This knife is typical of Ikoma blades. It is well designed, tough and made from BD1 stainless steel.

CTS-BD1 is an American stainless steel from Carpenter Steel. It is economical, tough, easily polished and takes a very keen edge. Although it can also quickly lose a keen edge, the working edge lasts longer. It is very easy to touch-up. As a blade steel, when precisely heat treated it is roughly comparable to 440B, AUS-8 and 8Cr13MoV in service. For example, Spyderco is currently using CTS-BD1 steel in its entry level American made knives.

That being said, this knife is not for everyone. Did we say that? Yep, we did. This knife was designed for the working man, an individual whose very livelihood depends upon having a really tough knife handy at all times. If you are a mechanic, carpenter, contractor, pipe fitter, plumber, handyman or hardcore outdoor enthusiast, this is the knife for you. If you are looking for a casual carry pocket knife, we recommend you pick a different Ikoma knife, such as the CRKT Fossil.

The handle scales are made of tough, durable, glass reinforced nylon. The waffle iron design of the handle allows for a positive grip with no slipping.

Specifications:

• Open overall length: 7.25 inches
• Closed length: 4.28 inches
• Weight: 5.9 ounces
• Blade length: 2.99 inches
• Blade thickness: 0.15 inches
• Blade material: CTS-BD1 stainless steel
• HRC 57-59
• Blade finish: Satin
• Blade style: Modified Drop Point
• Edge: Plain (no serrations)
• Handle: Glass-reinforced nylon
• Liner steel: 420J2
• Safety System: Ikoma Lock Safety (ILS)
• Carry System: 1 Position, tip down
• 2015 MSRP: $125

This knife has Flavio's IKBS ball bearing pivot system, which allows the flipper to smoothly deploy the blade. The blade is a modified drop point, with extra steel towards the tip to provide additional strength when you need it.

Because this blade is designed for really tough jobs, Flavio added his ILS safety, which sets a pin between the frame and the locking liner. The ILS safety prevents the liner from slipping down the blade ramp.

The blade absolutely cannot fold and slice your fingers in use, under any condition. Anyone who has used liner lock knives regularly knows that dirt and grease can gunk up the liner lock, degrading its effectiveness.

When you are finished using the No Time Off, simply press down on the ILS thumb rest and slide the locking liner over to disengage the safety. You cannot accidentally disengage the safety, we tried.

$125 is a reasonable price for what you get, a working man's folding knife that will not let you down. As we said in the beginning, this knife is typical Ikoma and one working folks will find very useful.