5.11 knives? Ever seen them?

The Government

The Government

Joined
Aug 21, 2009
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I just found this knife (and 2 others by the same company). It is going for $130. Here is the link: http://www.opsgear.com/5-11-First-Responder-Spear-Point-Knife-p/511-51000.htm



Here is a description right from the site: The "First Responder"

U.S.-made S30V Crucible blade steel
5.4" closed, 8.9" open, 3 1/2" blade
4mm blade thickness, fl at ground
G10 scales (.08" thick)
Frame lock
Heavy duty 3/32" steel liners
Strike plate
Ambidextrous up/down/left/right options :::::::END

I have only seen it with serrations.

It looks impresive, but I have never heard of the comapny here on BF.

What do you guys think? Any Experience?
 
No experience with their knives, look pretty decent, they do make some very nice pants though :thumbup:
 
5.11 is a well known company, not really for knives. That said, they are pretty decent knives, I had the Journeyman's Kbit, decent quality, decent price.
 
I've come across a couple of brief reviews. The people who had them felt they were well made. Personally, I like the designs, I just don't have a place in my rotation for one. :)
 
I handled the First Responder a few times and really liked it. Solid construction and great handle. The serrated blade and choil I didn't care for and that's the only model of that knife. I could've got one for $60 new on closeout but passed. Sometimes I wish I got it.
 
Like all 5.11 products they are made overseas so they can keep costs down, but the designs on their accessories are by guys whoa ctually knwo what they are doing. The 5.11 VTAC line of Nylon gear is good, designed by Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics. THeir Hoslters are just 5.11 branded Bladetech products. All of their current knives are designed by Steve Tarani.

The materials and construction on the knives are solid, and they are covered by the 5.11 warranty, if you break it they replace it fairly simple. Can you get a American made product for the same price though? Yes....

I have seen some prototypes for some new products they have coming out in the fall. Mostly in the $30 - $40 US range. Including a really cool little boot knife that will fit into the hidden knife pocket in their boots.
 
I've got 3, from top to bottom:

First Responder
Ten-Eight
Investigator

Groupshot.jpg


They are not as spit and polish pretty as some knives, but they are really built tough. The First Responder is a little to big IMO, the Ten-Eight is just about the perfect EDC in this style, very slim to carry.
 
I like the handle better on the 10-8, and the cutting edge of the blade looks as long as that of the Responder. But I like a big handle anyway, so all three look good.
 
Sorry to wake this olde thread to live but I just got the 5.11 Ten Eight and wow! It´s a great knife! The G10 handles are big and you can easily operate this knife with heavy glowes. The 154 CM blade is thick and strong. It locks up tight with no bladeplay. It´s big but really light. It´s not as polished as a Benchmade Blue Class. Here is an (old and long) article I found about the 5.11 knifes.
I Can´t understand why this knife isn´t more often recommended on this forum.
 
Slowstarter said:
I Can´t understand why this knife isn´t more often recommended on this forum.
Click to expand...

There are many other good knives to consider, 511 aren't a dedicated knife maker, if they don't do a plain blade version that will put many people off.

However I am currently wearing a pair of 511 shorts and I have a bunch of their shirts and pants. I really like their clothing! :thumbup:
 
Well... dedicated or not dedicated, it´s a great knife! Did you read the article??

"The torture test that these knives passed included running over the knives with an APC and other vehicles, ramming the blade into the hinge of a CONEX box and jumping up and down on the handle, leaving the knife in a bucket of salt water, smashing the back of the blade with a hammer on an anvil, utilizing the tip to try to disassemble an engine, and crushing the knife handle with a boulder."
 
Slowstarter said:
Well... dedicated or not dedicated, it´s a great knife! Did you read the article??

"The torture test that these knives passed included running over the knives with an APC and other vehicles, ramming the blade into the hinge of a CONEX box and jumping up and down on the handle, leaving the knife in a bucket of salt water, smashing the back of the blade with a hammer on an anvil, utilizing the tip to try to disassemble an engine, and crushing the knife handle with a boulder."
Click to expand...

I did read it . . . it was hard to stay awake through it though. I am confident that the knives I own will hold up fine to the uses I put them through. Everything you list is pretty irrelevant to me because those are not things that I do with/to a knife. My own tests are more like: testing a knife after I have sharpened it and find it to be VERY sharp, cutting stuff and have it retain its sharpness well, chop wood, baton wood, cut tomatoes, cut cardboard boxes up for recycling, cut packaging to get at the goodies the courier delivered, cut steak, cut potatoes, cut a watermelon . . .

Basically I buy knives to cut stuff and sometimes with some knives to chop, slash or baton. I have plenty of knives that are more than tough enough for any task they do. If I want a tough knife I'll buy one of these: http://yhst-7333098713883.stores.yahoo.net/18inchangkhola.html
 
i have the sidekick boot knife, the one with the hole.

does anyone have one of these?

how is it for self defense?
 
I have the 5.11 k-bit and i love it, while my emerson is my favorite carry knife, at about half the price of the emerson the 5-11 kbit is one neck of a knife. i think the blade has a great profile and the construction is rock solid.
 
I bought my FR for 60 bucks and shipping. Outstanding build quality. It is a frame lock with scales on both sides. Heavy duty, nice grind lines, very ergonomic which I like and now it is hair shaving sharp. Has a thicker edge so I thinned it out a bit on diamond stones. I don't think you'll find a better heavier duty knife for the money anywhere. keepem sharp
 
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