The GOOD the BAD MONKEY the UGLY

[Rdnesh69]

I stumbled across the Southern Grind, Bad Monkey while browsing the exchange like I so often do. I knew nothing about it but really liked the look and materials. So I made a trade, now patiently waiting for my cool new blade.... Ya well it fell out of the package and USPS lost it. That was 6 months ago, so I decided it was time to try again. After reading and watching many reviews I hadn't seen much in the way of negative feedback, other than complaining about the price considering the blade steal. The price doesn't bother me for what you get.. A huge, very robust, well built folder with titanium liners, stainless custom hardware, carbon fiber scales and a decent sandvik steal. Not too shabby for $250.

This thing really is large. There are a few things is like to note for those interested or on the fence. Right out of the box it's pretty much just ok as far function goes. Fit and Finnish are great though. So here goes, the Bad Monkey didn't get one day in pocket before a clip change...

As far as I'm concerned this is a must, the original clip is way too short and very loose. I went with the titanium Emerson clip because..awesome. Next I noticed as I was working the blade open the thumb stud had some pretty sharp edges left inside the grooves, so that was dealt with. Now very comfortable open.

Last and definitely not least, infact the biggest issue, was the clearance for the lock bar on the opposing scalewhich was none. I found it much too difficult to press in and release the lock bar. Oddly enough I noticed that the actual titanium liner did have a larger choil cutout that the c.f. scale... So the choil was ground flush with the liner.

Now it feels much more sebenza ish on that lock release. So overall the knife is good, good materials, very well built, great fit and finish..but for the bad monkey to be a great blade I truly believe it needs these little tweaks.. Just my 2 cents.

 

[jstrange]

I love the Bad Monkey, I have had two of them and both were great knives and very well put together. I am probably in the minority, but I actually like the shorty clip and had no problems with unlocking the blade. The only reason I don't have them is I always wind up trading off stuff to try something new, it wasn't because of any flaw in the execution by Southern Grind. I will say though that you have to like large folders as they are pretty big.

 

[shandrydan1]

Southern Grind makes an awesome product. I also dig the short clip and havent had any issues with any of mine. I've got 2 Bad Monkeys and 1 Spider Monkey and all three are flawless. In the design they managed to pack a fairly large product into a smallish package. I find them to be lightweight, ergonomic, and slim in the pocket for the amount of knife you get. Hope you continue to enjoy yours and the mod looks good!

 

[Rdnesh69]

I suppose I could have said more about how much I like the Bad Monkey. This certainly wasn't meant to talk down a good product. Overall, this is a very good looking design with robust, well executed manufacturing. I would absolutely recommend it, especially if you want a large folder, even more so if you want the wave opener in a large folder without the Emerson "feel" and without carrying a zt brick. I have or have had both and I believe the Bad Monkey is a great addition to the collection and holds it's own amongst some of the best.. However, for my mileage, I think the little tweaks I made bump it up a notch in my book. Obviously not everybody's..lol. If you got em, enjoy em. Southern Grind makes one heck of a blade.

 

[shandrydan1]

Oh no, didnt take it as talking down at all. Was just adding in my 2c since I suck at reviewing knives haha. Really enjoyed the pics and also glad to see others exploring the brand since they don't get seen very much around here. Everybody is different and has to make their stuff their own. Looks good! :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Riz!]

I have one and love that thing. Never had a problem with the clip, and the scales were cut that way to prevent accidental disengagment of the lock. But modding a knife you fit your liking is awesome. If its improved for you thats a good thing. I also was concerned about the steel but its performed very well for me.