Camillus Machine Linerlock Assisted Folding Knife Review

Breaking Down My First Experience with the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife

For over a decade, I’ve handled just about every kind of outdoor and tactical gear imaginable. When I first laid eyes on the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife, its sleek design and promise of assisted opening immediately piqued my interest. Could a knife priced under $30 really deliver on performance and durability?

I needed a reliable, quick-deploying folding knife for everyday carry and light outdoor tasks. My old folder, a generic brand I’d picked up years ago, was becoming increasingly unreliable, with the blade often sticking and the lock failing to engage properly. The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife seemed like a potential solution.

Unboxing it, I was pleasantly surprised by the initial feel. The black glass-filled nylon handle with its carbon fiber inlay offered a decent grip, and the weight felt balanced in my hand. While it didn’t scream “premium,” it certainly didn’t feel cheap either.

I was also considering a Kershaw Blur and a CRKT M16-14SFG. I chose the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife primarily due to its price point and the positive reputation of Camillus for producing reliable knives. Plus, the assisted opening feature was a major draw.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I was intrigued and eager to see how it would perform in real-world scenarios.

Real-World Testing: Putting Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I immediately took the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip to the local state park. I used it for everything from preparing kindling for the campfire to opening food packages and cutting rope. The varied tasks served as a good initial test of its capabilities.

The weather was damp, with on-and-off rain throughout the weekend. Despite the wet conditions, the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife maintained a solid grip, thanks to the texturing on the glass-filled nylon handle. The assisted opening mechanism worked flawlessly, even with slightly wet hands.

It took me a few minutes to get fully comfortable with the liner lock, as it’s a slightly different design than what I’m used to. After that, it became second nature. The blade held its edge well enough for the tasks at hand.

One surprise was the pocket clip; it felt a bit flimsy compared to the rest of the knife, making me question its long-term durability. Other than that, the first use was generally positive.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of carrying and using the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife almost daily, I have a better sense of its strengths and weaknesses. I’ve used it while hiking, fishing, and even for some minor tasks around the house and yard. It’s become my go-to EDC blade.

The blade has held up reasonably well, though it definitely requires occasional sharpening, especially after heavier use. Some minor scratches are visible on the Carbonitride Titanium coating, but nothing major.

Cleaning is straightforward; a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth and a drop of oil on the pivot point keeps it functioning smoothly. The pocket clip, as suspected, has loosened up a bit and required some minor adjustments to maintain a secure hold on my pocket. It’s still functional, but a higher-quality clip would be a welcome improvement.

Compared to my previous experience with budget-friendly folders, the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife has outperformed my expectations in terms of both durability and functionality. While it may not rival the performance of high-end knives, it offers excellent value for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife

Specifications

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife boasts a 2.75-inch blade, constructed from 420 stainless steel with a black Carbonitride Titanium coating. Its closed length is 4 inches. The handle is made from black glass-filled nylon with a carbon fiber inlay.

The knife features an assisted opening mechanism, a liner lock, a thumb stud, and a pocket clip. These specifications contribute to the knife’s lightweight design and ease of use. The Carbonitride Titanium coating is designed to enhance corrosion resistance and blade hardness.

Performance & Functionality

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife performs admirably for its intended purpose: everyday carry and light to medium-duty tasks. The assisted opening mechanism is quick and reliable, allowing for one-handed deployment of the blade. It’s a feature that is both practical and satisfying to use.

While the 420 stainless steel blade is not the hardest steel on the market, it’s reasonably easy to sharpen and offers decent edge retention for daily use. The liner lock engages securely, providing confidence during use.

The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability, ease of deployment, and comfortable handle. The primary weakness is the relatively soft blade steel, which requires more frequent sharpening. It certainly meets expectations for a knife in its price range, but serious users may want something more robust.

Design & Ergonomics

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife features a sleek and modern design. The combination of black glass-filled nylon and carbon fiber provides a visually appealing aesthetic. The weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to carry and use for extended periods.

The handle is ergonomically shaped, providing a secure and comfortable grip, even in wet conditions. The thumb stud is easily accessible, allowing for smooth and reliable one-handed opening.

There is a minimal learning curve; the knife is intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. The liner lock is simple to operate, and the assisted opening mechanism is incredibly responsive.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife should last for several years of regular use. The Carbonitride Titanium coating provides some protection against corrosion and wear, but it’s not indestructible.

Maintenance is simple; regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s required to keep the knife in good working order. The knife is relatively easy to disassemble for more thorough cleaning and maintenance if needed.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife comes standard with a pocket clip. There are no included accessories.

Customization options are limited, but the standard pocket clip can be replaced with aftermarket clips for a more customized carry experience. Blade swaps aren’t feasible due to the knife’s construction and the unique geometry required for the assisted opening mechanism.

Pros and Cons of Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife

Who Should Buy Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife?

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife is perfect for anyone seeking an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use EDC (Everyday Carry) knife. It’s a great option for casual campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a general-purpose knife for light to medium-duty tasks. It would serve well as a first knife.

This knife is not recommended for those who require a heavy-duty knife for demanding tasks or prolonged use. Professionals who rely on their knives daily, such as construction workers or search and rescue personnel, should invest in a knife with a more durable blade steel.

A must-have accessory would be a quality sharpening stone or sharpening system to maintain the blade’s edge.

Conclusion on Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife

The Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife is a solid, budget-friendly option for anyone in the market for an EDC knife. It isn’t a high-end, indestructible tool, but for the price, it offers a surprising level of performance and reliability.

The price of $29.99 is definitely justified by the knife’s features and performance. It represents an excellent value proposition.

I would definitely recommend the Camillus Knives Machine Linerlock Assisted Opening Folding Knife to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable everyday carry knife. It’s a great entry point into the world of folding knives and provides a good balance of features and performance at a reasonable price. Pick one up today and experience the convenience and versatility of a quality EDC knife!