We Knife is a budget friendly knife manufacturer. Serving as the parent to two other consumer knife brands – Sencut and Civivi – We Knife is their flagship/higher end brand. We got a chance to review the Banter 2 crossbar locking everyday carry pocketknife and were impressed.
About We Knife
According to the We Knife story, the company “has grown into one of the largest Chinese manufacturers of quality knives and tools.” As mentioned, We Knife is the parent company of two other knife brands, Sencut and Civivi.
TSRs is familiar with knives from Sencut and Civivi, as we’ve previously reviewed or experienced the Sencut Fritch, Civivi Elementum, and Civivi Baby Banter.
This is the first time we’re taking a crack at reviewing one of We Knife’s products.
All three companies produce budget friendly options and many of the knives have stainless steel blades. However, many of the knives offered do have multiple options, as was the case with the Elementum – which we received outfitted with a D2 high carbon steel blade.
The Banter 2
The Banter 2 is very similar to the Civivi Baby Banter, however, it’s more like an older brother to it. Larger in size than the baby version, the Banter 2 is much more manageable. The Banter 2 deviates from the original design via changes in the locking mechanism – crossbar versus liner lock.
Like many of the knives sold through the We Knife families of companies, the Banter 2 comes with a handsome zippered pouch where you can store your knife. Packaged in a stout box, the knife and pouch are accompanied by a microfiber polishing cloth, some literature, and stickers.
Like many knives used today for everyday carry, the Banter 2 allows for one-hand operation via a thumb stud and has a pocket clip – which can be put on either side of the knife, making it ambidextrous. The locking mechanism is a crossbar button lock.
Material composition
Banter 2 knives can come with different handle materials. Primarily the handles are aluminum, however if you prefer a more retro feel, We Knife has micarta as an option.
The knife weighs 3.06 oz and is 6.66 inches in length overall. The 2.87 inch blade is made of CPM S35VN, a high performance stainless steel.
Mechanics
As noted, the Banter 2 is designed to be opened with one hand. Both the thumb stud and crossbar button are ambidextrous. This allows the knife to be manipulated with either hand. These design elements are great features for lefties and righties alike.
The spring steel pocket clip allows the user to get a deep concealment in a pants pocket, but still leave the knife accessible for quick deployment. The clip can be switched from one side to the other by unscrewing the Torx head machine screws and swapping it over.
At the end of the knife handle, the unit is outfitted with a lanyard hole.
How’d the Banter 2 do in the field?
We had a chance to carry the Banter 2 as an everyday carry for a few months and really enjoyed the knife. The blade is sharp, sturdy, and durable. Manipulating the knife open and closed was not an issue.
As a point of taste, I’ve become more fond of flipper style knives that are liner locks. That being said, I did not have any problems reverting back to using a thumb stud to open the knife, nor was it arduous to unlock via the crossbar button.
The blade width is a little more stocky than what I’m accustomed to, but it’s not offensive.
The quick and dirty
Pluses: Quality, well-made everyday carry pocketknife. Sharp blade. Ambidextrous design. Handsome and sleek body.
Minuses: A little on the pricey side for a Chinese everyday carry, however the We Knife flagship brand brings a much higher quality over their other properties.
Would I buy the Banter 2? Probably not. But, I’m still going to use this knife. The only reason I would not is because I prefer flipper opening knives that are liner lock. Otherwise, this is a great knife. The original Banter is a liner lock style, so that’s available for those who prefer it over the crossbar lock. I would recommend this knife to a friend or family member who’s in the market for such a knife.
The We Knife Banter 2 pocketknife can be purchased at your favorite dealer or online through Amazon.
