WinterBlade Factor Thoughts

Deino said:
With such a big slot on the back and wide handle profile, is it comfortable to hold?
It could use the back button to open, crossbar lock style disengage to close, seems like the magnet detent instead of a spring detent gives it smoother action than the crossbar lock, that's a lot of engineering made it into this knife.
Innovative, but from my observation, a little bit over the top. Even if I have my hand on it, too many moving parts for my liking. The back button to engage the blade seems redundant as the blade can be open super smoothly with a flick, the button is far back into the handle, so one might need to repositioning their hand after pressing it to actually use the knife, which is heh in my opinion. That back button makes it an automatic, therefore a big no no in Canada. Distinctive looking still.
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There is actually a backspacer that can be swapped in for the “button,” which would close up that slot in the back of the handle and also make it NOT automatic, so there’s that. I’m not sure when that’s going to be available on the website. As for moving parts, I’m not really sure that’s an issue. There are a couple disassembly videos on YouTube, and based on what I’ve watched, it looks pretty simple (the Winterbladeco’s disassembly video is brief and you really should see it before you try it yourself—otherwise humor will ensue). Nick Shabazz‘s disassembly video shows the backspacer, and also some of the humor.
 
Shear said:
I'm always paranoid about watches and magnets
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I asked Metal Complex on YouTube about that—he’s been carrying the Factor quite a lot and he’s also into some spendy watches, so i posted the question on his latest watch box opening (Title: I Can’t Stop—Help Me). I’ll be interested to see what he says.
 
I’m sorry to be a dour and disrespectful Debbie downer, but I just can’t get excited about knives that are made for “fidgeting” first and foremost. Old fashioned things like blade geometry, heat treat, ergonomics, etc. are more my style.
 
But..... How do you sharpen it? Wouldn't the magnets pull all the metal shavings into the pivot area?
 
I watched a disassembly video on the Factor the other day.. it's really pretty neat how it goes together and how every aspect of the action uses magnets.. it's obvious to me that a lot of thought and engineering went into the design, and I can't deny that the knife is different in a way that pushing the boundaries of what other companies are doing currently. I'm all for this knife existing in the world. That said, it does absolutely nothing for me on an aesthetic level and I don't know that I'd ever be truly comfortable carrying magnets in such close proximity to my credit cards, cellphone, watches, etc.. I won't say "never".. but I have very little interest in actually owning one haha.
 
ricklikesknives said:
I watched a disassembly video on the Factor the other day.. it's really pretty neat how it goes together and how every aspect of the action uses magnets.. it's obvious to me that a lot of thought and engineering went into the design, and I can't deny that the knife is different in a way that pushing the boundaries of what other companies are doing currently. I'm all for this knife existing in the world. That said, it does absolutely nothing for me on an aesthetic level and I don't know that I'd ever be truly comfortable carrying magnets in such close proximity to my credit cards, cellphone, watches, etc.. I won't say "never".. but I have very little interest in actually owning one haha.
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I get you. Chip credit cards aren’t really at risk and I don’t have any these days that still use the magnetic strip. From what I’ve read, cell phones these days are fairly protected (though I still wouldn’t store or carry them right next to each other). Lots of EDC things have magnets, so you already need to have some common sense about such things. I wouldn’t plan to carry mine in a pocket anyway—for now my EDC is a Kershaw Leek because I don’t mind scratching it up. I know some people use more expensive knives as EDC, but for me, this is a collector’s item because it’s a “first.“ I‘ll play with it and enjoy the ”ting,” but I want to keep it in good condition.

I get it about the aesthetics, too—either you like the look of a knife or you don’t. I don’t like saying anything less flattering about a good company that is in my own stomping grounds, but most Spyderco knives just don’t do it for me.
 
ThumbsUp said:
I get you. Chip credit cards aren’t really at risk and I don’t have any these days that still use the magnetic strip. From what I’ve read, cell phones these days are fairly protected (though I still wouldn’t store or carry them right next to each other). Lots of EDC things have magnets, so you already need to have some common sense about such things. I wouldn’t plan to carry mine in a pocket anyway—for now my EDC is a Kershaw Leek because I don’t mind scratching it up. I know some people use more expensive knives as EDC, but for me, this is a collector’s item because it’s a “first.“ I‘ll play with it and enjoy the ”ting,” but I want to keep it in good condition.

