Page 62 - Blade (February 2020)

LOCKBACK EDCS |
Gimping on the lockbar release of the SOG Salute
Mini ensures secure purchase when unlocking, and
works very well even while wearing work gloves.
The wide clip-point blade of the Cold Steel Bush
Ranger Lite is thick enough to withstand hard use and
ground to a thin cutting edge with plenty of bite.
The Case Cheetah is built for work but elegant
enough for everyday carry. Opening mail,
packages or cutting cardboard—it’s up to the task.
62 BLADE FEBRUARY 2020
pattern is so revered is its timeless old-
school lines. Two metal quillons riveted
to the blade tang pivot to form a cross
guard when the knife is opened. Th e
guard is small but effective at preventing
your hand from slipping onto the blade.
As you close the blade, the guard pivots
and returns to its resting state, tucked
in out of the way so as not to snag on
anything.
With a 3-inch blade and 4-inch
closed length, the knife is a bit big to
carry in the bottom of a pocket and
would thus benefit from the addition
of a pocket clip. Blade steel is Case’s
Tru-Sharp stainless (420 HC) in a
mirror polish, and the blade is ground
thin for sharpening ease. Th e lockback
mechanism engages with a crisp click.
The bolsters are polished nickel silver.
The handle has a diamond-shaped
shield with the company logo. Case
makes a belt sheath that will fi t the
Cheetah. MSRP: $93.99.
“ONE REASON THE PATTERN
IS SO REVERED IS ITS TIME-
LESS OLD-SCHOOL LINES.”
—THE AUTHOR
KNOCKOUT KNIFE
The Rocky is one of V Nives’ best
users. It is your typical working
lockback with a lightweight handle
of FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon),
ambidextrous one-hand opening and
pocket clip. The 3-inch wharncliffe
blade is D2 for the tool steel’s enhanced
performance characteristics and
toughness. A PVD coating provides
corrosion resistance and reduces
glare. The wharncliffe’s straight edge
makes it easy to sharpen, and the point
pierces and scores well. If you don’t like
wharncliffes, V Nives has you covered
with the Rocky 2—same handle design
but with a modified clip-point blade.
MSRP for either version: $59.95.
The ergonomic handle has two curves
that seem to adhere to your palm. The
surface has extra deep, wide grooves
in a random pattern that sheds water,