@Monsoonpain That's because most of the keyboard warriors have no idea what they're talking about. It's identical to 154CM but most people don't know that. And they love 154CM.
I don't like the idea of people's designs being stolen and not receiving credit. However, companies like Ganzo really do show that some of these larger and more prestigious knife manufacturers need to step up in certain areas.
Larger more prestigious knife manufacturers cant afford to compete with companies like Ganzo. It costs big money to hire good designers and research for product development. It's easy to produce good quality products for less money when you do nothing but rip off good designs that other companies put a lot of time, money and man power into designing. Ganzo should never be an example of what can or should be achieved, it's exactly the opposite. They are an example of what should never be done and it's a shame that so many people support companies like that with their hard earned money.
I started my pocket knife collection with inexpensive, sturdy & dependable Ganzo knives. Because I was new to knives, I didn’t know they were clones. They were just great knives..!
@@catmandu6776 A well made 30 dollar knife is just as useful as a 200 dollar one. Maybe i just like a certain design but i don t want to spend a lot of money on something that i intend to use daily and abuse. I hate counterfeit knives(the ones that try to pass for something they are not),don t get me wrong but clones are something else entirely.let s face it.People who want a benchmade( or any other premium expensive brand) will buy a benchmade and they will never look at a ganzo.Why souldn t the rest of us have a budget version?I personally don t have a lot of money to spend on knives and, i buy what i can.Also,here in Europe they are far more expensive.
@@eabnamoliben1598 if the company producing the clone is paying royalties to the company that came up with the original design then clones are perfectly acceptable, if that's what you're into.
They're not clones, and most people who buy Ganzos would never realistically pay hundreds of dollars for the original design. So I'd say they're not taking much business from the originals because they're not the same market.
I own several of the Ontario Rats, both the 1&2. I found the 727M and 727S to be somewhat better. The 727M being smaller than the Rat1 seemed to edc better. The Ganzo handle material seemed higher quality and the Axis style lock/bearings made the knives easier to manipulate.
Man. I love Ganzos. I have a benchmade griptillian but for some reason I reach for the ganzos more often! Also easier to get a bigger collection going than only buying crazy expensive knives.
Got to say that Ganzo makes a good Axis lock system and they do a good job on their 440C and D2. Say what you will but they do offer great value for the money. Thanks for the look see and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
Meanwhile, I've gotten bashed in the comments for saying, "440c is great with proper heat treatment, and proper blade geometry ". Today people praise Ganzo 440c
The Ganzo 720 is amazing, I used it to open a big can of refriend beans and it got a bit dull but was super easy to sharpen up again -- their 440C is amazing! You can definitely rely on this knife as a heavy duty camping folder, it is a budget beast!
I just got the Ganzo “RAT FINK” as some call it. I also got one for my buddy. Once I get the axis lock broke in it will be great. I’ve seen the lock is hit or miss from the factory. It’s one of my favorite Ganzo I’ve bought so far. You can call me a Ganzo Lover and I’m proud of it. You can’t beat their quality for the price. Awesome video Jared.
I got one 4 years ago. The lock fails easily. I’m not sure why Neeves keeps saying it without testing it himself. He’s basing it on Benchmade’s version.
I'll take Ganzo knives over ridiculously priced knives any day of the week and twice on Sunday. A lot of the TH-cam knife snobs won't even look at them, which is hilarious to me, watching them throw ridiculous amounts of money away. If I break or lose a Ganzo, which has never happened, I can easily replace it, usually for less than a $20 bill.
I have 4 Ganzo knives and I always recommend them to my friends as being a great knife for the money. I have tortured my 720 for about 8 months now, and never had a problem other than basic sharpening.
Ganzos have their uses. I personally own two Spydie PM2's but I use a G729 to fidget with. It's actually harder to reverse "flick" the G729 so it's good practice!
Great of you to be so candid about it, Jerad. I have a Griptilian but also have a Ganzo coming in , so thanks for the review. I'm in Asia, but I do appreciate the cachet that "Made In USA" still has.
I have usually adjusted the pivot screws in order to satisfy my need. It’s very quick and easy. My Bench made knives require fine tuning as well. A few minutes of fine tuning can make a big difference.
I appreciate your honesty in this matter! Also, there is a Paramilitary 2 lookalike Ganzo, the G730. It runs on washers and has a liner lock. And then the G729, same shape but with an oddly shaped thumb hole and crossbar lock. PS: I'd choose 440C over D2 any day.
As far as the Lionsteel, I would recommend the ganzo if you plan to use the knife (you know for cutting things). The lionsteel I had was in sleipner which I love, but the grind is so thick and the lock so delicate that I just decided to regrind mine into something slicey and useful and destroy any resale value. It was an awesome user with a nice convex on the thin behind the edge regrind. The ganzo can get you pretty close to the same place for a lot less money and not feel bad about grinding it down.
I received a Ganzo FH922 two days ago. I haven't seen another design quite like this one, so I doubt it is a clone. And I have not seen any American made knives made as well using D2 steel, G10, and rollar bearing actions for $25 either. I carried it some yesterday but haven't actually used it on anything. It's a robust knife with a smooth action and good ergonomics. The blade edge bevel is very even on both sides and it literally came shaving sharp. I'm quite taken with the very symmetrical design, and especially the full flat grind on the blade. It's shape reminds me a bit of a folding Kephart bush craft knife. My wife even thought it was a nice looking blade, and she's not into knives she can't use in the kitchen. I selected the bright orange version, which really is a pretty hideous color. But this is the blade I plan to carry while in the woods, and especially over the next few months getting the deer lease ready for hunting season. I wanted something that would be relatively easy to find if I somehow dropped it in the woods. I once dropped a black high end tactical folder at a small park with pretty short grass and never I found it. Lesson learned. Short of affixing a blinking light on the Ganzo, I doubt much else will make it stand out as well as the bright orange color if it is dropped on the ground. This blade is D2, if I could pick the steel, I would have picked 440C because it's a bit easier to sharpen with a natural whetstone, and 440C is also a tad more rust resistant. But once D2 is sharp, it does really hold an edge, so I can live with it. If I had to buy another knife today, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it was a Ganzo.
