- This knife is quite nice
There is no doubt that "modern traditionals" are now a category of their own. The name refers to a group of knives that are often rooted in or simply inspired by classic designs from different parts of the world and that are then manufactured with modern materials and methods.
This is Chinese SRM Knives' contribution to the genre. Although it can be quickly established that they do not slavishly follow that plan, as this knife, called Dome or more precisely 106M-GW, is for the most part a very modern design. The exception that makes me sort it into the above-mentioned category is that it is a slip joint. It therefore lacks a lock in the normal sense.
 |
| SRM 106M Dome |
Unlike some other models in SRM's catalogue, there aren't many versions of the Dome to choose from. More specifically, there are two: this one and one with a dark grey handle.
With this knife, SRM has entered an area where there is quite stiff competition. Not that it is the most overpopulated part of the knife universe, but on the other hand, basically all knife brands have at least one model of this type on their program today. Then they tend to be quite well thought out as they are not among the variants that are pumped out in quantities as mentioned.
Then it remains to be seen what Dome competes with!
 |
| Dome is a "modern traditional", a slip joint in the era with modern materials and manufacturing methods |
Short version: SRM Dome, a knife for those who don't think a lock is necessary but who want an ultra-light scalpel in their pocket
Blade
The sweeping plunge line found on this knife makes the blade spine appear to almost drop in stages towards the tip, but it actually doesn't; it's straight. But in any case, this is a drop point blade.
The length of the blade is 76 mm, or three inches for my American readers. The thickness is 2.3 mm, and the height is at most 28 mm.
In other words, the proportions are well balanced. The only thing that stands out is that the blade is unusually thin. Something that of course affects how it behaves.
 |
| The drop point blade is made of 14C28N and has a nail groove that is elegantly incorporated into the design |
This becomes particularly clear when that thickness is combined with a blade that is practically flat-ground along its entire height. The only flat surface is around the ricasso and where the thumb studs are placed.
The factory edge was good, as in sharp, symmetrical, even in height and the thickness behind the edge I measured at 0.4 mm. That is not thin, but on the other hand, the blade itself is thin, which means that the cutting properties are still very good while at the same time some strength in the edge is obtained.
 |
| There is a lot of text on the blade, but despite that, the markings are fairly discreet. |
The steel used is the one that was once developed by Kershaw together with Sandvik, the 14C28N, which is now frequently used in budget knives. It is a steel that I appreciate. It is rust-resistant and relatively tough for having that property while being very easy to sharpen. I suspect that part of it has to do with the relatively fine-grained structure. It also takes sharpness very well and holds it for a relatively long time, not the best, but a reasonable time to put it a little vaguely. In any case, the combined properties are definitely enough for a small pocket knife.
The finish on the blade is a nice sandblasted variant. The marking is discreet. It is something I appreciate, especially since SRM likes to print a little story on the blade. Here, in addition to the logo and steel type, you will find the model number and serial number. But as I said in very small text.
One detail that is worth noting is that SRM has chosen to create a rounded blade spine. Or yes, it is more bevelled than truly rounded, but the feeling is the same. In any case, it gives a worked impression and feels soft against the fingers when they end up there.
 |
| Cardboard is a material that this knife is well-suited for. |
Once put to work, Dome is very likeable. Of course, you can't chop, stick and pry fully with a slip joint, but I don't do that very often anyway. But sometimes something needs to be punctured, and then you have to take it easy. But with the right angle and a finger in the intended recess, that also works quite well. However, chopping should, of course, be avoided if you value your fingers.
In general, this knife cuts excellently. A thin blade in good steel with a sharp edge. You can't ask for much more. Both cardboard and tape, as well as more organic materials such as hemp rope, are easy to process. I certainly don't do endurance tests á la Cedric and Ada, but still. As an everyday companion in your pocket for all those small tasks, Dome is an effective tool.
In an emergency, this knife can even act as a helper in the kitchen. The size and thin blade mean that it works well as a paring knife, for example. Now, I really don't recommend folding knives in the kitchen, but it is a way for me to get more use out of the knife and perform more varied tasks. At work (in a kitchen, in fact), the pocket knives are otherwise used for opening packages. There is a lot of that stuff, especially when deliveries arrive on Mondays. Dome handles plastic and tape easily. The disadvantage of tape, however, is that I can't do what I usually do, turn the knife upside down and cut the tape with the back of the tip so as not to damage what's in the box. It's not something that is recommended when there is no lock.
But overall, this blade is very usable.
Handle
A detail that greatly contributes to how light and agile this knife feels is the construction of the handle. Here, SRM has chosen to remove the frame and instead relies on the inherent strength of the material combined with the steel back spring that is part of a traditional slip joint.
The result is a knife that weighs little while being well-balanced but still stiff enough. If you take a really hard grip, you can get the sides to flex a little at the very bottom edge, but it is almost non-existent. We are not talking about Benchmade Bugout flex here, so good job there, SRM.
The sides are held together at two points. Partly in the adjustable pivot screw and partly with the help of a screw at the rear end of the handle. Both screw heads can be adjusted with a T8 screwdriver.
 |
| Dome offers a relatively comfortable grip, but it is thin, and in order for the whole hand to fit, the available finger coil must be used. |
The material used in the handle is G10 and is available in a couple of colourways. Here in brown/beige or as they call it, "dark desert", which sounds better, I must admit. The sides have a circular pattern that both increases visual interest and provides a bit of grip.
