Beretta Airlight II knives: Not so light

Published on September 19, 2008
Duration: 13:10

This review of the Beretta Airlite II knives by nutnfancy highlights their design, materials, and performance. While praised for their fast deployment, tight lock-up, and good fit and finish, criticisms include the use of AUS-6 steel, which is noted for not holding an edge well, and the slick, non-traction handles. The reviewer also points out that despite the "Airlite" name, the knives are not as lightweight as expected due to their full stainless steel liners.

Quick Summary

The Beretta Airlite II knives are praised for their fast deployment, tight lock-up, and impressive fit and finish. However, criticisms include the use of AUS-6 steel, which struggles to hold an edge, and slick, non-traction handles. Despite the "Airlite" name, the knives are heavier than expected due to un-skeletonized stainless steel liners.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Knife Sizes
  2. 00:32Large Airlite II Review
  3. 00:40Medium Airlite II (Used)
  4. 00:47Small Airlite II
  5. 00:58Pros and Cons Overview
  6. 01:05Weight & "Airlite" Criticism
  7. 01:55Blade Steel: AUS-6 Analysis
  8. 02:11Blade Shape & Cut-outs
  9. 02:39Blade Grind & Sharpness
  10. 03:04Jimping Comparison
  11. 04:28Handle & Traction Issues
  12. 04:58Pocket Clip & Reversibility
  13. 05:37Medium Size (New) & Scales
  14. 06:00Deployment Speed & Lock-up
  15. 06:37Small Size Review & EDC Potential
  16. 06:59Pricing & Value Discussion
  17. 07:07Handle Grip & Liner Lock Thinness
  18. 07:30Overall Fit, Finish & Sentiment

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main criticisms of the Beretta Airlite II knives?

The primary criticisms of the Beretta Airlite II knives include the use of AUS-6 steel, which doesn't hold an edge well, and the slick, non-traction handles. Despite the "Airlite" name, the knives are also heavier than expected due to their full stainless steel liners, which are not skeletonized.

How does the Beretta Airlite II's jimping compare to other knives?

The jimping on the Beretta Airlite II is praised as excellent and purposeful, providing superior thumb traction. This is contrasted with the Benchmade Pika II, which features rounded and ineffective jimping that doesn't allow for a secure thumb lock.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the blade steel used in the Beretta Airlite II?

The reviewer is not a fan of the AUS-6 steel used in the Beretta Airlite II, finding it to be soft and prone to not holding an edge well, based on prior experience. However, they do acknowledge that the knives are very sharp out of the box.

Are the Beretta Airlite II knives considered lightweight?

No, despite the "Airlite" name, the reviewer finds the Beretta Airlite II knives to be not as light as expected. This is attributed to the full stainless steel lined handles that are not skeletonized, making them heavier than they could be.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from nutnfancy

View all →