The whole "clone or design stealing" argument are moot these days. The vaping industry went through the same thing back in the early 2000's. That is until a copy of a "high-end" device got released before the original did. It showed that certain companies were burning the candle at both ends. Chinese quality control has,gotten far better recently and I think they are giving competition to these over priced knives being sold today.
I've always been against the whole design stealing thing until I looked into how much in parts and labor it (really) costs these companies to make their knives and companies like Benchmade for example especially are ripping us off, they're ridiculously overpriced and even if you did want to pay it anyways to support them and buy a USA made product their quality control is terrible so your overpaying like crazy for a lesser product (not even equal which is especially messed up), certain companies I'll still support I love my Rat2 and don't see myself replacing it anytime soon I even have a custom hardware and a deep carry clip on it, and other Chinese companies like Civivi, QSP, and CJRB make great knives that aren't clones for good prices too I love the knife industry but Ganzo should be a wake up call to not rip people off with prices and get your quality control together....
Just bought a couple of this Ganzo knifes and they are really good, they came very sharp out of the box, let's just see how they handle the daily abuse, just a couple of weeks with them but they keep their edge pretty good so far.
I loved the axis lock. I loved it when it was the ultra lock by cold steel. I worked outdoors, knives would typically be abused daily. I tried to avoid it. But, nature of the business. Tool replacement is a part of the budget. Cold steel had the recon line. 4-ish inch blade, nice and broad, ground down pretty thin for an over built pocket hatchet. Easy to get a reasonable edge. My glove size is XL, at the very minimum. I needed and enjoyed the bigger handles. Ocassionally, I would baton those knives, with a framing hammer. The face of the hammer was ground smooth and offset to my taste. The chamfer on the blade stopped any mushrooming before it became an issue. Those old knives were great. Then comes Benchmade. I wasn't concerned about the legal stuff. I expected an immediate release of a competing product. With similar qualities, but likely at a premium. Because, "they are taking their ball and going home". If anyone wants to play, they will have to pay. Fair enough. To this day Benchmade has never released a competing product. They did make generations of poorly made "gentleman's knives" with that lock. Decades of knives too small, and too weak for my needs. All the while monopolizing, the obviously strongest lock. This left me pretty sour on Benchmade. I recently made the mistake of buying my first Benchmade. My state recently legalized autos. I thought I should go out and get myself a snappy side opener that looked generic enough not to raise eyebrows. The Benchmade claymore fit the bill perfectly. Snappy as can be. Crappy plastic scales. No one would be the wiser. My first legal auto would be a beater out of the box. It is definetly, as persued. Cheap, generic, and beater like a farm truck. I was cool with that. I signed up for that. I paid entirely too much for that experience. I bought from a well known retailer in person. I watched the guy open my box. I pushed the button, thing didn't fall apart, so I bought it. I got it home and started exploring the edge. There is no edge. Someone roughed it in on a 400 grit belt, never got a burr, and just shipped it. My first Benchmade feels like a cheaper knockoff, of its cheap knockoff self. Also my last Benchmade. I wish I could sell it. I really can't let it leave my possession. I'll sharpen it, and put it to purpose. See what it could be. Maybe I will like it in time. I would like it at $60 maybe even $100.
Yes, Benchmades are overpriced and their grivory scales feel distressingly flimsy, but I haven't had any complaints about functionality or performance. They have polymer handles in other materials (Noryl GTX, etc.) but I don't have any personal experience with them - all of mine are either G-10, CF, or aluminum. Also, I wouldn't judge a folder by how well it handles abusive use in the outdoors, especially batoning. That's what fixed blades are for. It's great if you find a knife that can handle that kind of usage, but I'm not knocking any folder which can't. It would be like complaining your sports car can't carry enough lumber. Wrong tool for the job.
I've had a shaving sharp edge wipe off a Ganzo 440c blade with a single cut in cardboard. It could still cut, but shaving hair was off the table with a single cut.
One the best knives material I see last time👍👍👍 First great knife colection and taste 👍 Ganzo is a king and big company feel them breath on they back is very good for us, customers. Mass people buy that knife and real use it, that G733 is doscontinued 😢😢 i dont have this in my collection:/ I have 20pcs Ganzo knives and all of that is great! I don have nothing from that new D2 steel line because they made medium-small knife, I like medium-big, and prices is much higher, they also use liner lock that in my opinion is step back. If that third knife made by Ganzo, they will by the same or even far better that orginal one ;) Thanks to enlan, ganzo, sanremnu, tekut, brothers -people start collection folding knives. Thanks for super material, l 100% agree with You 😎
I bought a Ganzo for my daughter a few years ago. She carries it every day and everywhere. It's the large spider hole variety. I haven't had to sharpen it or maintain it in any way. While I'm not in love with spider type knives in as much as I feel there's a hole where the steel should go, It works a treat, she loves it and I haven't had to deal with it since I gave it to her and I know for a fact, she does nothing to maintain it. Ganzo does 440C pretty well. I realize she's not a hard knife user, but as a dad I feel better knowing she has a knife on her person if she needs to cut something, that won't fail in a pinch. Some of Ganzo's designs are better than others, but there are some real winners in their line up. As to their Rat 1 copy... you can't beat the original and for the most part the price is more than fair.
Started to watch this video with cheese and crackers and almost choked when you brought out the Ganzo. When you brought out the Ganzo again, crackers and cheese went up my nose! LOL! Cat's got my tongue on this one!
Gday from WA!!!!! You broke my hart when you said the Lion Steel does not hold up and its a D2 blade , I loved the look of that bugger. Iv been looking at a Ganzo for sometime maybe the F720, just not sure about buying knock offs. That Benchmade 940 looks "BANGING" big jump in $$$s from the Ganzo but USA made goes along way. If pos buy local everytime they say, you wana try buying local down here they all think we are miners on 5K a week. Cant put down my Kizer Flip Shank at the mo, "flipping" ripa of a knife, she is a TANK but a small TANK. Cheers Cobber and all the best from the West!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a Schrade Divergent that looks almost exactly like the Asher Nomad. I had no idea that it was copying that model. I have not handled the Asher, but i will say the action on the Schrade is amazing 🤔
I just ordered the Divergent, I never had a Schrade knife before, so I'm really curious how the build quality is. And yes, it looks exactly like the Nomad! 😀
Ganzo makes amazing knife and steel. Their old knives takes the design of other knives, but all their newer original design FH series are amazing D2 steel knives with the smoothest action on bearing... With the same price as their older knives at $25. Can't beat ganzo for value.
