Presentation - SRM 7228L-MB Rubik

This text can be considered a combined "New Knife" presentation and a kind of semi-review. The reason there won't be a full review of this knife is that not enough has changed from the original 7228L Rubik model that I previously reviewed.

However, in my opinion, it is enough to render a walkthrough. The knife I'm talking about is, as the title says, the SRM 7228L-MB Rubik. In passing, it can be said that the name "Rubik", yes it is named after the famous Hungarian cube, was added after I reviewed the knife in question.

SRM 7228L-MB Rubik

Twitter version: With the Rubik 7228L MB, SRM has managed to make an already very good EDC knife even better. This is a hit!

Most things are the same, which means that you get a knife that is just over twenty centimeters long with a sturdy blade of nine centimeters. In other words, a pretty solid pocket knife. Furthermore, the two defining details remain in what SRM calls the "Ambi lock" which is of course an interpretation of an "Axis lock" as well as their own invention "Ambi Clip". The latter involves a construction of the clip that makes it possible to remove it or change the position of the clip without tools. Smooth and functional can be said about that finesse, even if I de facto never use it. The clip can sit where it sits in my case.

The external dimensions are therefore identical and so are the details. But then we come to what has changed since the last time. What is new are the materials. Micarta is now found in the handle instead of two-tone G10 and the blade steel has been changed from Japanese VG10 in the original model to Chinese 10Cr15CrMoV.

The SRM Rubik is an excellent knife for both EDC use and outdoor life

The material change in the handle affects the knife in three ways. First, it becomes slightly lighter, and the total weight drops from 112 g to 100 g. It's not extremely much in absolute terms, but still around ten percent and it makes the knife actually feel lighter in the hand. Or I can put it this way, the difference is not so noticeable when directly comparing the two versions but this knife is perceived as very light when handling which is a big plus.

Then the Micartan feels different to grip. It is somewhat less coarse, so those looking for maximum grip should probably still look at the original model. But as an everyday knife or "EDC" I prefer this smoother version.

But the main difference, after all, is the appearance. It is possible to think that yellow/black and red/black which were the original combinations are striking but they are not sophisticated in the same way that a black or rather grayish-black Micarta is. However, it can be added that the knife is now also available in a completely "blacked out" G10 version. Just like before, the knife can be had with a black or satin finish on the blade.

The other big change is the blade steel. I have to confess that I don't know much about this Chinese steel. This is my first knife with this material. From what I have been able to read, it should at least be on par with VG10 or rather better depending on which parameters are intended. Incidentally, it seems to have the same relationship to 9Cr18MoV as AUS8 has to AUS10. That is, one is harder than the other but the other is tougher, which of course affects how durable the edge is, the sharpness that can be achieved, and how easy it is to sharpen. But it should be pointed out that 10Cr15MoV is a quality steel. 

In principle, it can be said that this steel should be harder and hold its sharpness longer than 9Cr, but that it is not quite as durable. In relation to VG10, it will not be as sharp theoretically depending on the coarser structure, but in return, it should hold the edge better. A not unimportant aspect is probably that it is cheaper and easier for a Chinese manufacturer to get hold of. How it behaves in a pocket knife I will have to find out.

Overall it can be said that I personally think that the changes that have been made may not mean improvements in all areas but have made it significantly much nicer and with a more sophisticated look. Micarta may not be more durable or "better" than G10 but it is more elegant and ages with more dignity. So for those who appreciate patina, this is the right material. I'm curious about the steel and it's fun to try something new, especially as it's a quality Chinese steel.

But overall, I think the SRM 7228L MB Rubik is a damn good EDC knife. Or for outdoor life as well for that matter. 

SRM Knives

/ J 

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