Let me start by saying that I am not a knife enthusiast, but have a few knives that I hunt with and did carry a small Swiss Army classic pen knife on my keyring for many years until a job change had me working my way through TSA airport security a couple days a week. I distinctly remember the functionality of having a short blade handy for basic cutting. Another job change last year moved me into a more rural lifestyle with virtually no air travel. This past Christmas I started evaluating EDC knives for myself. The James Brand Pike was exactly what I was looking for. No need for multiple tools, just a nice sturdy handsome knife that was far from tactical looking and disappears in your pocket. From those standpoints it is a great knife. Where I am struggling is the fit and finish...I purchased the rosewood handle version and the wood on either side does not meet smoothly with the thickest part of the metal frame. On one side, the metal actually creates a small lip and on the reverse the wood is thicker and creates a small lip. Mind you, it does not look bad but from a tactile point of view, it seems roughly finished. I don’t have a lot of experience in evaluating other knives for their level of finish, and I know their are more costly options out there, but I am a little disappointed. Not so much so that I would not recommend this knife...it clearly fulfills my original objectives.

I bought The Pike (all black) as a gift for a friend, who was recently promoted to Captain in his Fire District. Another firefighter friend suggested it, saying "He'll love it!" and I liked its design and construction very much.

Although I have not seen the knife (it was shipped directly to my friend), I can tell you that it must be something special, given the reaction of my friend who called me to tell me how much he loves it. He also told me how impressed he was with the packaging and presentation of the gift.

To The James Brand: Well done!

About four decades ago, my father and I were walking along a dirt road in east central Illinois, and I asked to borrow his pocket knife. I don't recall what for, nor do I recall having inadvertently dropped it somewhere along the half-mile road... at any rate, when he asked for it back, I no longer had it. He spent years walking that road looking for it... I spent decades regretting having lost it... but I've just replaced it with a rosewood and stainless Pike, and he loves it. So... Thanks.

Pretty and very sharp!

I really like the finish and fit of the knife. It has proven to be a good pocket knife so far and I will continue to put it to the test. Nice job.