I just purchased this HARBOR FREIGHT ICON knife a couple day's ago and absolutely love it. I'm a avid knife collector and just had to pick this very popular knife up.
At that price it should have a thumb stud, gimping on the spine, a reversible pocket clip, and the clip should be held in place with more than one screw. One screw means there’s more torque pressure on the clip in just one spot, which could lead to stripping of the screw.
I'm still exclusively a fan of folding utility knives for every day use. Being able to abuse it in any way and then toss a new razor sharp blade on in seconds can't be beat. I'd love to see some quality options for that.
@@williamyoung369My favorite so far is an all metal, thin one from Lowes. Sadly, they don't seem to make it anymore. Sits deep in the pocket, compact and sturdy.
The tool bear doing it knife review means I had to watch the video. I've seen lots of people review this knife and complain it's a Beggs knock off. I wish knife guys would do more than fidget with it. My judgement of the knife is how it works in real life. I have one that doesn't flip well. I have yet to use it. Those wanting one, good luck. They are limited quantity and sell out fast. Shine on!
It's a solid knife. With ceramic bearings, the blade action doesn't get any smoother. Plenty sharp out of the box, nice size and weight, too. Lifetime warranty. I personally like the carbon fiber handle. The only thing I could pick on is the pocket clip. It's pretty stiff, and there's no extra positions, but it works. I'd like to know which knife company is making them for Harbor Freight. It's just as good, if not better, than anything Walmart carries in their sporting goods section. I got the last one they had in stock last week and the girl told me that they can't keep them in stock.
I'm hooked on Kershaw knives, split frame lock, well made & under $40 bills...Ive had pricey blades, always get pinched or lose em.. I'm sticking w/ Kershaw...
Hate to break it to you, and I like Kershaw and bought one, well several, but the first one I bought was absolutely ridiculously sharp, it'd shave the hide off a GOLF BALL like a hot knife through butter, still have it and carried it for a couple years, it was my first GOOD KNIFE. NOW,,,the down side, the cheaper Kershaw knives are made with 420 trash can steel, if you want D2 as this one is plan on paying $50 or more, now they have premium steels now even MAGNACUT BEING pretty much the best steel for any knife but not so easy to sharpen, plan on paying $200 or more for a Kershaw with that steel, yes they have cheaper premium steels but still at around $129-150 , maybe a little more, the old 8cr13mov that used to be in EVERY Kershaw is around $$40 plus. I'm a knife nerd and have a pretty good collection, anything between Gerber and Kershaw to several Spydercos, ZT and Benchmade and other brands. NOW the new standard in knives is not only the steel quality which D2 like this one is decent enough budget steel but also the action, how smooth it flips out and how smooth it closes. Just two or three years ago pivot bearings were a good bit more expensive and on more premium knifes but ceramic bearings were ONLY on the highest dollar most premium knives, I'm not talking $200 knives no, we're talking on knives $500-1000 and beyond and this knife has ceramic bearings and is VERY SMOOTH. SOME people are complaining about harbor freight probably paid $5 for it, tell me, when you go to Walmart and buy a 72" TV for $400 , do you think they are ONLY making $10 profit, you can count on paying probably triple what they paid for it maybe more. I have one of these knives and if it were shit I'd tell you but this knife like I said is extremely smooth and made very solid, yes the liner lock could be a thicker metal but other than that five years ago you'd be paying upwards of $100 for this knife if it were made by a more reputable maker, maybe more. NOW if you search hard enough on DH GATE or the like you might find one for under $20, but a more exact copy of the knife this is copied from is about the same price, it's the Todd Begg Bodega and even their knife from his company made with the same materials is around the same price as this one and the custom one FROM Todd Begg made from the best steel, and materials and polished blade are several $100 dollars, still on ceramic bearings. This knife is a very nice beater knife and if you WERE thinking on getting the custom version from Begg knives you get to handle it get use to it and find out if you like it or not without going bankrupt and finding out you don't really like it. This knife will serve you well for cutting purposes I wouldn't recommend anything but light prying, IF THAT with it, there are other knives out there better suited for that but if you're opening packages or cutting boxes and straps, ropes, rubber tube or the like IT up for the task and look good doing it. If you're not really a collector and have a certain need buy a knife suited for that need but this one works for most uses and D2 sharpens easy, holds a decent enough edge and gets extremely sharp if you know how to do it but D2 will rust over time if you don't clean it off before storing it but if it's in your pocket daily and you just wipe off the blade now and then you should be good it's not extreme with rusting it's just not rust proof. If you want a no nonsense knife that's around the same price and is pretty much a do it all get the Cold Steel Finn Wolf and if you know anything about Cold Steel they have the strongest locking mechanism on the planet. Hope this helps out. Stay safe and God bless.
@@patrickgorham4269Thanks for the in depth opinion. Appreciate the time you took. Wish more people would do that. I'm not a collector, just a guy that needs a reliable knife in his pocket or belt. I've used Buck knives mostly. Sure, I have beat them up, bent them throwing at trees and stuff. Lol. They seem to hold their original edge for a long time. You mentioned "prying". I know better than to mess up my "good" Bucks doing that. They won't take it. I'm open minded for a replacement carry knife that can take more abuse. Recommendations? Not looking for a collectable.
@@loyalUSguy Like I mentioned the Cold Steel Finn Wolf is a great knife, anything Cold Steel is pretty much bullet proof especially far as the lock goes as long as you get one with the triad lock, the Finn Wolf is a about a 3 1/3 folder around $40-50 , you could do some prying with it as the blade is somewhat thick for it's size, it's not a bruiser blade but decent enough, you could beat it into a tree and hang your hunting gear from it long as it stayed in the tree. The harder you use a Cold Steel knife with the triad lock like batoning through wood that the other end of the blade sticks out far enough the better the locking mechanism works. I also have a CRKT SISEMIC, that blade is almost 4 inches if you like bigger blades, there's a video on UA-cam where a guy beats it about 2 inches into a tree and puts it through other torture tests and it's like nothing happened to it, it's the only knife I've seen that came close to Cold Steels triad lock where they hand hundreds of pounds from the handle till it breaks, in fact Cold Steel was very impressed with it, a thicker blade, robust enough for some torture, he stabs it into wood and pries the tip out from the side showing the tip strength, something you wouldn't want to do with the harbor freight iconic knife, maybe lightly but not stabbing it in a half inch and prying it out sideways. If you want a fixed blade anything from ESSE KNIVES, their knives have a lifetime warranty, break it, bend it shoot it, it's covered send it back and they'll send you another one. There's lots and lots of good knives but even Cold Steel fixed blades if you do a little research are pretty much bullet proof. Get on UA-cam and just look up torture tests for folders and fixed blades and just compare them and your needs and the money you're willing to spend, just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean it's better or stronger. These two or three knife companies are well known and don't cost an arm and a leg so as not to break the bank. If you're looking for long edge retention then there's a VERY wide range of steels, it's gotten ridiculous, can't even keep up with them except a few but there are some very good budget steels that hold an edge very well, 14c28n, Nitro v, D2 is still good, there's so many but super steels can be significantly more expensive but keep an edge for a long time but can be harder to sharpen. Anyways don't mean to ramble on LoL, and I'm no expert, only what I've experienced, I have a friend that's much more informative than me and can tell you about just about every steel, it's too much for my brain to hold LoL. Cold Steel probably has the most extensive torture tests on their knives than any knife company out there, just look them up, it's been part of their biggest selling points. Good luck, hopefully you'll find what you're looking for, do just a little research so you know exactly what you're getting so you'll be happy with your purchase , does have to be expensive to be a great all around knife . Stay safe and God bless
I got a CRKT minimalist bowie at Lowes for $27. Its a small straight blade with kydex sheath. My favorite edc knife. Fits in front pocket and has lanyard too
The issue with d2 is it will rust, but it does hold an edge quite well. If you make sure it’s dry you should be fine. Not that you asked me but I think as far as fav steels are concerned it really depends on the price your willing to pay and whether you can justify it or not. Kershaw has a lot of decent offering for under $70, honestly I would start there oppose to this. Lowe’s had an est wing Tanto for $25 in aus8, not premium steel either but holds an edge well. If you want a nice knife, and can justify up to $100 they are so many better options even at the $80 price point. Sorry this got long, have a good weekend all!