Ganzos are good copies. Having lost a Spiderco over the side working in the marine industry. It’s less painful when your knife takes the seabottom challenge.
I'm loving this clone comparison stuff. No one else does it. Really shows if you want to be cheap you get junk. Have you thought of comparing alliexpress clones?
Folks say all over TH-cam (not saying Jared) buy American made knives/products to support Americans. But, I’m an American. If I buy foreign made products, save 10x the money, and spend it on my family, what's wrong with that? I don't support replicas, but people need to stop with the guilt trip sales tactic. Jared, thanks for using logic. Anyway, I've bought 20+ Two Suns since I started watching your videos, damn son. Alight, I'm done with my high ass rant.
@@tonycanniffe2360 I was going to say something blingy like TS328 or TS177, but I'll tell you what I carry most & makes me happy. It's TS76 (stainless steel handle version) & TS49 (D2). TS49 is my first TwoSun; it felt quality like a nice door clunk of a luxery car. TS 76, it took me a several days to sand down all the ridges to make it fit me, love the blade, & it's always on me like body part. Damn, sound like my first date confession. Anyways, I don't care what anybody says, D2 is the shit.
Great video I don't really care what people buy I started buying cheap then more expensive but I'd still buy a ganzo if they can incorporate some things that makes us like the expensive ones for less than half I say why not Great vid
I can't get hold on omega springs to my "real" bugout bk2 and it costs 30 euros to send it to the US.🥶 I've put in a backspacer in it, just God knows if the warranty is still valid with it.
Thank you for the amazing content! I've decided on either Ganzo vs Sitivien $30 range Axis lock models. Which one do you think is better purely in terms of the axis lock mechanism + overall longevity?
I tried the Ganzo Rat clone and I couldn’t use the Axis lock so I’m curious if you lubed it or loosened it. Granted I only played with it at my local cutlery store
No I didn't do anything but they have different versions some with bearings which are super smooth right away, the ones on washers might need a bit of break in
At 21 minutes when he introduced the Asher I truly thought that the clone was going to be the Schrade divergent. It's a $30 axis lock that mimics the appearance perfectly. It's Aus-8 and g10
I know you already know this but some of that price difference is the materials you get, plus Benchmade is offering free life time sharpening. I feel like we don’t take that into consideration enough when talking about their prices. Look at CRK and they charge something for a spa day. Also sorry to hear about your Flytanium scales. 2 of my 3 fit perfect and the one the drill holes were off causing centering issues but easy fix. Love the concept of this video though. Fun to see it done. 👊
For sure! And I recommend just going with the real brand always, but I understand being the guy who needs a knife but doesn't have the extra $ that still wants something reliable. These are not actual clones in my book o they wouldn't be on the channel, and the one I did show next to the asher I did not link because i know what happened 👊 ganzo knives will never be mistaken for the real thing
The knife sharpening isn't free and in my opinion if you can't sharpen a knife you shouldn't own one. And Mr. Neeves you'll and most here are getting confused between clones and counterfeit products.
@@kendrajones984 that’s your opinion and your entitled to it but If a person wants to spend their money on a tool and then pay to have it professionally sharpened that’s their choice. I cannot comment on your clone statement, it isn’t really clear what your point is. 🤷🏻♂️
That’s not necessarily a good thing, as for that knife it’s about strength and stability I would say those are built to be as strong as possible with the most amount of smoothness, adjust the pivot if you want it less tight.
The Benchmade Ritter griptilians are amazing if you can get one of the original M390 Benchmade brand on the secondary market grab it. The freek is close but just not the same ergonomics and blade geometry, I haven't owned a houge but I've heard they had some heat treatment consistency struggles with the 20cv.
this honesty will hopefully open the eyes of these American companies that they need to start bringing the heat and lowering the prices to overcome the clone market.
And more of the overpriced, forced rarity companies need to start bringing out production variants of their knives. If people can actually buy a certified production version of knives they want but can’t get otherwise, the market for clones will shrink drastically. They’ll make more money, the subcontractor makes money, they’re sticking it to the clone makers, the consumers are happy, everybody wins. Companies like Reate are more than capable of meeting even the most precise of tolerances, complexity and quality control.
I also don't like design stealing, but your absolutely right Benchmade is pricing themselves out of the market with some of their prices. I knew Les when he was alive. I also don't like what happened with the gun thing that happened. Can't get into it here but if you want to know reach out. I have a load of Benchmades but have definitely slowed down on recent purchases. Great review Jerad.
lol I won't buy benchmade because of their political stunt(s) before that I wanted one. Was gonna buy one too they shot themselves in the foot, boycotted 4lyfe
The problem with the paramilitary to stop him is that it's hollow. I had my first paramilitary to develop lock rock because the stop pin deformed. I ended up just rotating it and it was fine
Another Great video review!! I agree!! Basically, cloned type knives should always be considered disposable knives. 440c needs to be constantly sharpened. Thank you!! :)
They probably sold out, when I added them they were available, after using the link you can look around and see if you can find something else or maybe a different option they have
“It’s amazing what Ganzos do with such a small price tag.” CORRECTED- It’s amazing what CHINA can do with a small price tag. Buy the China model by all means, as long as your col with them being cheaper because of a few reasons. They save by not having to pay a designer by simply ripping off another maker / manufacturer’s designs saving quit a bit on R&D, and paying the designer for their design and of course, their name. They save by not paying a livable wage, many are actually forced into this work, ie. The suicide nets around Apple’s manufacturing facilities. Also, I hope you are cool financially supporting an enemy to our country. Many of these companies are wholly or even partly owned by the Chinese communist party, this is absolutely fact. In my life, as most people’s, where you have so little control of where the items you need in life are made (IPhones, Androids, etc.) where you are literally forced to buy Chinese products, In the things I can control, like my hobbies, I make it a point to spend my money on items specifically NOT made in China. Am I missing out on some pretty great knives out there? ABSOLUTELY! But, its my choice, and that choice is helping American makers thus helping them grow and make better and better designs. JMHO…
Ps….I bought the Jankie Ikiv carbon knife in your video. I love it, it’s my first knife. I can see myself getting sucked down the knife Rabbit hole. Oh the cash that I’m gonna spend!!
