USA Made Is Not Enough. Monterey Bay Knives Kain Review
Published: 2 weeks ago
(Video description assisted by Gemini AI)
This video reviews the USA-made Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) Kain, and unfortunately, it's a disappointing one. The thesis is straightforward: the Kain features a merely adequate design hampered by lackluster execution, making its primary selling point its domestic manufacturing rather than inherent quality, especially considering its $400 price tag.
Monterey Bay Knives, run by Sanford Owen and Ray Laconico out of Carmel, CA, has gained significant hype for its USA-made models like the Sea Otter and this Kain. However, this review finds the Kain, designed by Sanford Owen (and also produced in a budget CJRB version), falls significantly short of expectations.
Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) Kain Specifications:
Brand: Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) (Made in USA)
Designer: Sanford Owen
Model: Kain
Blade Steel: CPM S90V
Blade Length: 3.0 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.135 inches
Blade Shape: Drop Point / Spear Point-esque
Blade Grind: Saber Grind (Relatively Shallow)
Handle Length: 4.0 inches
Handle Material: Titanium (Blasted & Stonewashed, flat scales)
Overall Length: 7.0 inches
Weight: 2.7 oz
Opener: Thumb Studs
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Pivot: Phosphor Bronze Washers
Features: No internal milling, Basic chamfers
Price: ~$400 USD (at release)
While the on-paper specs (small size, S90V, washers) seemed promising, the execution and design details proved underwhelming.
Key Aspects Reviewed:
Handle Design & Ergonomics: The titanium handles feature a nice blasted/stonewashed finish but are criticized as overly simple and basic for the price, lacking refinements like variable chamfers or internal milling. Ergonomics are deemed poor, particularly the thin, straight back half which offers little grip security and disappears in the hand, requiring excessive clenching. Accessing the thumb studs is also awkward.
Blade & Cutting Performance: The attractive blade shape is undermined by very poor cutting performance. The combination of thick 0.135" blade stock and a shallow grind results in an edge that "chews, not slices," struggling even with basic cardboard cutting. This thick geometry negates any potential benefits of the S90V steel.
Fit, Finish & Execution Details: Execution is described as mediocre and inconsistent with the $400 price. Issues highlighted include the lack of internal milling, overly simple hardware holes without chamfering, screws not sitting flush, and a highly problematic pivot prone to loosening (even with Loctite), causing blade play or stiffness.
Action & Deployment: The phosphor bronze washer action is functional and smooth once the finicky pivot is set correctly. However, thumb stud access is awkward, and weak lockbar tension leads to a mushy detent break, lacking crispness. The action is deemed merely "fine" and hampered by the surrounding issues.
Value & Comparison: The Kain is directly and unfavorably compared to the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza, which offers vastly superior fit, finish, ergonomics, and cutting performance for only a marginal price increase ($25 more). The Kain is judged as not being in the same league and failing to provide adequate value for its cost.
This review concludes that the MBK Kain, in its current form, cannot be recommended. Its poor ergonomics, subpar cutting ability, and various execution flaws (especially the unreliable pivot) make it difficult to use and enjoy. The fact that it's "Made in USA" does not excuse these fundamental shortcomings at a premium price point. While hopeful for future improvements from MBK, this specific model "doesn't cut it."
Official Links:
Monterey Bay Knives Official Website: https://www.montereybayknives.com/
MBK Kain Product Page (USA Made): https://www.montereybayknives.com/product-page/kain-wrong-font (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Do you agree that "Made in USA" needs to be backed by quality? Share your experiences with MBK or other USA makers below!
This video reviews the USA-made Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) Kain, and unfortunately, it's a disappointing one. The thesis is straightforward: the Kain features a merely adequate design hampered by lackluster execution, making its primary selling point its domestic manufacturing rather than inherent quality, especially considering its $400 price tag.
Monterey Bay Knives, run by Sanford Owen and Ray Laconico out of Carmel, CA, has gained significant hype for its USA-made models like the Sea Otter and this Kain. However, this review finds the Kain, designed by Sanford Owen (and also produced in a budget CJRB version), falls significantly short of expectations.
Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) Kain Specifications:
Brand: Monterey Bay Knives (MBK) (Made in USA)
Designer: Sanford Owen
Model: Kain
Blade Steel: CPM S90V
Blade Length: 3.0 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.135 inches
Blade Shape: Drop Point / Spear Point-esque
Blade Grind: Saber Grind (Relatively Shallow)
Handle Length: 4.0 inches
Handle Material: Titanium (Blasted & Stonewashed, flat scales)
Overall Length: 7.0 inches
Weight: 2.7 oz
Opener: Thumb Studs
Lock Type: Frame Lock
Pivot: Phosphor Bronze Washers
Features: No internal milling, Basic chamfers
Price: ~$400 USD (at release)
While the on-paper specs (small size, S90V, washers) seemed promising, the execution and design details proved underwhelming.
Key Aspects Reviewed:
Handle Design & Ergonomics: The titanium handles feature a nice blasted/stonewashed finish but are criticized as overly simple and basic for the price, lacking refinements like variable chamfers or internal milling. Ergonomics are deemed poor, particularly the thin, straight back half which offers little grip security and disappears in the hand, requiring excessive clenching. Accessing the thumb studs is also awkward.
Blade & Cutting Performance: The attractive blade shape is undermined by very poor cutting performance. The combination of thick 0.135" blade stock and a shallow grind results in an edge that "chews, not slices," struggling even with basic cardboard cutting. This thick geometry negates any potential benefits of the S90V steel.
Fit, Finish & Execution Details: Execution is described as mediocre and inconsistent with the $400 price. Issues highlighted include the lack of internal milling, overly simple hardware holes without chamfering, screws not sitting flush, and a highly problematic pivot prone to loosening (even with Loctite), causing blade play or stiffness.
Action & Deployment: The phosphor bronze washer action is functional and smooth once the finicky pivot is set correctly. However, thumb stud access is awkward, and weak lockbar tension leads to a mushy detent break, lacking crispness. The action is deemed merely "fine" and hampered by the surrounding issues.
Value & Comparison: The Kain is directly and unfavorably compared to the Chris Reeve Small Sebenza, which offers vastly superior fit, finish, ergonomics, and cutting performance for only a marginal price increase ($25 more). The Kain is judged as not being in the same league and failing to provide adequate value for its cost.
This review concludes that the MBK Kain, in its current form, cannot be recommended. Its poor ergonomics, subpar cutting ability, and various execution flaws (especially the unreliable pivot) make it difficult to use and enjoy. The fact that it's "Made in USA" does not excuse these fundamental shortcomings at a premium price point. While hopeful for future improvements from MBK, this specific model "doesn't cut it."
Official Links:
Monterey Bay Knives Official Website: https://www.montereybayknives.com/
MBK Kain Product Page (USA Made): https://www.montereybayknives.com/product-page/kain-wrong-font (Note: Availability on linked pages may vary. Links provided for informational purposes.)
Do you agree that "Made in USA" needs to be backed by quality? Share your experiences with MBK or other USA makers below!