I managed to finally get one and I gotta say I agree with everything you listed in the video. When I first opened it I was amazed by how powerful the spring is and loved the weight of it. It has definitely become my favorite knife in my collection
Jim, Another great review. Big fan of Patricks designs. I own this knife along with his dauntless from TAD. I have to say I really believe and hope PDW is here to stay. Not only are they making some great knives but their coming out with some great products as well. Call me a fan boy but I do recognize great design, quality and craftsmanship. Watching your video I think you also agree.
Appreciate the design aesthetic. There are so many designs that go overboard in the quest to standout from the competition, but what do I know? Tastes vary, and lots of people like Alien-Gothic-Tactical. To each their own, but I think simple functionality is beautiful and at this relatively accessible pricepoint, I think PDW has come very close to achieving art.
Don't care for the knife at all, but I love your videos Jim! You and BT Blades really inspired me to pick up my first $100+ knife, a Damascus sebenza 25. Absolutely loving it!
Looks decent, don't like the blade shape overall though. 6061 and 154CM tell me they cut corners. 7075 and CPM154 are upgrades with the same benefits (and neither is crazy expensive). For the price, considering it is US made, not too bad.
This knife reminds me of my protec TR3 with the mother of pearl button. It doesn't have a safety which I like, but I think the price was around 170$. It uses 154cm so not super steel, but I see it as a great competitive option to this.
The only current model that Protech offers that is actually comparable (having a safety switch, aluminum frame, similar materials) is the TR4. The TR4.1 is $300. The PDW is $389, not a big price difference. Add in the additional time PDW took to contour the frame (the TR4 is not contoured), add in the cost and labor of the GITD G10 inlay in the button, and I think you're pretty square.
Speak of the Skelton, I was literally just wondering when the next video would come up! Lo and behold, as soon as I checked lol. Are you ever gonna review that micro cleaver?? Need to know what''s up before buying one...
Thanks for the great review Jim. But the knife is double the price of a US made Protech knife while using the exact same T6 handle construction and 154cm blade steel. Even uses allen bolts.. just like a Protech! Are you sure that they are the ones in fact building this knife and not just having Protech build it for them and charging an extra $200 for their name lol.
BelligerentTruth A knife guy doesn’t put anything in his knife pocket. I typically carry a knife worth $1000-$6000 on a daily basis, so I would never put it in a pocket with anything else. But it’s hard anodized, so it’s tougher than a standard titanium handle.
Any particular reason for not mentioning this "other company"? I have no idea about the politics if there are any around this situation nor do I know what this other company is. I think that it looks like a few other knives. Including a few from your channel. So if you could fill me in, that'd be great.
Patrick Ma was a founder or partner of Triple Aught Design. Which are famous for their Dauntless knives. I believe is also a Patrick Ma Design. I'm sure you can google forums to read about the falling out.
+Alex piv so he has to keep other people with less money than him in mind when doing a video on HIS channel? I will never understand these comments. And anyone who has watches even a couple of his vids should know this knife is cheap compared to what he normally buys, very cheap. What other types of vids do you comment on that you have no money? Give it a rest people.
Way to similar to the Dauntless design, even the PDW logo is similar to the TAD logo and their using different custom makers to produce this design is very similar to the TAD model as well. Allot of custom makers use 154CM in their customs because of its ability to take a superb satin and mirror polish. Pro-Tech makes autos with the same exact features (safety's, 60 series aluminum handles and CPM-154 blades) for half the price.
+- YosemiteSam357 I am aware just seems silly to make the same knife twice at the same price point. The Dauntless is a TAD product not his, Imitation is cheap Innovation however is not.
The only current model that Protech offers that is actually comparable (having a safety switch, aluminum frame, similar materials) is the TR4. The TR4.1 is $300. The PDW is $389, not a big price difference. Add in the additional time PDW took to contour the frame (the TR4 is not contoured), add in the cost and labor of the GITD G10 inlay in the button, and I think you're pretty square. I don't know where you're getting "half the price" from...
