Cold Steel Kudu 4.25" 5Cr15MoV Steel Clip Point Razor-Sharp Blade 5.75" Zy-Ex Handle Everyday Carry Folding Knife w/Ring Lock

So, the story from Cold Steel is that they wanted to make a better version of the Okapi, which has dropped in quality over time. As of this generation of Okapi knives, I don't know if that's entirely true, but it's also really hard to find a good one that's not at an inflated price.At the price point of this knife, it's just stupid good. I was skeptical of the steel, but I've also become less of a steel snob over time, and it's sufficient for the job. The ring lock works great. I have two copies of this - one I ordered from a different place, one known for being a place where you can buy mall ninja gear, ammo, and outdoor activity supplies all from the same vendor. It came in a simple plastic bag with a hang tag. The second one I got (because I immediately wanted a second to keep in the car) I ordered from here, and it came in a box. Both are authentic, AFAICT (make damned sure you actually order from Amazon or a reputable vendor), the one I ordered from here has a spring that's a touch lighter, but also seems to engage a bit more firmly. Both well within the tolerances I would expect at a knife priced higher than this.While I was very skeptical that Cold Steel would make a "better" version, I have to say that this is a damned good knife, and the only way it wouldn't count as better is if you really want a wooden handle. It's better put together than the Okapi I have.I've been on a bit of a cold steel kick lately - I'm late to the game, I only recently started indulging my inner mall ninja. This knife is definitely not in that category, it's closer to their "historical reproductions" when it comes down to it - and that's something that they are damned good at, based on the foot long dagger I also ordered from them for way too cheap. If you are looking at this and thinking 'but I want a REAL okapi' - honestly, get one of these anyways, no matter if you get a "real" one or not. It's way too good to pass up, and hits above its price point. You will not find a better knife of this size this cheap, and there aren't a lot of contenders for the style of lock it uses.To put it in perspective, I paid 6 times as much for a "palm knife" manufactured in France, with sandvik steel... with a ring lock that hardly engages, a lot of blade play, and just feels cheaper overall, despite being made from bone + steel. And it was the only other comparable thing I have found at a "reasonable" price.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not but gave it a shot. I like it

This is the UN-tactical 4" folder. Consider it more of a convenient, safe, "portable paring knife" than the type of EDC most knife folk carry around. As a PARING KNIFE it is superb. Comes with an extremely sharp factory edge, sligtly soft but easily resharpened 5Cr15MOV kitchen grade steel, a thin blade that has EXACTLY the right geometry for slicing tomatoes and doesn't "split" apples and similar hard fruit, long enough (slighty over 4") for cutting a submarine sandwich in half, for slicing an artisan loaf of unsliced bread, for cutting apart a rotisserie chicken for sharing or portions. No, it's not a 7-8" kitchen working knife, but it is substantially longer than the typical 3" EDC folder.And it's only 2.7 ounces. The typical 3" EDC folder weighs more than that!At first the unlocking process seems dangerous. I know that's how I felt when I got my early, non-ratcheting version and thought one hand was needed to hold the handle (to keep it from moving) while the other hand pulled the ring. WRONG. Unlocking is a a piece of cake with ONE hand (thereby keeping your other hand out of the path of blade movment): just put your middle finger throug the ring, then use your thumb to gently push the back of the blade until you feel it slighly move out of locking position. You can do this without anything to stabilize the position of the butt of the knife, or you can rest the butt on a soft but firm surface like a sofa (not on a slippery marble kitchen counter). You don't need a lot of force to get the blade moving, and it will stop at the first very obvious detent. Then, and only then , it's ok to pinch hold the handle while you release the ring and close the blade. For extra safety, there are a couple of more detents before the blade is completely closed.In terms of value and picnic table/car camping utility this is a 5 star knife. I knocked it down a star because the steel is lower grade, the lock is intrinsically weak (I suspect weaker than a normal lockback, much less Cold Steels very sturdy Triad which NOT used here), and the ring lock requires a bit of practice and is potentially dangerous if used incorrectly.Highly recommended as an addition to your collection, not recommended as your primary EDC blade, very very helpful compared to the alternative I have been carrying, a serrated plastic picnic "knife".

Big.... You are getting a lot of knife for the price. Very light and sharp. I have been using it in the kitchen mostly. Works great. It would be a perfect knife for camp tasks like, Cooking, cutting rope and even cleaning your quarry. Really easy to clean and it's put together very well. I don't think it will fail while completing everyday task.I also have the non-locking Kudu. I have never owned a Rachet/ring style lock, but I feel pretty safe with it. It's a little awkward to close. Be Careful, especially if you buy the non-locking kudu.