The Grayman Satu Folder shown above is not a small knife. It is shown here alongside an Emerson CQC-10 for comparison.
If you’re anything like me, you have a fetish for sharp pointy objects. Around Christmas time last year, I received a Grayman Satu Folder to evaluate alongside the various knives I have used for everyday carry. For those not familiar with Grayman Knives, they are handmade in the USA using premium materials. The blade is ground from Crucible Materials Corporation’s excellent CPM S30V, a corrosion resistant steel known for its toughness and edge holding. This model features dual solid titanium scales, as well as a titanium pocket clip.
This is not a dainty knife by any stretch. It weighs in at almost 12 ounces and dwarves most folding knives. I think of it as a fixed blade that happens to fold. On this model, all surfaces are coated with diamond like carbon (DLC), a particle vapor deposited coating that, when applied to the substrate material, gives desirable qualities for a knife blade such as hardness, abrasion resistance, and slickness. And it is no trivial benefit that it is black.
Every bit of this knife is well made. I imagine it to be a tank built by Swiss watchmakers. The blade moves smoothly and precisely, and the frame lock snaps into position with a satisfying click. That is no surprise as Grayman advertises that the locking mechanism is cut by wire EDM. Precisely cut notches in the spine of the blade and handles enhance the user’s grip.
The frame lock is as solid as any I have ever felt, and there is no wobble in the blade at all. The Satu easily passed the lock test (hitting the back of the blade on a table multiple times.) The lock is dependable yet is easily disengaged when needed.
The clip position makes this a right-handed carry knife, but I’m sure the guys at Grayman can be convinced to make a lefty version for you.
The pivot tension can be adjusted and it does take a little bit of trial and error to find that tension to retain the blade in its closed position yet still be opened easily with one hand.
G10/Ti scale versions (10 ounces) in various finishes and colors are available. The prices are extremely reasonable for a knife of this build quality: $375-445 depending on the features desired.
One of the compelling features I look for when purchasing anything is customer support after the initial purchase. Here, the Grayman knife shines. Grayman offers free sharpening service as long as he is alive. Broken blades are repaired or replaced, and the warranty follows the knife if you give it away as a gift or sell it. Just don’t grind on the blade or take your folder apart and you’re good.
This is not a girly knife, and is probably best carried in a belt sheath for maximum comfort. It isn’t for everyone, but if you want a folding knife that can take on heavier duty tasks than your typical folder, the Satu might just be for you.
SOURCE: http://www.graymanknives.com