- when bigger really is better
Everything remains the same, or is it? Imagine that a small or rather large "L" in a model designation can make such a big difference. Yes, there is a lot of talk about size in this text because I have already reviewed a knife from SRM with this name, 7228.
But the addition makes this an interesting knife from several perspectives. In part, it makes the knife more useful in my opinion, but it is also a good example of when companies listen and absorb constructive criticism and views from their customers in order to make a product better.
 |
| SRM 7228L-GW |
The first version of this knife was a very sympathetic acquaintance, to begin with. But this one is even more so. Not only because it is a size bigger and thus fits my hands better, but also because SRM also took the opportunity to tweak a number of details. Some of them are mostly minor adjustments others are clear improvements. This means that there is a lot that speaks for the 7228L.
 |
| A knife that grew both in terms of format and quality |
Twitter version: SRM 7228L, small became big and on top of that even better! With a full-size handle, a practical blade, Ambi lock, and Ambi clip, this is a really good knife. And then it is nice to look at too!
Blade
The blade is one of the things that is best recognized from the past. It is a drop point that in this embodiment looks the same but is larger than the original. The length is now increased to 92 mm. It is matched by a height of 29 mm and a thickness of 3.1 mm. A slightly odd measure that feels like a translation from inches. It also happens to be exactly the same thickness as on little brother by the way.
The finish remains the same, which means a nice and well-made satin. As before, markings can be found on both sides of the blade with not one, but two logos, steel type, and serial number. Something of visual interest is added to the blade by a swedge and a proper fuller. A novelty is that the blade spine has got four slightly larger grooves for better traction.
 |
| The drop point blade is made of VG10 |
What has been tweaked on this knife is the choice of steel. The original version came with D2 and here we have a stainless VG10 instead. I know many people do not consider it an upgrade but personally I do. The reason is that I prefer stainless steel on pocket knives. They spend as the name suggests a considerable amount of time in the pocket which can bring moisture in different situations and I do not like having to maintain this type of knife all the time. I reserve that for fixed outdoor knives. I have more than one folding knife with D2 in the blade that has rust stains.
What you sacrifice with this steel is that it possibly keeps the sharpness a little less as it is softer hardened than the D2 in the smaller knife. But it's only something I notice if I stand and cut cardboard until the edge becomes dull. That is, in an artificial knife test. In everyday life, I have never thought that VG10 is substandard in that area, neither in this knife nor in others.
On the plus side, it can also be mentioned that the factory edge was well made. The knife came very sharp. The only exception is towards the tip to where the edge capsizes slightly. Something that is quite common as it is difficult to get a nice edge when the belly is so steep.
In addition, it can be added that this model also has an excellent sharpening choil. It facilitates the avoidance of "smiles" at the heel of the blade when sharpening the knife in the future.
 |
| The finish is a glossy satin and for the sake of appearance, the blade has a fuller |
An interesting fact is that the thickness of the blade did not increase at the same time as the height did. This means that this knife actually cuts a little better than its smaller relative. It is something that becomes extra clear in materials such as cardboard of different sorts. However, it must be said that the knife becomes dull slightly faster than its smaller counterpart when shredding cardboard. In return, the edge responds quickly to sharpening steels and stropping.
You can even cut leather with this knife, by the way. It has been tested since I have a couple of ongoing projects making my own throwing knife sheaths.
The tip is excellent for all kinds of penetrating cuts. Strong but still sharp. Overall, I am very pleased with how this blade performs. This also applies to materials such as rubber and wood. In fact, the 7228L is decent for some carving. Especially as the handle is so comfortable.
Handle
SRM 7228L has a handle built around a steel frame that is heavily milled out. The knife is dressed in G10 that is available in a couple of different color combinations. Here you see the yellow/black but the knife can also be had in red/black and then comes with a blackened blade to match. At the rear of the handle is a tube for a lanyard. It acts as an attachment point together with one screw beside the adjustable pivot screw. Both have T8 heads. Thus, one driver is enough to loosen them.
 |
| The handle sides are made of two-toned G10 |
The G10 surface is rather finely textured. It provides traction without acting as a rasp. But for those looking for extreme grip, there are better options. Both the outside and inside of the handle are softly rounded and sharpened, unlike its predecessor. It is especially noticeable on the blade notch. It becomes clear when the knife is held harder. The same applies to the back, which is partially open. At the rear end is a backspacer. It's also made of G10.
 |
| The back is open for the most part and the sides are well rounded and sanded |
A larger knife means more comfortable in this case. The design of the knife and especially the handle is excellent for a different and larger format, it turned out.* This handle is 121 mm long, 27 mm high, and 12 mm thick. The front end, which also acts as a finger guard, is softly shaped, so you can also place a finger there if you want more space or just want to move forward on the handle to get closer to what you are cutting for increased control.
 |
| SRM has managed to make a really comfortable handle no matter how the knife is held |
The neutral shape makes all the grips I use work great. This applies whether the knife is held in a sturdy hammer grip as for carving or the like, a saber grip with the thumb back of the blade for a little more precision, or perhaps with a forefinger on the blade for that last finishing touch. The handle also works well for inverted grips such as when you carve towards yourself or cut off a thicker rope or when the knife is held like an ice pick. The latter if you are now going to stab into something. Then the thumb fits perfectly against the flat back of the handle. Equally comfortable is the thumb on the side of the handle by the pivot screw if you instead cut sideways with the knife in a pinch grip. Overall, it can be said that I am very fond of how this handle is designed.
Opening and Lock
7228 was in its first edition provided with a thumb plate for opening the blade. Here it has been replaced with double-sided thumb studs. A clear improvement in my opinion. Now, the solution was very good on the smaller knife so I really have no objections in that case but if the plate was made larger to match this blade I am afraid there might have been reasons for dissatisfaction. The thumb studs, on the other hand, are really good. Out of the way when cutting with the knife but easy to reach and comfortable to handle. They are also reasonably large and the tips are not unpleasant "Sebenza-sharp" if you see what I mean. For those of you who do not, I mean sharply pyramid-shaped thumb studs. They are not my favorites.
 |
| Ambi lock is SRM's version of a cross-bolt construction. Here it is well done |
The thumb studs also give the blade a real kick when used even though the detent is managed by the locking mechanism. It generally gives a slightly more "spongy" feeling than a regular detent ball.
SRM 7228L is a quick knife that can be opened in several ways. In addition to the fact that the thumb studs can be handled with both a thumb and a flick of the index finger on the "back", the blade can also be put into action with the help of the lock like all other knives with this construction. That is, the locking bolt is released, after which the blade can be gravity opened.
The lock also means that the knife can be opened with a wrist flick. The resistance is not strong enough to hold the blade if it is provoked so hard. However, the grip from the lock is firm enough so that there is no risk of the knife opening in the pocket.
 |
| The thumb studs not only have really good shape, but they are also well placed |
What enables both of the last two opening methods is an "Axis" type lock (one of Benchmade's patents that have expired), ie a lock based on a transverse bolt that locks against the top of the blade tang when the knife is open. What makes the bolt end up there is some form of spring tension. They may look a little different depending on who makes them, but here it is double springs hidden in the handle. It is said of them that they can break or at least it was said so about the original. However, that has never happened to me in any knife at all, regardless of brand.
SRM's version of this lock type is exemplary and feels very smooth. The lock is easy to reach and can be handled with both left and right hands. It can also be handled with either thumb or forefinger. What makes it possible is good precision in the lock. It is not uncommon for the bolt to tend to be angled slightly at oblique loads, whereupon that movement tightens. A phenomenon I have encountered with several brands. But in this case, like all others, I prefer to use both sides simultaneously when I release the lock. So, with thumb and forefinger on each side.
The lock function itself is excellent and keeps the blade in place properly without noticeable play in any direction. Something that is not completely given with this lock type as it requires high precision to work well and a small play in height is not uncommon. But not in this case.
To Carry
You do not make a knife bigger without sacrificing something. The "L" version is more awkward in the pocket than little brother. With that said, it should be emphasized that in this case, it is relative. Because compared to most others, the 7228L also appears very civilized in a pocket.
 |
| The clip matches the look of the knife and what's better, it's really good |
The knife is fairly light with its 112 grams. Then the knife certainly has a rather blocky appearance, but all edges and corners are well rounded. In addition, the G10 material is not so rough that the knife gets stuck in the pocket or wears on the fabric for that reason.
 |
| TFAC as the abbreviation reads stands for "Tool Free Ambi Clip" |
Then there was the clip. It is a real good one signed SRM. Their contribution to the clip front is what they call "TFAC" which reads "Tool Free Ambi Clip". It is a clip that can be easily shifted or removed completely without tools. Just squeeze it, much like a pair of tweezers, and then pull straight back to loosen it. It is attached with two metal hooks.
