The Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife: Final Thoughts from Me
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife is a lightweight, multi-blade folding knife designed for everyday carry and field dressing small game. Featuring the RazorSafe system, it allows for quick and easy blade changes, a feature that immediately caught my attention given my past frustrations with sharpening in the field. I’ve always believed a sharp knife is the most important tool in the outdoors.
I was seeking a compact, easily maintainable knife for backpacking and small game hunting, something lighter than my usual fixed blade and easier to keep sharp than my traditional folders. My old Gerber folder was getting dull quickly, and I was tired of lugging around a sharpening stone. The Outdoor Edge Cutlery offering seemed like a perfect solution with its replaceable blades.
Unboxing the Onyx-Lite, my first impression was how incredibly light it felt; almost too light. The Grivory handle felt secure, and the blade change mechanism seemed intuitive, although I was initially skeptical of its long-term durability.
I considered the Havalon Piranta and the Browning Speed Load knives, both featuring replaceable blade systems. Ultimately, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery won me over with its slightly larger handle for a better grip and the inclusion of extra blades right out of the box, offering better initial value.
I was cautiously optimistic; excited by the ease of blade changes but concerned about the overall robustness of such a lightweight knife. It felt promising, but only real-world use would reveal its true potential.
Real-World Testing: Putting Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial field test occurred during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used the Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife for various camp chores, from food preparation to feathering sticks for a fire. The edge held up well for slicing vegetables and creating kindling.
The weather was damp, and the Grivory handle provided a surprisingly secure grip even with wet hands. It was comfortable and didn’t slip or rotate. I was impressed by the balance in hand considering the light weight.
The blade change mechanism required a bit of practice to get smooth, but once I got the hang of it, swapping blades was quick and easy. I accidentally bumped the release button once, leading to a dropped blade, so I learned to be more mindful of my grip.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, including multiple backpacking trips, a squirrel hunt, and general camp tasks, the Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife has proven more durable than I initially expected. The 420J2 stainless steel blades stay sharp for a reasonable amount of time. The blade changes remain smooth.
While there’s some minor scratching on the black-oxide coating of the blade holder, there’s no significant wear or damage to the Grivory handle. I’ve used it extensively in rain and mud with no issues. The construction has held up admirably well.
Cleaning is a breeze; a quick rinse and wipe down are usually all that’s needed, and occasionally I’ll apply a drop of oil to the blade pivot. Compared to my experience with traditional folding knives, where sharpening was a constant chore, the Onyx-Lite has been a welcome change. It has noticeably outperformed my old Gerber in terms of edge retention.
Breaking Down the Features of Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife
Specifications
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Blade Length: 3 inches, providing a good balance between control and cutting power for a variety of tasks. This is long enough to be useful but short enough to be easily packable.
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Overall Length: 6.8 inches, compact and easy to manage in hand and in a pocket. The overall length translates into excellent control without being unwieldy.
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Blade Material: 420J2 stainless steel, offering good corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening (though the replaceable blade system minimizes the need for sharpening). While not a premium steel, its performance is sufficient for the intended uses.
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Handle Color: Black, a classic and understated color that blends well with outdoor environments. It is not too flashy or tactical-looking.
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Weight: 1.9 oz, exceptionally lightweight, making it ideal for backpacking and situations where weight is a concern. This is a key selling point, as it is a huge difference compared to carrying a larger knife and sharpening system.
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Closed Length: 4 inches, easily fits in a pocket or pack without taking up much space. The compact profile is excellent for discreet carry.
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Blade Steel: Japanese 420J2 stainless, highlighting the origin and quality of the steel used in the blades. The Japanese steel gives a subtle but reassuring nod to quality.
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Rockwell-C Hardness: 55-56, indicating a good balance between hardness and toughness, ensuring the blade can hold an edge without being too brittle. This is a standard hardness range for this type of steel and application.
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Holder: 420J2 stainless with black-oxide coating, providing durability and corrosion resistance for the blade holder mechanism. The coating also adds a sleek and tactical look.
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Handle: Grivory, a high-strength polymer that is lightweight, durable, and provides a secure grip even in wet conditions. This material choice contributes significantly to the knife’s overall weight savings.
Performance & Functionality
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife performs its intended tasks well, excelling at fine cutting tasks and small game processing. The replaceable blade system is a game-changer for maintaining a razor-sharp edge in the field.
The knife’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, ease of use, and ability to quickly change blades. The primary weakness is the blade release button’s vulnerability to accidental activation. It met my expectations for a lightweight, easily maintainable field knife.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is surprisingly good for a knife in this price range, with the Grivory handle providing a comfortable and secure grip. The lightweight design makes it almost disappear in a pocket.
There is a slight learning curve to the blade change mechanism, but it quickly becomes second nature. Overall, the design is user-friendly and well-suited for its intended purpose.
Durability & Maintenance
While the 420J2 stainless steel isn’t the most premium steel, the replaceable blade system ensures that you always have a sharp edge. The knife is designed to be easily cleaned and maintained with minimal effort.
The Grivory handle is durable and resistant to wear and tear. The blade holder itself should last for years with proper care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife comes with two additional 3″ RazorSafe blades. There aren’t many customization options beyond that, as the knife is designed primarily for functionality and ease of use with its factory blades.
The RazorSafe blade system is proprietary. It requires using Outdoor Edge Cutlery replacement blades, limiting users to their specific blade styles and availability.
Pros and Cons of Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife
Pros
- Incredibly Lightweight: At only 1.9 oz, it’s barely noticeable in a pocket or pack. This is a huge advantage for backpackers and hunters.
- RazorSafe Blade System: Easy and quick blade changes ensure a consistently sharp edge in the field. Say goodbye to sharpening stones.
- Secure Grip: The Grivory handle provides a surprisingly secure grip, even in wet conditions. This is important for safe knife handling.
- Affordable: At $27.99, it offers excellent value for its features and performance. This is a great price point for an introductory hunting/field knife.
- Easy to Clean: Minimal design and materials make cleaning quick and simple.
Cons
- Blade Release Button: The blade release button can be accidentally activated, leading to dropped blades. Be mindful of your grip.
- Blade Steel: 420J2 stainless steel is not a premium steel and may not hold an edge as long as higher-end steels. Though the replaceable blades mitigate this.
Who Should Buy Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife?
Perfect for: Backpackers, hunters (especially small game hunters), anglers, and anyone looking for a lightweight and easy-to-maintain knife for general outdoor use. The simplicity and lightweight nature make it a good choice for those who prioritize packing light.
Who should skip this product? Individuals who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks, those who prefer a traditional fixed blade, or those who want a knife with extensive customization options. If you plan on batoning wood, this is not the knife for you.
Must-have accessories or modifications? Extra packs of Outdoor Edge Cutlery RazorSafe blades are highly recommended. Also, a small sheath or pouch to protect the blade holder from scratches is a worthwhile consideration.
Conclusion on Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife
The Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife offers a compelling combination of lightweight design, ease of maintenance, and a consistently sharp edge thanks to its RazorSafe blade system. While the 420J2 stainless steel and potential for accidental blade release are minor drawbacks, the overall value and performance are impressive.
The price is definitely justified for the convenience and utility it provides. The replaceable blade system is a huge bonus for anyone who wants a reliable edge without the hassle of sharpening.
I would definitely recommend the Outdoor Edge Cutlery 3.0 Onyx-Lite, 3-Blades, Knife to anyone looking for a lightweight, easily maintainable knife for general outdoor use and small game hunting. Get yours today and experience the convenience of the RazorSafe system!
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