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Bestech Ivy Knife Review
- Pros: Unique and visually appealing design. High-quality 14C28N blade steel. Excellent flipper action with perfect detent. Comfortable ergonomics despite the unconventional shape. Good balance between slicing ability and durability. Affordable price point for the quality offered. Versatile size, sitting between compact and full-sized EDC knives.
- Cons: Hawkbill blade shape may not appeal to everyone. Pocket clip sits high on the handle and is noticeable in the grip. Limited grip options due to the handle design. May require special attention when sharpening due to the curved blade. Only available for right-hand, tip-up carry.
I've got to say, I'm quite enjoying this Bestech Ivy review. Bestech seems to be taking a more selective approach with its releases compared to brands like Civivi, Kizer, and WE Knife.
They're not just pouring out new designs but also focusing on quality over quantity—and that's exactly what we have here with the Bestech Ivy.
Key Takeaways
- The Bestech Ivy is a relatively new knife designed by Ostap Hel.
- It features a unique hawkbill blade that's not too curved, making it both visually striking and practical.
- The knife uses 14C28N steel, offering a good balance of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and ease of sharpening.
- Despite its unconventional shape, the Ivy is comfortable to hold and use.
- The action is excellent, with a perfect detent and smooth deployment.
- At its price point, the Ivy offers impressive value for money.
Specs
Before we dive deeper into this Bestech Ivy review, let's take a look at some key specs:
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 7.13 inches |
| Blade Length | 3.09 inches |
| Weight | 2.78 ounces |
| Blade Thickness | 0.138 inches |
| Blade Material | 14C28N |
| Blade Style | Hawkbill with a flat grind |
| Handle Length | 4.04 inches |
| Handle Thickness | 0.556 inches |
| Handle Material | G-10 |
| Lock Type | Liner lock |
| Carry | Right-hand, tip-up only |
| Designer | Ostap Hel |
Design and Aesthetics
The Bestech Ivy is another fantastic design from Ostap Hel. Known for both clean and gnarly designs, Hel has created something truly unique with the Ivy. The hawkbill blade doesn't have too much of a curve, striking a balance between aesthetics and practicality.
I've got to say, I really do very much enjoy the design of this knife. From the blade shape to the handle contours, it's a knife that catches the eye and stands out from the crowd.
Blade Performance
The 14C28N steel used in the Ivy's blade gives you a little bit of everything in the good category:
- good corrosion resistance.
- solid edge retention.
- relatively easy to sharpen.
Now, I know some of you might be worried about sharpening that hawkbill blade. But let me tell you, it's not going to be that hard.
You can sharpen this on the edge of a strop, and if you do it often, it works miracles for maintaining the edge. When it does come time for a full sharpening, tools like the Spyderco Sharpmaker can make the job a lot easier.
The blade is nice and thin behind the edge at 0.021 inches, making it pretty slicey. And that pointy tip? It's going to excel at any poking or prodding tasks you throw at it.
Ergonomics and Handling
The ergonomics on the Ivy are good, even with its unique shape. There's really just one main grip position, but I will say it's a very nice grip. Your fingers naturally fall right where they should, and it doesn't feel awkward in the hand at all.
The jimping on the spine is very nice – your thumb goes right into it, giving you a very secure grip. Ostap clearly put some thought into these wild curves along the handle.
One thing to note: the pocket clip sits up pretty high. You're definitely going to feel it in your palm. From a looks standpoint, I really like how the clip meshes with the handle's curves and lines, but it's worth pointing out that you'll notice it when gripping the knife.
Action and Lockup
The action on this knife? It's just a flipper, but it's a really good flipper. The detent is about as perfect as you can get. Keep in mind that this is a light blade due to its narrow profile, but it still flies out and shakes shut very easily. It's extremely satisfying.
The liner lock is very nice and accessible, with that beveling making it easy to disengage when closing the knife.
Size Comparisons
It’s time to kick our Bestech Ivy review into competitive overdrive. Let's put the Ivy up against some other popular EDC knives:
Civivi Elementum Wharncliffe
The Bestech Ivy is just slightly larger than the Elementum, offering a bit more blade length in a similarly compact package. In terms of overall length, they're almost exactly the same, but the Ivy's unique blade shape sets it apart. The Elementum is often considered a benchmark for EDC knives in this price range, so the Ivy's ability to compete directly with it is impressive.
Civivi Vision FG
The Bestech Ivy sits comfortably between the Elementum and the larger Vision FG. This positioning makes the Ivy a versatile option for those who find the Elementum too small and the Vision FG too large. The Vision FG, another fantastic design, helps showcase how the Ivy bridges the gap between compact and full-sized EDC knives.
Video Review
Conclusion
Wrapping up this Bestech Ivy review, I've got to say that this is a standout offering in the budget knife market. You're getting a uniquely designed knife with solid materials, excellent action, and comfortable ergonomics at a very attractive price point.
While the hawkbill blade shape might not be for everyone, those who appreciate a bit of flair in their EDC will find a lot to love here. The Bestech Ivy demonstrates that with thoughtful design and attention to detail, even budget-friendly knives can deliver a premium experience.
What do you think about this one? I love the design. I was attracted to it at first sight, and when I saw the 14C28N steel at this price point, I had to give it a whirl. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