@@southside1975I tried to look it up real quick I didn’t find anything stated as dp d2, im unsure of what you mean. In all fairness if your price point is 70 go look for a sale and you will find many options. D2 isnt bad by any means, its actually a very easy steel to sharpen and holds up well. Just make sure its dry or apply some oil now and then. If you want premium at a discount just keep your eye out for sales or discontinued items. The knife market is over saturated. You can find a great deal at $200. Heck the microtech msi is under $200 usually $187 for the origional, thats premium steel m390k. The Hugue deka is under $200 and comes in magnacut. Got mine for $176. There are less expensive options if your main concern is the steel and not so much handle material.
I've had one for nearly 2 months now and the only improvements id make are a better pocket clip and make the finish on the handles be more resistant to scuffing. For $40 you cant beat it though!
I purchased mine a few months back with the 20% off coupon. So far, my only complaints would be the clip being too tight, and the liner lock is not my favorite either. But for the money, im loving it! Lets not forget the lifetime warranty! As for the cry babies talking $hit about being a sell out, they obviously dont watch your channel often! As for me, ill keep getting the most bang for my buck shopping at HF!!! 🤘
It's just D2 steel. Not the best choice for a blade. It's OK but overpriced at 40.00. I've bought larger knives with D2, bearings, and real wood handles for less (Vicshark). With a coupon, it would be a better deal. Nice looking though. FYI, I have no blade length restriction where I live, so I can carry as big a knife I care to. So I usually either have a big folding, or fixed blade bushcraft or hunting knife on my belt when outdoors. A big knife comes in handy in my part of the world.
I've got a single blade Schrade stainless steel, thin, easy to carry and use. Got it over 20 years ago, it's in my pocket everyday and must have used it thousands of times.
I carry the Gordon (HF) Drop point. $10. The carry clip on it constantly works loose. This Icon looks like an upgraded Gordon. Think I'll get one when an applicable coupon/sale drops. At work, building marine engines, I carry the Doyle retractable utility knife and the Gordon folding utility knife(both HF). I open a lot of cardboard boxes and shrink wrapped pallets.
I also carry the Gordon knife and cut tons of cardboard. Pull the screws out of the clip and clean the threads really well then apply loctite. Solves the problem. I have the icon knife. It's great but no good due to being a lefty and you can't change the pocket clip around for lefties.
Ain't no one paying $40 plus tax for a pocket knife out of Harbor Freight! People are in Harbor Freight for a reason and it sure isn't to spend $40 on a pocket knife to beat up.
Well unless you're a knife nerd like me and you happen to be buying a tool and come across this knife which you won't unless a shipment just came in because as for now they sell faster than they can be stocked, it's not just another harbour freight junk knife that's gonna fall apart after the first couple of uses, it's actually a well made knife, the real knife this is copied after uses all the same materials, might be just a little more solid but it's also $120 or more, you're actually getting a lot of features and more premium materials for basically chump change, go ahead and get you a Kershaw with the same materials but plan on paying double for it and I like Kershaw, try finding a Kershaw with D2 steel, G10 carbon fiber inlade handle scales and ceramic bearings for less than $69-75. Aint gonna happen, their 8cr13mov Steel blades with plastic scales are as much or more than this knife, if you find one cheaper then look at what the blade is made from, most likely 420 trash can steel. 8cr13mov is just a little better than 420 but D2 is a pretty good step above it and again I like Kershaw but their knives with premium steels are as pricey as Spydercos, between $120 to over $200 for a three, three and a half inch blade, I like bigger blades though I do have and still buy smaller bladed knives at times if it catches my eye. They're just a little pricey for the smaller blade segment of knives but not near as expensive as some but if you're getting a Kershaw at $20 or under you're getting exactly what you pay for and that's ok too just be aware of what you're getting and compare with others before you make your decision. I don't just buy more premium knives, if a gas station knife catches my eye I might buy it if it's not over $15-20, MAYBE, I have several and have carried and used them and they're not horrible for basic cutting tasks and for the most part other than the blade steel they're pretty solid for what they are and are getting better.
@@jer3996 Don't know anything about it except I've seen the ad, don't know how good iconic ratchets are but I do know one thing, you can gold plate a pile of cow manure but it doesn't make the product any better, just a fancy peice of **** , catch my drift. I own this knife, for around $40 you get more premium materials all the way through it and is well built, I'm not saying it's the greatest knife on the planet but it's a good starter knife for a new knife guy that wants something a little different and not break the bank. The only thing that could be better for the price is the liner lock could be could be thicker making it a more solid knife. Kershaw is now doing this, making the liner lock thinner like this I'm sure to save money on their cheaper knives with cheaper blade steel than they use to have, you know, it's the American way, GIVE LESS CHARGE MORE. You've noticed when you open a plastic water bottle you can barely hold on to it because they are SO MUCH thinner than they use to be, if you grip it too hard it crushes in your hand spilling the water out. So it is with almost everything nowadays. Everyone swearing by Kershaw and as I've said I like Kershaw also, they're not made in America, even Case knives now, if it doesn't say MADE IN AMERICA, it's made in China, yes even Case. Some Kershaws are made in America but you're gonna pay for it for sure. You know what, I just thought of something that could've been a BRILLIANT marketing ploy from Harbour freight to get more people in their stores. They come out with this knife that's a great copy of a more expensive knife made with the same materials and for us knife nerds and we're all over it, this is why you almost can't find it on the shelf, even now, they're drawing more people in that might not normally shop there. It's like when a well known knife making company like say Spyderco releases a new knife and as soon as it drops for sale anywhere it's gone in minutes or even seconds because people are sitting and watching for months, it might be a year before you can actually get your hands on one, creating a frenzy and the end result is they're creating a price hike, just like car dealerships way over charging for a C8 Corvette. I've still never seen this knife on the shelf, my wife bought it for me for Christmas, just so happened they just got them in. GENIUS HARBOR FREIGHT. Stay safe and God bless.
I rather have my milwaukee knife where they put unlock mechanism makes it easy one hand operation . but the icon torque wrenches oh yes I got 2 more I need to get to.habe them all
I'm sixty years old and I still have knives I bought as a teenager. I don't need another knife to throw in the box of knives I already own. I do need a new pocket knife. I wear out an old-timer every four or five years.
Got one as a gift and it’s very nice. Works great, looks good, good quality. Not sure about the lifetime warranty if they take it off the shelves like they do with some products. We shall see. Thanks for sharing!
It took me almost 3 months of checking in at HF till I finally found one. When I took it up to pay for it, the cashier thanked me for not just stealing it. It's a good knife I like it. And as far as the controversy, 🤷. Legally, I think there is enough changes that it's not technically a clone. It's shady how they went about it, but there is only so many ways you can make a knife. All knives look like an older knife if you look hard enough.