As an eye-catcher, there is an inlay in multi-colored G10 along with a decorative collar in anodised aluminium. The same colour is found on the fastening bolt for the lanyard hidden in the back.
 |
| The handle has been made thin by the lack of a frame. |
The handle is thin; it must be pointed out. The dome measures only 9.9 mm across the back. The total length is 101 mm, of which the available grip area behind the finger guard is 80 mm. In my case, that's only enough for a three-finger grip, but a solid one.
 |
| The halfway stop angles the blade so that the edge is kept away from the finger when the knife is closed. The favourite grip with the Dome is a sabre grip |
The knife is also great to hold in a pinch grip. Not least because the handle is thin, which makes it easier in that case. Then it is also possible to turn the knife over. But a grip with the blade down just feels silly on a knife without a lock. On the other hand, the Dome is comfortable if you turn the blade up and cut towards you.
Overall, it can be said that the grip options emphasise what kind of knife it is. Nothing for heavier tasks, but excellent for detail work and simple, quick cuts.
Opening Methods
The Dome is opened primarily with double-sided thumb studs. They are very comfortable with their rounded top and are also easy to "find". They are easy to reach, stick out enough to provide a good grip and are positioned so that they provide good leverage in the opening movement. This makes them feel very natural to use; no learning curve is needed if you are used to the opening method.
To further flirt with the category to which the knife belongs, it can also be opened with a traditional nail notch. A feature that has been very elegantly incorporated into the overall lines of the blade. At first glance, it is easy to miss what it actually is.
 |
| The thumb studs are a positive experience to use, and the nail groove is there, although it is barely noticeable. |
If you want to use the nail groove, it works great, of course. Especially since the resistance is not very strong, on a "slip joint scale", I would say a three out of ten.
In addition, the bronze bushings facilitate. It provides good lateral stability with a lot of contact surface against the blade while allowing the knife to be made very thin. Something that SRM, as mentioned, has taken advantage of.
The fact that the back spring is not very powerful also means that the knife is easy to open with the help of thumb studs. That is probably why it is adjusted the way it is. But it also means that the blade is not held in place as strongly as some other knives in the genre. It is simply a choice that has been made.
SRM has chosen to equip the Dome with a distinctive halfway stop which protects the fingertips from being cut off when closing the knife. Although the back spring is not extremely strong, as mentioned, it does retract the blade the last 25% of the way. If the edge is sharp, you don't want your fingers between them.
A very well thought-out detail is therefore that the halfway stop is not at ninety degrees but has a slightly flatter angle, which protects the index finger if it is in place behind the finger guard.
To Carry
It's easy to sum up how the Dome feels in your pocket. It's simply superb. A knife with fairly smooth, slightly curved sides, no protruding parts other than the thumb studs, and easy to pull out and put away is a good foundation.
 |
| The clip is quite generic but serves its purpose. An extra plus for the flat and countersunk screw heads |
Then I said the knife was thin, and it is, under a centimetre thick, but it is also quite "low" at 26 mm when folded. But above all, it is light. A thin and slender blade, a lack of frame and locking mechanism means that the Dome only weighs 60 grams. It is hard to beat.
 |
| In practice, the knife is barely visible in a pocket |
Unusually, SRM's Ambi Clip is not found on this knife, but instead a very simple version of a spring steel clip that works well in this context. The reason for abandoning its very well-functioning patent is probably due to the thickness of the knife. If that function is to be accommodated, the handle side simply has to be thicker.
There is not much to say about the clip. It is simple as I said, but with a decent ramp and quite a lot of space underneath, it works well. Especially since the mount is recessed in the handle side. It is screwed in place with two T6 screws in tandem. They are also recessed and have flat heads, which means that the entire space under the clip can be used. One disadvantage is that the clip can only be worn on the right side.
To Conclude
With the Dome, SRM has created a really good little pocket knife. To begin with, it is not unpleasant to look at. The lines feel both simple, elegant and modern.
Then SRM has actually chosen to add a few details just for the sake of appearance. Mainly, it concerns the double-sided inserts of multi-colored G10 in the handle. This also includes the slightly rounded blade spine and the anodised details with the collar around the pivot screw and the bolt for the lanyard. Details that make the knife feel more processed than otherwise.
 |
| With this knife, SRM has created a really good everyday knife for those who don't think a lock is absolutely necessary. |
However, there are more positive things to highlight. In addition to its appearance, the Dome is excellent to carry. The materials may not be exclusive, but they are well chosen, and the feature of having solid G10 sides creates the conditions for a knife that is both thin and extremely light, which means that it almost disappears in your pocket until you need it. A clip that is not too exciting in terms of appearance, however, does its job and complements the knife well.
When it's time for work, you have a knife that is easy to open and close and whose blade is held in place efficiently. However, it is a slip joint we are talking about, so the heaviest tasks can perhaps be left to other knives. But with a finger in the intended recess increases safety. By the way, that particular detail is taken care of with a good halfway stop.
Dome cuts really well. A completely flat-ground blade made of good 14C28N that is only 2.3 mm thick guarantees that. The sharpness does not last forever, but long enough, and the steel is also easy to sharpen. The shape of the blade is very suitable for most small tasks. So nothing negative to say there.
 |
| The SRM Dome's lightweight makes it an excellent companion for hikes and walks. |
In other words, I can highly recommend the SRM Dome to anyone interested in "modern traditionals". That is, anyone who likes the simplicity of knives like this or who is in a jurisdiction where locks are not allowed. But above all, it is a knife that is extremely light and well-balanced and cuts well. These are good selling points in themselves.
The price is also not a deterrent; the recommended price is around $40 on the website.
Specifications:
Length Overall: 177 mm
Length Folded: 101 mm
Weight: 60 g
Blade Length: 76 mm
Blade Thickness: 2,3 mm
Blade Steel: 14C28N
Handle Material: G10 with inlays of multicolored G10
Lock: None, slip joint
Produced by: SRM Knives, made in China
/ J - not locked in
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar