ESEE Avispa Stonewash Folding Knife,3.5in,AUS-8 Steel,Drop BRK1301OD Green Satin Blade

I purchased the AUS-8 by mistake, intending to buy the D2 version but have no regrets.**Taking the price into account** this is a great knife. Someone may fairly criticize the handle as one section is metal and the other is plastic, plastic not being incredibly strong, but again: consider the price. The blade was sharp out of the box and I've only needed to strop to keep it shaving sharp. It opens nicely and is easy to close, especially compared to the smaller Zancudo which I also own. I tend to like larger knives and found the Zancudo to be cuter than I prefer. It does everything I ask of it and no doubt would handle other tasks. It's been my EDC for some time now but would also make a nice addition to a bug out/survival bag. Keeping the price in mind, it's hard to find any areas of concern or reasons to criticize.It's worth noting that this knife is not made in the US like ESEE's fixed blade knives, but their philosophy and amazing support - for me - makes up for it.

Magnificent knife. This is my second one. I've also got a Coyote handle- black blade model. It arrived shaving sharp, almost centered, very well finished, with no break-in required. It flies open with a thumb-flick, no wrist action is necessary. The lockup is excellent with no discernible wiggle in any direction. The stonewashed finish is applied to the blade, the locking fame side, and the pocket clip. It is uniform and good looking. The blade shape is very well suited to everyday tasks, and outdoor survival type tasks. Extended use in carving or woodcraft would probably cause hotspots because of the low-profile nature of the knife. But that's a trade off. Because of the knife's thin profile, it sits well in the pocket, in spite of it's 5" closed length.As to the steel, AUS 8 takes a helluvan edge, but it may need frequent re-touching. But it does not chip or fold over easily. It is an underrated knife steel, in my opinion.

When you flip the pocket clip to tip-up carry the clip rests on the lock bar making it impossible to work one handed.Bad design.

Gave it to my son for Boy Scout trips. Solid knife, sharp blade, good feel.Hard to tell how long the edge lasts as boys can be a bit hard on a blade andcut things they shouldn't. Sharpens up well when needed.

I have the zancudo and the rat mo.1 and this one is my new and fav one it is very sharp how ever it dulls fast so like I do all my knifes I put a convex edge on them with japan water stones chorsra #400#1000#6000 then strop with bark river green then white compound you will never get a sharper knife in your life and you can do it to.i learned from vertvice on youtube he is a master and its easy if you have the right tools I cant wait to get my convex edge on this knife, once you get that kind of edge it is better than bench made and zero tolerance at least as good for way less here is some picks of my razors and yes they are sharp as they look

While very similar to the OKC RAT-1, you cannot switch the pocket clip to the other side as the screws are too short. The screws are only meant to go on the slick side, this should include screws for the side with the polymer grip panel.

I liked that it's basically the Ontario Rat 1 but slimmer and lighter. Granted it's not an ESEE (own 3, all fixed blades), but I've beat mine up and they held up as well as any Rat I've owned, given as gifts with no complaints and I'd say it's not a bad deal for the price.

So this is a neat piece. This was designed by Randall's in the same fashion as the OKC RAT. Its literally the RAT with a new blade and a frame lock. If you like the RAT you with love the Avispa!