The CJRB Prado has been on the market for about a year, but it only recently landed on my radar. With high praise floating around, I decided to pick one up and put it through its paces. Here’s a full breakdown of how it performed in my review, covering everything from its ergonomics to its cold-weather reliability.

Specifications & Comparisons

• Overall Length: 8.5 inches
• Blade Length: Approximately 3.75 inches of cutting edge
• Steel: AR-RPM9
• Weight: 3.4 oz (97g)
• Handle Material: G10
• Lock Type: Crossbar lock

For size comparisons, I lined the Prado up against some well-known models:

• Ontario Rat 1 – The Prado offers just slightly more cutting edge.
• Buck 110 – Surprisingly similar in usable blade length.
• Spyderco PM2 – The Prado is larger with a bit more cutting edge.

If you’re looking for a full-size EDC knife with a good amount of blade real estate, the Prado definitely fits the bill.

Blade & Factory Edge Quality

The blade is made from AR-RPM9, CJRB’s proprietary powdered metallurgy steel. It’s a solid budget steel with good edge retention and ease of sharpening.

Sharpness Test

Right out of the box, the factory edge was sharp—sharp enough to cleanly slice through a packing peanut with ease. That’s not always the case with budget knives, so it’s a nice plus. However, when I checked the factory edge angles, things got interesting.

Factory Edge Angles

• The left side was around 21°, but not perfectly consistent.
• The right side had noticeable variation, meaning CJRB’s sharpening process lacks precision.

While the knife was sharp, a bit of touch-up work would improve consistency. This isn’t unusual for budget knives, but if you’re looking for something razor-sharp right from the factory, you may want to refine the edge yourself.

Ergonomics & Handling

The Prado's G10 scales are extremely grippy, which is a big plus for secure handling. The chamfered edges add to the comfort, though the crossbar lock’s limited real estate makes it a bit difficult to access for my extra-large hands.

One notable drawback is the lack of a forward choil. You can choke up slightly on the blade, but the sharpening choil sits close to where your finger would go, so there’s a risk of catching your fingertip if you’re not careful.

The pocket clip is not inset into the scale, but it does have flush-mounted screws. That said, the clip tension could use some adjustment—it’s a little loose, though this does mean it goes in and out of the pocket easily.

Action & Deployment

Crossbar Lock & Thumb Hole

The crossbar lock is functional but not the best. The detent is on the weaker side, which is common for this lock type. The thumb hole is also slightly too small for a knife of this size, making deployment trickier than it should be. This issue is amplified for users with large hands.

One workaround is using the lock to flick the blade open, but over time, that could wear out the Omega springs faster.

Lock Stick & Durability Tests

I subjected the Prado to extreme temperature conditions:

1. Ice Test (10 minutes on dry ice, ~ -109°F)The lock and Omega springs froze up, making deployment nearly impossible.
   If you work in freezing conditions, this could be a dealbreaker.
   
2. Heat Test (150°F oven)No issues—G10 didn’t become tacky, and the action functioned much better than after the cold test.
   

If you frequently work in frigid environments, this knife is not a great choice. The crossbar lock becomes sluggish and unreliable in extreme cold.

Final Thoughts: Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Affordable – Good budget-friendly option
✔ Grippy G10 handle – Secure in hand, even with twisting pressure
✔ Sharp out of the box – Factory edge performs well
✔ Lightweight & well-balanced – Easy to carry
✔ Fully ambidextrous – Works for left-handed users

Cons

✖ Crossbar lock accessibility – Hard to actuate with gloves or large hands
✖ Thumb hole is too small – Deployment could be better
✖ Inconsistent factory edge angles – Needs refinement
✖ Not reliable in extreme cold – Lock freezes up

Final Verdict

The CJRB Prado is a solid large EDC knife, especially for those who like bigger handles with neutral ergonomics. It’s a good budget option for general everyday carry tasks—opening packages, slicing food, and cutting through light materials.

However, if you need a knife for cold-weather work or heavy gloves, this is not the best choice. The crossbar lock’s usability issues and freezing action in cold temperatures hold it back.

Would I recommend it? For everyday carry in mild conditions, yes. For winter work or heavy-duty use, probably not.

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