BackpackGearTest.org - Xikar 138 Excel Knife Bob Wilborn

Height: 6'3" (190.5 cm)
Weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
Location: North Texas
Date: October 7, 2003

Backpacking Background:
I have been backpacking and hiking for the past 20 years. I try and get out at least twice a month, with the exception of the hot months here in Texas, when it’s just too uncomfortable to get out and do much of anything. I hike and backpack with my two teenage sons, and I have been trying to introduce my wife into some small backpacking trips. I am very active with my son's Scout troop and I am currently one of the advisors for the high adventure patrol, made up of high school aged boys. Currently I do not consider my pack as lightweight, but I have been attempting to cut the pack to a more manageable weight. I use a hammock as my main shelter and I am replacing some of my gear with lighter weight items, as my budget will allow.

Product Information:
Manufacturer: XIKAR Inc.
Year of manufacture: 2003
URL: WWW.XIKAR.COM
Company phone number: 888-266-1193
Listed Weight: 1.3 oz. (36 gm)
Weight delivered: 1.3 oz. (36 gm)

The XIKAR 138 Excel knife was delivered to my office in a solid black box, 5 1/8" X 2 3/4" X 1 1/8" (13 X 7 X 3 cm). This is a very handsome box, with a double lid. The two lids lock together, with the top lid sliding over a raised diamond on the bottom lid. A silver XI is embossed on the diamond. When I opened the box, I found the knife packed in a piece of black foam rubber, 5" X 2 5/8" X 3/4" (12.7 X 6.5 X 1 cm). Underneath the foam rubber is a small piece of open cell foam, with the same approximate dimensions as the foam rubber. The bottom lid has XIKAR embossed on the inside. Also included with the knife is a small "L" shaped tool with two different sized torx screw drivers, which fit the screws on the grips and blade of this knife.The outside of the box has a white sticker on the side with "138AS" and "Made in Italy" printed on the label.

Also found in the box is a small brochure that lists all of the XIKAR products. There are Instructions for use along with the Guarantee and Warranty Information. They do state, "this knife is sharp and you should not test the sharpness of the blade with your thumb."

The knife itself has a brushed aluminum handle with a black textured grip on both sides that measures 3 1/4" (8 cm) in length while closed. The grips are held in place by two small screws with a "torx head". The texture on the grips apparently keep the knife from slipping when you grip it. On the handle, the blade is attached by a larger "torx head" screw, on both sides. One side of the handle has an aluminum clip that allows you to attach the knife to your pocket or to a strap on your pack for quick access. This clip is made out of aluminum and seems very strong. I attached the clip to a piece of computer paper to test the gripping strength of the clip and the knife did not slide off. I am eager to see if the clip continues to keep its grip after several weeks of use. The clip is attached to the handle with three small "torx head" screws, and can be removed if it is not wanted.

The blade has a "quick open peg" on both sides of the blade, which allows the knife to be opened with either hand. The pegs are attached close to the pivot of the blade and the handle. The blade has a hollow opening across the top portion, where the fingernail slot is usually located. The blade is shaped like a dagger, with only one side sharpened, and it measures 2 1/4" (5.5 cm). The blade has "XIKAR" and "Italy" stamped on one side next to the handle. The total length of the knife with the blade open is approximately 5 1/2" (14 cm). The blade does not have any play side to side when open, and it locks very securely with a "liner lock". This lock is next to the pivot point of the handle and the blade. You release the lock with your thumb, by pushing the lock lateral or to the outside, while you gently bend the blade back towards the handle and your thumb. I have cut my thumb many times and witnessed several other people cut themselves with knives that have the same type of locking mechanism. You must be very careful when closing the blade. The blade is made from Z60 stainless that is hardened to HRC 57. While I don't know what that means, this is a very well made knife.

In the instructions they advise to check the sharpness of the blade by cutting a piece of paper while you angle the blade 45 degrees. If the paper cuts then the knife is sharp, and if the paper tears, it needs sharpening. I performed this test and the blade on this little knife is very sharp.

Test Plan:
My test plan will include carrying this knife with me, in my pocket, for day to day use. I also intend to take the knife with me on all of my upcoming day hikes and backpacking trips, which include trips to the LBJ Grassland National Park, Cross Timbers Trail and Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt. Hopefully we will also get some time on the Ouchita Trail this Spring.

I am looking forward to testing this little knife, by carrying it with me for day to day use and taking it with me on all of my hikes and backpacking trips.

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Xikar 138 Excel Knife > Bob Wilborn > Initial Report

Reviews > Knives > Folding > Xikar 138 Excel Knife > Bob Wilborn > Initial Report