FirebirdGANZO FH12-SS Pocket Folding Knife D2 Steel Flip Blade All Steel Handle with Clip Survival Tactical Folder Outdoor Camping EDC Knife (Grey)

Amazing blade! I've had blades that cost 2-4 times this that weren't as nice. On the sub-$50 (probably sub-$100) market you won't find a nicer folder, assuming you're ok with somewhat slick stainless scales and lack of thumb studs. I've been a fan of Ganzo/Firebird knives for a few years now. This one has exceeded all expectations. It is an incredibly solid, aesthetically pleasing, well-made, folder, manufactured from great materials. I'm amazed Ganzo can bring this to market at this price.The bearings are smooth--melted butter smooth--and flips with a slight flick. Don't worry about it opening in your pocket though; the detent that holds it on place is strong enough to keep it together--just the right balance of tension where needed and lack of friction where friction isn't desirable.The blade can ONLY be opened with the flipper. There aren't any thumb studs or holes to help. It's also not assisted open. All of that is on purpose, designed to make this a slim, simple, lightweight blade that slips in your pocket without catching on anything or weighing you down. The clip lets the blade sit low on the pocket. You might just forget it's there.I'd personally prefer at least a single side, reversible thumb stud. Unfortunately, that would require either more blade real estate, or more milling on the grips to allow a stud to ride low into the scales. All in all, given the extremely low profile this blade attains, I l can easily forgive the lack of a stud, which would also probably ruin the knife's perfect clean-line aesthetics.The blade is well centered with secure lockup (30% or so connection). No adjustment was needed. It was simply perfect. I am a huge fan of the handle lock--simpler, fewer parts, more locking material connecting with the blade than liner locks, and generally more stable and solid.The scales are nice and thin. Some Kershaw blades with metal scales, by comparison, are way heavier than needed. These are thin enough to make for a nicely weighted knife, but don't sacrifice their stability. This is solid without bulk; study without the weight. The scales ARE a bit too slick--I'd be worried handling it with wet or oily hands--but there's sufficient, solid jimping at the top and bottom to handle it securely under normal circumstances. If they'd aggressively stonewashed the grips it would be perfect.The blade itself is one of, if not the, sharpest blades I've seen on a factory blade ever. It's also a great length for any cutting chores you might encounter and not so large as to raise eyebrows I'm mixed company (though too long to bring into a government building of any variety. Doubt I'd use it for hunting, like the description says, since it'd gum up the bearings, but for general cutting chores this is a fantastic piece of kit. The profile is simple, elegant, sturdy, and completely functional.That actually sums up the whole knife.I'd definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good EDC blade and doesn't have to worry about blade length.AS FOR THE STEEL:I have no way of knowing what the steel is, but I doubt it's really D2. D2 is a proprietary powdered metallurgy semi-stainless tool steel produced by Crucible Steel in the US. It's fairly pricey and fairly nice. Also fairly hard to machine well. For Ganzo to import the pricey steel from the US, follow the heat treat protocols, and reship to the US for sale would make this more an $80-100 knife on the cheap end.Ganzo usually calls its stainless knives "440C", which they aren't (I asked). I can't remember offhand the long string of elements/numbers that comprise the Chinese equivalent, but that's the actual steel they use (the Chinese-made equivalent, not an expensive steel imported from the US). It's the same steel from a chemical composition perspective, but like D2, 440C is a brand name. Most people recognize "440C" but wouldn't recognize the Chinese brand. I get why they do it, though I don't agree with it.That's the long explanation for why I suspect this is a Chinese equivalent steel, at least in its general composition. I doubt it's a true powdered metallurgy steel, since that, and the cryogenic heat treat protocols, are what really make D2 a higher-end AND pricey steel.If it IS JUST the same composition, it will still be a GREAT steel, it just won't have as fine of carbides, making it easier to sharpen than true D2, and also less able to hold an edge, but it WILL be generally better in nearly all ways than 440C (or the Chinese equivalent).I DO wish Ganzo and other Chinese manufacturers would use the name of the ACTUAL steel in its blades, but not much I can do about that. Nor can I be certain it's NOT D2. Just go into this with your eyes open and expectations adjusted accordingly.

The GANZO FH12-SS is the best value when it comes to a folder i.e pocket knife one can currently buy. One has to physically hold this knife to have the perspective necessary to gauge the value of this knife. The weight size, mechanicals and quality that go into designing the GANZO FH12-SS is astonishing for the money. Upon inspecting the knife you’ll notice thick stainless steel frame liners that ensure that there will be little to no lateral play or wobble on the blade even when forcing it. The detent mechanism and liner lock is thick and solid; this ensures safe locking of the blade under heavy use. The blade design is fantastic with a high hollow grind drop point, the steel is authentic D2 tool steel with an HRC of 60+ which is a great durable tough steel. The heat treatment is good for the price and type of steel used. The steel is much better than 440A or 420J or 420, 8CR13MOV counterparts, just make sure to keep the knife away from salt water and ensure it stays cleaned after use. The opening mechanism is flip tab based and it is quick and responsive thanks to built in bearings. The clip is a deep carry type clip, serves well as an EDC knife for work or formal dress with the tip down. For the price there is no way you can go wrong with this knife, as 20 year knife collector I can definitely recommend this flipper.

Solid body, secure lock up. A touch on the heavy side and flipper requires a bit more force than other knives but has butter smooth action. Nice grind on the edge and absolutely ZERO play in the blade. This is such a great value it’s honestly hard to believe. Lastly, this thing is so fidget friendly because it drops shut on its own weight so if that’s something you’re into, it has you covered. Highly recommend this knife.

This is almost scandalous. D2 steel, bearings, drops shut, flippy as all get-out, I think most people would mistake this for a much more expensive knife. Centering is perfect on my knife.Complaints:Would like a thumb ramp rather than just jimpingFrame lock only partially engages with the blade. It is more than enough to solidly lock up but I'd feel better about it if the frame bent in slightly more.I'm trying to find fit and finish issues endemic to knives at this price point and I'm not finding any. If you're skeptical about the D2 steel at this price, you can google around for a few people who have had this tested.Super sharp out of the box.This is actually a really solid knife at budget prices. I can't really think of anything you're sacrificing here; it doesn't feel budget.

Sleek, minimalist, does exactly what you expect without breaking the bank. Opens VERY smoothly with very little pressure and closes again just as easily. Came sharp enough to shave with right out of the box. I absolutely LOVE this knife and wouldn't change a thing about it.

Well-made and at a great price, a thumbs up product!

Esta navaja tiene acabados excelentes para su precio y muy buen filo de fabrica,peso liviano 112 grm.

This knife exceeded my expectations. I was looking for a reliable and not showy one handed knife and selected this based on the other positive reviews.100% satisfied

Ich habe dieses Messer bestellt um es als EDC zu tragen und dafür ist es wirklich top. Sehr scharf aus der Packung. Für den täglichen tragekomfort könnte es ein wenig leichter sein. Der Klappmechanismus funktioniert wirklich einwandfrei und kann süchtig machen :). Zu bemängeln hab ich nur dass meine Klinge immer wieder mit Flugrost bestückt ist. Ich vermute das kommt von dem Schweiß in der Hosentasche aber das war bei D2 Stahl nicht anders zu erwarten. Der Rost lässt sich sehr leicht mit einem Schwamm entfernen