In my presentation of this knife, I was talking about the name change or rather the new focus that SRM has as a brand. What was previously a more or less established abbreviation for the Chinese brand SanRenMu will now be read "Stay Ready for More". Such slogans can be perceived in different ways and they are not always as accurate as those who come up with them think they are. But in this case, the name change also marks a real new venture.
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| SRM 7228 |
It is also highlighted through a new website where SRM of course presents new models. As before, the knives have a designation by size. First out was, for example, a pair of knives in the 9200 series with a few different blade types. Logically, they have blades that are nine centimeters long. In the same way, this knife with model designation/name 7228 has a seven-centimeter blade. On the other hand, it is more difficult to explain why in the middle of the larger models there is a knife called 1168 with an eight-centimeter blade.
Since I acquired my first two knives, 9201 and 7228, however, they have had time to add additional categories. Both of these knives are of the simpler type, which means materials such as G10 / D2. They are now found in SRM's "Blue Class". What has been added is a "Black Class" where at the time of writing there are three models and a couple of variations on them. The materials are mainly titanium, N690, and 154CM. That is a couple of steps up the hierarchy. It is also marked by the fact that they have been given names instead of numbers. They are called Asika, Unicorn, and Wahoo.
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| New model from SRM, the 7228 |
Twitter version: SRM changed its name to SRM and got better! 7228 is shining bright, both in terms of function and appearance.
Blade
The blade on 7228 is a classic drop point and in this case in a shape that feels familiar if you have some older knives from SRM. The shape is practical and the unusually steep belly gives quite a bit of straight edge to work with for the size and a strong but perhaps not so acute tip.
The blade is 6.9 cm long and 2.4 cm high. The thickness is 3.1 mm. An almost full flat grind reduces that thickness to about 0.5-0.7 mm behind the edge.
Visually, it is an appealing blade with a shiny satin finish, a false edge, and a solid groove in the blade as a decorative element. Everything is very well done, including the "sharpening choil" that is available to facilitate future grinding. In this case, it exists because this type of lock always gives a ricasso with a notch to fit the locking bolt in the closed position.
On the presentation side, you find one of two (!) logos. On the "back" is the other, SRM in a triangular shape, as well as model designation, steel type, the month of manufacture (I suppose), and some form of a serial number. The last details are advantageously placed on the box instead. But to SRM's defense, it must be said that it is written with microscopic text.
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| 7228 offers a very classic but nice drop point blade |
The steel is D2 and even though I am not the biggest fan of that steel type, I prefer it over 8Cr14MoV which was previously more or less standard for SRM. But I mixed experience of D2's corrosion resistance. It is not stainless steel but still not as rust-prone as say, carbon steel. In this case, the blade is free from stains despite use in snow as the winter was noticeable this year.
The factory edge was on this knife was more than decent. Evenly ground, centered, and also sharp. Good job there, SRM.
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| The factory edge on this specimen was really good |
When it comes to cutting, this little knife is bigger than it looks! This is a really good slicer. The blade thickness is fairly solid without being too thick and when combined with D2 steel with a stated hardness of 59-61 and an almost full flat grind, it will be good. Especially as the fairly steep belly leaves a good portion of straight edge to work with. This is especially noticeable when cutting cardboard and wood, for example. Two things that this knife is really good for, by the way. Yes, as long as you don't do any advanced whittling, of course. After all, it's a small knife. But for all the usual everyday chores like cutting up some fruit, cutting threads, strings, and rope, opening packages, punching holes in plastic, shredding a pepper for the sandwich in the woods or something etcetera, this is a very good companion. Especially as the balance is neutral and the blade easily controlled.
With that in mind, I can not help but think about how this model would feel in a larger size format.
Handle
Model 7228 is not a very large knife and it is of course noticeable on the handle as well. The length is 100 mm but in return 90 of them are available for your hand. The only thing that makes a centimeter disappear is that the front and back are slightly angled. In terms of space, this knife, like many, benefits from not being a flipper knife. There will simply be more space left for the hand.
Besides, they have chosen to focus on some small but significant details such as rounding off the back end to lie better against the palm when, for example, you open the knife or hold it in a saber grip. The shallow but distinct groove for the index finger also works excellently.
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| A small, well-made, and functional handle in colorful G10 |
The material is G10 in two different colors. The main color is yellow with a black decorative stripe and a black top and bottom. The yellow hue is a bit strange as it in a certain light rather looks slightly lime green to change from mustard brown over to bright yellow in full sunlight. If you prefer other colors, the knife is also available in blue and orange.
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| SRM 7228 is a small knife but the handle is enough for a full grip or at least almost |
The construction is quite common for this type of lock with an internal frame that is not completely covering on the inside. But in return, the G10 material is thick, which makes the knife solid. A couple of grooves are milled on the inside for the clip. A detail I will return to. The back is partly covered by a backspacer also in the G10.
Something that is not common on knives in this price range is the very nice screws. The knife is only assembled with two screws in total. Both have T8 heads and both the pivot screw and the other are D-shaped, which means that they do not spin when they are to be tightened. They are of the Chicago type, which gives a very clean presentation side of the knife. They also have nice flat and countersunk screw heads.
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| Both balance and handle shape is neutral |
For being a small knife, the SRM 7228 is really comfortable to work with. That is, it has good ergonomics. Too many people confuse how a knife feels just holding it with it being ergonomic. Almost all knives feel good to hold as long as you do not cut anything!
What makes it good is that it is possible to put some weight behind the cuts because the edge is drawn fairly close to the handle in combination with the thumb disc being out of the way. Then most grips work without remarks, even if it gets a little crowded in some cases. In a saber grip, for example, the knife ends up inside my hand and thus becomes a "three and a half finger knife". But in return a good one where the thumb naturally ends up on top of the thumb disc.
Opening and Lock
Personally, I actually prefer thumb studs but am willing to make an exception as this thumb disc is really good. Much because it is placed so close to the handle. This means that it is not in the way when cutting, which is often the case otherwise. This is especially important when the blade is as short as in this case. Then the function itself is excellent. It is easy to find and gives a good grip whether you flip up the knife with your thumb or open the knife with a slow roll.
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| The thumb disk on this knife works great |
Then it can be said that the 7228 has an extremely smooth action. It has one of the smoothest locks of this type I have come across. This means that it is also very easy to open and close the knife with the help of the lock. Just pull back the bolt and open the knife with a small wrist flick If you want to close the knife, it is enough to angle the blade upwards and disengage the lock and the blade shuts under its own weight.
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| The lock is called Ambi lock and is one of many Axis lock derivatives |
SRM has named the lock Ambi lock and is one of many interpretations of the now-expired Axis lock patent. In this case, it is generally very well done but it suffers from a small drawback that I also encountered in the original on some occasions. The blade has a small up-and-downplay. Or rather more of a feeling than a play. However, nothing interferes with the function. This is not a general problem as I have a larger model from SRM with the same lock type where the lock is rock solid. But on this one, the springs are a little softer and thus also the force that holds the locking bolt in position.
Otherwise, the lock is very easy to both find and use.
To Carry
The G10 sides of this knife are medium coarse if you see what I mean. Not as slippery as FRN usually is but not sandpapery either. But all in all, it makes it easy to draw this little knife and put it back in the pocket again.
I wrote "little" on purpose as the weight is not more than 72 grams according to my scale. The width of the handle is not extraordinary thin for the size but ends up at 11 mm and the height of the handle is measured at 24 mm. The knife looks small and square and so it is.
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| The clip does not have extremely much space underneath but in return, it is comfortable in the hand |
Once in the pocket, the knife is hardly noticeable. Partly depending on the format but also because the clip on the 7228 is a deep ride variety. The ramp isn't very large but enough for it to be possible to use with most types of pants. The very thickest work trousers or the like can pose some problems even if the clip has good tension. In the same way, the space under the clip is not extremely generous. But enough for the EDC knife this is.
On the other hand, this design brings that it feels very little when holding the knife. A big plus because it is often a problem with this type of clip otherwise. In terms of appearance, it matches the knife well and is split in almost its entire length, which reminds me of a wire clip. The material is steel and the finish is polished.
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| The shiny almost split steel clip offers a surprise |
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| The clip can be shifted and removed without tools! |
But it is none of these, certainly positive qualities that make the clip unique and even patented! No, it is the transformation trick that can be performed if you want to remove the clip or just change position from right to left side. Then you take a firm hold around the sides of the clip and press it together like a long pair of tweezers. When the sides are compressed, pull straight back and the clip will come loose. The springy construction releases two hooks located on the outside of the clip and that attach to the handle. Then just push the clip in on the other side or remove it.
It is a very flexible and at the same time attractive solution that is also quite simple. Strange that no one has figured it out before!
To Conclude
This knife has an appealing appearance with a consistent design language. By that, I mean that there is harmony in the lines. An example of this is the relationship between the height of the blade and the handle, how the fairly sharp belly of the blade is balanced with the same appearance on the back end of the handle. It also becomes clear how the decorative edge on the handle continues in the blade's fuller/blood groove. Consistent is also how the shiny clip is matched by the shiny screws with completely flat heads.
This knife can be seen as an excellent example of the new SRM or at least I hope so. The focus is still on budget knives, but they have chosen to invest in some important areas to raise them a step above the competition. The blade can serve as an example. Firstly, they have in a way reused an old model as it is basically quite similar to a SanRenMu 763. There are small differences in edge shape, but above all, they have been refined with a better finish, previously mentioned fuller, and not least a better steel with a really good factory egg.
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| Despite the small format, the SRM 7228 works in all weathers |
But there are more sympathetic details. In addition to the blade, the handle has a two-color G10 and the handle is held together with Chicago screws with a smooth head which gives a cleaner look. The knife has a really good thumb disc and thanks to the lock an excellent sharpening choil. And speaking of locks, it is also generally sympathetic both in terms of function and handling.
All rounded off with a really good clip that also offers an innovation in that it can be removed completely without tools. The fact that the clip can be moved so easily also makes it easier for the left-handed person. Especially as both the opening method and lock are also completely ambidextrous.
One of the few negative details was that both this knife and its big brother from the beginning had far too sharp edges, especially on the inside of the G10 sides. A little sandpaper and five minutes of work and the knife becomes as soft as can be seen in the pictures. But in that area, SRM would need to improve. It is a small thing but does a lot for the overall impression.
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| SRM 7228 is surprisingly good and a real challenger in the smaller EDC-format |
But as you hear, I have mostly positives to say about this knife. You get a lot for your invested money. Especially as the price range belongs to the lower ones. The target price from SRM for a 7228 is $ 49.95. In Sweden, I have seen it for SEK 599.
If this knife is a foreboding of what is to come, I can only state that there is another brand to consider in the market. This is a bright shining knife both visually and in terms of function.
Specification:
Length Overall: 168 mm
Length Folded: 100 mm
Weight: 73 g (weighed by me)
Blade Length: 68 mm
Blade Thickness: 3,1 mm
Blade Steel: D2
Handle: G10
Lock: Ambi lock
Produced by: SRM, made in China
/ J
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