Wow, I don't often comment on videos (that has been increasing somewhat), but I find myself getting in early on this one! I LOVE the Ganzo G704. This was the first Ganzo I purchased and while I have since purchased around 5 or so of their other models, the G704 is definitely my favorite. The first one was black, I have also purchased the green version now. A funny thing regarding the axis lock on this... this was the first knife I ever purchased with an axis lock (not really even understanding what an axis lock was) and I never had any idea that it could be used to flip the knife open and closed! Eventually got a Benchmade Mini Grip because I'd seen videos and liked the way the axis lock could be used to flip the knife. After getting that, I remembered that my G704 had that same lock (and I do realize that they have technically stolen that technology from Benchmade) and found that, in my opinion, the axis lock on the G704 works even better that the axis lock on the Mini Grip (or the 2nd Mini Grip and three full size Grips I have since acquired). While on one hand, comparing the G704 to a Mini Grip or Grip may be somewhat unfair, since I understand it is a copy of the more expensive HK14205, the only Benchmade's that I have experience with are the Grips (with their ABYSMAL plastic handles, which I have replaced with Wilkens Grips on two, but that is EXPENSIVE) and while the Grips are lighter and have better steel, my opinion is that when you compare the price, it is very difficult to say the G704 is not the better knife for the money.
Absolutely love my F704 (which I assume is just the Ganzo Firebird branded G704). And for the price I still haven't found a knife that match it price and performance and fit and finish. The 440C has held up great and is still near mint condition after 4 years or so. 58-60 HRC on a blade at this price is just amazing. I have a ton of Ganzo knives and sure there has been some hit and miss over the years. But just doing a little research before purchase may solve that for some. And most of them are also easy to work on. And if you absolutely hate it one would probably know it within the first minutes of handling it,so one can just return it. I really hope Ganzo makes a tribute to the F704/G704 with a flipper design but keeping the same great blade specs and fit and finish. And I also suggested to them to offer different colored anodized thumb studs scale screws and pocket clip. If they did that they would be the only value brand offering customization for some of their popular models. People love to customize their knives and if there is a company that could do it it would be Ganzo.
I have the tan G704 coming in the mail.The Russian torture tests convinced me this is a tough knife. True, there is not much love shown for this knife, but compact and durable, excellent review
If you are getting vertical blade play, check the pin that the back of the blade rides against when locked open. Rather than a solid pin, they are hollow and have been known to crack or break. Yours may have cracked or worn over time, resulting in the play you have. That seems to be the one universal weakness in Ganzo knives with the the axis lock.
Jake, please provide reference or evidence for saying the green ones have thicker blades. That does not appear to be the case to me and i have many of these knives in different colors. A few years ago when there was just black they did move from 3.5 mm stock to 4 mm stock. But that is not recent or color based.
Regarding your thoughts on the ergonomics of this knife: the original Heckler & Koch was designed by Mike Snody and Benchmade only produced it. Therfore, the handle might look not very spectactular, but is a well thought design. I guess the original was probably produced in the same factory as the Ganzo, because many Benchmades are produced in China as well; same with e.g. Kershaw.
oguenther81 Yeh, the handle design is really good. It doesn't look it but it's one of the most secure i've used, even with a heavy stab. It seems you don't need huge choils/ramps/guards if you get the overall ergos right to start with.
Just received my g704, it was extremely stiff so I took it apart and one of the plastic washers was all messed up. So I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to get some bronze washers that will fit. I took apart some of my other knives but the washers were to small to fit. Thank you for your time
Mike you can try on this site: www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php They have several models on there. I don't know if they have models with the exact size that you need, but it's definitely a possibility.
I do believe benchmade knives have that wiggle because they leave the pivot screw loose enough you can close the kinfe very easily using the axis lock.
I ordered one from aliexpress and it never arrived, along with two other ones. It has been two months. I contacted them and cant get a response. Any suggestions?
one thing i noticed... The steel on thiese... you know the lansky sharpening system clamp, ganzo blades gets scratched by it, but on spyderco 8cr13mov or cold steel aus8 it does not leave a mark...
Diesel smoker o_O Couple things...my lansky has padded jaws. And i checked, if i scrape the clamp on the blade of my ganzo 704 it doesn't get scratched, metal from the clamp gets worn off and deposited on the much much harder blade. (Which then just wipes off)
Laying low Check out the hard use test results for the G704 at "vininull". The review is in Russian...just toggle the youtube settings to the English subtitles...which are very understandable. You'll see that the steel on this budget knife delivers real value.
I liked my Ganzo 704 but it's just too heavy and it's kind of on the thick side. I prefer to carry two lighter knives, one smaller and one bigger. The Ganzo 704 could work well if you want one all-arounder knife that's built like a tank. I did find all negatives you mention with the sharp liners and vertical wiggle with my tan 704. I did loosen the pillar nearest the lock and vertical wiggle stopped. A good value knife but I think the EL-01 is better although the jimping on the 704 is great.
Hi Lazy Lizard, Have you noticed any change in the quality of the Ganzo G704 lately? I got a knife that was not up to par with what I have seen on your channel. Check out my review here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--n6hMGx9SU0.html and let me know your thought and comments.
fakee namee That's true. Once I didn't clean mine properly and there was some gunk and moisture left around the thumb studs. A couple of days later I saw some minor rust spots developing.
Excellent review on the Ganzo G704! OK for me to embed this video on my blog review of this knife at devonbuy dot com? Will provide a link back to your website!