@@blueboyblue am in a world where they will look up the specs. Even now, since some manufacturers make a 2.99” blade, they are considering going to a 2.5” requirement
Decent price for those specs. I usually go for Buck when I want a knife in that price range, but they don't quite have those specs. Buck 110BKS1 110 Slim Select is USA made in a similar $40 price range. It's a little bigger but overall the specs are worse, 420HC steel which I don't like as well as D2. I have G10 handle/scales on many of my fixed blades (lionSTEEL mostly), but I'm less particular about scales on folders. I'm happy with the glass-filled nylon on my Buck.
A lot of speculation about this Icon knife being a direct clone/copy of the Begg Knives Mini Glimpse. Not that it hasn't happened before, but the relationship between custom knife makers and overseas OEM's copying very recognizable and respected brands is an interesting conversation to have
The ICON is nice but $40? Not for me. $20? Maybe. $12.50? That's the buy it now price. 😊❤ Thanks for the review Jeff! I certainly appreciate it. 😊😊😊❤❤❤
I tend to agree with you...I think I would still take a D2 Civivi in that price range. They are proven and I trust them. I would put this in the same category as the Kershaw OSO Sweet. (Under $30 pretty much anywhere) This one should be in that $25 range.
Seriously!?!? Not only is this a great steel, but it has great scale material, and it operates on ceramic bearings.... I'm not trying to be a dick here, but I think you should do a little research on knives and compare the features of this one. My Benchmade, and Kershaw edc's are both on the shelf, so I can carry a good knife that if I lose, won't make me cry lol
Lmao. I know, I know. I carry the RYOBI knife with the glass breaker on the bottom. I know! I know! I do have to sharpen it often but I do like it for a work carry knife.
No, they aren't taking a loss on cheap Chinese die steel. D2 is both inexpensive metal and it's really easy to heat treat. The up side of D2 is that as a die steel, it doesn't deform or abrade easily so it keeps a sharp edge. The down side is that it rusts and breaks before it bends. I know prices have gone up recently, but there are way better knives and stainless steels in or about this price range. As to a 3 inch flipper, I don't personally see it, but that's up to someone's personal taste.
Yup, I mentioned in another comment that the only way they might take a lost is if it was US made, but in China things can be made at extremely low cost.
@@dtester Psudo knife experts tend to tout the virtues of D2 steel. My father was a toolmaker. And the reality is that D2 is an inexpensive steel that's very easy to work. It is soft and easily shaped and then can literally be air hardened. Moreover it has two sweet spots when tempering. It's hard to mess up. It's a great steel for a lower tech operation to work with. I'm not saying it's a bad knife or die steel, it's just cheap to buy and easy to work with, further reducing the labor costs. I find it funny, how D2 has somehow become popular for knives as it rusts pretty easily. For the most part people moved to stainless steels long ago and there are great stainless steels readily available now. Moreover, I find it kind of funny how people will pay a premium for Chinese D2, In all reality, these knives aren't cheap, rather name brand D2 knives are actually very much overpriced.
Thats all good but no knofe is worth the $600+ that some knife makers sell their toys for. In the meantime Swiss Army is the best bang for the book. The Victoria Knox Deluxe Tinker is hands down the best shop knife at $85.
@@Chfhands1 There is a point when a tool does it's job perfectly well. And that tool isn't usually very expensive. Some folks have to spend insane money on tools or toys that don't do anything any better but are intended to boost their egos. This doesn't bother me, it provides jobs for "artisans" and creates some pretty things... and if the tool or toy works, it's all good. The funniest thing to me is how many high price designer things don't work as well as their cheaper and more practical counterparts. Someone who sells a $600.00 knife probably doesn't even account for the fact that it might ever be used to pry open a paint can or might even be dropped on a tile kitchen floor. That's where I draw the line... If a thing can't serve it's purpose, it's junk, no matter how pretty it is, or how much it costs.
Its a nice knife but over priced, here's some examples *Sitivien * - their steels *D2 *Bohler K110 (Austrian D2 equivalent) Bohler k110 is heat treated differently with more consistency. 14C28N G10, carbon fiber amd micartia scales *Efengrow* (yes their knives are D2 and have been for several years) They also have 14c28N DC53 and a couple others G10, and micartia scales *Founders forge D2 steel G10 scales from what I know they may have more *CJRB* they have all types of options even their own steel type made by their partner company And all these can be had for Less than 40$
I bought the icon knife about a month ago with a coupon. It is a nice knife. But there are a few things I don’t like and have decided it’ll live in my tool box instead of my pocket. It’s heftier than my normal pocket knives. I’m disappointed with the blade lock. There’s too much friction between the blade and the locking bar and the bar doesn’t fully seat. Which makes me a little worried that the lock will slip and the blade could fold while using it. I also don’t like the flipping it open with my index finger. I’d rather have something on the spine of the blade so I could open it with my thumb.
I have the camo Fastback and I don’t know if I can go to a knife that doesn’t lock closed. Had a cheap one that started to open in my pocket (loose carry).
Finally able to find these in-stock at a HF not too far from me a couple of weekends ago. Was able to use a 15% OFF HF coupon as well. Great knife at a great deal!
Thanks. Another good choice is the Buck 284. Meets most stringent pocket knife law in Washington : 2 3/4". Biggest little knife I ever had. Littlest big knife too. $23, today on eBay.
D2 and G10 aren't premium material anymore in the knife world. They used to be back in the days, I remember my first D2 blade was an upgraded Benchmade 710 for about $160. Lot of budget knife use D2. Recently, I got a Petrified Fish PF818, with D2 and G10, for about $30. So, $40 for a D2, G10 knife is nothing special.
After seeing a rumor on the subreddit, I accidentally bargained and gaslit to get one for 40% off in store. I don't know much about knives, but it feels like a pretty good value.
What a pile of shit! There are so many decent budget brand knives out there and great budget blades, but that isn't one of them Best bang for the buck, anything by Civivi, especially the Qubit, Sencut, CJRB and many more! No collector in their right mind would own it, let alone admit to it if they did. Must be sponsored by Harbor Freight. Actually went to Harbor Freight to check this out after seeing this video. Keep right on walking past this blade, don't even stop to look at it. Lifetime warrantee, who does that you ask, well Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, even Buck and Gerber, Civivi, WE, Ontario, CRKT and many others! Invest your $50 in something decent, not this, you'll be sorry if you do!
I never bought any knives off of the Snap On truck. Seemed too expensive compared to other sources for the same tool. Big 5 sporting goods has deals on knives everyday. You know like Mtech ( they've gotten better), Humvee, Uzi, S&W. beater blades for less than $20.
HF is moving away from its core customer base. I shop at HF when I need a cheap tool that I might use once, maybe twice a year. Tools I don't need of high quality or performance. They still have plenty of these type of merchandise, but I wish there were more, like in the past. The knife in question, I'm not impressed with at all. Like others have mentioned, if it retailed for $10-$15, then it would pique my interest, but $40 for a folder, its not for me. I have a pricy Bark River that I've had for years, but can't bring myself to using. My edc are a rotation of $6 Ozark Trail mini folders from Walmart. At that price range, I just keep buying them. I've yet to have any fail on me and it easily gets the job done, so why pay more?
my guess is that Harbor Freight 'copied' the Begg Glimpse knife which is currently selling for $79. I have both - the Glimpse is smaller and the blade a bit fancier and overall great feel. The Ikon is bigger and , as you say in this review, 'is more robust'... I will be using it for my EDC and see what I think.
