Ganzo G712

Ganzo G712

 

IN A NUTSHELL:  Run, don’t walk, to Fasttech and buy this knife!!

YAYS:

·         Incredible construction.

·         Razor sharp blade

·         Super clean and grippy gimping

·         Axis lock

·         Zero vertical blade play and minimal side-to-side play

·         Contoured G10 scales and super grip and comfort

·         Strong deep carry pocket clip

·         Tip up pocket carry

·         Super smooth opening and closing

·         Thumb studs for right or left handed operation

·         Insanely sexy piece of hardware

NAYS:

·         No dedicated lanyard hole

Manufacturer
	Brand	Ganzo
	Model	G712
Packaging
	Type	Retail Box
	Accessories	Cloth Sheath
Aesthetics
	Color	Black
	Materials	440C (Blade) / G10 (Handle)
Classification
	Form Factor	Folding
	Blade Edge Type	Fine
	Blade Type	Drop Point
	Locking Mechanism	Axis
	Blade Hardness	+58HRC
Dimensions
	Depth	22 mm
	Height	12.4 mm
	Width	36.9 mm
	Blade Length	95 mm
	Closed Length	125 mm
	Open Length	220 mm
	Product Weight	162 g
	Thickness	4 mm
Product Info
	Purchased From	Fasttech
	Price Paid	$17.87
	Fasttech SKU	1283800
	Date Purchased	2013 04 15
	Date Received	2013 05 01

 

 I put in a product request to Fasttech to get this knife and a few weeks later there it was among their inventory.  I snatched it up immediately along with a Buck fixed blade knife and it arrived yesterday after just over 2 weeks of waiting.  Let me just say that it was quite simply worth every minute of waiting!  My Ganzo G704 has been my EDC for about a year now but it will be relegated to my collection now that I have the G712.  Those of you who know what a great knife the G704 is know that is about as good as the  famously popular (and well deserved) Enlan EL01. The G712 is twice the knife the G704 is. 

As soon as you hold it’s thick, contoured G10 scaled body in your hands and feel it melt perfectly into your palm and fingers, you will know you found the knife you didn’t realize you’ve always wanted.  I honestly can’t imagine a better folder at any price and I doubt I will be looking for another one for a long, long time.  Let’s get on with the good stuff…the pictures.  All pics, when clicked, will take you to the full resolution version in a new window so you don’t lose your place in the review.

My G712 arrived in a very nice gift box composed of an outer sleeve over a nice solid inner box.

Genuine Ganzo goodness!

With the inner box opened we can see the G712 in a cello sleeve.

Also included is a velour bag you can use to store or carry your new Ganzo.  Look at that gorgeous Ganzo goodness!

The G712 has a sturdy, very strong stainless steel deep carry pocket clip.  No lateral wiggle at all on the clip.

With the blade opened you can see the rather unique drop-point blade.  It arrived razor sharp and I have the bald spot on my forearm to prove it.

here we have a view of the clip side with the blade extended.

The right side of the blade has the model# and the grade of steel.  In this case it is a very hard 440C with a hardness of +58HRC

The left side of the blade has the Ganzo logo etched into it.

The blade is almost like a cross between a mini scimitar and a skinning blade.

The thick, contoured G10 scales allow your fingers to comfortably grip the knife as hard as needed without digging into your fingers.  The finger cutouts machined into the handle coupled with the heavily textured sides means your hand will not slip using the knife.   Holding the G712 is really like slipping your hand into a custom made fine Italian glove.

Thumb studs on both sides of the blade allow for perfect ergonomics for righties or lefties.  The part of the blade that rides against the Axis lock mechanism is highly polished and ridiculously smooth opening and closing.  The nicest I’ve ever felt.

Here you can see the perfectly centered blade.

The pocket clip is removable but only mounts in a tip-up carry position.   It clips easily onto a pocket or belt but grips hard so you don’t have to worry so much about losing it.

The Axis lock mechanism is easily used from the left or right side of the knife.  Unlike my G704, the action has zero gritty feel and while heavily sprung, after a few slides moves easily for a slick flick open or closing action.

A closer look at the Axis lock.

THe gimping on the blade falls perfectly under the thumb when open and is clean and sharp for super gripping.  your hand will not slip using this knife!

Here is the G712 along side a ruler so you can get a sense of size.  It’s a large knife and perfect for large hands as well as small hands.  I have fairly large hands and I can tell you that it fits perfectly in my grip.  A smaller hand would find it just as comfortable and other hands in my household agree.  My son and stepson both want one of these for their own.  I already have two more in my cart for their birthdays this summer.  Please don’t tell them. 😉

For more sense of scale, here it is in my hand.

In a fighting grip the curved tail gives solid footing for your thumb.

And finally next to it’s older brother, the Ganzo G704…

I tested the blade against my forearm and with just one swipe it cleanly shaved off my hair.

My new bald spot, smooth as a babies behind.  I wish I had thought about where I was testing before I shaved my arm but it will grow back in time.

The deep carry clip keeps the knife low in the pocket with just enough to easily grab onto when taking it out.

What a gorgeous knife!

Ganzo lists all the specs on the bottom of the box.

 

CONCLUSION:

Best pocket knife for the money…PERIOD! I love this thing and can’t stop thinking about it since I got it.  If you collect knives or are just looking for a great quality knife at a great price I can’t think of a better knife to spend under $18 on.  Trust me on this one, you will love it!  Head over to FastTech and grab one before they are gone. 😉