me2
02-17-2009, 01:33 AM
I traded another member here (thanks keeko) for a Mini-Ambush with AUS-8 steel, rolling lock, zytel handles over steel liners, and thumb stud opener. This knife would be a great EDC if not for the partial serrations, which I dont like on any folder, so its nothing against the Mini. FWIW, Benchmade seems to harden their AUS-8 higher than other companies, near or at 60 HRc if I remember correctly. I sharpened a full size Ambush for a friend and carried it for a couple of days to see how I liked it, and it acted like it was harder than the AUS-8 from CRKT. Could be perception though. On to the tests.
First a hard cutting task. I had to remove a nail from OSB at work, so I cut it out with the Mini. It was nailed from the outside and I couldnt reach it, so I cut through the OSB and made the hole big enough to just pull the nail through. The Mini cut the OSB easily, did not bend or break, but did dull and slightly roll the edge when it hit the nail accidentally. Sharpened out no problem, so on to the edge holding test.
I started cutting up cardboard using the plain edge section, since I dont really have any other serrated knives I'm willing to use for comparison. The edge was off the Spyderco fine triangle, and shaved and whittled hair. The angle used was 40 inclusive. I'm currently at 500 inches cut on the same 1" section of blade and it will still shave hair, and cut paper very easily. Up to 300 and it would still whittle coarse hair, like a beard. My plan is to go 'til it stops shaving, record the number, then go until it stops cutting paper. At this point, it seems this will take an insane amount of cardboard cutting. For online prices in the $30-$40 range, this knife is an excellent choice. I like the rolling lock a lot for knives like this. As soon as this test is finished, I'll be comparing it to a Spyderco Delica. So far it gets a B+, which would be an A if not for the serrations.
First a hard cutting task. I had to remove a nail from OSB at work, so I cut it out with the Mini. It was nailed from the outside and I couldnt reach it, so I cut through the OSB and made the hole big enough to just pull the nail through. The Mini cut the OSB easily, did not bend or break, but did dull and slightly roll the edge when it hit the nail accidentally. Sharpened out no problem, so on to the edge holding test.
I started cutting up cardboard using the plain edge section, since I dont really have any other serrated knives I'm willing to use for comparison. The edge was off the Spyderco fine triangle, and shaved and whittled hair. The angle used was 40 inclusive. I'm currently at 500 inches cut on the same 1" section of blade and it will still shave hair, and cut paper very easily. Up to 300 and it would still whittle coarse hair, like a beard. My plan is to go 'til it stops shaving, record the number, then go until it stops cutting paper. At this point, it seems this will take an insane amount of cardboard cutting. For online prices in the $30-$40 range, this knife is an excellent choice. I like the rolling lock a lot for knives like this. As soon as this test is finished, I'll be comparing it to a Spyderco Delica. So far it gets a B+, which would be an A if not for the serrations.