I waited months before I found one. Harbor Freight can’t keep them in stock. The elephant in the room, is it a stolen design? I checked Tom Begg’s website and looked at the specs on the Glimpse. While it is similar, it is not an exact copy. Perhaps the Glimpse is the inspiration for the Icon, but there are other knives on the market with similar features. I see a lot of negative reviews from people who obviously know a lot more about knives than I do. Then again, I also see many positive ones. More importantly, if the knife is so bad, why is Harbor Freight having trouble keeping them in the stores? As I said, it took me months to find a store that had one in stock. I’m sure there are knives out there that are superior to the Icon, just like a Lamborghini is superior to my truck. But I don’t need a Lamborghini (I’d be afraid to take it out of the garage). All I need is a knife with good steel, decent handles, easy or smooth opening, and a reasonable cost. I don’t know about the other knives y’all are referencing, but I do know that the Icon has a lifetime warranty. Harbor Freight does sell less than top-tier tools, but it is hard to beat their warranty. Larry from Texas
Finally got my hands on this with the Icon 25% off coupon. I love it. It feels and looks very high quality. Very robust and solid. Theres been alot of misinformation videos on youtube saying bad things intentionally about it.
My problem with HF knives is, that they are Chinese and the Chinese steel is a pain in the ass to sharpen and don't hold an edge! I do like the looks of this one and I would take a chance for $10.00 but not $40.00. I'll stick with my Bucks and keep my Chinese knife in my car. I do use it when I go fishing or crabbing to cut bait.
I stopped buying cheap knives years ago. I go by the motto buy once cry once. Instead of having 10 cheap 30 or 40 dollar knives, I'd rather have one $300 to $400 knife from an American maker so when i need parts replaced theyll still be in business and theyll still be making parts for my knife and ill be able to get the knife fixed if i chip the blade or if the tip breaks i can get just the blade replaced. D2 is ok steel if you know how to sharpen a knife and like doing do because youll be sharpening it fsirly often especially if you actually use the knife for more than opening a box every now and then. Also that cheap knife is not affecting the EDC world at all other than when trolls post a pic of it in a knife group like blade forums or in the thousands of knife FB groups.
I have an (irrational?) fear of carrying tip up. I've been carrying the same Kershaw Blur for the last 7 years and it has treated me well. If I lose or kill this one, I'll replace it with the same knife. I only buy knives made in the USA.
Buy American made! Skip the Chinese junk, with knives the money is in the blade material and great quality. American made Kershaw Leek series are my favorite everyday knives.
Eh I waistband carry knives and I had pocket clip knives I put on my waist band that full open without me knowing. Ran into that a few times, the basically perfect knife but only good for a pocket.
that is way more expensive so not a fair comparison. love my zero tolerance knifes, and my spyderco, benchmade went full angle grinder and don't agree with their responses to that so never more.
@@ChrisLoew I carry two EDCs every day, a Victorinox and a Benchmade, so that's a perfectly fair comparison. If I pay $40 or $200, it's still the only pocket clip knife I'm going to carry. If you don't have an EDC knife, either one is a huge improvement, according to your taste.
The Osborne 940 by Benchmade is expensive in comparison but it hold an edge. it’s lite very lite and the edge retention is incredible. D2 steel can be hit or miss.
my local hf never has the carbon or icon but its whatever with their gordon blades . . . alright beaters for sure but that blade profile isnt unique at all. it looks like the the GK w/milled black scales blade . . . very very similar plus the other gazillons out there in the wild. ya really gotta be innovative and creative to get into the unique blade profile world, at least thats how i view it.
I usually carry a cheap doyle utility knife but i lost it so decided to try this guy out. So far it's a awesome knife my only complaint os how pointy the end of the clip is. I used to constantly snag and poke holes into things with a knife i used to carry that had a similar looking clip and it drove me insane
Oh an all the bs with life time warranty at hf unless you buy the extended warranty. Hf got to big for itself then the economy boombed now there begging again flock hf
When he said he had 3 of the Kershaw and now only knows where one is he lost me. I lost a Kershaw 16 years ago and I still can't sleep over it sometimes, that said if u take the clip off the icon its a good knife
I’m 100% with you on both clips, I don’t use them & carbon fiber. G10 is fine. I’ll get one the next ICON coupon comes out to leave in a tool bag.
How many of you were watching this, expecting to eventually think, "Yeah. That IS a really good $10 knife?" 😂
Yep, it's a ten-dollar knife.
I'd pay 15 bucks maybe
It’s the best nife I own🤓
Craftsman has a really good under $20 knife .so anything is possible.
That's what I was thinking. At $40 you're getting into Civivi territory with I'd take over this all day. QSP is even cheaper.
I just purchased this HARBOR FREIGHT ICON knife a couple day's ago and absolutely love it. I'm a avid knife collector and just had to pick this very popular knife up.
At that price it should have a thumb stud, gimping on the spine, a reversible pocket clip, and the clip should be held in place with more than one screw. One screw means there’s more torque pressure on the clip in just one spot, which could lead to stripping of the screw.
I'm still exclusively a fan of folding utility knives for every day use. Being able to abuse it in any way and then toss a new razor sharp blade on in seconds can't be beat. I'd love to see some quality options for that.
Try the bluepoint version. I love mine, and the rosewood scales don’t hurt at all
Milwaukee 6in1 Fastback. Or Spec ops folder with 2 blade storage. I haven't tried the Toughbuilt from Lowes yet.
@@williamyoung369My favorite so far is an all metal, thin one from Lowes. Sadly, they don't seem to make it anymore. Sits deep in the pocket, compact and sturdy.
Try the Doyle folding box knife. It flips open one handed. You’ll thank me later!
Gerber EAB all day
The tool bear doing it knife review means I had to watch the video. I've seen lots of people review this knife and complain it's a Beggs knock off. I wish knife guys would do more than fidget with it. My judgement of the knife is how it works in real life. I have one that doesn't flip well. I have yet to use it. Those wanting one, good luck. They are limited quantity and sell out fast. Shine on!
When did something get cut or sharpened?
It's a solid knife. With ceramic bearings, the blade action doesn't get any smoother. Plenty sharp out of the box, nice size and weight, too. Lifetime warranty. I personally like the carbon fiber handle. The only thing I could pick on is the pocket clip. It's pretty stiff, and there's no extra positions, but it works. I'd like to know which knife company is making them for Harbor Freight. It's just as good, if not better, than anything Walmart carries in their sporting goods section. I got the last one they had in stock last week and the girl told me that they can't keep them in stock.
I am glad that it is Not Serrated I Hate serrated pocket knives
Me too
I'm hooked on Kershaw knives, split frame lock, well made & under $40 bills...Ive had pricey blades, always get pinched or lose em.. I'm sticking w/ Kershaw...
Love them myself, and 90% of the knifes I own are Kershaw.
If you dig crappy blade steel, Kershaw is definitely the way to go.
