Reviews > Knives > Folding > Victorinox One Handed Sentinel > Test Report by Brett Haydin

VICTORINOX ONE HAND SENTINEL KNIFE
TEST SERIES BY BRETT HAYDIN

TESTER INFORMATION

I started backpacking in Wisconsin as a youth, being involved in the Boy Scouts programs. As a young adult, I worked at a summer camp leading backpacking, canoeing and mountain biking trips. I now generally take short weekend or day trips in rough, mountainous terrain, although I have extensive experience in the upper Midwest as well. I take one or two longer trips each year, where I typically carry about 40 lb (18 kg). I prefer to be prepared and comfortable, but I have taken lightweight trips as well.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Victorinox
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: www.victorinox.com
MSRP: US$ 30.00
Listed Weight: NA
Measured Weight: 2.5 oz (71 g)
Listed Length: 4.375 in (11 cm)
Measured Length: 4.375 in (11 cm)
Measured Blade Length: 3.25 in (8.3 cm)

Other details:

• Large Blade: One-hand opening (liner lock)
  
• Tweezers
  
• Toothpick
  
• Key Ring

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The Victorinox One Hand Sentinel is a simple knife with a single, serrated blade. It has a convenient one-handed opening function and a locking blade making this a functional knife. The Sentinel comes in a grey box that slides open to reveal the knife. The knife also contains a toothpick and a tweezers that are stored in the body of the knife. There is a key ring at the end of the knife body as well.

The Sentinel appears to be well crafted. There are no signs of defects and the blade is quite sharp. The body is made of a black plastic material that is neither smooth nor rough. It provides enough traction so that I can maintain a firm grip. The Victorinox logo is printed on one side of the knife as well. I don't claim to be a knife master, but the knife feels well balanced in my hands.

Victorinox One Hand Sentinel

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

The Sentinel does come with a set of instructions. The included instructions appear to be a generic set of instructions for Victorinox knives since they include instructions for all sorts of implements that are found on other Victorinox knives. There are clear directions on how to operate the liner lock which also include a reminder to be careful not to cut your fingers when the blade closes.

There are some general care instructions that state to add a drop of oil should the blade stick. Also included is the manufacturer's warranty information as well as how to facilitate repairs. The instructions are all in English and are easy to read.

TRYING IT OUT

I am impressed with the sharpness of the blade. While I haven't gone out to whittle any sticks, the blade easily cuts through bread as well as shave a small amount off my fingernail.

I found the liner lock mechanism to be very intuitive. There is a label stating "Press" on one side so you know which way to push. The lever is in the middle of the knife, where the blade flips out of. I'll need to exercise some care when closing the blade since my thumb will be in the way when the lock is released.

There is a hole cut into the blade that allows my thumb to gain purchase so that I can open the blade with one hand. The hole is a small oval yet big enough for me to fit the tip of my thumb into. I am curious to see if I will be able to open it as easily in the field, perhaps with gloves on since the winter is upon us in the mountains. I love how light the knife is as well as the simple design.

SUMMARY

I am quite pleased with this knife. I generally carry along a multi-tool as well as a pocket knife. I haven't used a serrated blade before so I am curious to see how that will be different than the other knives I have owned. I like how easy it is to operate and that it has my favorite part of owning a Victorinox knife, the tweezers and toothpick!

This concludes my initial report. Please check back in two months from the date of this report to see how the knife has performed during the first half of this test. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Victorinox as well as those at BackpackGearTest for allowing me to be a part of this series.

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Victorinox One Handed Sentinel > Test Report by Brett Haydin