I recently bought an Enlan EL-01 folding knife.  Its only a budget Chinese folding knife but the build quality, handling and specification are impressive for such a low price (£12.00 with free worldwide delivery from Gearbest).  It’s a big locking knife so not a legal UK-carry on both counts.

Specification

Blade material: 8Cr13MoV
Handle material: Rose wood
Overall length: 21.2cm
Closed length: 11.8cm
Blade length: 10cm
Liner lock
Blade flipper
Pocket clip

Adjusting

It’s my first flipper knife and as supplied from the factory, the action appeared a little stiff.  Adjusting it would be straightforward if Enlan hadn’t opted for a bespoke ‘three-arm’ pivot pin to hold the knife together. Having searched extensively for ways to adjust an Enlan EL-01, I come across several ways to adjust the pivit pin.  Some were too complex and required the manufacture of tools to fit the bespoke head.  Finally I came across the suggestion of a small drill chuck!

I think the idea is one of those minor moments of genius which hit from time to time.  I bought a cheap 10mm keyless chuck to try the idea out. You just hold the chuck and adjust it until the three jaws are wide enough open to easily fit between the ‘arms’ on the surface of the pin.  Then you apply some steady pressure and gently turn the pin.  Turning small increments at a time and checking the flip action has resulted in a much more fluid opening of the blade.

 

 

I am impressed enough with the Enlan EL-01 to order another one as well as a couple of other Enlan models to try out.  It’s a large-bladed folder which doesn’t weigh as much as you would think and I like the flipper opening method.  I also like the rosewood finish as it’s less of a ‘tactical look’ than the black version.