Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife immediately grabs your attention with its striking visual design, combining a spectrum finish blade with a howling wolf artwork on the handle. Manufactured by Rite Edge, this assisted opening knife offers a blend of tactical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Is it a reliable tool for everyday carry, or simply a flashy showpiece?

I was looking for a lightweight, assisted-opening knife to keep in my hiking pack as a backup. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank, but still felt relatively durable. When I came across the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife, its unique look and budget-friendly price point piqued my interest.

Unboxing the knife, the first thing I noticed was the eye-catching “rainbow” finish on the blade. The matte grey handles felt surprisingly solid, considering the price. The assisted opening mechanism seemed snappy enough, although a bit gritty initially.

I considered a few other budget-friendly knives in the same price range, like the Kershaw Clash and the CRKT Drifter. However, the unique design of the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife, particularly the wolf artwork, gave it a unique edge in my eyes. Whether it was a wise choice remains to be seen.

My initial impression was a mix of excitement and skepticism. I was drawn to the knife’s visual appeal, but I had concerns about the quality of the steel and the overall durability. Only real-world testing would reveal its true potential.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. I used it for basic tasks like cutting rope, opening food packages, and preparing kindling for the fire. It certainly added a bit of flair to some otherwise mundane campsite chores.

The weather was typical for early spring: damp and chilly. The knife performed adequately in these conditions, though the handle became a bit slippery when wet. The assisted opening was slightly harder to engage with wet hands, requiring a more deliberate push on the extended tang.

The knife was relatively easy to use, even for someone with larger hands. The frame lock engaged securely, and the blade felt reasonably stable during cutting tasks. The pocket clip was convenient for keeping the knife readily accessible. However, I did notice the rainbow finish on the blade seemed to smudge easily.

My main concern after the first use was edge retention. After only a few simple tasks, the blade already felt noticeably less sharp than when it came out of the box. I started to wonder if the “spectrum finish” was impacting the blade’s performance.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife has shown its limitations. While the assisted opening still works, it’s become noticeably slower and requires more force to deploy. The frame lock is still functional, but there is a slight amount of play in the blade.

Durability-wise, the knife is showing signs of wear and tear. The rainbow finish on the blade is easily scratched and smudged. The matte grey finish on the handle is holding up reasonably well, but the wolf artwork is starting to fade in certain areas. The steel doesn’t seem like it will last very long.

Maintaining the knife has been relatively simple. I’ve cleaned it with a dry cloth after each use and applied a drop of oil to the pivot point to keep the action smooth. Sharpening the blade is another story – it takes more effort to get a decent edge compared to knives made with higher-quality steel.

Compared to my experiences with other budget-friendly knives, the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife falls short in terms of overall performance and durability. Knives like the Ontario RAT Model 1 or the Cold Steel Tuff Lite offer significantly better value for money in terms of blade steel and build quality. The flashiness of the Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife doesn’t make up for its shortcomings.

Breaking Down the Features of Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife

Specifications

• Type: Assisted Opening: This feature allows for quick, one-handed deployment of the blade. However, the quality of the mechanism dictates how smoothly and reliably it operates over time.
• Closed: 4.5 inches: The compact closed length makes it easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt. Its smaller size provides increased discretion.
• Blade: 3.25 inches, Stainless Steel, Standard Edge, Spectrum Finish: The stainless-steel blade offers some resistance to corrosion, but the steel quality is not specified, raising concerns about edge retention. The spectrum finish is purely cosmetic and does not enhance performance.
• Handle: Stainless Steel: The stainless-steel handle provides a solid grip, although it can become slippery in wet conditions. The material provides some durability, though it sacrifices comfort.
• Other Info: Extended Tang, Lanyard Hole, Pocket Clip: The extended tang facilitates assisted opening, while the lanyard hole and pocket clip enhance carry options. These features are important for ease of use and portability.

Performance & Functionality

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife performs adequately for light-duty tasks. Its primary strength is the assisted opening mechanism, which allows for quick blade deployment.

However, the blade’s edge retention is poor. It requires frequent sharpening, and the stainless-steel quality is questionable. The frame lock functions, but the lockup is not as solid or reliable as higher-quality knives.

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife falls short of expectations in terms of long-term performance and durability. The knife’s overall functionality leaves much to be desired.

Design & Ergonomics

The knife’s design is its most striking feature, with the rainbow finish and wolf artwork. However, the aesthetic appeal comes at the expense of practical functionality.

The stainless-steel handle is comfortable enough for short-term use but can become slippery during extended use or in wet conditions. There is a noticeable learning curve with the assisted opening mechanism, as it requires a deliberate push on the extended tang.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife‘s long-term durability is questionable. The rainbow finish on the blade is prone to scratching and smudging.

Maintenance is relatively easy, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication. However, the blade’s poor edge retention necessitates frequent sharpening.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife comes with no additional accessories. Customization options are limited, as the knife is not designed to be easily disassembled or modified. The lanyard hole does allow for customization of lanyards, however.

It is unlikely that this knife would be compatible with aftermarket accessories from other brands. Due to the unknown specifications of the steel, the user will be limited in the customization options available.

Pros and Cons of Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife?

Perfect for: Individuals who prioritize visual appeal over long-term performance, and those seeking a budget-friendly knife for light-duty tasks. It could make a decent gift for a young person who is just starting to get into knives.

Who should skip this product? Anyone looking for a reliable and durable knife for serious outdoor activities or tactical applications. People who need to depend on the knife for prolonged periods.

Must-have accessories or modifications? A decent sharpening stone to maintain the blade’s edge and some WD-40 to keep the assisted opening mechanism functioning properly.

Conclusion on Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife

The Rite Edge Wolf Framelock A/O Rainbow Folding Knife is a visually appealing knife that prioritizes aesthetics over long-term performance. While the assisted opening mechanism and compact design offer some convenience, the poor edge retention and questionable steel quality are significant drawbacks.

The price is definitely justified for what it is: a novelty knife. However, I would not recommend it for serious use. There are better options available at a similar price point that offer superior performance and durability.

Would I personally recommend it? Only as a novelty gift or a backup knife for light-duty tasks. My final thoughts are: buy with caution and don’t expect too much.