Hate to break it to you, and I like Kershaw and bought one, well several, but the first one I bought was absolutely ridiculously sharp, it'd shave the hide off a GOLF BALL like a hot knife through butter, still have it and carried it for a couple years, it was my first GOOD KNIFE. NOW,,,the down side, the cheaper Kershaw knives are made with 420 trash can steel, if you want D2 as this one is plan on paying $50 or more, now they have premium steels now even MAGNACUT BEING pretty much the best steel for any knife but not so easy to sharpen, plan on paying $200 or more for a Kershaw with that steel, yes they have cheaper premium steels but still at around $129-150 , maybe a little more, the old 8cr13mov that used to be in EVERY Kershaw is around $$40 plus. I'm a knife nerd and have a pretty good collection, anything between Gerber and Kershaw to several Spydercos, ZT and Benchmade and other brands. NOW the new standard in knives is not only the steel quality which D2 like this one is decent enough budget steel but also the action, how smooth it flips out and how smooth it closes. Just two or three years ago pivot bearings were a good bit more expensive and on more premium knifes but ceramic bearings were ONLY on the highest dollar most premium knives, I'm not talking $200 knives no, we're talking on knives $500-1000 and beyond and this knife has ceramic bearings and is VERY SMOOTH. SOME people are complaining about harbor freight probably paid $5 for it, tell me, when you go to Walmart and buy a 72" TV for $400 , do you think they are ONLY making $10 profit, you can count on paying probably triple what they paid for it maybe more. I have one of these knives and if it were shit I'd tell you but this knife like I said is extremely smooth and made very solid, yes the liner lock could be a thicker metal but other than that five years ago you'd be paying upwards of $100 for this knife if it were made by a more reputable maker, maybe more. NOW if you search hard enough on DH GATE or the like you might find one for under $20, but a more exact copy of the knife this is copied from is about the same price, it's the Todd Begg Bodega and even their knife from his company made with the same materials is around the same price as this one and the custom one FROM Todd Begg made from the best steel, and materials and polished blade are several $100 dollars, still on ceramic bearings. This knife is a very nice beater knife and if you WERE thinking on getting the custom version from Begg knives you get to handle it get use to it and find out if you like it or not without going bankrupt and finding out you don't really like it. This knife will serve you well for cutting purposes I wouldn't recommend anything but light prying, IF THAT with it, there are other knives out there better suited for that but if you're opening packages or cutting boxes and straps, ropes, rubber tube or the like IT up for the task and look good doing it. If you're not really a collector and have a certain need buy a knife suited for that need but this one works for most uses and D2 sharpens easy, holds a decent enough edge and gets extremely sharp if you know how to do it but D2 will rust over time if you don't clean it off before storing it but if it's in your pocket daily and you just wipe off the blade now and then you should be good it's not extreme with rusting it's just not rust proof. If you want a no nonsense knife that's around the same price and is pretty much a do it all get the Cold Steel Finn Wolf and if you know anything about Cold Steel they have the strongest locking mechanism on the planet. Hope this helps out. Stay safe and God bless.
@@patrickgorham4269Thanks for the in depth opinion. Appreciate the time you took. Wish more people would do that.
I'm not a collector, just a guy that needs a reliable knife in his pocket or belt. I've used Buck knives mostly. Sure, I have beat them up, bent them throwing at trees and stuff. Lol. They seem to hold their original edge for a long time.
You mentioned "prying".
I know better than to mess up my "good" Bucks doing that. They won't take it.
I'm open minded for a replacement carry knife that can take more abuse.
Recommendations? Not looking for a collectable.
@@loyalUSguy
Like I mentioned the Cold Steel Finn Wolf is a great knife, anything Cold Steel is pretty much bullet proof especially far as the lock goes as long as you get one with the triad lock, the Finn Wolf is a about a 3 1/3 folder around $40-50 , you could do some prying with it as the blade is somewhat thick for it's size, it's not a bruiser blade but decent enough, you could beat it into a tree and hang your hunting gear from it long as it stayed in the tree. The harder you use a Cold Steel knife with the triad lock like batoning through wood that the other end of the blade sticks out far enough the better the locking mechanism works. I also have a CRKT SISEMIC, that blade is almost 4 inches if you like bigger blades, there's a video on UA-cam where a guy beats it about 2 inches into a tree and puts it through other torture tests and it's like nothing happened to it, it's the only knife I've seen that came close to Cold Steels triad lock where they hand hundreds of pounds from the handle till it breaks, in fact Cold Steel was very impressed with it, a thicker blade, robust enough for some torture, he stabs it into wood and pries the tip out from the side showing the tip strength, something you wouldn't want to do with the harbor freight iconic knife, maybe lightly but not stabbing it in a half inch and prying it out sideways. If you want a fixed blade anything from ESSE KNIVES, their knives have a lifetime warranty, break it, bend it shoot it, it's covered send it back and they'll send you another one. There's lots and lots of good knives but even Cold Steel fixed blades if you do a little research are pretty much bullet proof. Get on UA-cam and just look up torture tests for folders and fixed blades and just compare them and your needs and the money you're willing to spend, just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean it's better or stronger. These two or three knife companies are well known and don't cost an arm and a leg so as not to break the bank. If you're looking for long edge retention then there's a VERY wide range of steels, it's gotten ridiculous, can't even keep up with them except a few but there are some very good budget steels that hold an edge very well, 14c28n, Nitro v, D2 is still good, there's so many but super steels can be significantly more expensive but keep an edge for a long time but can be harder to sharpen. Anyways don't mean to ramble on LoL, and I'm no expert, only what I've experienced, I have a friend that's much more informative than me and can tell you about just about every steel, it's too much for my brain to hold LoL. Cold Steel probably has the most extensive torture tests on their knives than any knife company out there, just look them up, it's been part of their biggest selling points. Good luck, hopefully you'll find what you're looking for, do just a little research so you know exactly what you're getting so you'll be happy with your purchase , does have to be expensive to be a great all around knife . Stay safe and God bless
It's a cool knife and not raining on anyone's parade, but the Milwaukee Fastback is 15 freaking dollars at home depot in this cursed year of 2024.
Fastback is pretty much trash in my opinion!!! I never had Goodluck with them
I got a CRKT minimalist bowie at Lowes for $27. Its a small straight blade with kydex sheath. My favorite edc knife. Fits in front pocket and has lanyard too
Cursed? Remember the empty shelves during Covid with the MAGA Moron as President? THAT was cursed.
Great knife at Home Depot
I'll try out the Icon knife but have work pay 4 it
Milwaukees $300 tools fall apart after 2 weeks. I can't imagine how long their $15 knife would last.
This is a direct knock off of my Glimpse model.
Sencut, Civivi, QSP, and many others make knives that I'd take all day over this one.
What's wrong with it?
At what price are the knives you mentioned? What warranty?
For 10 bucks?
Not a bad deal. D2 isn't my favorite steel but it's still a decent good steel.
What is your favorite steel?
The issue with d2 is it will rust, but it does hold an edge quite well. If you make sure it’s dry you should be fine. Not that you asked me but I think as far as fav steels are concerned it really depends on the price your willing to pay and whether you can justify it or not. Kershaw has a lot of decent offering for under $70, honestly I would start there oppose to this. Lowe’s had an est wing Tanto for $25 in aus8, not premium steel either but holds an edge well. If you want a nice knife, and can justify up to $100 they are so many better options even at the $80 price point. Sorry this got long, have a good weekend all!
Better steel than what's in most cheapie knives
@@mysterc2862 isn't there a DP D2 that's way better then D2?
@@southside1975I tried to look it up real quick I didn’t find anything stated as dp d2, im unsure of what you mean. In all fairness if your price point is 70 go look for a sale and you will find many options. D2 isnt bad by any means, its actually a very easy steel to sharpen and holds up well. Just make sure its dry or apply some oil now and then. If you want premium at a discount just keep your eye out for sales or discontinued items. The knife market is over saturated. You can find a great deal at $200. Heck the microtech msi is under $200 usually $187 for the origional, thats premium steel m390k. The Hugue deka is under $200 and comes in magnacut. Got mine for $176. There are less expensive options if your main concern is the steel and not so much handle material.
I’ll wait for the crackheads to pawn one off and get it for $20
Might be too high end for a crackhead. ^_^
I've had one for nearly 2 months now and the only improvements id make are a better pocket clip and make the finish on the handles be more resistant to scuffing. For $40 you cant beat it though!
Can you switch the carry clip to the other side of the knife?
@@ZEBULON181 sure can't. It's not reversible.
Used in a wet environment?
Only d2 i own rusted the first time i used it
Is the clip removable? I was trying to look when it was turned over and thought it might be as I don't like clips either...
@@timduncan6750 you can remove it
I purchased mine a few months back with the 20% off coupon. So far, my only complaints would be the clip being too tight, and the liner lock is not my favorite either.
