TANGRAM Tactical Knife Mini Pocket EDC Flipper G10 Handle Every Day Carry for Outdoor Survival AZO Amarillo

There is so much to like about the Tangram Amarillo. It is a really nice size (IMHO), it has a really nice cutting edge from the factory, it is very lightweight, and it just simply feels good in the hand.For comparison, I have also purchased the CRKT Drifter and as you can see in the pictures they are almost identical with only a couple differences. The Drifter utilizes thumb studs to open the knife, does not have a reversible pocket clip and is strictly tip down when in the pocket.The Amarillo uses a flipper tab to open the knife, has a reversible deep carry pocket clip and is strictly tip up when put into the pocket. It is also marginally heavier because of the use of a little more steel under the G10 scales.As for similarities, the pictures should speak for themselves (even the scale texture is almost identical). At less than $10 difference, these two knives are direct competitors and you would be hard pressed to go wrong with either of them (depending on your preferences).

I don’t usually write reviews of this sort but I thought this little gem warranted it…This is my first experience with Tangram, or any of the Kizer design knives. After watching several video reviews I decided to give one a try. While I've only had it a short time, I can say that I'm very pleased with the Amarillo! Enough so that earlier this week I also ordered the Orion. So, what's to like about the Amarillo?Size: First, I'll say that I'm not a regular "heavy" use knife guy like some. So, most of my EDC knife needs are of a lighter type use. Obviously I have other, larger knives for other needs, but I carry a lot of crap in my pockets daily and prefer a smaller knife that suits my more typical uses. With that in mind, the Amarillo is just about perfectly sized for my needs. It's large enough to be pressed into a little heavier use on occasion, and yet small enough to do what I typically need while being unobtrusive in my pocket at all times.Action: This knife uses bearings in the pivot and has a very good action! With a push button flipping technique it flies out 100% of the time with a very satisfying "snick". In fact, it's become a very addictive fidget toy for me and I spend hours at a time absentmindedly flicking and closing, flicking and closing... Did I mention that this little guy has a very smooth action? It also has good lock engagement and no lock stick. Just a good secure lockup, with easy disengagement that makes it easy to open and close with one hand. I’m VERY right handed and my left is basically a lump useless for anything requiring and manual dexterity. Haha. But, even I have no problem using this knife right or left handed.Blade: At a little under 3" the blade makes for a compact carry suited for my day to day EDC needs and yet can be pressed into a little more medium use needs if necessary. The clip point blade uses relatively thin stock and a full flat grind which makes it fairly thin behind the edge, and it has a fair amount of belly for a shorter blade. These attributes make for a very good slicer. The tip also has a fine, sharp point for detail work, and the size allows for choking way up on the blade with a pinch grip for digging out splinters and such. The knife came with a perfectly acceptable edge out of the box. I reprofiled the edge using a 17 degree primary bevel and a 20 degree micro bevel. Not because it really needed it, but just because I wanted to as it makes it slice a bit better, and easier to do quick touch ups on a strop. I found it to be easy to sharpen and it took a wickedly sharp edge with just a little time. I have no doubt that this edge will be very quick and simple to touch up and maintain when needed. Speaking of which, I haven’t had enough experience with it yet to speak to edge retention but my research into the Japanese Acuto blade steel used, indicates that it is a good quality steel that surpasses many of the common steels used in budget knives in its price range, such as 8Cr13MoV.Misc: I much prefer G10 scales to all metal handled knives. I find it more inviting to handle in hot or cold conditions, gives me a more secure grip, and generally holds up against abrasion and scratches better. The G10 scales used here are very nicely executed and the texture is just right, IMO; just enough to provide a grippy surface without being too abrasive. And that texture is the perfect balance that makes the knife slip in and out of the pocket easily and yet grippy enough to keep it secure and prevent it from falling, or getting snagged and pulled out of the pocket accidently. The scales are also very well matched to the liners, with no overhanging edges or gaps, and are chamfered around the outer edges for a comfortable feel in the hand with no hot spots or sharpness. The pocket clip is a nicely shaped deep carry style, which I prefer, has good tension, and is reversible for right or left handed carry, although only for tip up carry. The knife is of a flow through design with two hourglass shaped and polished back spacers which is a nice, attractive touch. Blade centering is spot on and overall fit and finish is very, very good.Aesthetics: When I first opened the box I thought, "Ok, just a plain Jane little pocket knife. But, after spending a bit of time with it, examining the little details and fit and finish, I've found it to actually be very attractive. It has a look and feel that speaks to quality. Just a lot of small details that you notice over time as you examine it closely. And speaking of opening the box... While it has no real function as far as knives go, I will say that the packaging is VERY nice. My GF was with me when it arrived and I opened the outer Amazon box. She's not into knives at all, but even she got excited and was intrigued once she saw the Tangram box. It was a pleasant little surprise that almost looks as if it should contain jewelry or ladies perfume, or something fancier than a knife. Of course, if giving this as a gift, it would definitely add to the appeal for the receiver. It also comes with a nice little Tangram branded cleaning cloth. Nice little touches like this, while not really necessary, speaks to Kizer's attention to detail. Another thing that I appreciate is that they didn’t make it a billboard for their logos . The Tangram name and logo is small and tastefully done, as are the blade type and model name. I can’t stand when a manufacturer ruins an otherwise attractive knife with tacky huge printing all over the place *cough, cough - CRKT - cough, cough*. Kudos to Kizer for keeping it tasteful!Conclusion: I have quite a few other knives of various sizes and price ranges, and this one is shaping up to be my favorite EDC blade that finds its way into my pocket more than any other. If you’re in the market, or have need of a knife of this type and size, I can’t recommend it enough. Especially for the price! I almost hate saying that last part since it almost sounds as if it’s making excuses for shortcomings by rationalizing that it’s an inexpensive knife. That’s not the case at all though. It’s just a great knife. And just happens to also be inexpensive too. This makes it a tremendous value! A side benefit of this is that if I were to lose it, it wouldn’t make me sick as it would if I lost a knife 2-5 times the price. And if that happens, can you guess what I’d buy to replace it? Yep. Another just like it! Hell, it’s worth the price just for the fidget toy aspect due to how much fun it is to “snick” this knife open and closed over and over again.Just buy it. You won’t regret it. And if you do, and you agree with me on my review, come back and give me a vote. Not that I get anything from it of course. But, it would be nice to know that my time and review might have helped someone make an informed decision on how to spend their hard earned money on what I think is a very good value.

