Ganzo G704
One-handed folding knife with G-10 composite blades, axis-lock lock
- G704 (294)
- In stock
- Free
One-handed closing knife with metal handle with G-10 composite blades, axis-lock lock and blade made of 440 material. One of the few closing knives suitable for both left- and right-handed users - the pocket clip can be repositioned from right to left, and the controls are identical on both sides of the knife.
- Blade steel: 440C
- Blade length: 85mm
- Blade thickness: 4.0mm
- Weight: 148g
- Open blade length: 200mm
- Closed blade length: 115mm
- Color: black, green, orange, blue, red, yellow, camouflage
The Carbone version is marked F7041-CF
User review of the GANZO G704
Ganzo knives made in China are slowly but surely starting to win their place on the Czech market. They are inexpensive, despite their low price very well made, made of steels of sufficient quality and very often their shape is based on their much more expensive original designs of renowned brands. I myself own the third knife of this brand, to this day not one of them has betrayed me and I am satisfied with them.
Let's take a look at the Ganzo G704 knife.
At first glance, this knife evokes the inspiration of the well-known Benchmade 14210 Heckler&Koch knife - the result of a collaboration between two companies that specialize in high-quality tactical knives and firearms. The author of this knife is Mike Snody, who gave the Benchmade knife a very distinctive spirit. There are a few differences between the more expensive (and nowadays hard to find) original and the Chinese replica:
- Ganzo has a blade made of 440C steel (much used for example on the Spanish knives Muela and Nieto), Benchmade has a blade made of 154CM steel (this steel is used by Benchmade for example on the Griptilian knife and for the 14210 H&K model it specifies a hardness of 58-61 HRC)
- Ganzo has three plain holes in the back of the handle for clip attachment, Benchmade has the same holes but with recessed edges (aesthetic difference only)
- Ganzo comes in several handle colors, Benchmade came with a black handle (at least to my knowledge)
- Ganzo was made with a smooth blade (no serrations), Benchmade was made with a smooth blade, semi serrated blade, even a tanto blade
If we compare the two knives, we find that there are very few differences. The Ganzo is really a very good replica of the Benchmade 14210 HK. Both have the ambidextrous Axis Lock (and Ganzo has it well done), both have the option of two clip positions (in the back on the right or left side of the handle). Both knives have G-10 blades and even have the same shaped clip for pocket attachment in black.
The manufacturer states the following parameters for the Ganzo G704 knife:
- Steel: 440C (very good stainless steel, which is very easy to grind and has sufficient durability for most common activities)
- Blade: 85mm long, unpolished, modified drop point, false edge at blade tip (increases tip penetration), wedge cut (more suitable for rougher work)
- Lock: double-sided Axis Lock (reliable and well-made lock on this knife)
- Handle: G-10 with metal inserts (the handle has a fine roughening that makes the knife non-slip in the hand)
- Thickness of the blade: 4mm (at the spine of the blade, getting progressively thinner in the false edge and in the cut)
- Weight: 148g (you can already feel this weight in your pocket, before you get used to it, you feel like you are carrying a small stone in your pocket. Not exactly ideal for softer material pants, better for jeans, tight pocket squares, etc.)
- Length of closed knife: 115mm
- Open knife length: 200mm
If you look at the Ganzo G704, you know from the first moment that it is primarily intended as a tactical knife. The term tactical knife is a much-marketed term today and loosely translated means a knife that is "guaranteed to be used by special forces in Iraq", but you can't butter your bread with it. This is not the case with the Ganza G704. With this knife, you can enjoy your wife's pâté "tactically", open a beer and slice a pork chop with onions just as well. On first impression, it does not look shabby, nothing comes off anywhere, no burrs, no looseness, etc. But it takes some getting used to. It can look too rough on first impression, it evokes aggression, it is quite massive and quite heavy for a closing knife. The handle feels "square" in the palm of the hand when you first squeeze it, as if it wants to round out even more. But it's just a matter of habit. If you have been used to Victorinox-type closing knives until now, you will initially be taken aback by the weight, the grip, the massiveness of the blade, etc. But after a few days of carrying and use, you will overcome this feeling.
