing for those prioritizing minimal carry weight. However, it contributes to the feeling of flimsiness.

• Additional Features: Pocket Clip and Assisted Opening. These are nice features to find on a budget knife, enhancing ease of carry and one-handed operation.

These specifications highlight the Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O’s primary focus: affordability and basic functionality. The choice of materials reflects the need to keep the price down, while still offering essential features. The lack of specifics raises concerns about long-term durability and performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O performs adequately for basic cutting tasks. It can handle cardboard, rope, and food packaging without too much trouble. The assisted opening works, albeit not smoothly, allowing for relatively quick blade deployment.

The biggest weakness is edge retention. The blade dulls quickly, requiring frequent sharpening. The liner lock, while functional, feels insecure and doesn’t inspire confidence. It struggles with heavier tasks like batoning wood, or cutting tough materials.

It meets expectations for a knife in this price range. It’s not a high-performance tool, but it’s functional enough for light duty tasks. However, users should have realistic expectations about its capabilities and limitations.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is commensurate with the price. The materials feel cheap, and the overall construction lacks refinement. The handle, while lightweight, is not particularly comfortable for extended use.

The ergonomics are acceptable, but not exceptional. The handle shape provides a reasonable grip, but the synthetic material is slippery when wet. There’s a slight learning curve with the liner lock, requiring some practice to engage it reliably.

The gypsy eye artwork on the handle is purely aesthetic and doesn’t affect the knife’s functionality. Some may find it appealing, while others may find it cheesy.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the materials and construction, the Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O is unlikely to last for years of heavy use. Expect to replace it sooner rather than later.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple wipe down and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed. The assisted opening mechanism may require periodic lubrication to maintain smooth operation, should you want to maintain it.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O comes with no accessories. There are no officially supported customization options.

Given the low price and basic construction, customization is not a worthwhile investment. Aftermarket accessories would likely cost more than the knife itself.

Pros and Cons of Rite Edge Gypsy Linerlock A/O