Cold SteelGrik 3" AUS8A Spear Point Razor-Sharp Blade 3.875" GFN Handle Everyday Carry Versatile Pocket Folding Knife w/Tri-Ad Lock

The Grik is an interesting offering from Cold Steel. It begs to take the place of other Cold Steel models in my backpack kit (Finn Wolf), but hasn't made it so far - but it does very often go with me as an every-day-carry, often kicking my Tuff Lite out of my pocket."Mods": I put both clips on the knife for a fuller hand hold and ambidextrous pocket carry; I removed the "eye" insert to make opening the blade actually easier, and eliminating hanging up on through-cuts.Pro's: Almost-fixed-blade-strong Triad Lock; Ease of ambidextrous pocket-ability; Blade shape and strength, tip to choil/ricasso; generous ambidextrous flip open hole; finger groove for cut control on spine that also can be used with a ferrocerium rod; economical, easily sharpened steel; reasonable blade length for an EDC (a bit less than 3").Con's: Rear screw could also have been a lanyard hole for those who prefer a fob.Summary: Like the title says, a good, strong, every-day-carry worthy pocketknife.

I have a couple other Cold Steel knives - most related to the Grik is my American Lawman. The Grik has all the great aspects of the Lawman PLUS it's shorter/smaller (less obtrusive in the pocket - it doesn't "print").I looked at the Grik for a long time before buying it - it just seemed to be too large from the posted dimensions and images available. However, the Grik is actually quite slender and reasonably light weight - I don't like hefty things in my pocket. Additionally, I put *both* (included) pocket clips on, but I NEVER clip it on the outside on my pocket - I just drop in my pocket and go (clip on pocket = opportunity to lose knife....).The lock-up is absolutely confidence inspiring - this knife blade is not going to accidentally close on your fingers. The Tri-Ad lock is without peer - Benchmade, Spyderco, Buck, Schrade, any liner "lock" - none of those is close (owned and/or tried them) . There is no perceivable blade wiggle in any direction once locked. Admittedly the unlock is a bit stiff at first, but nothing too difficult for an adult.I really like the blade pivot hole - works very similarly to my Spydies - bordering on being a copy-cat. I am not a teenager or some super-secret, knife-fighting "Agent" so I don't need a blade to flip out like a Balisong knife...but the Grik does open smoothly enough for my use.Unfortunately the AUS-8 blade steel is not great, but for $26 USD I'm not complaining.... 2 minutes on my ceramic rod and its back to shaving sharp.Additionally, the blade grind on the spine is just weird... I don't understand why it's ground that way and I don't really like it, but maybe it helps keep the weight of the knife down and I *do* like that a lot. Also, the "thumb notch" on the blade spine doesn't work well for me, but it's a pocket knife so it's not really intended for really hard jobs (that's what my regular fixed blade knives are for).I am really picky when I buy things (and more so with something I have to carry in my pocket) and the Grik really delivers in all areas I want a folding pocket knife to do - especially for the $26 price.

Almost a perfect EDC if it wasn’t for the poor plastic clip, which promises either losing your knife (retention strength is extremely low) or breaking at some point. If the clip is not important to you, then this knife has a lot going for it: 1) amazing locking system - truly heavy duty; 2) the blade is well -designed, fully functional and is made out of one of the best signature alloys from CS; 3) easy to open with one hand; 4) good grip design and 5) carries well in you pocket.

Have lots of Cold Steel knives and they are all fantastic knives. A few came with some centering issues but all were very, very sharp and tough as nails in use. This knife was the first Cold Steel knife however I could not close. Try as I might, I had to use plyers on the lock bar to close the darn thing. After playing around with the knife, I finally figured out you have to press in at the very end of the back lock bar to close the knife. Once I figured that out, it was all smooth sailing.I like the knife very much. Blade shape and size are great for daily carry. Like other reviews have mentioned, I also put on both pocket clips at the same time to fill the knife out more, giving me a more even feeling in the hand. A good small knife offering with some issues. But I would rather have a knife stay open than close unexpectedly. I would buy again. Have fun!

Can't dispute the ruggedness of the blade locking mechanism or the stiffness of the 3 inch blade. But you pay for that with an extra 0.5 ounce in weight, a resistant blade release lever and a bulky design for a 3" EDC. My old CRKT Ripple weighs only 2.3 ounces, has a marginally longer blade, a much sleeker design and its blade is easier to deploy (but its aluminum handle sure gets cold in winter). The well-made Grik will become my tool-box knife. The robust construction of the Grik would be more appropriate for a longer blade folding knife; for example, Cold Steel Voyager Large Drop Point.

For the price this thing is very cool. It’s lightweight, has a super strong lock back, good steel, neat opening disks, and is cool looking in a different way. The pocket clip works ok, but I have to use both hand to push the clip onto my pants to slide it in place. The Triad Lock on this one is smoother & easier to use on some other Cold Steels I’ve tried with this stout lock.The only thing I wish they designed in was a forward finger choil like their Tuff Lite & a lanyard hole.For less than $35, this is a great little knife.Update- I decided to disassemble it so I could round off the sharp corners on the back edge of the blade that you feel when it’s closed, polish the lock engagement, oil it & blue Loktite all screws. It takes a T6 & T10 Torx. This knife is easy to take apart & reassmble. It has a Teflon washer on each side of the blade.

Good EDC Knife..VERY Sharp out of the Box