The blade opens a bit stiffly, but the oil and the torx to loosen the centre pin (which, by the way, each knife owner "tunes" to suit himself) helps. There is no play in the pin, neither horizontal nor vertical. The blade facet is symmetrical along its entire length and on both sides (this phenomenon is not so common on more expensive brand models lately). This knife came to me beautifully sharp - shaving. The blade opening pin is double-sided, factory machined well, and my thumb doesn't rub against it when opening the blade. When closed, the blade is in the center axis, the blade also does not bend laterally.
The Axis Lock is a popular lock on more expensive knife models (in fact, it's a standard lock on the Benchmade knife that inspired the Ganzo 704). It holds very well on the Ganzo, it doesn't tend to loosen the blade lock when open. Releases well, walks smoothly. With a little practice, the blade can be opened and closed with one hand. If the center pivot is well adjusted, the blade can be opened and closed with a swing with the safety on.
The belt clip (or rather for pocket holstering) is reasonably stiff and flush to the handle. The knife will not fall out of the pocket even if you "stand on your head". It does loosen a little over time, but not so that when you jump for joy, the knife falls out onto the pavement. It doesn't squeeze or get in the way when you grip it. The downside is that the blackening on its surface wears off after time of use (does not affect the functionality of the clip).
The design of the knife is intended more for fans of "tactical use" (however they define this term). In the kitchen (meat, fruit, vegetables, fish) the knife is a bit clumsy due to the wedge cut (for example, you usually can't cut apples because they burst in the middle of the cut), but out in the field (wood, branches, car belt, rope, etc.) it is easier to work with. In short, it's a knife that is primarily designed for guy work (again, considering the steel of the blade). Thanks to the thumb rest on the top of the blade, you can put more pressure on it in a vertical direction (useful, for example, when preparing shavings, cutting less pliable material, etc.). My experience is that it is not very suitable for finer work (e.g. carving your sweetheart's heart). It is quite heavy in the palm of your hand when you need to do delicate carving. However, it always depends on the ability of the owner.
Lovers of Cold Steel knives and their marketing videos would surely try hanging, rappelling and puncturing the hood of a car with a knife. I don't know how the Benchmade original did, but I wouldn't pierce a car hood with this knife. 440C steel isn't exactly suitable for such a piece. However, in a crisis situation where your life depends on the knife, you won't be looking at the quality of the steel and the price of the knife you have in your pocket. Some knife owners (and would-be survivalists) perform various "pranks" with their pets, which usually damage the knife as a whole or its individual parts - handle, blade, etc. (opening a can of blades, throwing the knife, soldering to see what the center pivot will hold, batoning with the blade open, etc.). A knife made of 440C steel is not designed for these activities, but if you know how to do it, you can take on such an event. Even if it doesn't look like it, making chips with a closing knife using a hammer really is possible - but it takes knowing how to do it. Otherwise you will damage the knife and especially its safety.
The aggressive appearance of the knife can be a disadvantage when used in a "pacifist environment". Especially if you open it with a swing, which usually gives a scary impression to people around. So not only do you have to get used to it, but also those around you.
So how do I rate the Ganzo G704? It's affordable - it's a quality and interestingly priced replica of the joint "baby" of Benchmade and Heckler&Koch. It fits well in the hand, does not press, is pleasant to work with. It has a reliable safety that holds the blade well in the open position. The 440C steel is quite easy to sharpen, which is especially appreciated by those who are not so experienced in this art. It will hold its sharpness for quite a long time with good handling. The knife is heavier and you have to get used to the weight in your pocket; it's also a good idea to carry it in tighter pants. The clip on the handle holds well, it just rubs off its blackening after a while.
What to say in conclusion? Ganzo did not disappoint me with this model. I have in it a reliable companion for everyday use (of course, I do not neglect my original and more expensive models of closing knives), with which I do not have to be afraid to go out into the city or the countryside. It is massive enough for harder work, at the same time it can handle "snack activities" and yet it doesn't look cheap (like from the market).
Jan Pokorný
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