Bestechman Ronan Folding Knife, 14C28N Black Ti SW, G10 Red, BMK02J
[BTMBMK02J]

The Bestechman Ronan was released on December 14, 2022, and was amongst the best EDC Budget knife released in 2023. That is saying something given what CJRB released last year. It’s a great knife. I class it with my CJRB Pyrite and EKKO, my budget Civivi’s, and even ahead of my Vosteed budget knives. Bestechman is a very capable company. If you have not heard of the company, they manufacture knives for a lot of OEM companies. They do impressive work for others, and they shine on their own budget releases. This is no exception. As for the knife, the fit and finish is exceptional. The steel is 14C28N which is a good well rounded budget steel as far as I am concerned. I like satin finishes and though not everyone does, everyone would agree this is well done. The blade is a little thick at eh spine, but not noticeably so. If one were looking for a complaint on the blade, it would be the thumb studs could be in the cutting path for the odd cut. But I think it is a great blade. The scales are good quality G-10, they have a slight texture, and are nicely rounded. They feel great and the satin finished hardware looks just great against them. If I were looking for a complaint, they are a bit thick, but that is really nit picking. The liners are stailness steel, skeletonized and are nice. The bar lock works great. Some people complain that the spring is a bit tight, but mine is great. The clip is good but it is shiny. Best of all, for a budget knife, it and the screws are fully recessed. A really nice touch for a budget knife. This could be a complaint for some. The clip is for right-handed people and it is not reversible – which is odd given it is a bar lock. The great thing about a bar lock is it works for both right and left handed uses equally well. But that is not an issue for me as I am right-handed. The action is comparable to most of the Vosteeds I own. Good, but missing the satisfying “snap” of the Pyrite, EKKO or my Civivi’s. I think this is a great knife, a great value, and I love it. Make sure you look at the red one though [BMK02J]. It looks gorgeous. I just love that look though I am reasonably sure the Black Titanized Stonewash coating will scratch and wear with use though that is just a guess. [Obviously I am rating it as a budget knife and my rating reflects that.]