“Every so often, you get proven the sunshine within the strangest of locations when you take a look at it proper” — was the Grateful Lifeless pondering of the 2024 blade market when the band wrote Scarlet Begonias? Definitely not; however that timeless lyric just about sums up the wave of reasonably priced choices that’s taking on the world of knives at this time.
Whereas a number of years in the past, nobody who relied on a knife would think about paying lower than $100 for an EDC, now — thanks to a couple rising manufacturers — it occurs on a regular basis.
Two of these manufacturers are WE Knife Co. and CIVIVI. Sister firms, each have continued to supply up banger after banger — folding and fixed-blade knives that go toe-to-toe with manufacturers like Benchmade and Spyderco, for a lower cost. The manufacturers have even made it a degree to incorporate ball bearings across the pivots of their folding knives, a premium function present in blades twice the value.
In 2020, the portfolio expanded to incorporate SENCUT. This third model was developed to be the price range model. So, it’s all a little bit of a hierarchy, and it’s trending. Identical to WE Knife began to select up market share, so did CIVIVI.
There’s little doubt in my thoughts that SENCUT will start to fill within the blanks in its market phase as properly. If I had any doubts in regards to the SENCUT model, they went out the window as soon as I began to fiddle with the Traxler, a $50 full-size flipper with a high-ground stainless-steel, sheepsfoot blade.
Briefly: WE Knife’s price range model proves that you just don’t should pay excessive costs to get a dependable knife. The SENCUT Traxler is a high-performing, reliable EDC for lower than $50. There are some refined issues, just like the liner lock, that appear much less refined than a WE or CIVIVI knife, however for $47, I’m very impressed with each the shape and performance of this knife.
-
OAL
8.09” -
Blade size
3.49” -
Blade metal
9Cr18MoV -
Blade form
Sheepsfoot -
Grind
Flat -
Hardness
58-60 HRC -
Lock sort
Body Lock -
Carry
Deep, left or proper hand, tip-up -
Weight
3.89 oz -
Worth
$47
-
Sheepsfoot blade -
Total dimension and steadiness -
Ball Bearing-aided pivot -
Ergonomics
SENCUT Traxler Knife Overview
We Knife, CIVIVI, SENCUT Distinction
Within the firm construction, WE Knife stands because the premium model within the lineup, CIVIVI serves the on a regular basis market, and SENCUT targets reasonably priced choices. All three manufacturers produce high quality, dependable knives from reliable supplies, however there are variations.
You should buy a WE Knife with an S35VN blade, the place the highest-rated metal at CIVIVI could also be 14C28N. These are each comparable stainless knife steels, however S35VN is taken into account a premium metal and has higher edge retention than 14C28N. SENCUT’s prime knife metal, in the meantime, is 9Cr18MoV. It’s additionally stainless, however doesn’t maintain an edge as properly and isn’t as abrasion-resistant as 14C28N.
Design & Options
At 8.09 inches, the SENCUT Traxler is a full-sized folding flipper knife. Constructed off of stainless-steel liners and G10 deal with scales, the Traxler sports activities a 3.49-inch, satin-finished 9Cr18MoV stainless-steel sheepsfoot blade. Like most flippers that don’t use a crossbar-style lock, the Traxler employs a low-profile liner lock to maintain the blade locked up tight.
One stunning function that I at all times welcome on a flipper is the inclusion of ceramic ball bearings across the pivot. These provide silky-smooth deployment. As I stated earlier, WE Knife made it a degree to bake this premium function into all of the model’s knives. I used to be blissful to see it trickle right down to CIVIVI, and now it’s superior to have it on the $47 SENCUT Traxler.
So, what’s lacking, then? What makes this knife a $47 knife when it has supplies and options that grace different $100 choices? A part of it’s the metal. Is it good metal? Sure, 9Cr18MoV is a superb stainless-steel.
However it’s much less abrasion-resistant than a metal like 14C28N and offers much less edge retention. That interprets to a knife blade that can present extra put on and tear and should be sharpened extra usually.