If anyone ever bought a Ganzo and thought it was a Lionsteel, Protek or Rat knife, it's not Ganzo's fault. There's not a better value knife on the market.
I like a good knife and have a few. 2 Bench made’s that I really like. But like you said, they are just getting so stupid expensive. I much prefer to lose or break a inexpensive knife tha a $150 one. I just keep a small sharpener close most of the time and if need be, spend a few minutes touching the edge up ….
Benchmade needs to work on there axis lock cause so far both of my knives from them with axis locks fail. My min grip is a slipjoint. My adamas locks decently and if you put a steady and increased pressure on then it's good but if you smack it against something then it fails immediately.
Sounds like you need new omega springs and to possibly clean your lock faces, you know they have lifetime warranty no questions asked for the most part
I’m not trying to troll at all, The first Ganzo I got was the RAT 1 clone with Axis lock. A medium strength spine whack on a 2x4 overcame the lock repeatedly. Based on my personal experience I don’t trust them.
The Ganzo I have hurt my thumb it was so tight. I took it apart and squished the Omega spring and now it's borderline too loose. Have you modified yours in any way?
No I just keep operating them, the older ones came with stronger springs, some of the newer made ones are a bit better off the bat, either way they break in, another way is to leave it slightly open over nights your not using them soothe spring compresses, it will help rush the break in, same with spyderco manix
On a crossbar style lock, if you open the blade just enough until you see the bar travel as far back as it goes and then either block the blade from closing with something, or stick something in front of the locking bar and leave it like that for a day or two it usually loosens it up without being too much. You can just leave it until it's how you like it. "OCD forEDC" Actually sells a metal pin to put in the Spyderco Manix for this exact reason. (Not the same style lock internally, but essentially the same fix)
I’ve only ever bought 1 gerber it was a fixed blade beast of a knife and I only paid 20$ for it from someone on letgo before it became OfferUp I couldn’t hurt that knife so when I said gerber that’s wat I meant lol Kershaw is my fav brand right now because I haven’t owened any of the more uppity brands yet
I can attest the ganzo kicks ass 👍👍 edit 3 months later or so . The ganzo 720 does well in the woods but now I ve seen nicer knives and the fit and finish on 2-$300 knives is so much better and all around better but for a cheaper knife it works well but also is cheaply done .
the Ganzo heat treatment on the 440C is excellent. good edge retention and no chipping.
Last time , different vid...people were mocking me because I said 440c is great with the RIGHT heat treatment, and good blade geometry
@Monsoonpain That's because most of the keyboard warriors have no idea what they're talking about. It's identical to 154CM but most people don't know that. And they love 154CM.
I am an unapologetic Ganzo guy. The G729 is the PM2 Clone with an axis lock. Its one of my most beloved beaters lol
I don't like the idea of people's designs being stolen and not receiving credit. However, companies like Ganzo really do show that some of these larger and more prestigious knife manufacturers need to step up in certain areas.
Well said
Very true,
You must be opposed to using an iPhone or Android phone because both platforms steal ideas from the other without acknowledgement.
Larger more prestigious knife manufacturers cant afford to compete with companies like Ganzo. It costs big money to hire good designers and research for product development. It's easy to produce good quality products for less money when you do nothing but rip off good designs that other companies put a lot of time, money and man power into designing. Ganzo should never be an example of what can or should be achieved, it's exactly the opposite. They are an example of what should never be done and it's a shame that so many people support companies like that with their hard earned money.
Guess they just improved instead of reinventing the wheel.
I started my pocket knife collection with inexpensive, sturdy & dependable Ganzo knives. Because I was new to knives, I didn’t know they were clones. They were just great knives..!
Appreciate the honesty, even if I don’t fully support clones, they still can definitely offer good quality for the price
Why do you think they can offer good quality for the price? Clones are never acceptable.
@@catmandu6776 A well made 30 dollar knife is just as useful as a 200 dollar one. Maybe i just like a certain design but i don t want to spend a lot of money on something that i intend to use daily and abuse. I hate counterfeit knives(the ones that try to pass for something they are not),don t get me wrong but clones are something else entirely.let s face it.People who want a benchmade( or any other premium expensive brand) will buy a benchmade and they will never look at a ganzo.Why souldn t the rest of us have a budget version?I personally don t have a lot of money to spend on knives and, i buy what i can.Also,here in Europe they are far more expensive.
@@catmandu6776 clones are not acceptable even though they perform better?
@@eabnamoliben1598 if the company producing the clone is paying royalties to the company that came up with the original design then clones are perfectly acceptable, if that's what you're into.
They're not clones, and most people who buy Ganzos would never realistically pay hundreds of dollars for the original design. So I'd say they're not taking much business from the originals because they're not the same market.
One of the best videos I’ve seen in the community, Thanks!!!!!
You’re a brave man..
The Ganzo 727M has a 440C blade. The Ganzo 727S is my favorite EDC knife!
I own several of the Ontario Rats, both the 1&2. I found the 727M and 727S to be somewhat better. The 727M being smaller than the Rat1 seemed to edc better. The Ganzo handle material seemed higher quality and the Axis style lock/bearings made the knives easier to manipulate.
The Ganzo 727S is one of my favorite knives. Excellent action, perfect size.
The ganzo g727m is 440c and is on washers.
Ganzo also makes a d727m, same knife, except d2 steel and is on bearings.
Man. I love Ganzos. I have a benchmade griptillian but for some reason I reach for the ganzos more often! Also easier to get a bigger collection going than only buying crazy expensive knives.
