This is my second article about Chinese knives and I am just as enthusiastic after my second delivery from Exduct as I was after the first. This time I received three knives, the SRM 939, Ganzo G704 and the new Enlan EL-01D with wooden scales.

I chose the SRM after seeing a review on Youtube. At the time, I was researching the SRM 905. I don’t usually like metal-handled knives, instead preferring G10 or wood, but the 939 was very positively reviewed so I decided to get one. To say the least, I am glad I did. It has reinforced my faith in SRM as a maker of no nonsense knives as very affordable prices. The 939 isn’t a pretty knife, but it is superbly functional, and designed with great attention to detail. Build quality, as with my other SRM knives, is flawless. This is the perfect knife to slice your vegetables or salami on a picnic. I would totally recommend one to a friend. In a word: respect.

I chose the second of the trio, the Ganzo G704 because I didn’t have a Ganzo and Exduct were practically giving them away. Mine is the new version with the 4mm thick blade. Unlike most Enlan and SRM knives, it is an axis lock. It opens smoothly and locks with a single gentle click instead of the two-stage click of a liner or frame lock. The blade is well sprung, sits in the dead center when closed and is rock-solid when open with absolutely no wobble. At 4mm, it is half knife and half log splitter. The G10 scales give the 704 a no-frills functionality and overall it is a very practical 8-inch knife, although a bit heavy for EDC. In two words: totally awesome.

The third is my second Enlan EL-01, this time the new EL-01D model with wooden scales instead of the more utilitarian G10. The wooden scales are a little thicker and slightly rounded, making the knife more comfortable to hold. The blade has no wobble and the liner lock is rock solid and as thick as most frame locks, maybe even thicker. My friends love this knife, and for what I paid, it is an absolute bargain. I would go as far as to say that anyone who buys a 9-inch knife on the Internet should be buying an Enlan EL-01, not necessarily with wooden scales, as they are a little less practical than the various G10 versions. I would prefer the EL-01D without the pocket clip, which wasn’t properly attached as the screws were a little too short to reach through the thicker scales, but I have removed it leaving three small holes and some slight imperfections in the wood. If I had just one knife, this would have to be it. In three words: absolutely freaking essential.

A week ago, I paid a visit to my local fishing and hunting shop to check out their folding pocket knives. There is a quantum difference in quality between what they were selling for ten to fifteen bucks and an SRM, Ganzo or Enlan. Needless to say, I left the shop with my cash still in my pocket!

There are rumors on the net that the Chinese makers will stop production of the 9-inch knives due to Chinese laws about concealed weapons. I have no idea whether there is any truth to these rumors, but if there is, then buy your big Ganzo or Enlan now or regret it forever.

However, the real problem I have with buying knives from Exduct is that I just can’t stop. I already have enough quality knives to last me a lifetime, but I want more, and more and more…

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