But for the money, im loving it!
Lets not forget the lifetime warranty!
As for the cry babies talking $hit about being a sell out, they obviously dont watch your channel often!
As for me, ill keep getting the most bang for my buck shopping at HF!!!
🤘
Their cost on those is probably under $5
$0.97
Who cares what their cost is? What matters is whether it's a good value for about $40.
@@bripslagI think trekgod3 only brought up because the video thumbnail claims that the knife is a loss leader, which clearly is bullshit at $40.
Im not paying 40 for a harbor freight knife .20 ok .
It's just D2 steel. Not the best choice for a blade. It's OK but overpriced at 40.00. I've bought larger knives with D2, bearings, and real wood handles for less (Vicshark). With a coupon, it would be a better deal. Nice looking though. FYI, I have no blade length restriction where I live, so I can carry as big a knife I care to. So I usually either have a big folding, or fixed blade bushcraft or hunting knife on my belt when outdoors. A big knife comes in handy in my part of the world.
I've got a single blade Schrade stainless steel, thin, easy to carry and use. Got it over 20 years ago, it's in my pocket everyday and must have used it thousands of times.
Cool story bro
I carry the Gordon (HF) Drop point. $10. The carry clip on it constantly works loose.
This Icon looks like an upgraded Gordon. Think I'll get one when an applicable coupon/sale drops.
At work, building marine engines, I carry the Doyle retractable utility knife and the Gordon folding utility knife(both HF). I open a lot of cardboard boxes and shrink wrapped pallets.
I also carry the Gordon knife and cut tons of cardboard. Pull the screws out of the clip and clean the threads really well then apply loctite. Solves the problem. I have the icon knife. It's great but no good due to being a lefty and you can't change the pocket clip around for lefties.
Ain't no one paying $40 plus tax for a pocket knife out of Harbor Freight! People are in Harbor Freight for a reason and it sure isn't to spend $40 on a pocket knife to beat up.
ain't no one shopping at Harbor Freight paying full price unless they don't know who to shop at Harbor Freight.
@@__hjg__2123What?
Well unless you're a knife nerd like me and you happen to be buying a tool and come across this knife which you won't unless a shipment just came in because as for now they sell faster than they can be stocked, it's not just another harbour freight junk knife that's gonna fall apart after the first couple of uses, it's actually a well made knife, the real knife this is copied after uses all the same materials, might be just a little more solid but it's also $120 or more, you're actually getting a lot of features and more premium materials for basically chump change, go ahead and get you a Kershaw with the same materials but plan on paying double for it and I like Kershaw, try finding a Kershaw with D2 steel, G10 carbon fiber inlade handle scales and ceramic bearings for less than $69-75. Aint gonna happen, their 8cr13mov Steel blades with plastic scales are as much or more than this knife, if you find one cheaper then look at what the blade is made from, most likely 420 trash can steel. 8cr13mov is just a little better than 420 but D2 is a pretty good step above it and again I like Kershaw but their knives with premium steels are as pricey as Spydercos, between $120 to over $200 for a three, three and a half inch blade, I like bigger blades though I do have and still buy smaller bladed knives at times if it catches my eye. They're just a little pricey for the smaller blade segment of knives but not near as expensive as some but if you're getting a Kershaw at $20 or under you're getting exactly what you pay for and that's ok too just be aware of what you're getting and compare with others before you make your decision. I don't just buy more premium knives, if a gas station knife catches my eye I might buy it if it's not over $15-20, MAYBE, I have several and have carried and used them and they're not horrible for basic cutting tasks and for the most part other than the blade steel they're pretty solid for what they are and are getting better.
How about the Icon gold plated ratchet?
@@jer3996
Don't know anything about it except I've seen the ad, don't know how good iconic ratchets are but I do know one thing, you can gold plate a pile of cow manure but it doesn't make the product any better, just a fancy peice of **** , catch my drift. I own this knife, for around $40 you get more premium materials all the way through it and is well built, I'm not saying it's the greatest knife on the planet but it's a good starter knife for a new knife guy that wants something a little different and not break the bank. The only thing that could be better for the price is the liner lock could be could be thicker making it a more solid knife. Kershaw is now doing this, making the liner lock thinner like this I'm sure to save money on their cheaper knives with cheaper blade steel than they use to have, you know, it's the American way, GIVE LESS CHARGE MORE. You've noticed when you open a plastic water bottle you can barely hold on to it because they are SO MUCH thinner than they use to be, if you grip it too hard it crushes in your hand spilling the water out. So it is with almost everything nowadays. Everyone swearing by Kershaw and as I've said I like Kershaw also, they're not made in America, even Case knives now, if it doesn't say MADE IN AMERICA, it's made in China, yes even Case. Some Kershaws are made in America but you're gonna pay for it for sure. You know what, I just thought of something that could've been a BRILLIANT marketing ploy from Harbour freight to get more people in their stores. They come out with this knife that's a great copy of a more expensive knife made with the same materials and for us knife nerds and we're all over it, this is why you almost can't find it on the shelf, even now, they're drawing more people in that might not normally shop there. It's like when a well known knife making company like say Spyderco releases a new knife and as soon as it drops for sale anywhere it's gone in minutes or even seconds because people are sitting and watching for months, it might be a year before you can actually get your hands on one, creating a frenzy and the end result is they're creating a price hike, just like car dealerships way over charging for a C8 Corvette. I've still never seen this knife on the shelf, my wife bought it for me for Christmas, just so happened they just got them in. GENIUS HARBOR FREIGHT. Stay safe and God bless.
How can they take a loss? Look where it came from! Let’s be realistic!
I rather have my milwaukee knife where they put unlock mechanism makes it easy one hand operation .
but the icon torque wrenches oh yes I got 2 more I need to get to.habe them all
I love mine.. It only took about 4 months for the knives to be back in stock here in North Georgia..
I just dont trust Chinese D2, its real hit and miss. As for the liner lock, Ill take it over Spydercos compression lock.
I can't agree with this more. Buck heat treats their 420HC so well that it outperformed Civivi D2 in one of project farms video.
I'm sixty years old and I still have knives I bought as a teenager. I don't need another knife to throw in the box of knives I already own. I do need a new pocket knife. I wear out an old-timer every four or five years.
Got one as a gift and it’s very nice. Works great, looks good, good quality. Not sure about the lifetime warranty if they take it off the shelves like they do with some products. We shall see. Thanks for sharing!
Is imagine they would have another one out by then
Civivi Mini Praxis...you get more than what you pay for.
Too thick for EDC, got a thinner Kershaw LEEK instead.
Not bad. I'd get a dlc Civivi mini praxis or QSP penguin d2. Both $29
I have 3 Mini Praxis by Civivi EDC knives, I believe they are the best under $30 knives out there, buy one you won’t be sorry
Qsp parrot carrier here🤙
Why was I thinking it was $10?
Because harbor freight used to be cheap
most knifes with d2 steel range from 100-300 dollars
It took me almost 3 months of checking in at HF till I finally found one. When I took it up to pay for it, the cashier thanked me for not just stealing it. It's a good knife I like it. And as far as the controversy, 🤷. Legally, I think there is enough changes that it's not technically a clone. It's shady how they went about it, but there is only so many ways you can make a knife. All knives look like an older knife if you look hard enough.
Well, that’s kind of why I compared to the Kenne onion that I have as there essentially the same concept
And they have that $15 off coupon til 3/31/24
IT MIMICS A TODD BEGG KNIFE!
I wish the blade was under 3”. Thats why I bought the Vosteed Corgi.
Just sharpen it aggressively. That .07 inches will be gone in no time .📏
The Specs on the Blade are 3.07". That's pretty close to 3". I'm not sure there is even a way to measure 0.07".
