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sonarsessions
4
May 16, 2017
FYI - I have the D2 Avispa and own a Zancudo. GREAT knives. BUT... while they share the ESEE name, it's only by design. they are manufactured by Blue River Knives (hence the BRK designation on the knife) and are not covered by the no-questions-asked warranty that ESEE offers. That being said, I love it and feel that it is a step up from the Rat 1 series from OKC.
Soundprank
101
May 18, 2017
sonarsessionsDefinitely agree that the this is probably better than the AUS-8 Rat 1. However, at the price, I don't see it really all that compelling -- especially since the Ganzo 727m (while a knock-off) has been praised to be much better than the AUS-8 Rat 1 for half this price. Wouldn't even surprise me if they are made in the same factory.
Also taking into consideration that the knife is ESEE by name only, the Avispa and Rat 1 are made in Taiwan, and the Ganzo is made in China ... there really isn't much going for it. They're all basically the same.
sonarsessions
4
May 18, 2017
SoundprankPrice can always be argued in that it is relative to the location where the knife is purchased - luckily, there are other avenues where this can be obtained much cheaper. I myself have 2 versions (Black/Black and the Black/Stonewash in D2) purchased from other sources than Massdrop. I agree that the price can be worked on especially considering the same other comparable steels in the market for sub-$30 folders, such as the ka-bar dozier.
The Ganzo 727m, while a good copy of the Rat 1, fits more of an audience that prefer's an entry level knife secured by a 'Benchmade' axis-style lock, or the ball bearing lock currently present on Spyderco's Manix 2 and Q Ball models. Bear in mind you are also comparing companies that have poured money into R&D and heat treating on their products, as opposed to a company (Ganzo) looking to fill a niche market by selling copies that perform well.
That being said, Ganzo provides a 1 year guarantee for their knives. Similarly, OKC's internationally made products provide the same warranty, and I'd guess by the wording BRK advises their consumers (i.e. contact them for warranty info) that they may be willing to extend the same (or better) terms as their competition. I have found Taiwanese AUS-8 to perform very well for average every day use, but cannot comment yet on the Chinese 440c from Ganzo (I do have 2 F7533's on the way though).
My main reasons for owning the Avispa instead of the Rat 1 are (a) blade shape, (b) stonewash finish, and (c) use of a frame lock. Please accept my apologies for the lengthy reply, haha.
Soundprank
101
May 18, 2017
sonarsessionsNo worries. I think it's comments like these that make Massdrop great.
anonomous
558
Aug 21, 2017
sonarsessionsThe ganzo 440c is junk for long cutting tasks. Will require sharpening often through the job. Aus8 will last longer but not by that much as it too will require to be sharpened at least once during single long cutting sessions. D2 on the other hand will last until the job is done and possibly still be good for edc'ing after. Tho it's best to at least strop the edge after a large job, as d2 takes a while to sharpen after dulling. 154cm on the other hand will last through the job and very easy to sharpen. Strops are idea to touch any knife up tho.
When edc'ing any steel your only taking the knife out to do small minor tasks so edges often last longer. People's perception can be way off in this respect.
Anyways I hope this helps. I would say buy one 40$ or buy two $20 knives. It's up to you. I buy the $200+ knives myself. I only sharpen then once in a while oppose to often and I like quality better than the sub 100 knives that often lack that quality.