Tester Information:
Name: Jason Boyle
Age: 28
Gender: Male
Height: 5' 6"/ 1.68 m
Weight: 170 lb/ 77 kg
Email address: c4jc@hotmail.com
City, State, Country: Snoqualmie, Washington, USA
Backpacking Background:
I have been camping and backpacking for about 17 years. My introduction to the outdoors started with the BSA and has continued as an adult. I have hiked mostly in the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. I am a lightweight hiker, and normally carry only what is necessary. I use a hammock in summer, tents the other seasons, and the lightest and easiest to use of the other gear I can afford. I have just moved to the Pacific Northwest and have been exploring the new area and learning new places to backpack and camp.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: Imlay Canyon Gear
Model: Canyon Knife
Year of Manufacture: 2005
URL:www.imlaygear.com
Listed weight: 0.7 oz (20 g)
Measured weight: 0.7 oz (20 g)
Material: 440-C Surgical Stainless Steel
Blade Length: 1-1/8" (2.86 cm)
Measured Blade Length: 1-1/8" (2.86 cm)
Open Length: 3-3/8" (8.57 cm)
Measured Open Length 3-3/8" (8.57 cm)
MSRP: $19.95 US
For more product information please see my initial report and my field report.
Summary:
I have been very pleased with this knife over the last six months. It has performed well in every way that I have used it, and the light weight is great. I don't really have any complaints with it other than it is easy to lose because it is so small. C'est la vie.
Long Term Test Conditions:
This knife has been used in two separate parts of the United States. I started this test in the eastern United States in Maryland and used the knife while hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Maryland, and Virginia. In addition to the AT, I used the knife while hiking and camping in Shenandoah National Park. In the Pacific Northwest, I have used the knife while hiking and camping in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, in the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest. Elevation has ranged from sea level to 4000 feet (1290 m). I have used the knife in sunshine and rainy conditions.
Long Term Test Results:
Well it finally happened. I lost the knife! Somewhere between moving from Maryland to Washington, I noticed the knife was no longer in my possession. So yes it is easy to lose, especially if you carry it loose in your pocket all of the time as I did. However, I liked the knife enough to not only by a replacement for me but I also bought one for a friend for his birthday.
The knives have held up well over the past six months. I have not noticed any nicking on the blade or any rust. I must admit though that I haven't really cut anything that would nick the blade. I have mostly cut rope, wood, and food. I did not have any problems with the locking mechanism. It did loosen up some after the initial use, but I was never able to open the knife easily with just the thumb post. The knife stayed sharp for the duration of the test.
I really like to carry this knife. It fits in my pocket nicely and it is super handy. I was in Starbucks the other day getting a latte, and a little boy behind me was asking his grandmother to open his new video game. She was struggling with the plastic packaging, and so I offered to open it for her with the Imlay knife. I also used the knife to cut open boxes while unpacking. I really like the way I was able to use this knife for outdoor use as well as everyday use.
Improvements:
None that I can think of, I really enjoyed testing this knife.
Thanks to BackpackGearTest.org and Imlay Canyon Gear for allowing me to participate in this test.
Read more reviews of Imlay Canyon Gear gear
Read more gear reviews by Jason Boyle
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