@@blueboyblue am in a world where they will look up the specs. Even now, since some manufacturers make a 2.99” blade, they are considering going to a 2.5” requirement
Decent price for those specs. I usually go for Buck when I want a knife in that price range, but they don't quite have those specs. Buck 110BKS1 110 Slim Select is USA made in a similar $40 price range. It's a little bigger but overall the specs are worse, 420HC steel which I don't like as well as D2. I have G10 handle/scales on many of my fixed blades (lionSTEEL mostly), but I'm less particular about scales on folders. I'm happy with the glass-filled nylon on my Buck.
Looks a lot like a Begg Glimpse knife.
A lot of speculation about this Icon knife being a direct clone/copy of the Begg Knives Mini Glimpse. Not that it hasn't happened before, but the relationship between custom knife makers and overseas OEM's copying very recognizable and respected brands is an interesting conversation to have
I would agee 100% but better looking and cheaper.
The ICON is nice but $40? Not for me. $20? Maybe. $12.50? That's the buy it now price. 😊❤ Thanks for the review Jeff! I certainly appreciate it. 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Evidently you haven't priced a d2 steel and g10 handled knife. This is an excellent price point. I will be buying one soon. Thanks Red
They don’t accept food stamps.
I tend to agree with you...I think I would still take a D2 Civivi in that price range. They are proven and I trust them. I would put this in the same category as the Kershaw OSO Sweet. (Under $30 pretty much anywhere)
This one should be in that $25 range.
Sencut would be my choice. Same company as Civivi, the low cost option from We knives.
Seriously!?!? Not only is this a great steel, but it has great scale material, and it operates on ceramic bearings.... I'm not trying to be a dick here, but I think you should do a little research on knives and compare the features of this one. My Benchmade, and Kershaw edc's are both on the shelf, so I can carry a good knife that if I lose, won't make me cry lol
Milwaukee def has the best knifes for the money
Harbor Freight taking a lose on this knife at $40?...they might be taking a lose on it at 40 cents
Absolutely agree. Looks like a 10 dollar knife.
As used and recommended by OJ!!!
Lmao. I know, I know. I carry the RYOBI knife with the glass breaker on the bottom. I know! I know! I do have to sharpen it often but I do like it for a work carry knife.
No, they aren't taking a loss on cheap Chinese die steel. D2 is both inexpensive metal and it's really easy to heat treat. The up side of D2 is that as a die steel, it doesn't deform or abrade easily so it keeps a sharp edge. The down side is that it rusts and breaks before it bends. I know prices have gone up recently, but there are way better knives and stainless steels in or about this price range. As to a 3 inch flipper, I don't personally see it, but that's up to someone's personal taste.
Yup, I mentioned in another comment that the only way they might take a lost is if it was US made, but in China things can be made at extremely low cost.
@@dtester Psudo knife experts tend to tout the virtues of D2 steel. My father was a toolmaker. And the reality is that D2 is an inexpensive steel that's very easy to work. It is soft and easily shaped and then can literally be air hardened. Moreover it has two sweet spots when tempering. It's hard to mess up. It's a great steel for a lower tech operation to work with.
I'm not saying it's a bad knife or die steel, it's just cheap to buy and easy to work with, further reducing the labor costs.
I find it funny, how D2 has somehow become popular for knives as it rusts pretty easily. For the most part people moved to stainless steels long ago and there are great stainless steels readily available now. Moreover, I find it kind of funny how people will pay a premium for Chinese D2,
In all reality, these knives aren't cheap, rather name brand D2 knives are actually very much overpriced.
Thats all good but no knofe is worth the $600+ that some knife makers sell their toys for. In the meantime Swiss Army is the best bang for the book. The Victoria Knox Deluxe Tinker is hands down the best shop knife at $85.
@@Chfhands1 There is a point when a tool does it's job perfectly well. And that tool isn't usually very expensive. Some folks have to spend insane money on tools or toys that don't do anything any better but are intended to boost their egos.
This doesn't bother me, it provides jobs for "artisans" and creates some pretty things... and if the tool or toy works, it's all good.
The funniest thing to me is how many high price designer things don't work as well as their cheaper and more practical counterparts. Someone who sells a $600.00 knife probably doesn't even account for the fact that it might ever be used to pry open a paint can or might even be dropped on a tile kitchen floor. That's where I draw the line... If a thing can't serve it's purpose, it's junk, no matter how pretty it is, or how much it costs.
I wish you would bring the bear back
Ontario RAT 1 in D2 is far superior for a similar pricepoint.
Its a nice knife but over priced, here's some examples
*Sitivien *
- their steels
*D2
*Bohler K110 (Austrian D2 equivalent) Bohler k110 is heat treated differently with more consistency.
14C28N
G10, carbon fiber amd micartia scales
*Efengrow*
(yes their knives are D2 and have been for several years)
They also have 14c28N
DC53 and a couple others
G10, and micartia scales
*Founders forge
D2 steel
G10 scales from what I know they may have more
*CJRB* they have all types of options even their own steel type made by their partner company
And all these can be had for Less than 40$
I need to grab one of these. Looks good not a bad price. I just hope it will hold a good edge because I'm pretty sure this will be an EDC.
I bought the icon knife about a month ago with a coupon. It is a nice knife. But there are a few things I don’t like and have decided it’ll live in my tool box instead of my pocket. It’s heftier than my normal pocket knives. I’m disappointed with the blade lock. There’s too much friction between the blade and the locking bar and the bar doesn’t fully seat. Which makes me a little worried that the lock will slip and the blade could fold while using it. I also don’t like the flipping it open with my index finger. I’d rather have something on the spine of the blade so I could open it with my thumb.
I like my Milwaukee fast back, to me it’s the best I like how I don’t have to use a wet stone to sharpen it
How do you sharpen ???
Replace the blade (box cutter)
They had to to make changes to it because it was very similar to a Begg folder.
Going to pick one up. Ive been carrying the Milwaukee Fastback because I mainly use to open boxes and such.
I have the camo Fastback and I don’t know if I can go to a knife that doesn’t lock closed. Had a cheap one that started to open in my pocket (loose carry).
Finally able to find these in-stock at a HF not too far from me a couple of weekends ago. Was able to use a 15% OFF HF coupon as well. Great knife at a great deal!
Thanks.
Another good choice is the Buck 284. Meets most stringent pocket knife law in Washington : 2 3/4". Biggest little knife I ever had. Littlest big knife too. $23, today on eBay.
D2 and G10 aren't premium material anymore in the knife world. They used to be back in the days, I remember my first D2 blade was an upgraded Benchmade 710 for about $160. Lot of budget knife use D2. Recently, I got a Petrified Fish PF818, with D2 and G10, for about $30. So, $40 for a D2, G10 knife is nothing special.
After seeing a rumor on the subreddit, I accidentally bargained and gaslit to get one for 40% off in store. I don't know much about knives, but it feels like a pretty good value.
What a pile of shit! There are so many decent budget brand knives out there and great budget blades, but that isn't one of them Best bang for the buck, anything by Civivi, especially the Qubit, Sencut, CJRB and many more! No collector in their right mind would own it, let alone admit to it if they did. Must be sponsored by Harbor Freight. Actually went to Harbor Freight to check this out after seeing this video. Keep right on walking past this blade, don't even stop to look at it. Lifetime warrantee, who does that you ask, well Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, even Buck and Gerber, Civivi, WE, Ontario, CRKT and many others! Invest your $50 in something decent, not this, you'll be sorry if you do!
