REVIEW – We review a lot of knives here at The Gadgeteer. Some have premium handle materials, exotic super steels, and high prices. What about those of us who just want a reliable knife with good steel that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? What if we want to carry a pocket knife and not worry if we scratch it? The CJRB Pyrite Light button lock pocket knife might be what you’re looking for. Read about it below and see what you think.
What is it?
The CJRB Pyrite Light is a button lock folding pocket knife with many of the other features of the original Pyrite but uses FRN, Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon, handle scales.
What’s included?
- CJRB Pyrite Light knife
- Zippered storage pouch
Tech specs
Click to expand
Blade length – 3.34″
Blade thickness – .10″
Blade finish – black PVD coating
Blade grind – flat
Blase material – AR-RPM9
Blade hardness – HRC 59 – 61
Blade style – Wharncliffe
Handle material – FRN
Clip material – steel
Pivot assembly – ceramic ball bearing
Lock type – button lock
Overall length – 7.6″
Closed length – 4.25″
Weight – 2.82 oz
Design and features
I think I can safely say the blade is the most important part of the knife is the blade. With the CJRB Pyrite Light, Artisan Cutlery is using their proprietary AR-RPM9 steel. It has many great qualities such as corrosion resistance, edge retention, high harness, and yet still easily sharpened. This same steel is used in numerous knives across CJRB’s offerings. I’ve reviewed a couple of other CJRB knives and can confirm this steel holds up well. Once I’ve lightly used it, I run the knife across a steel or strop to get it back to razor sharp. If I’ve heavily used it, I usually only have to run it across a fine stone and finish with the strop. Light maintenance of the edge is all it takes most of the time to keep it in great condition.
The CJRB Pyrite Light has a button lock and thumb studs, making it very fidget-friendly. Lock up is solid with no lock rock or slop in my review unit. The detent is a little light but not so that the blade will open on its own, but if you give a little push on the thumb stud, the blade deploys quickly.
The pivot utilizes ceramic ball bearings and is buttery smooth. In fact, the Pyrite Light has the best pivot action of any of the CJRB knives I’ve used. In the past, the bearings have felt bumpy but not on this knife. It was the first thing I noticed about the knife. I don’t know if CJRB is using different bearings or if I got a good one or what, but I like the action on this knife.
The steel pocket clip is reversible and deep pocket which is appreciated. It’s not the prettiest one I’ve ever seen but it does the job well. I’ve seen much more expensive knives with worse.
The handle materials are FRN with steel liners. No, it doesn’t have G10 or micarta and that’s the point CJRB is making with this knife. It’s meant to be used every day and easily maintained. I have a Spyderco Delica with FRN handles and it was twice the price 20 years ago if that tells you anything. All this adds up to a light knife to carry in your pocket all day.
The blade style is a Wharncliffe. I would call it a modified Wharncliffe since it has a slight belly on it. I might be wrong, but when I think of Wharncliffe blades, the edge is perfectly flat. Having the belly on the blade isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. The slight curve helps since I usually cut something with a sweeping motion rather than just straight.
What I like about CJRB Pyrite Light knife
- Solid build
- Buttery smooth bearings
- Button lock
- Deep pocket clip
- Light in the pocket
What needs to be improved?
- Nothing
Final thoughts
For what it is, the CJRB Pyrite Light knife is excellent. It’s got good steel and strong, reliable handle materials that should stand up to almost anything you throw at it. The asking price for the CJRB Pyrite Light on their website is $39.99 and can be found on Amazon currently for $29.99. I don’t know about you but I rarely, if ever, find a good knife at that low of a price. For that kind of money, you don’t have to worry about scratching it, dropping it, whatever. This knife can take it. Go check ’em out!
Price: $39.99, currently $29.99 on Amazon
Where to buy: CJRB or Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by CJRB. CJRB did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
