Tangram Folding Pocket Knife ACUTO440 Wharncliffe Sharp Blade Liner Lock G10 Handle Flipper Knife,Dirk Pinkerton Orion TG3007

I've learned that it's worth holding off on a knife review until you've carried it for a few weeks or months and used it in a number of real world situations. I've been collecting knives for just a couple of years, so I'm still learning what I do and don't appreciate in a knife as a working tool. That said, when I first unboxed this knife, I was a little disappointed. I focused on the things I thought weren't perfect...like the detent. It wasn't as strong as I like, so it can fail to open if you employ a lazy flip...particularly if your holding the knife upright and allow gravity to work against it. It doesn't have a deep carry pocket clip and it's aggressive G10 texture will surely take a toll on the pocket. The finger choil seemed a bit small, maybe a hot spot issue? Lastly, I wasn't sure about the color of the G10 scales. Being a few weeks before Christmas, there was some good sales on knives, I bought a few others and this guy had some serious competition for pocket time at first. BUT....that changed rather quickly. The more I used this blade to actually cut things, the more I noticed that it found it's way into my pocket more and more.First, this blade design is fantastic. 5 out of 5. The wharncliffe/reverse tanto shape with a bit of belly is super versatile. Utility, precise control, cardboard, food prep...it does it all well. The blade stock is not too thick, has a tall flat grind and is very thin behind the edge, which adds up to a excellent slicer. The delicate tip is amazing for fine detail work and almost as effective as small hobby/x-acto knife, but I wouldn't use this as a pry bar... It came very sharp with even edge grinds. After a couple of minutes on a strop, it's now scary, hair popping sharp. I've cut a fair amount of things with it in 7 weeks and I'd say it's Acuto 440 steel is a upgrade over AUS-8 or 8cr13mov in edge retention as all it needs is some light stropping to restore it's razor edge. I'm sure I'll have to actually sharpen it at some point. The stonewashed finish is a plus also as it hides blemishes a bit better.The more I handle this, the more I love the way it feels in my hand. 4.5 out of 5. Pretty light-weight at about 3.5oz. The ergonomics just work for me(may not for you if you have larger hands). The aggressive texture, finger choil on handle(not too small for me), unique blade/handle jimping all serve to make this work effectively and comfortably in a variety of grips and I would imagine in slick conditions also. The color of the handles has grown on me greatly and I now no longer see it's brown/green/grayish shades as odd...just cool and unique.The overall action rates about a 3.5 out of 5 stars. The detent (mileage may vary) is still too weak (on mine anyway), but the rest of the movement is smooth as butter. I have adapted too the detent and simply apply a quicker motion to the flipper tab and it rarely fails to rocket out as it should. Thick, milled out liners and locks up tight at about 40% of blade width which is perfect in my book. Zero blade play in any direction. When folded the blade is dead center in the handle. The liner release could of used a bit more cut-out as it can be a little tight to jam your finger in it, but the blade is fall-shutty(a very good thing) when it is released.In closing, it's a pocket hog and I'm always reaching for it before others right now. This knife is at it's best when deployed and cutting something...and that's really the whole point, right? Overall, 4.5 out of 5. It may have a couple of minor warts, but I think that may be part of why I like it so much. I also have the Tangram Progression and that's another awesome blade design(even thinner behind edge and crazy sharp) that's at it's best doing work. There is no perfect knife out there for everyone, but plenty that'll come close for someone's tastes and this one does that for me in this price range. It's really unique in many ways and in the under $40 range, a great value. I'll start looking for more folders with this blade shape going forward as it's just so good in a EDC role.

The Tangram Pinkerton Orion is another *great* knife from Kizer and Dirk Pinkerton.Ok, the color is hideous. It's so ugly, it's actually cool. By the looks of it, I'm guessing something went sideways during the dye process. I can't imagine this is the color they were going for. Whether by design or a happy accident, I like the unique color.The fit and finish on the Orion is excellent, which is typical of Kizer/Tangram knives I own a growing number of Kizer knives and the materials and workmanship has been spot-on with all their knives and this one is no exception. The Orion feels like a knife that costs two to three times the price.I really enjoy the flipping action of the Orion. The detent is similar to the Kizer Dukes, which is to say that it is a little softer (ie less binary) than some detents. This allows for different deployment speeds, controlled by the user. You can shoot the blade out fast like a normal flipper, or use less tension and flip slowly when the circumstances call for a less aggressive deployment, like in an office environment.The action is fast and smooth - virtually Grimsmo-esque. I'm not exaggerating. And this is how my Orion came straight out of the box. The lack of gimping on the flipper tab and liner lock release make this an extra comfortable flipper. Not that I have anything against gimping. But if you're flipping away for 3 hours straight while watching football, comfort is king.With excellent ergonomics, and a really useful blade shape and grind, the Orion is a knife that wants to work. So, it's fortunate that it's also easy in and out of the pocket. I was worried that the milling on the scales might cause it to stick in the pocket, but that's not the case at all.The Orion is a practically perfect knife in every sense of the word. And only $40? Buy one before Tangram comes to their senses! In the meantime, I'm going to be searching for more Pinkerton designs.

This knife is a nice, solid piece of workmanship. It is the first 'flipper' I've ever owned, but I have to say that I'm impressed. The action is smooth and fast enough to catch your attention.The real piece de resitance on this knife is the blade, it came razor-sharp, and very solid. My only two complaints are due to the handle: first, the color. It looked like a true grey in the picture but really it's two different colors that don't look good together but I wanted something that would be easier to see in my black bag, so I'll stick with it. Second, the liner-lock is hard to release, you need to use your finger nail because it's in a tight spot and that starts to hurt after a while because it's so stiff. Despite my complaints though it's probably best that the safety is so solid and isn't too easy to release.Overall this is a quality knife considering the price, just don't make the same mistake I did and go with the black version.UPDATE:Still very happy with my purchase months later, the liner-lock is still very solid but now that it's broken in I'm not having any trouble releasing it. I have taken up knife sharpening as a hobby and this has been my 'test subject' of sorts. The steel has taken all the abuse I've handed out and while there have been a couple hiccups due to my amateur use of a whetstone I finally have gotten it to the point of being razor-sharp and it has held it's edge. Also, as far as the color goes, though I was initially disappointed I have fallen in love with the greenish-brown color, it looks great with the decorative spacers and jimping. I am looking forward to upgrading to a Kizer next once I trust myself to not screw up the blade, but the overall quality of craftsmanship on their entry-level offering has me sold on keeping with a brand despite the Chinese origins.