Steel Will Knives

N

NetshadeX

Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
694
I just discovered these guys. It's a relatively new company that offers a wide array of blades both folders and fixed. They have a pretty nice range of models ranging from tacticool to simply functional. I just ordered their Druid 200 model. Looks like a Fällkniven S1, curious to find out if the performance is on par. Anyway, just something for you guys to check out, let me know what you think of the brand.

Druid 200:

Druid%20200.jpg
 
Looks like quite a mix of materials and countries of origin. I saw some from the US, Italy and (presumably) China. I generally take it to mean that a knife is made in China if not stated otherwise, even when made from a steel that doesn't necessarily dictate any one source. Also saw some inconsistencies, such as one model advertised as having 9Cr18MoV steel but clearly marked AUS-8 on the blade. Interesting designs, though, and some steel/grip combinations that I haven't seen offered elsewhere. I don't care for the pronounced angular choil on some of the models, but the Druid 290 folder looks like it'd be right up my alley.
 
Seems like another knife "company" that is simply a front for overseas made knives, and no actual, company owned factory. Kilimanjaro Knives, Burnside Knives, etc. All new, yet produce nothing.
 
From the website... Gimmicky much???

"The skill of using a knife requires an appropriate tool to develop this skill, and turn it closer to a form of art. A greenhorn is able to develop his skills very fast with a good knife, but a professional who uses Steel Will will never forget it. Our designers were inspired by the best military knives to create the “Tactical” series. These durable and reliable knives are ideal for both training and for everyday use. The “Tactical” knife will be able to help its owner in any situation."
 
These look expensive for what you get. A Chinese made 9cr steel knife for almost $100?
 
They uhhh...well they definitely spent some money on the website. Decent looking knives.
 
Inazone said:
Looks like quite a mix of materials and countries of origin. I saw some from the US, Italy and (presumably) China. I generally take it to mean that a knife is made in China if not stated otherwise, even when made from a steel that doesn't necessarily dictate any one source. Also saw some inconsistencies, such as one model advertised as having 9Cr18MoV steel but clearly marked AUS-8 on the blade. Interesting designs, though, and some steel/grip combinations that I haven't seen offered elsewhere. I don't care for the pronounced angular choil on some of the models, but the Druid 290 folder looks like it'd be right up my alley.
Click to expand...

Yeah same here, I'm sceptical as well, there doesn't seem to be much consistancy in their productline, their offerings are all over the place in design and target audience but to be honest some designs like their Druid 200 look interesting to me.


Blues Bender said:
From the website... Gimmicky much???

"The skill of using a knife requires an appropriate tool to develop this skill, and turn it closer to a form of art. A greenhorn is able to develop his skills very fast with a good knife, but a professional who uses Steel Will will never forget it. Our designers were inspired by the best military knives to create the “Tactical” series. These durable and reliable knives are ideal for both training and for everyday use. The “Tactical” knife will be able to help its owner in any situation."
Click to expand...

lol yeah that's pretty bad :D

craytab said:
These look expensive for what you get. A Chinese made 9cr steel knife for almost $100?
Click to expand...

Well they advertise that 9cr18mov to be hardened around 58-59 HRC which is pretty decent. I actually just found online it's basically a Chinese 440c.

Anyway, I'm sceptical like you guys but I decided to get that Druid 200 and give it a good workout to see how it holds up. I found this (German) vid on youtube and the guy seems to think it's a good performer for it's price. He drives that thing through some frozen wood and it seems to hold up good:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YT6TAK5FXY

I'll let you guys know how the knife holds up for me by the end of next week. It should arrive this wednesday and I'm going to give it some tough love ;) If it disappoints so be it...
 
Last edited:
Okay so the knife arrived at my doorstep a day early, can't complain about that. Here's a quick impression on how they handle packaging and the knife itself. I have to say they know how to make a good first impression. The blade comes in a sturdy glossy package held in place with velcro straps. The sheath has a quality feel to it, the stitching is flawless, no rough spots on the leather, and there's no cracks in the rivets. The finish on the knife itself is very nice as well, satin finish with no marks or scratches anywhere. The factory edge slices phonebook paper.