I get it about the aesthetics, too—either you like the look of a knife or you don’t. I don’t like saying anything less flattering about a good company that is in my own stomping grounds, but most Spyderco knives just don’t do it for me.
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I forgot to even mention the "ting" hahah! Sounds cool as hell when it's opened! 😜

Completely agree with your thoughts on people liking what they like. Something can be objectively well made and still not appeal to someone, which is the the case here for me..
 
brancron said:
I’m sorry to be a dour and disrespectful Debbie downer, but I just can’t get excited about knives that are made for “fidgeting” first and foremost. Old fashioned things like blade geometry, heat treat, ergonomics, etc. are more my style.
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Same. I can't help but think "ok....but how is it as a knife?" I didn't sub to the youtubers to watch them rave about a toy for adults with add.
 
ricklikesknives said:
I forgot to even mention the "ting" hahah! Sounds cool as hell when it's opened! 😜

Completely agree with your thoughts on people liking what they like. Something can be objectively well made and still not appeal to someone, which is the the case here for me..
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I gather the next release is going to be the MAGLEV, which is a magnet-driven OTF. I have seen comments around the web from people who are dying to get their hands on it. But have you seen his karambit? That’s 007 kinda cool. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcMjFzcgWNX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
 
ThumbsUp said:
There is actually a backspacer that can be swapped in for the “button,” which would close up that slot in the back of the handle and also make it NOT automatic, so there’s that. I’m not sure when that’s going to be available on the website. As for moving parts, I’m not really sure that’s an issue. There are a couple disassembly videos on YouTube, and based on what I’ve watched, it looks pretty simple (the Winterbladeco’s disassembly video is brief and you really should see it before you try it yourself—otherwise humor will ensue). Nick Shabazz‘s disassembly video shows the backspacer, and also some of the humor.
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Thanks, I watched the videos. With the back plate, it removes the automatic feature and makes it looks much more comfortable. It is indeed simpler than I thought, but still more complex than other designs.
Distinctive, but the number of magnet used (3, counting the back bar ones), I wonder if no one did this before because of the inconvenience from the magnet. The magnet interior is a big nope for me since I work with a lot of metallic dust and chip around. I personally would not get this, though I would like to read more feedback from people daily carrying this, not just first impression.
 
The "SCHWING!" when you open it is worth the cost of admission. Obviously this isn't about the most practical design, but the novelty of it along with us all being Guinea pigs with magnetic detent. The metal filings issue is addressed by Bryan, and we move forward together to field test. That's how innovation works sometimes.
Funniest magnet thing that's happened to me is decades ago dragging a deer back to camp without considering my coverall has magnetic snaps instead of buttons. Took me until the third pass on the same Grove until I realized what happened 🤣
But I still love the magnetic buttons on my sleeves, so much quieter and much less movement. Nothing is perfect for every scenario. Why would you care about your knife while working in a shop with any tool you want at hand?
 
Deino said:
Thanks, I watched the videos. With the back plate, it removes the automatic feature and makes it looks much more comfortable. It is indeed simpler than I thought, but still more complex than other designs.
Distinctive, but the number of magnet used (3, counting the back bar ones), I wonder if no one did this before because of the inconvenience from the magnet. The magnet interior is a big nope for me since I work with a lot of metallic dust and chip around. I personally would not get this, though I would like to read more feedback from people daily carrying this, not just first impression.
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It seems to me it’s about the same as videos I’ve seen where button locks, axis locks, and spring assisted knives are disassembled. Basically, instead of springs and stop pins, the “extra” thing is the one rogue magnet in the locking system (the detent magnets are stationary so not as apt to get stuck to things if you’re sensible about where you put it during disassembly).

But yeah, if you’re working around a lot of metal dust, it would be a problem—I’m told it’s just a matter of using sticky tape to remove it, but if you’re always in that environment it would just build up again. If you want to use it as a working knife, it’s really more suited for breaking down boxes and opening packages.

OH. ETA, the guy at Metal Complex did several videos on this, including two that list it as his favorite among his top five folding knife designs of 2022, and his favorite of his top 5 most carried knives. Not sure if there are other videos by people who’ve had it awhile, but he’s definitely still enjoying it.
 
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Metal dust and residue collected by the magnet and general usage. It was very hyped at release, but now I don't see anyone talk of it anymore.
 
stick a rare earth magnet in your pocket , K&J offers ridiculous number of options. I personally tried using a cylindrical and cube N52 grade magnets about 1/4" and pull of around 5 pounds and didn't have any issues, but also didn't put in same pocket as cell. That's my only concern, I don't think most people have to worry about iron filings.
As far as being quiet, there were a limited number and everyone who wanted one snapped them up, those who decided to sell did so and I assume the rest are now inn the hands of people who plan on keeping them. So makes sense there's not as much discussion- but the first full production run should be in our hands in 2 months so I expect we will see lots of renewed interest in February.
 
Hashishiin said:
Yo, first time seeing someone younger than me (1997, by one year) on the forums! What's up youngin!

It looks like a really unique lock, plus an axis lock, what is that, man? Looks intriguing at the least! :)
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Make me the second then, glad to see the forum isn't all millennials, gen x and boomers
 
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