- Joined
- Nov 27, 1998
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- 2,602
I've always had a thing for small/miniature gent-sized folders, but when it comes to high-quality mini titanium framelock flippers with all the bells 'n' whistles, the pickens have been mighty slim.
Enter two new offerings from Factor Equipment and Bestech; respectively, the tiny Bit, and the only slightly less diminutive BT1705A. The latter moniker reflecting Asian manufacturing's longstanding affection for decidedly non-catchy alphanumeric gibberish.
Despite their different branding, it's obvious that these two minis came from the same Chinese factory. The high level of fit, finish, function and attention to detail, the basic design language, S35VN steel, ceramic bearing systems, blade pivots, stainless Torx hardware, blue and gold anodizing, and slipcase box w/fitted foam insert packaging all share a common origin.
The Factor Equipment Bit has an OAL of 4.72" and weighs 1.2 oz., while the Bestech BT1705A has an OAL of 5.5" and tips the Toledos at 1.38 oz.
Both knives have nicely dialed-in detents and crisp glass-rod-snapping actions. They both have a steel lockbar insert that doubles as an over-travel stop, and both have nicely-implemented 3D ti pocket clips for right-handed, tip-up carry only.
Ergos are spot-on considering their two-and-a-half-finger (Bit) and three-finger (BT1705A) grips. Positioning the handles for flipping requires a minimum of fumbling, and there's plenty of relief to comfortably release the lockbars.
Both blades are ground nice and thin behind the edge and came out of the box shaving sharp. Lockup is 100% all around. The Bit has a bright satin finish, while the BT1705A has a gray ceramic coating that resembles a cross between a fine stonewash and a beadblast finish.
Oddly, the Bit is the more expensive of the two at $120.00 compared the BT1705A's $104.00. In my opinion, the prices are reflected in the build quality, finish, and materials, especially given that all that fine attention to big-knife detail has been effectively miniaturized. I highly recommend them both.
Attention to detail and symmetry is excellent all around. Note how all of the edges are evenly beveled or chamfered. Reminds me of a miniature We Knife.
This comparison shot with the popular ZT 0450 shows just how small these guys really are.
Alongside a few more shrimps.
Enter two new offerings from Factor Equipment and Bestech; respectively, the tiny Bit, and the only slightly less diminutive BT1705A. The latter moniker reflecting Asian manufacturing's longstanding affection for decidedly non-catchy alphanumeric gibberish.
Despite their different branding, it's obvious that these two minis came from the same Chinese factory. The high level of fit, finish, function and attention to detail, the basic design language, S35VN steel, ceramic bearing systems, blade pivots, stainless Torx hardware, blue and gold anodizing, and slipcase box w/fitted foam insert packaging all share a common origin.
The Factor Equipment Bit has an OAL of 4.72" and weighs 1.2 oz., while the Bestech BT1705A has an OAL of 5.5" and tips the Toledos at 1.38 oz.
Both knives have nicely dialed-in detents and crisp glass-rod-snapping actions. They both have a steel lockbar insert that doubles as an over-travel stop, and both have nicely-implemented 3D ti pocket clips for right-handed, tip-up carry only.
Ergos are spot-on considering their two-and-a-half-finger (Bit) and three-finger (BT1705A) grips. Positioning the handles for flipping requires a minimum of fumbling, and there's plenty of relief to comfortably release the lockbars.
Both blades are ground nice and thin behind the edge and came out of the box shaving sharp. Lockup is 100% all around. The Bit has a bright satin finish, while the BT1705A has a gray ceramic coating that resembles a cross between a fine stonewash and a beadblast finish.
Oddly, the Bit is the more expensive of the two at $120.00 compared the BT1705A's $104.00. In my opinion, the prices are reflected in the build quality, finish, and materials, especially given that all that fine attention to big-knife detail has been effectively miniaturized. I highly recommend them both.
Attention to detail and symmetry is excellent all around. Note how all of the edges are evenly beveled or chamfered. Reminds me of a miniature We Knife.
This comparison shot with the popular ZT 0450 shows just how small these guys really are.
Alongside a few more shrimps.
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