I had never heard of Tangram knives until recently while browsing Youtube i ran across a video talking about it and it being Kizers budget line. I am no stranger to budget knives or guns. I have owned a few Kershaws, Ganzo, Mtech, and CRKT and all have been pretty good blades and functioned well. I will say that when I received this Amarillo though I was very impressed the moment i opened the package. Just the box it came in was impressive, no plastic clamshell, or plain paper box. No they took some pride in this product, even packaging it in an elegant box and including a cleaning cloth. Keep in mind this costs around what a Kershaw would cost, give or take a couple bucks.The fit and finish is absolutely perfect, flips butter smooth and is nice and light in the pocket. Clip is designed to ride low and out of the way and the blade is shaving sharp out of the box. If you are looking for a new lightweight EDC knife or something as a gift for an outdoors person or someone who carries a knife everyday, this is it. Buy it, you will not be disappointed.

This knife is downright spectacular for the price. The scales are perfectly textured. The fit and finish are excellent. It opens like butter. It closes securely enough. The blade is extremely sharp right out of the package. The Acuto 440 is considerably better than 8Cr13Mov and some of the other budget knife steels out there. For a small knife, it handles like a dream. It carries wonderfully too, due the deep-carry pocket clip. This clip looks both unassuming and modestly attractive when looped over the top of a pocket.My only real complaint is that it is only compatible with tip-up carry. It was nice that they put holes in both sides of the knife for lefties to switch the clip. I just wish they also put holes in for tip-down down carry. This knife is a good size for the pockets in sturdier shirts or jackets where tip-down allows for a very smooth draw. This knife is already amazing for EDC and utility tasks but that would make it perfect.The stone-washed texture of the blade is cool and adds a certain charm. It looks especially good against the brown and green scale colors. That kind of texture tends to hide wear too. Still, I hope to see Tangram offer this knife in other finishes in the future. I'd love to have one with a shiny satin blade for fancier occasions.