Cheap pocket knives are everywhere, and while I appreciate a good price I want good quality. So when the Bear Edge 61128 pocket knife showed up in the mail I was intrigued. I’ve carried a similar more expensive knife for a long time, but this little stainless framelock pocket knife looked and felt pretty great. I can only find copy and pasted press releases online so I thought I’d share my personal thoughts in this brief review.
Yep, like when I met my wife it was looks that turned my head with the 61128. The understated stainless steel gray handles feature some nice lines and that bright orange disk. We’re talking subjectively, but I really like the look. I like the feel, too. With deburred handles, the knife feels great to me and should prove easy on the pocket.
The modified drop point 440 stainless steel blade arrived sharp enough to easily cut a sheet of printer paper. Like the 61128 handles, the blade features a nice gray finish. Thanks to the ball bearing washers in the blade pivot the action makes me smile when the blade smoothly swings open. A solid little thud follows as the framelock engages. Perhaps I’m too easily entertained, but I find this oddly satisfying.
To get the the Bear Edge 61128 in motion, just push up and out on one of the ambidextrous thumb studs. To get the muscle memory part of the process working I found I needed to hold the knife a bit forward in my hand. Well, more forward than I did naturally. But now when I pick up the knife I get it right without thinking about it.
Once open, my index finger rests comfortably in the space made for it and my thumb rests on the jimping on the top of the handle and blade. Nice.
The pocket/boot clip allows for tip up carry. I read somewhere that you can reverse the clip. I don’t see how.
At 3 ounces, the 61128 Bear Edge pocket knife might not be the lightest. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying it’s heavy. Literally 3 ounces equals the same weight as 15 quarters in your pocket. However, you’ll find the knife far more compact.
Lanyard holes sit at the butt end of the knife, but I’ve never seen anyone use a lanyard on a pocket knife. You?
Now, about the price. MSRP is $46.99, but I found it online for $29.99. Will that deal be around when you search Google for the Bear Edge 61128? No idea…
Here are the specs, straight from Bear and Son Cutlery:
Blade Material: 440 Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Stainless Steel
Open Length: 6 ½ inches
Closed Length: 3 ¾ inches
Blade Length: 2 ½ inches
Weight: 3 ounces
Origin: Built in America
MSRP: $46.99
Extras: Pocket clip, Framelock, Ball Bearings
Is it the best pocket knife for less than $50? In my experience to date, probably.
