U.S.A. -(AmmoLand.com)- We have known Ken Onion for several years and have always liked his knives. The Helical is no exception. This is a well designed EDC blade for just about everyone. The primary benefit of this knife is its slim design. It fits neatly in the pocket next to a wallet with no difficulty. As such, it is unobtrusive to the wearer and virtually unnoticeable to the general public.
Some folks have stated that the smaller flipper made it a bit more difficult to deploy the blade. At first, we had to agree, but after a bit of practice, deployment of the blade was just as fast as with any other knife. Our advice…. take a little time to practice with this knife and get comfortable with it… you will then appreciate its size and beauty.
We mention beauty simply because the contoured handle is made of 6061 aircraft aluminum. That makes it very strong, yet lightweight. Add to that a blade fabricated from D2 steel for edge-holding and durability and you have a superb knife.
Because one does not hear about D2 steel very often, we will provide a brief description. Prior to finding a home in high-end knives, the primary use of this steel was for making stamping dies that cut steel pieces out of other softer steels.
Due to the process by which D2 is made, there can be significant variations from lot to lot. “It varies from good to extraordinary, depending on the production lot of steel, the way the steel is heat-treated, and the way the blade edge is beveled and finished.” (Michael S. Black, Knives Illustrated, 2016)
What this means for knife makers is that their D2 blades will hold their edges better and longer than most other steels (up to 10 times). However, it will take more effort to resharpen when the time comes, but it is worth it because the edge of a sharp D2 blade is incredible… like a razor.
The specifications for the HelicalTM Black:
- Blade Length 3.52″ (89.51 mm)
- Blade Type Tanto
- Blade Steel D2 for increased edge-holding
- Blade Finish Black Oxide for reduced glare and corrosion-resistance
- Blade Thickness 0.13″ (3.25 mm)
- Overall Length 8.13″ (206.38 mm)
- Closed Length 4.58″ (116.38 mm)
- Weight 3.60 oz. (102.06g)
- Handle 6061 Anodized Aluminum
- Style Folding Knife w/Liner Lock
We don’t believe that you can find another blade of equal quality (6061 aircraft aluminum handle & D2 black oxide blade) for the MSRP of $59.99. Most knives with those two qualities are priced considerably higher. The Helical Black is definitely a blade to add to your collection, or as an unobtrusive, every day carry (EDC).
About Jim and Mary Clary:
Jim and Mary Clary have co-authored over six hundred published articles (and counting) on shooting and hunting. You can read many of them on AmmoLand News.
D2 has been used by a number of custom makers for a long time and it’s really good steel. I like CRKT knives and have bought a few but everyone I have bought or held seems to have side play at the pivot when the blade is open. Not sure what the is about. Is this a gravity flip or assisted opening? The China thing is an issue but not sure where you’re going to find a knife in this price range that isn’t. Used to be a Benchmade fan but their politics changed that (and their prices.) Anybody know… Read more »
Eh theres a few out there (other than Case) I’m sure. I dont know any off hand as I switched to fixed blades a while ago and never looked back. Currently loving my kabar mk1 ($80), but its a bit large for some people/states.
Try here looks like they’ve some cool stuff.
https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?page=folding-knife&a=folder&sortType=priceAs&s=1&brand=&min_price=0&max_price=150&country=USA&design=&steel=&c=&locktype=&style=&min_blade=0&max_blade=50
@ Random71 , cool website, thanks !
Not a problem. Blade HQ would be another option to look at as well.
Except than when I went looking for it, it appears to be made in China.