I'm not completely sold yet since I got this as a userblade and I intend to give it a good workout. If it holds up well this won't be my last Steel Will puchase. Anyway, here's the pics, no fancy lighting or filters or anything, just my cellphone:

Packaging
2ags39k.jpg


Sheath:
npqvxi.jpg


The knife:
2884h85.jpg


In sheath:
5ogg7r.jpg


I'll keep you guys posted on performance
 
I have to say, that's a pretty nice looking knife! I hope it holds up well for you, brother!
 
That handle looks like it has a million hot spots. I'd wear gloves if you're going to be using it hard.
 
So far, I am liking their fixed blades over their folders.

Going by the pictures at least for now.

I am going to wait and see on this company.
 
Steel Will Bruiser Knife
New York, NY- STEEL WILL KNIVES, a premium knife manufacturer, fuses the finest steel with extremely practical and innovative designs, producing the highest standards of quality by using the most modern methods of production. STEEL WILL Knives currently has three distinctive lines, Tactical, Outdoor and Urban, creating over 25 quality cutting tools.

STEEL WILL’s mission is to become the world’s best-selected knife producer and provide the upmost experience of class and style while doing so. They are pursuing a sales representation group that will share the same goal when representing STEEL WILL’s complete line of premium knives. This innovative and professional company has a dignified family of knives that consists of exquisite, premium, and classic materials with many more knives in the development stages.
Click to expand...

Modesty is so attractive in a new brand.
 
Thomas Linton said:
Modesty is so attractive in a new brand.
Click to expand...

Personally I don't care about modesty in marketing as long as their products deliver. It's all about practical performance for me. I'm leaving for the Belgian Ardennes soon and I will put the knife through it's paces. I've done an afternoon of yard work with it and it's performed nicely. chopping up a good amount of small 1" branches didn't do anything to the edge and the TPE handle felt comfortable throughout. However I do now feel they could have done a better sheath. The knive rides quite high in it meaning there's little balance in that free swinging thing. That might improve overtime as the leather loosens and the knife sinks deeper. We'll see.
 
Well, I picked one of the fixed blades up, the Cager Tanto-point version. 4.3-inch D2 tool steel blade, G10 handle scales over full tang and kydex sheath.

The handle ergonomics are good, because of the finger groove, traction slots and the thumb ramp is quite effective.

I haven't gotten around to using it for very much besides opening some packages so far. I might take it to work and use it there for a while.

I am interested in their Bruiser 550 flagship folder and the Dropped-point version of the Apostate folder too. I wish that the Bruiser was available in dark green, blue or grey over the "typical tactical black."
 
I have the Gekko 1505. The feel and grip of the handle (linen micarta) is amazing. SO far my only complaint is the lack of jimping. It is there, but not enough for my taste. I got it at a very good price, so I couldn't resist.

SW_Gekko_1505_BIG_left_zpseuipsvfg.jpg
 
Thanks for posting about these knives, and telling of your initial feelings about the Cager. I've seen their advertising, and my wholesaler catalog has all of them, it seems. Whole sale prices run from $20 (Druid skeleton fixed blades China) to the Fervor (Italy) dagger at $160. One model, a couple handles, the 'Chieftain' is made in the USA. Everything under $50 wholesale (half of MSRP) is Taiwan or China. I think I'll buy a mini Druid fixed blade and give it to one of my friends to try out.

Edited to thank StJust33 for his opinion of the Gekko. I like that one.
 
I just got the onrush 612. Very solid feel, but lots of weight for a 3.75" knife. Very smooth open and locks up tight. No problems so far.
 
stjust33 said:
I have the Gekko 1505. The feel and grip of the handle (linen micarta) is amazing. SO far my only complaint is the lack of jimping. It is there, but not enough for my taste. I got it at a very good price, so I couldn't resist.

SW_Gekko_1505_BIG_left_zpseuipsvfg.jpg
Click to expand...

I can't bring myself to pick it up, but the maroon micarta Gekko is a really handsome knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top