In addition to being easy to remove, it has features that I consider more important. It works very well to keep a knife in place. The construction itself is a "deep ride loop over" clip. The clip also has an exemplary ramp. This makes it easy to pass the edge of a pocket and works well with most fabrics regardless of thickness. This even though the space under the clip itself is rather scarce. But since there are no screws heads that intrude, that's enough. In addition, the clip tension is good.
A small improvement has also been introduced in this area. The tip of the clip has been made wider and more rounded. A typical example of caring for details that I appreciate. It turns an already good clip into excellent especially as it is basically imperceptible in the hand when holding the knife.
To Conclude
In my review of the smaller 7228, I wrote "With that in mind, I can not help but think about how this model would feel in a larger size format". Now I know. It turned out damn good!
There have been several changes and a couple of improvements between the two 7228s. The most obvious is of course the size which is the motivation behind making a new model at all. But at the same time, SRM took the opportunity to change some small things as well. Something that is always difficult when you start from something that was already good. The risk is that you actually degrade the product on some parameter by mistake or only make changes for the sake of it. But that pitfall has been avoided this time. I intend to justify that position.
First of all, the 7228L offers a blade that is thinner in relation to its size than its little brother, which means that this knife actually cuts slightly better in most contexts. In addition, you have access to more edge length and not least a bigger handle. This is the combination that makes this knife better. Better as in more all-around maybe should be added. The relatively thinner blade means that the "L" model is almost better for detail work at the same time as it is more robust for the slightly heavier tasks.
One of the very few negatives with making the knife bigger is that it is of course also larger in the pocket and can end up causing problems in those parts of the world where blade length is part of the restrictions on which knives can be carried. In Sweden, this does not apply. Here, knives are either completely forbidden or completely allowed, all depending on the situation.
 |
| Both sizes of 7228 are good but if I have to choose only one it will be the big brother who wins |
Then it can be added that since the knife had an appearance that radiated robustness from the beginning, the size increase didn't mess with the proportions of the blade, but it still looks harmonious. The 7228L is also a good-looking knife. SRM also took the opportunity to change steel from D2 to VG10. An upgrade in my eyes even though I know there are those who claim the opposite. But given that this is a pocket knife, I put properties such as higher stain resistance before, for example, a higher degree of hardness.
Secondly, this blade can also be used better thanks to the fact that the knife now has a really full-size handle where all four fingers really fit. It used to be possible, but hardly. Now, however, the handle is really good. Not for the size but compared to most things.
One detail that has clearly changed and that I touched on in my previous review is the insides of the handles. They are now very nicely rounded and sanded, which gives a better finish and the knife thus feels more worked.
Thirdly, the thumb disc has been abandoned in favor of thumb studs. In my opinion, it is preferable as discs tend to occupy more space. Especially as it had to be made larger to match the knife in general. Then risking being in the way at the cut close to the handle. The thumb studs are the way they are designed and placed. On the contrary, it is a textbook example of how it should be done.
Another small but sympathetic change is that an already good clip has been improved by rounding the tip of it even more.
There have also been some cosmetic changes such as a colored collar around the pivot. In connection with that, a small logo also appeared on the screw head.
But in that area, maybe it became a little too much of a good thing. First, there are two logos on the blade. However, they are nicely done and match the rest of the knife's appearance so it does not annoy me. Although it feels like a certain redundancy especially as it is now accompanied by another small marking on the clip and ditto on the pivot screw as I said. It is thus possible to read the name "SRM" no less than four times on the knife. It is starting to approach "SOG levels" but is nicer incorporated. But there is no doubt about which brand is behind the knife.
 |
| SRM 7228L is not only very practical, but it also looks good! |
SRM 7228L is a knife I highly recommend. It turned out to be a knife that, once it got into a pocket, was difficult to remove. It is also a knife I often reach for when I just need to do something small and quick because it is so easy to open and not to forget, close. A really good everyday companion, EDC knife, call it what you will.
Specification:
Length Overall: 207 mm
Length Folded: 121 mm
Weight: 112 g (weighed by me)
Blade Length: 92 mm
Blade Thickness: mm
Blade Steel: VG10, HRC58-60
Handle: G10
Lock: Ambi lock
Produced by: SRM, made in China.
/ J - unusually happy
* There are examples in the knife world of when shrinking or making knives bigger does not work as well. One such is OKC RAT1, which when shrunk to RAT2 got a finger groove that became far too small, at least for me.
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar