Kilimanjaro Gear Firma Folder 910016 Review

July 8, 2015

GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS

Construction & Materials

Ease of Use

Steel Quality & Edge Retention

Durability

The Good

Ergonomic Design
Textured Handles
Great edge retention for the price
Inexpensive

The Bad

Pocket clip is stationary and only allows for one direction of carry
Scalloping for thumb studs could be larger to allow for easier opening

THE VERDICT

The Kilimanjaro Gear Firma Folder is an ergonomic wonder of an every-day carry folding knife. Its textured handles and drop-point blade make it a joy to employ for a variety of tasks and it’s easy on your wallet. Because the Firma does not feature a titanium frame or any carbon fiber components, it is heavier and a little gritty—but that’s what helps keep the price so low. The lack of machine marks and unfinished edges and the exceptionally low price make the Firma a true competitor among the other knives in this test.

FULL REVIEW

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS
The Kilimanjaro Gear Firma is comprised of G10 Handle Scales, a stainless frame and spacers, and 8Cr13MoV blade steel. Besides all of the other tests I threw at it, the Firma was buried in the mud and snow for over a week and only had a few spots of surface rust on the blade (which rubbed right off).

EASE OF USE
The Firma is a tip-down carry knife that lives in a world of tip-up carry knives. Because of this, It took a few days to get used to deploying it properly. Although it’s a little heavy, the Firma’s ergonomic shape makes it one of the most comfortable knives I have ever used on a day to day basis.

STEEL QUALITY/EDGE RETENTION
The Firma utilizes 8Cr13MoV blade steel which has an HRC of 58-60. It sharpens up quick and easy and maintains an edge for a considerable amount of time. Additionally, its way more corrosion resistant than I had expected.

DURABILITY
The Firma comes with a lifetime warranty, but I am not sure you’ll ever use it as it’s one tough cookie. The surface rust is not a concern or deterrent and the handle scales look a little worn, but in regards to what I’ve put this knife through, it’s held up exceptionally well.

WHERE TO BUY

MSRP

$42.99