One other level I seen as a part of the unboxing, was the liner lock. Although totally practical and really efficient, it has some critical resistance in it. At this level, I don’t know if it is going to inhibit operate (having the ability to depress it), however I’ll regulate it all through additional testing and can replace this evaluate with any points I discover.
First Impressions
I’ve develop into an enormous fan of each WE Knife and CIVIVI knives during the last couple of years. So I used to be excited to get my palms on a SENCUT knife. I see plenty of knives in my line of labor. I’ve developed a watch and a really feel when issues are off.
So right here’s the issue with the Traxler: nothing is basically off about it. This leads me to imagine I ought to discover one thing. As an alternative of searching for issues, I attempt to allow them to reveal themselves to me. I recognized the liner lock as being a little bit of a bear to depress. However I’ve had that occur on $200 knives, too.
Past that, how will you go mistaken with G10 and stainless-steel? Possibly WE Knife discovered a approach to ensure all of its manufacturers produce nice knives and solely years down the highway, after prolonged use and abuse, do they begin to break down.
From the beginning, the flipper motion on the Traxler remained {smooth} and the lock-up important. I assumed I may need to throw somewhat grease within the wheel to make this sucker deploy so properly. However I’m glad to be mistaken.
Additionally, the steadiness feels very nice on this knife. I can maintain it up with one finger and let it degree off proper behind the pivot screw. This implies the Traxler has the power to carry out like a scalpel. For a price range metal, the 9Cr18MoV is razor sharp. I’ve a sense that not solely will this knife make a worthy EDC, but in addition a stable work knife.
Within the Subject
I don’t shift my method to a knife due to its price ticket. So, I didn’t pull any punches with the Traxler. In actual fact, if something, I may need been somewhat extra excessive with it than I anticipated on account of sheer timing. From Could by September, I’m often exterior in my gardens, constructing or repairing one thing — on prime of being out and about within the outdoor testing different gear.
My subject expertise with the Traxler began with slicing up root balls to plant new crops and bushes. I had an actual hankering for a brand new Mountain Laurel on the prime of the yard.
The sheepsfoot blade on the Traxler got here in helpful to get some roots out of the way in which, and to prune again some surrounding flora. It additionally labored nice for scoring compacted soil to loosen it up, and to interrupt up and blend soil for some new houseplants.
The actual check got here after I needed to exchange a few rotted wood steps right down to the home. I used the Traxler to pry up a few the boards the place I couldn’t get my palms round them. I don’t suggest prying stuff with a knife to anybody. Nevertheless, when you’re going to pry along with your knife, a sheepsfoot blade is the way in which to go — particularly one which has a strengthened tip just like the Traxler.
When it got here to carrying the Traxler as an EDC, it went unnoticed in my again pocket at any time when it was there. The knife is skinny and lengthy, which helps give it such an incredible handhold and provides wonderful management over the blade.
Its ergonomics additionally maintain your hand from getting drained. That stated, the Traxler slides down and tucks properly into the nook of your pocket.
In Conclusion
My skilled expertise with knives and knife supplies apart, I had no concept that I might be digging within the grime with the Traxler, however would I’ve finished it with a $350 knife? Certain as heck. We covet issues that price us more cash. However we additionally suppose these issues are mechanically going to carry out higher as a result of they price more cash.
So, because the Grateful Lifeless so presciently famous, infrequently we get proven the sunshine within the strangest of locations. Who knew that will take the type of a $50 knife doing the entire work round the home? Generally it is advisable look past the names and the recognition facet, and think about what you’re going to do with the knife you’re searching for.
The Traxler’s 9Cr18MoV is a superb stainless-steel. You additionally know that the trade-off, no less than with the Traxler, is that the liner lock is somewhat laborious to make use of. However after a month, I can’t discover anything to say about this knife that isn’t complimentary.
WE Knife is now a family title within the knife world, and if CIVIVI isn’t, it’s not far behind. However don’t sleep on SENCUT. If the Traxler is an instance of what you possibly can count on from this worth model, then there’s no must decrease your requirements. This knife will do something most of us want it to do.