Got to say that Ganzo makes a good Axis lock system and they do a good job on their 440C and D2. Say what you will but they do offer great value for the money. Thanks for the look see and keep making sharp things fun and enjoyable
Meanwhile, I've gotten bashed in the comments for saying, "440c is great with proper heat treatment, and proper blade geometry ". Today people praise Ganzo 440c
The Ganzo 720 is amazing, I used it to open a big can of refriend beans and it got a bit dull but was super easy to sharpen up again -- their 440C is amazing! You can definitely rely on this knife as a heavy duty camping folder, it is a budget beast!
I just got the Ganzo “RAT FINK” as some call it. I also got one for my buddy. Once I get the axis lock broke in it will be great. I’ve seen the lock is hit or miss from the factory. It’s one of my favorite Ganzo I’ve bought so far. You can call me a Ganzo Lover and I’m proud of it. You can’t beat their quality for the price. Awesome video Jared.
I got one 4 years ago. The lock fails easily. I’m not sure why Neeves keeps saying it without testing it himself. He’s basing it on Benchmade’s version.
I'll take Ganzo knives over ridiculously priced knives any day of the week and twice on Sunday. A lot of the TH-cam knife snobs won't even look at them, which is hilarious to me, watching them throw ridiculous amounts of money away. If I break or lose a Ganzo, which has never happened, I can easily replace it, usually for less than a $20 bill.
Thanks for the honest opinions! I’m sure you will get plenty of blow back but I know you can handle that! Ganzo does make a solid axis lock knife.
👊
Jerad- If you have more examples for videos like this that'd be sweet.
I love the compare of contrast of the clones vs the reals,
👊
That was a good thought-provoking video. I guess it comes down to what quality blade you prefer and how you are going to use the knife.
For sure
I have 4 Ganzo knives and I always recommend them to my friends as being a great knife for the money. I have tortured my 720 for about 8 months now, and never had a problem other than basic sharpening.
Same, for my bro working outdoors, good retention, safe knives, can afford to lose 1 in the wild.
Ganzos have their uses. I personally own two Spydie PM2's but I use a G729 to fidget with. It's actually harder to reverse "flick" the G729 so it's good practice!
Bang
Great of you to be so candid about it, Jerad. I have a Griptilian but also have a Ganzo coming in , so thanks for the review.
I'm in Asia, but I do appreciate the cachet that "Made In USA" still has.
Not sure if they make it anymore but the Ganzo clone of the PM2 is the G729. It was my first and only ganzo and honestly its pretty damn good.
I have usually adjusted the pivot screws in order to satisfy my need. It’s very quick and easy. My Bench made knives require fine tuning as well. A few minutes of fine tuning can make a big difference.
Really love Ganzo knives, great quality and cheap too
I appreciate your honesty in this matter!
Also, there is a Paramilitary 2 lookalike Ganzo, the G730. It runs on washers and has a liner lock. And then the G729, same shape but with an oddly shaped thumb hole and crossbar lock.
PS: I'd choose 440C over D2 any day.
I'm glad to hear you say the Rat is a great work knife because that's what I use as my work knife as a contractor.
Big fan of Ganzo knives. Great value for money.
As far as the Lionsteel, I would recommend the ganzo if you plan to use the knife (you know for cutting things). The lionsteel I had was in sleipner which I love, but the grind is so thick and the lock so delicate that I just decided to regrind mine into something slicey and useful and destroy any resale value. It was an awesome user with a nice convex on the thin behind the edge regrind. The ganzo can get you pretty close to the same place for a lot less money and not feel bad about grinding it down.
I received a Ganzo FH922 two days ago. I haven't seen another design quite like this one, so I doubt it is a clone. And I have not seen any American made knives made as well using D2 steel, G10, and rollar bearing actions for $25 either. I carried it some yesterday but haven't actually used it on anything. It's a robust knife with a smooth action and good ergonomics. The blade edge bevel is very even on both sides and it literally came shaving sharp. I'm quite taken with the very symmetrical design, and especially the full flat grind on the blade. It's shape reminds me a bit of a folding Kephart bush craft knife. My wife even thought it was a nice looking blade, and she's not into knives she can't use in the kitchen. I selected the bright orange version, which really is a pretty hideous color. But this is the blade I plan to carry while in the woods, and especially over the next few months getting the deer lease ready for hunting season. I wanted something that would be relatively easy to find if I somehow dropped it in the woods. I once dropped a black high end tactical folder at a small park with pretty short grass and never I found it. Lesson learned. Short of affixing a blinking light on the Ganzo, I doubt much else will make it stand out as well as the bright orange color if it is dropped on the ground. This blade is D2, if I could pick the steel, I would have picked 440C because it's a bit easier to sharpen with a natural whetstone, and 440C is also a tad more rust resistant. But once D2 is sharp, it does really hold an edge, so I can live with it. If I had to buy another knife today, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it if it was a Ganzo.
I love mine also
Nice video. Thanks for the comparisons
Love my Ganzo F720.
The whole "clone or design stealing" argument are moot these days. The vaping industry went through the same thing back in the early 2000's. That is until a copy of a "high-end" device got released before the original did. It showed that certain companies were burning the candle at both ends. Chinese quality control has,gotten far better recently and I think they are giving competition to these over priced knives being sold today.
I've always been against the whole design stealing thing until I looked into how much in parts and labor it (really) costs these companies to make their knives and companies like Benchmade for example especially are ripping us off, they're ridiculously overpriced and even if you did want to pay it anyways to support them and buy a USA made product their quality control is terrible so your overpaying like crazy for a lesser product (not even equal which is especially messed up), certain companies I'll still support I love my Rat2 and don't see myself replacing it anytime soon I even have a custom hardware and a deep carry clip on it, and other Chinese companies like Civivi, QSP, and CJRB make great knives that aren't clones for good prices too
I love the knife industry but Ganzo should be a wake up call to not rip people off with prices and get your quality control together....
Just bought a couple of this Ganzo knifes and they are really good, they came very sharp out of the box, let's just see how they handle the daily abuse, just a couple of weeks with them but they keep their edge pretty good so far.
I think you're right to point these things out.
I loved the axis lock. I loved it when it was the ultra lock by cold steel.
I worked outdoors, knives would typically be abused daily. I tried to avoid it. But, nature of the business. Tool replacement is a part of the budget.
Cold steel had the recon line. 4-ish inch blade, nice and broad, ground down pretty thin for an over built pocket hatchet. Easy to get a reasonable edge.
My glove size is XL, at the very minimum. I needed and enjoyed the bigger handles.
Ocassionally, I would baton those knives, with a framing hammer. The face of the hammer was ground smooth and offset to my taste. The chamfer on the blade stopped any mushrooming before it became an issue. Those old knives were great.
Then comes Benchmade. I wasn't concerned about the legal stuff. I expected an immediate release of a competing product. With similar qualities, but likely at a premium. Because, "they are taking their ball and going home". If anyone wants to play, they will have to pay.
Fair enough.
To this day Benchmade has never released a competing product. They did make generations of poorly made "gentleman's knives" with that lock. Decades of knives too small, and too weak for my needs. All the while monopolizing, the obviously strongest lock. This left me pretty sour on Benchmade.
I recently made the mistake of buying my first Benchmade. My state recently legalized autos.
I thought I should go out and get myself a snappy side opener that looked generic enough not to raise eyebrows.
The Benchmade claymore fit the bill perfectly. Snappy as can be. Crappy plastic scales. No one would be the wiser. My first legal auto would be a beater out of the box.
It is definetly, as persued. Cheap, generic, and beater like a farm truck. I was cool with that. I signed up for that. I paid entirely too much for that experience.
I bought from a well known retailer in person. I watched the guy open my box. I pushed the button, thing didn't fall apart, so I bought it.
I got it home and started exploring the edge. There is no edge. Someone roughed it in on a 400 grit belt, never got a burr, and just shipped it.
My first Benchmade feels like a cheaper knockoff, of its cheap knockoff self. Also my last Benchmade. I wish I could sell it.
I really can't let it leave my possession. I'll sharpen it, and put it to purpose. See what it could be.
Maybe I will like it in time. I would like it at $60 maybe even $100.
Get it nice n sharp. It’ll grow on you.
I'm glad I'm not the only one with this opinion
Yes, Benchmades are overpriced and their grivory scales feel distressingly flimsy, but I haven't had any complaints about functionality or performance. They have polymer handles in other materials (Noryl GTX, etc.) but I don't have any personal experience with them - all of mine are either G-10, CF, or aluminum.
Also, I wouldn't judge a folder by how well it handles abusive use in the outdoors, especially batoning. That's what fixed blades are for. It's great if you find a knife that can handle that kind of usage, but I'm not knocking any folder which can't. It would be like complaining your sports car can't carry enough lumber. Wrong tool for the job.
I've had a shaving sharp edge wipe off a Ganzo 440c blade with a single cut in cardboard. It could still cut, but shaving hair was off the table with a single cut.
Thank you GANZO KNIFE CO. 😊😊😊
Supper interesting idea for a vid. I really enjoyed this. Thank you!
One the best knives material I see last time👍👍👍
First great knife colection and taste 👍
Ganzo is a king and big company feel them breath on they back is very good for us, customers.
Mass people buy that knife and real use it, that G733 is doscontinued 😢😢 i dont have this in my collection:/
I have 20pcs Ganzo knives and all of that is great!
I don have nothing from that new D2 steel line because they made medium-small knife, I like medium-big, and prices is much higher, they also use liner lock that in my opinion is step back.
If that third knife made by Ganzo, they will by the same or even far better that orginal one ;)
Thanks to enlan, ganzo, sanremnu, tekut, brothers -people start collection folding knives.
Thanks for super material, l 100% agree with You 😎
I bought a Ganzo for my daughter a few years ago. She carries it every day and everywhere. It's the large spider hole variety. I haven't had to sharpen it or maintain it in any way. While I'm not in love with spider type knives in as much as I feel there's a hole where the steel should go, It works a treat, she loves it and I haven't had to deal with it since I gave it to her and I know for a fact, she does nothing to maintain it. Ganzo does 440C pretty well.
I realize she's not a hard knife user, but as a dad I feel better knowing she has a knife on her person if she needs to cut something, that won't fail in a pinch. Some of Ganzo's designs are better than others, but there are some real winners in their line up. As to their Rat 1 copy... you can't beat the original and for the most part the price is more than fair.
Ganzo makes a killer knife for the money.
Yeah I have fh 61 in house design... It's awesome
EF too
This is really fun! I’m sitting on the edge of my seat!
Started to watch this video with cheese and crackers and almost choked when you brought out the Ganzo.
When you brought out the Ganzo again, crackers and cheese went up my nose!
LOL! Cat's got my tongue on this one!
Gday from WA!!!!!
You broke my hart when you said the Lion Steel does not hold up and its a D2 blade , I loved the look of that bugger. Iv been looking at a Ganzo for sometime maybe the F720, just not sure about buying knock offs. That Benchmade 940 looks "BANGING" big jump in $$$s from the Ganzo but USA made goes along way.
If pos buy local everytime they say, you wana try buying local down here they all think we are miners on 5K a week.
Cant put down my Kizer Flip Shank at the mo, "flipping" ripa of a knife, she is a TANK but a small TANK.
Cheers Cobber and all the best from the West!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think Ganzo us mostly doing there own designs now and are basically just selling off what's left of the older stuff
I have a Schrade Divergent that looks almost exactly like the Asher Nomad. I had no idea that it was copying that model. I have not handled the Asher, but i will say the action on the Schrade is amazing 🤔
I just ordered the Divergent, I never had a Schrade knife before, so I'm really curious how the build quality is. And yes, it looks exactly like the Nomad! 😀
What an awesome and honest video Jerad. Appreciate it.
Ganzo makes amazing knife and steel. Their old knives takes the design of other knives, but all their newer original design FH series are amazing D2 steel knives with the smoothest action on bearing... With the same price as their older knives at $25. Can't beat ganzo for value.
Excellent content! Been eyeing that Lionsteel knock off for months now.
Have you looked at the hinderer stop pins. They are tiny. I just dont get it
Great idea for a video
Ganzos are good copies. Having lost a Spiderco over the side working in the marine industry. It’s less painful when your knife takes the seabottom challenge.
You have become my go to knife guy............................................bang!
I'm loving this clone comparison stuff. No one else does it. Really shows if you want to be cheap you get junk. Have you thought of comparing alliexpress clones?
The ganzo 727m uses one metal and one nylon washer. The 727s uses ball bearing washers. At least mine do, anyway. I bought both of them last month.
G727m uses washers.
D727m is on bearings.
Folks say all over TH-cam (not saying Jared) buy American made knives/products to support Americans. But, I’m an American. If I buy foreign made products, save 10x the money, and spend it on my family, what's wrong with that? I don't support replicas, but people need to stop with the guilt trip sales tactic. Jared, thanks for using logic. Anyway, I've bought 20+ Two Suns since I started watching your videos, damn son. Alight, I'm done with my high ass rant.
I am not American, but that was very well said.
👊
@@diverdave2179 no it was not. China is a communist nation play. ZERO dollars to them!! Yu dig??
Not American either but I agree. What are some of your fave Twosuns?
@@tonycanniffe2360 I was going to say something blingy like TS328 or TS177, but I'll tell you what I carry most & makes me happy. It's TS76 (stainless steel handle version) & TS49 (D2). TS49 is my first TwoSun; it felt quality like a nice door clunk of a luxery car. TS 76, it took me a several days to sand down all the ridges to make it fit me, love the blade, & it's always on me like body part. Damn, sound like my first date confession. Anyways, I don't care what anybody says, D2 is the shit.
I would love an Asher nomad, it's my son's initials Asher Knapp
Love it...keep em on their toes
Great video I don't really care what people buy I started buying cheap then more expensive but I'd still buy a ganzo if they can incorporate some things that makes us like the expensive ones for less than half I say why not Great vid
I can't get hold on omega springs to my "real" bugout bk2 and it costs 30 euros to send it to the US.🥶 I've put in a backspacer in it, just God knows if the warranty is still valid with it.
we would like to see more videos of this topic
Thank you for the amazing content! I've decided on either Ganzo vs Sitivien
$30 range Axis lock models. Which one do you think is better purely in terms of the axis lock mechanism + overall longevity?
Great video! This theme is very interesting especially for your European followers as knives are more expensive over here.
I tried the Ganzo Rat clone and I couldn’t use the Axis lock so I’m curious if you lubed it or loosened it. Granted I only played with it at my local cutlery store
No I didn't do anything but they have different versions some with bearings which are super smooth right away, the ones on washers might need a bit of break in
Got me 3 ruike knives. Not bad at all. No idea how these Ganzo would fair but might try one
Honestly you might just like them more especially the in house designs, fh41, 922, 921
@@NeevesKnives yeah, I am gonna get the 922 in orange
The Ganzo 729 is the PM2 clone, not the one shown here. No big deal though
At 21 minutes when he introduced the Asher I truly thought that the clone was going to be the Schrade divergent. It's a $30 axis lock that mimics the appearance perfectly. It's Aus-8 and g10
the clone of the lionsteel, is a "Harnds general" knife... is the same in D2
The RAT1 has FRN and Ganzo has G-10 tipping that scale toward Ganzo I'd say.
you would have liked the Benchmade 950 -Rift. (I wish I hadn't traded it a few years back, it was the perfect size up from the 940)
I know I never got to try that or the contego
I know you already know this but some of that price difference is the materials you get, plus Benchmade is offering free life time sharpening. I feel like we don’t take that into consideration enough when talking about their prices. Look at CRK and they charge something for a spa day. Also sorry to hear about your Flytanium scales. 2 of my 3 fit perfect and the one the drill holes were off causing centering issues but easy fix. Love the concept of this video though. Fun to see it done. 👊
For sure! And I recommend just going with the real brand always, but I understand being the guy who needs a knife but doesn't have the extra $ that still wants something reliable. These are not actual clones in my book o they wouldn't be on the channel, and the one I did show next to the asher I did not link because i know what happened 👊 ganzo knives will never be mistaken for the real thing
The knife sharpening isn't free and in my opinion if you can't sharpen a knife you shouldn't own one.
And Mr. Neeves you'll and most here are getting confused between clones and counterfeit products.
@@kendrajones984 that’s your opinion and your entitled to it but If a person wants to spend their money on a tool and then pay to have it professionally sharpened that’s their choice.
I cannot comment on your clone statement, it isn’t really clear what your point is. 🤷🏻♂️
Fun idea for a vid. Very entertaining 👍
good content; same done on slippery knives, a versus on their clones?would be interesting;
Bought a coldsteel ti lite clone and the action is smoother than the real one and it cost £4 instead of £70
That’s not necessarily a good thing, as for that knife it’s about strength and stability I would say those are built to be as strong as possible with the most amount of smoothness, adjust the pivot if you want it less tight.
Great video. Great topic. I'm glad you did this one. Very honest. I'm a budget guy and I agree with your assessments.
Have you ever tried a Green Thorn knife?
I'm not sure
Very enjoyable video.
The Benchmade Ritter griptilians are amazing if you can get one of the original M390 Benchmade brand on the secondary market grab it. The freek is close but just not the same ergonomics and blade geometry, I haven't owned a houge but I've heard they had some heat treatment consistency struggles with the 20cv.
this honesty will hopefully open the eyes of these American companies that they need to start bringing the heat and lowering the prices to overcome the clone market.
And more of the overpriced, forced rarity companies need to start bringing out production variants of their knives. If people can actually buy a certified production version of knives they want but can’t get otherwise, the market for clones will shrink drastically. They’ll make more money, the subcontractor makes money, they’re sticking it to the clone makers, the consumers are happy, everybody wins. Companies like Reate are more than capable of meeting even the most precise of tolerances, complexity and quality control.
I also don't like design stealing, but your absolutely right Benchmade is pricing themselves out of the market with some of their prices. I knew Les when he was alive. I also don't like what happened with the gun thing that happened. Can't get into it here but if you want to know reach out. I have a load of Benchmades but have definitely slowed down on recent purchases. Great review Jerad.
lol I won't buy benchmade because of their political stunt(s)
before that I wanted one. Was gonna buy one too
they shot themselves in the foot, boycotted 4lyfe
The problem with the paramilitary to stop him is that it's hollow. I had my first paramilitary to develop lock rock because the stop pin deformed. I ended up just rotating it and it was fine
Another Great video review!! I agree!! Basically, cloned type knives should always be considered disposable knives. 440c needs to be constantly sharpened.
Thank you!! :)
Lol no it doesn't. Don't try to cut concrete and the edge will last. Especially ganzos 440
So... why show Amazon links to knives that are no longer available ??
They probably sold out, when I added them they were available, after using the link you can look around and see if you can find something else or maybe a different option they have
Do you think the plans for Asher's knives "walked" off the line of his OEM into another department, or across the street?
No I think the oem double crossed but they stopped making them now
D2 is the best budget steel period. It is semi-stainless so plenty enough in 99% cases.
Got a hogue ritter on the way, what do you think Jared? Thanks I trust your opinion.
Its a great knife, I wish the deployment had stronger detent like what SOG is doing with there axis locks but Regardless it's a knife to be proud of
It's amazing what Ganzos do with such a small price tag.
“It’s amazing what Ganzos do with such a small price tag.”
CORRECTED- It’s amazing what CHINA can do with a small price tag.
Buy the China model by all means, as long as your col with them being cheaper because of a few reasons. They save by not having to pay a designer by simply ripping off another maker / manufacturer’s designs saving quit a bit on R&D, and paying the designer for their design and of course, their name. They save by not paying a livable wage, many are actually forced into this work, ie. The suicide nets around Apple’s manufacturing facilities. Also, I hope you are cool financially supporting an enemy to our country. Many of these companies are wholly or even partly owned by the Chinese communist party, this is absolutely fact.
In my life, as most people’s, where you have so little control of where the items you need in life are made (IPhones, Androids, etc.) where you are literally forced to buy Chinese products, In the things I can control, like my hobbies, I make it a point to spend my money on items specifically NOT made in China. Am I missing out on some pretty great knives out there? ABSOLUTELY! But, its my choice, and that choice is helping American makers thus helping them grow and make better and better designs. JMHO…
@@christopherm903
Didn't Hogue rip off Benchmade?
BAAM!!!! GANZO ARE THE BEST FOR BEGINNER ON BUDGET PRICE...REALLLY BARGAIN CLONE
Which site is the best for knife shopping?
Go to my newest posted videos, I have many reputable companies linked in description imo are the best
Cheers
Ps….I bought the Jankie Ikiv carbon knife in your video. I love it, it’s my first knife. I can see myself getting sucked down the knife Rabbit hole. Oh the cash that I’m gonna spend!!
I miss this version of Neeves Knives. Feels a bit sold out now comared to this mindset in this video
What was attached to the compression lock on the pm2?
If anyone ever bought a Ganzo and thought it was a Lionsteel, Protek or Rat knife, it's not Ganzo's fault. There's not a better value knife on the market.
This is the way
the clone of the pm2 its the ok81 knife. and the other ganzo that looks exactly like the pm2.
I like a good knife and have a few. 2 Bench made’s that I really like. But like you said, they are just getting so stupid expensive. I much prefer to lose or break a inexpensive knife tha a $150 one. I just keep a small sharpener close most of the time and if need be, spend a few minutes touching the edge up ….
Is the ganzo 940 clone discontinued as i wanted to take look but your link brings me to a different knife
Probably I think they are selling off the old stuff and only making in house designs now
@@NeevesKnives i wanted to pick one up cause i like my 940 way to much . And abuse my edc blades ..
Where did you get the little skull for your Paracord on the ganzo 773 ?
Watch my lanyard bead video, and check the description
Benchmade needs to work on there axis lock cause so far both of my knives from them with axis locks fail. My min grip is a slipjoint. My adamas locks decently and if you put a steady and increased pressure on then it's good but if you smack it against something then it fails immediately.
Sounds like you need new omega springs and to possibly clean your lock faces, you know they have lifetime warranty no questions asked for the most part
@@NeevesKnives the adamas was like that a little after getting it but I think it's the washers in the way for the mini grip
I’m not trying to troll at all, The first Ganzo I got was the RAT 1 clone with Axis lock. A medium strength spine whack on a 2x4 overcame the lock repeatedly. Based on my personal experience I don’t trust them.
Ganzo started my affliction.
The Ganzo I have hurt my thumb it was so tight. I took it apart and squished the Omega spring and now it's borderline too loose. Have you modified yours in any way?
No I just keep operating them, the older ones came with stronger springs, some of the newer made ones are a bit better off the bat, either way they break in, another way is to leave it slightly open over nights your not using them soothe spring compresses, it will help rush the break in, same with spyderco manix
On a crossbar style lock, if you open the blade just enough until you see the bar travel as far back as it goes and then either block the blade from closing with something, or stick something in front of the locking bar and leave it like that for a day or two it usually loosens it up without being too much. You can just leave it until it's how you like it. "OCD forEDC" Actually sells a metal pin to put in the Spyderco Manix for this exact reason. (Not the same style lock internally, but essentially the same fix)
I like coast knives for work knives that or gerber
Personally I stay away from Gerbers as you can get far better quality for the money but that's just my opinion
I’ve only ever bought 1 gerber it was a fixed blade beast of a knife and I only paid 20$ for it from someone on letgo before it became OfferUp I couldn’t hurt that knife so when I said gerber that’s wat I meant lol Kershaw is my fav brand right now because I haven’t owened any of the more uppity brands yet
I can attest the ganzo kicks ass 👍👍 edit 3 months later or so . The ganzo 720 does well in the woods but now I ve seen nicer knives and the fit and finish on 2-$300 knives is so much better and all around better but for a cheaper knife it works well but also is cheaply done .