Wanting prefer it stepped out of your favourite sci-fi film, the Redstone pocket knife from The James Model is a singular try to incorporate options which are usually absent in a minimalist knife. And it really works.
The Redstone could possibly be the blueprint for the subsequent technology of climbing knives. However past that, this blade might properly discover its manner into the pockets and pack lids of people that don’t set foot (or crimp) on a crag.
A forward-thinking design by The James Model (TJB) mightily will increase the quantity of labor this folding knife can do.
Designed with skilled climber and photographer Savannah Cummins, TJB constructed the Redstone for entry and ease of use. However with options like a deep carry pocket clip, jimping for added precision and management, and a singular “island” sample of deal with scales that help within the grip and maneuverability, the Redstone is a step away from climbing knives just like the Petzl Spatha.
I spent 2 weeks, primarily within the woods, with the Redstone. I took it mountain climbing and used it in real-life conditions: reducing rope and cord, whittling fir sticks for a fireplace, and slicing up veggies for chow.
Briefly: I wouldn’t name the Redstone an on a regular basis knife, however I wouldn’t restrict it by calling it a climbing knife both. The Redstone is a superb out of doors utility knife you’ll be able to tuck in your pocket or throw in a pack and use virtually anyplace, for something. Its distinctive design isn’t only for appears to be like; it provides to the construction and performance of the knife whereas retaining it light-weight. I may see the Redstone’s razor-sharp blade, aided by the serrations (which I used to hate and swore off for years) enable it to chop by way of rope, meals, and kindling simply — all for beneath $100.
The James Model’s Redstone Assessment
The James Model Redstone Specs OAL: 6.2”
6.2” Blade size: 2.5”
2.5” Metal: Sandvik 12C27
Sandvik 12C27 Blade form: Drop level with serrations
Drop level with serrations Grind: Flat
Flat Hardness: 59-61 HRC
59-61 HRC Lock sort: TJB slide lock
TJB slide lock Carry: Tip up, proper carry
Tip up, proper carry Weight: 1.8 oz.
Design and Options
Constructed off a stamped and folded metal body, the Redstone just about disappears in your hand and pocket. However it simply as simply finds its stability when deployed and in use; your index finger finds the choil each time you place it to work.
This lets you actually double down on what you’re doing with the Redstone.
Of us accustomed to present knife tendencies will acknowledge the ambidextrous TJB slide lock as harking back to Benchmade‘s Axis lock — frankly the perfect and most progressive lock mechanism out there right this moment.
Being that the 2 perform identically, you shouldn’t have a purpose to query their reliability, sturdiness, and ease of use.
For those who’re in search of a boutique blade metal right here, chances are you’ll be disillusioned. However the place The James Model opted to avoid stylish blade supplies, it erred towards a time-tested dynamo metal: Sandvik 12C27.
Selecting this metal retains the general value of the Redstone down however, as a result of it’s chrome steel, will increase the corrosion resistance and sturdiness of the blade.
First Impressions
After years of expertise, I’m not a fan of serrated blades. However when you think about the truth that the core of the Redstone is a climbing knife, serrations take advantage of sense — they minimize by way of climbing rope in a flash and will show you how to out of a jam simpler than a plain-edged blade.
I used to be excited to check that principle and overcome my staunch opinions.
The Redstone is light-weight, greater than I imagined it will be. However for one thing that could possibly be misconstrued as minimal, it’s removed from it.
By making a body from a single piece of stamped and folded metal and opting to make the most of no-brainers like polypropylene deal with scales and a wire pocket clip, The James Model was capable of maintain the burden of the Redstone down with out compromising its sturdiness or talents.
Out of the field, what impressed me — except for the aggressive serrations — was the deal with scale format.
With a smaller scale across the pivot, a bigger scale on your palm, and a niche within the center, you get a rise in grip. This forces you to suit your index finger into the hole, which strains up with the choil. And all of it combines to offer the perfect management one may have over a knife.
Within the Subject
I’m not a fan of wire pocket clips, and the Redstone didn’t change my thoughts. Nonetheless, I’m a giant fan of huge thumb holes for ease of opening and backbone jimping for these instances when you’ll want to double down in reducing and slicing.
This knife is pretty common, however I needed to see how it will carry out when slicing by way of a climbing rope.
Underneath rigidity, the serrations on the blade proved they might mark the distinction between life and demise in a jam out on a wall. I minimize by way of an 8.5mm rope effortlessly.
The serrations listed below are meant for right-hand use, however lefties: Don’t let that deter you. I’m left-handed and had no points with any of the duties I used to be performing with the Redstone.
Large image: The Redstone isn’t only for climbing. This can be a nice, adventure-ready EDC pocket knife that you could possibly use on a day-to-day foundation. The one factor that might separate the Redstone from the cadre of selections available on the market right this moment which have related, if not the identical options, can be the best way the knife appears to be like.
Sure, it does seem like it fell out of a spaceship, however with that comes the elevated grip that gives extra management over the knife in numerous climate circumstances. Total, the Redstone is a shining instance of kind aiding perform, and that’s forward-thinking.
James Model’s Redstone: Conclusion
Climbing knives get lumped right into a class the place folks suppose they’re good for reducing rope and into recent baggage of chalk, and that’s it. Fortunately, the Redstone by The James Model isn’t only a climbing knife, it’s an announcement. The Redstone is a knife that I imagine may affect design adjustments all through the knife trade.
As an outside fanatic, I may simply see the Redstone being my pocket knife of alternative, clipped to my vest, and even in my gear bag as my go-to knife in a jam. At one level, it rained like hell and acquired bitter chilly the subsequent morning and the Redstone carried out very well with gloves, although the lock took just a little extra effort to activate. (For this, I might advocate squirting just a little mineral oil — or another food-grade lubricant — into the mechanism if you happen to plan on utilizing it within the chilly with gloves.)
Plus, it’s minimal. You possibly can see that within the construct and really feel that within the weight of the Redstone.
The huge array of options makes this knife a welcomed companion for nearly any job, on any given day. Its measurement and form are commensurate with its talents.
For those who maintain it between the strains by way of what you’re planning on doing with the Redstone, based mostly on these components, you’re going to be very proud of the outcomes.