***** Yeah they are making a pretty good profit off these knives, no dealer margin so they keep the full MSRP. Generally in the market the dealer percentage is anywhere from 30-50% of the total MSRP and the original manufacturer still makes a profit. If you knew anything about modern CNC machining you would also know that adding details like the back-spacer take around a minute max to add to the run-time of the machine. Put this in perspective for you, a $600 Medford Praetorian T featuring way better materials than this knife costs $385 (MSRP of $700). Heck Microtech puts out an out the side auto the LUDT for $210 MSRP with the same or better materials.
Great question. I have a Stormtrooper LUDT and love it. This is slimmer and a little bit longer. The handle on the PDW is a bit longer and doesn't have that curve at the butt, so you don't feel quite as cramped holding it. The PDW also has a bit better balance, the LUDT handle is SO light that it is blade-heavy. None of this makes me love my LUDT any less, but as a head to head comparison, these are the things that stand out in my mind.
A $400 knife is affordable? Who the hell would throw something so expensive in a glove box and knock it around? 99.9% of people are way too poor for that.
There's a big world out there man, so yes... due to the countless high end customs out there, this is affordable. Compared even to any knife on my channel, it is very affordable.
why not spend a 1/3 the money and get a better looking knife the Benchmade 6800 APB it's made out of the exact same materials. it comes with lifetime warranty and lifesharp.
+LordChrisHimself - don't get me wrong it's a good looking knife and if I could afford it I would buy it. I'm an OIF Veteran and that OD Green one is right up my alley. Are you with PDW?
It's a coil spring deployed automatic. And no one said it was anything "fancy". As a matter of fact, I stressed that it was a simple, clean and utilitarian design, so I'm not sure what your point is, you seem to have misunderstood my commentary. As far as it being worth the money or not, you're just making a blanket statement with nothing to back it up, nothing to compare it to. As I put it up against several of my own automatics as well as others I have owned in the past, I feel it *is* worth the price. It's every bit as well made as any production Microtech or Pro Tech, and is in the same price range. A little higher than some Pro Tech (lower than some as well), and priced equal to or less than most Microtechs. Just the fact that they contoured the frame while most other brands leave them as slab sided frames speaks volumes to the design capabilities of PDW, going for comfort and focusing on the smaller details.
Comments like this, coming from a so called ''Marine''.... guys like you are the reason why the rest of the world think that the us-military is a bunch of fücked up, gun weilding assholes
I managed to finally get one and I gotta say I agree with everything you listed in the video. When I first opened it I was amazed by how powerful the spring is and loved the weight of it. It has definitely become my favorite knife in my collection
Jim, Another great review. Big fan of Patricks designs. I own this knife along with his dauntless from TAD. I have to say I really believe and hope PDW is here to stay. Not only are they making some great knives but their coming out with some great products as well. Call me a fan boy but I do recognize great design, quality and craftsmanship. Watching your video I think you also agree.
Appreciate the design aesthetic. There are so many designs that go overboard in the quest to standout from the competition, but what do I know? Tastes vary, and lots of people like Alien-Gothic-Tactical. To each their own, but I think simple functionality is beautiful and at this relatively accessible pricepoint, I think PDW has come very close to achieving art.
Don't care for the knife at all, but I love your videos Jim! You and BT Blades really inspired me to pick up my first $100+ knife, a Damascus sebenza 25. Absolutely loving it!
Looks decent, don't like the blade shape overall though. 6061 and 154CM tell me they cut corners. 7075 and CPM154 are upgrades with the same benefits (and neither is crazy expensive). For the price, considering it is US made, not too bad.
This knife reminds me of my protec TR3 with the mother of pearl button. It doesn't have a safety which I like, but I think the price was around 170$. It uses 154cm so not super steel, but I see it as a great competitive option to this.
great point
The only current model that Protech offers that is actually comparable (having a safety switch, aluminum frame, similar materials) is the TR4. The TR4.1 is $300. The PDW is $389, not a big price difference. Add in the additional time PDW took to contour the frame (the TR4 is not contoured), add in the cost and labor of the GITD G10 inlay in the button, and I think you're pretty square.