I never bought any knives off of the Snap On truck. Seemed too expensive compared to other sources for the same tool. Big 5 sporting goods has deals on knives everyday. You know like Mtech ( they've gotten better), Humvee, Uzi, S&W. beater blades for less than $20.
HF is moving away from its core customer base. I shop at HF when I need a cheap tool that I might use once, maybe twice a year. Tools I don't need of high quality or performance. They still have plenty of these type of merchandise, but I wish there were more, like in the past.
The knife in question, I'm not impressed with at all. Like others have mentioned, if it retailed for $10-$15, then it would pique my interest, but $40 for a folder, its not for me. I have a pricy Bark River that I've had for years, but can't bring myself to using. My edc are a rotation of $6 Ozark Trail mini folders from Walmart. At that price range, I just keep buying them. I've yet to have any fail on me and it easily gets the job done, so why pay more?
my guess is that Harbor Freight 'copied' the Begg Glimpse knife which is currently selling for $79. I have both - the Glimpse is smaller and the blade a bit fancier and overall great feel. The Ikon is bigger and , as you say in this review, 'is more robust'... I will be using it for my EDC and see what I think.
I waited months before I found one. Harbor Freight can’t keep them in stock. The elephant in the room, is it a stolen design? I checked Tom Begg’s website and looked at the specs on the Glimpse. While it is similar, it is not an exact copy. Perhaps the Glimpse is the inspiration for the Icon, but there are other knives on the market with similar features.
I see a lot of negative reviews from people who obviously know a lot more about knives than I do. Then again, I also see many positive ones. More importantly, if the knife is so bad, why is Harbor Freight having trouble keeping them in the stores? As I said, it took me months to find a store that had one in stock.
I’m sure there are knives out there that are superior to the Icon, just like a Lamborghini is superior to my truck. But I don’t need a Lamborghini (I’d be afraid to take it out of the garage). All I need is a knife with good steel, decent handles, easy or smooth opening, and a reasonable cost. I don’t know about the other knives y’all are referencing, but I do know that the Icon has a lifetime warranty. Harbor Freight does sell less than top-tier tools, but it is hard to beat their warranty.
Larry from Texas
Finally got my hands on this with the Icon 25% off coupon. I love it. It feels and looks very high quality. Very robust and solid. Theres been alot of misinformation videos on youtube saying bad things intentionally about it.
My problem with HF knives is, that they are Chinese and the Chinese steel is a pain in the ass to sharpen and don't hold an edge! I do like the looks of this one and I would take a chance for $10.00 but not $40.00. I'll stick with my Bucks and keep my Chinese knife in my car. I do use it when I go fishing or crabbing to cut bait.
I bought one, it has horrendous ergonomics, handle way too small, the banana curve to it is awkward, but it's well made for sure
I stopped buying cheap knives years ago. I go by the motto buy once cry once. Instead of having 10 cheap 30 or 40 dollar knives, I'd rather have one $300 to $400 knife from an American maker so when i need parts replaced theyll still be in business and theyll still be making parts for my knife and ill be able to get the knife fixed if i chip the blade or if the tip breaks i can get just the blade replaced. D2 is ok steel if you know how to sharpen a knife and like doing do because youll be sharpening it fsirly often especially if you actually use the knife for more than opening a box every now and then.
Also that cheap knife is not affecting the EDC world at all other than when trolls post a pic of it in a knife group like blade forums or in the thousands of knife FB groups.
I have an (irrational?) fear of carrying tip up. I've been carrying the same Kershaw Blur for the last 7 years and it has treated me well. If I lose or kill this one, I'll replace it with the same knife. I only buy knives made in the USA.
Buy American made! Skip the Chinese junk, with knives the money is in the blade material and great quality. American made Kershaw Leek series are my favorite everyday knives.
"This knife is great!"
Proceed to "not be a fan" of every detail he mentions. 😂😂
Eh I waistband carry knives and I had pocket clip knives I put on my waist band that full open without me knowing. Ran into that a few times, the basically perfect knife but only good for a pocket.
The knife is made of great materials and has good build quality. But in my hand the knife is extremely uncomfortable. I couldn't even use it.
It looks like a 10 dollar knife to me. For 37 I can buy a tested Kershaw Chill, which is light, robust, thin and holds its sharpness really well.
I like my Icon stuff but I'll stick to my Benchmade 940.
that is way more expensive so not a fair comparison. love my zero tolerance knifes, and my spyderco, benchmade went full angle grinder and don't agree with their responses to that so never more.
@@ChrisLoew I carry two EDCs every day, a Victorinox and a Benchmade, so that's a perfectly fair comparison. If I pay $40 or $200, it's still the only pocket clip knife I'm going to carry. If you don't have an EDC knife, either one is a huge improvement, according to your taste.
The Osborne 940 by Benchmade is expensive in comparison but it hold an edge. it’s lite very lite and the edge retention is incredible. D2 steel can be hit or miss.
I like my $25 CRKTs. Pocket knives are about the only thing I will go into wally world for.
I’ve had mine for a few weeks. It’s a great knife at a great price. I highly recommend this knife. Cheers!
Bought one, returned it. Did not think it was worth $40. May pick up another if I can get it with coupon for $30. It's worth that.
So far it looks a bit like my Kershaw Oso Sweet.
Bought one a few months ago. Pocket clip sucked so had to return it
my local hf never has the carbon or icon but its whatever with their gordon blades . . . alright beaters for sure but that blade profile isnt unique at all. it looks like the the GK w/milled black scales blade . . . very very similar plus the other gazillons out there in the wild. ya really gotta be innovative and creative to get into the unique blade profile world, at least thats how i view it.
I usually carry a cheap doyle utility knife but i lost it so decided to try this guy out. So far it's a awesome knife my only complaint os how pointy the end of the clip is. I used to constantly snag and poke holes into things with a knife i used to carry that had a similar looking clip and it drove me insane
It'd be cool to see one of these on the shelf this year, and maybe by next year I'll have a chance to see one when a good coupon is running.
Keep it for 40.00, competition with equal steel better heat treatment & better scales for 25-34.
It's d2 steel with a good heat treatment. I Rockwell tested it in 5 places and the average was 60.3 so it should hold a edge pretty well.
I love the cheaper Cold Steel knives, both sheath and folders....
Oh an all the bs with life time warranty at hf unless you buy the extended warranty. Hf got to big for itself then the economy boombed now there begging again flock hf
I still carry my case pocket knives. Great everyday tool 60 yrs so far. This knife is worth it.interesting
That ia not a ken onion! It's CKRT. Yah I'd pay about 15 to 20 for the harbor freight knife.
I collect knives and this one is my favorite EDC carry.
When he said he had 3 of the Kershaw and now only knows where one is he lost me. I lost a Kershaw 16 years ago and I still can't sleep over it sometimes, that said if u take the clip off the icon its a good knife
Very impressed with the quality of the knife… unfortunately the pocket clip is trash
40 bucks. Pfft. You can get a case pocketknife for 40 bucks, and its not made im china.
Loss leader? For the price it isn't much of a deal. Lots of as nice or nicer knifes for the same or lower price - see Civivi or Sencut.
How did it get all the way here from china without rusting. Can you loan me 40 bucks
A milwaukee fastback and a 50 pack of serrated DeWalt blades is the best. Blows this garbage away
@denoftooIs. Go for it
Not gonna cut it (pun intended), my EDC is a BK21 with micarta scales
Just not crazy about liner locks, you have to put ypur finger in the way of the edge to close it.
They are not my favorite honestly
I have this knife bought it 6 months ago it’s a good knife but the clip absolutely sucks
Just get a variety of good, cheap Wal-Mart knives under $10.
To me the most important thing is it easy to sharpen. I dont know alot about that steel. Anyone tell me more about it?