+Jim Skelton I feel u on that! I think I want one, if it were $50 cheaper I would have already pulled trigger
When he says the knife is a very affordable option @ only $389, great vid tho, sick blade
Matthew Hartsuch And as if he actually pays for his KNIFES!! These vids got imfomercial all over them!! Lol
Also should say the protec TR3 is made in the USA as well.
Great vid jim
Speak of the Skelton, I was literally just wondering when the next video would come up! Lo and behold, as soon as I checked lol. Are you ever gonna review that micro cleaver?? Need to know what''s up before buying one...
great review, I am gonna pick one up
on the autos are the body/clip screws tapped directly into the aluminum?
Thanks for the great review Jim. But the knife is double the price of a US made Protech knife while using the exact same T6 handle construction and 154cm blade steel. Even uses allen bolts.. just like a Protech! Are you sure that they are the ones in fact building this knife and not just having Protech build it for them and charging an extra $200 for their name lol.
thanks for a nice video (as usual) if I am not mistaking there might be a Bob Terzuola influence.
Jim alluded to it, but does anybody know what's the difference between the "semi" "custom" frame lock and this auto?
nvrmd, I'll watch the new video ;-)
How easily would that handle scratch being aluminum? Can't put in a pocket with keys.
BelligerentTruth A knife guy doesn’t put anything in his knife pocket. I typically carry a knife worth $1000-$6000 on a daily basis, so I would never put it in a pocket with anything else.
But it’s hard anodized, so it’s tougher than a standard titanium handle.
I wish I could own one of these because I love everything about it but since I live in Canada, I cannot own any automatic knives.
also how is the blade play/lockup on the autos?
Have you ever got your hands on a RSK knife?
Do a video on the steel craft bodegga
Too early, I'll be back.
Any particular reason for not mentioning this "other company"? I have no idea about the politics if there are any around this situation nor do I know what this other company is. I think that it looks like a few other knives. Including a few from your channel. So if you could fill me in, that'd be great.
Patrick Ma was a founder or partner of Triple Aught Design. Which are famous for their Dauntless knives. I believe is also a Patrick Ma Design. I'm sure you can google forums to read about the falling out.
+David Miao thanks for the info.
David, which forums?
gotta have one!!!
Hey Jim do you have a knife from sheep dog knives? If you do what do you think of it?
I do, and I love it. Check the pics I've posted on my Instagram. Damasteel blade, Damasteel bolsters/clip and Zirc scales.
+Jim Skelton cool thanks are going do a vid on it soon?
Jim you have to much money if you think for a second this is affordable for most people it's $400 for God's sake
If you don't think it's affordable compared to the customs I typically review, you need to brush up on your math skills.
+Jim Skelton I enjoy seeing them it's just I wish you would think of others with less than you!
alot less
+Alex piv so he has to keep other people with less money than him in mind when doing a video on HIS channel? I will never understand these comments. And anyone who has watches even a couple of his vids should know this knife is cheap compared to what he normally buys, very cheap. What other types of vids do you comment on that you have no money? Give it a rest people.
Jim, why have you never owned a gavko?
Looks awesome! But the spine makes it look cheap :(
I'm confused, I thought this was designed by Paulo Balzano.
Does anyone have one to sell or are these coming back at all ???????
Way to similar to the Dauntless design, even the PDW logo is similar to the TAD logo and their using different custom makers to produce this design is very similar to the TAD model as well.
Allot of custom makers use 154CM in their customs because of its ability to take a superb satin and mirror polish.
Pro-Tech makes autos with the same exact features (safety's, 60 series aluminum handles and CPM-154 blades) for half the price.
Well since the same guy was involved with both PDW and TAD that makes sense... He brought the design with him.
+- YosemiteSam357 I am aware just seems silly to make the same knife twice at the same price point. The Dauntless is a TAD product not his, Imitation is cheap Innovation however is not.
The only current model that Protech offers that is actually comparable (having a safety switch, aluminum frame, similar materials) is the TR4. The TR4.1 is $300. The PDW is $389, not a big price difference. Add in the additional time PDW took to contour the frame (the TR4 is not contoured), add in the cost and labor of the GITD G10 inlay in the button, and I think you're pretty square. I don't know where you're getting "half the price" from...
I know, its like I am a dealer, granted I always thought the safety on knives like these were a liability.
*****
Yeah they are making a pretty good profit off these knives, no dealer margin so they keep the full MSRP. Generally in the market the dealer percentage is anywhere from 30-50% of the total MSRP and the original manufacturer still makes a profit.
If you knew anything about modern CNC machining you would also know that adding details like the back-spacer take around a minute max to add to the run-time of the machine.
Put this in perspective for you, a $600 Medford Praetorian T featuring way better materials than this knife costs $385 (MSRP of $700). Heck Microtech puts out an out the side auto the LUDT for $210 MSRP with the same or better materials.
"It's been very easy to slide in and out but it doesn't feel insecure" - that's what she said?
Just picked one up on bladehq
Why does everything about this look like it was made by Pro-Tech?
The seems showing as much as they do on the back of the knife is absolutely unforgivable.
This or the Microtech LUDT?
Great question. I have a Stormtrooper LUDT and love it. This is slimmer and a little bit longer. The handle on the PDW is a bit longer and doesn't have that curve at the butt, so you don't feel quite as cramped holding it. The PDW also has a bit better balance, the LUDT handle is SO light that it is blade-heavy. None of this makes me love my LUDT any less, but as a head to head comparison, these are the things that stand out in my mind.
200 is good price for that
I appreciate your advice sir. That being said, this knife doesn't appeal to me in the slightest at this price. it's a pass in my book.
A $400 knife is affordable? Who the hell would throw something so expensive in a glove box and knock it around? 99.9% of people are way too poor for that.
There's a big world out there man, so yes... due to the countless high end customs out there, this is affordable. Compared even to any knife on my channel, it is very affordable.
I hate deep carry clips as well.
why not spend a 1/3 the money and get a better looking knife the Benchmade 6800 APB it's made out of the exact same materials. it comes with lifetime warranty and lifesharp.
+LordChrisHimself - dang price went up since I bought mine. got mine for 160 Brand Knew
+Brooks Harmon Thats the new benchmade minimum pricing for you.
+LordChrisHimself - don't get me wrong it's a good looking knife and if I could afford it I would buy it. I'm an OIF Veteran and that OD Green one is right up my alley. Are you with PDW?
Would be the perfect auto for me if it didnt have the lock button. On an auto i dont want a lock because it should be fast.
Then it's still perfect. Don't lock it. LOL
+Jim Skelton Yeah maybe hehe. But those small things that can anoy you :P
Dont use the lock then genius
Definitely NOT worth the money!
Why not?
19TH COMMENT BOOO YA
2nd comment
just the typical spring activated knife nothing fancy not worth the money
"spring activated"? It's called automatic. Learn your shit.
+LinXx it's not leaver spring it's around coil Springs make sure you get your terminology right
+charles williams marines are pussies
It's a coil spring deployed automatic. And no one said it was anything "fancy". As a matter of fact, I stressed that it was a simple, clean and utilitarian design, so I'm not sure what your point is, you seem to have misunderstood my commentary. As far as it being worth the money or not, you're just making a blanket statement with nothing to back it up, nothing to compare it to. As I put it up against several of my own automatics as well as others I have owned in the past, I feel it *is* worth the price. It's every bit as well made as any production Microtech or Pro Tech, and is in the same price range. A little higher than some Pro Tech (lower than some as well), and priced equal to or less than most Microtechs. Just the fact that they contoured the frame while most other brands leave them as slab sided frames speaks volumes to the design capabilities of PDW, going for comfort and focusing on the smaller details.
Comments like this, coming from a so called ''Marine''.... guys like you are the reason why the rest of the world think that the us-military is a bunch of fücked up, gun weilding assholes
lol
Beautiful knife but California sucks.
You can own it in CA, you just can't carry it in public.