Kelownakona profile

I've really wanted to like the Counterpunch but I just can't get on with them. I also don't think they are as useful as claimed.

If you use the end of the bar when riding you'll probably hate them (it felt so nice riding with them off again). 

Also they actually extend the width of your bar so for the purpose of avoiding trees and hurting fingers , in effect you are actually widening your bar. This seems a bit silly. And in a world where you see bike reviews regularly commenting on a 5mm difference between bars making a difference to fit through trees! 

The 'hook'for me also caused more problems than it helped with. The bar isn't just extended outward but forward and I caught the hook on quite a few trail obstacles , once when riding and twice when carrying the bike. This seems more than a shade ironic. 

If I'm riding through a section where there is potential finger damage , through tight trees for example, its just as effective and without any negatives for the rest of your ride , to move your hands in board by 5mm for that little bit.

Like I say Ive tried these for months and dont want to hate - I actually really wanted to like them,but just giving a balance of view.

I picked up a singlespeed Unit a few months ago , Im back on flats, Im runnin SQ Labs 16 deg sweep bar on it ... I think Im turning into Andrew!!

Seriously though absolutely loving it. It's like an antidote to what the MTB world has become.

Not saying you don't have good reason for clearing deadfall but this makes a good read for people who may not be aware anyway:

https://www.ontarioparks.com/parksblog/dead-trees/

SAK do a lot of single blade options- definitely not in a different category and arguably better.

Opinel always get picked on stuff like this as they are so cheap and so mainstream (like SAK) but there are 100s of  better made/better steel and different designed options that if you decide you want a pocket knife you should be looking at.

Nothing against Opinel but they catch a lot of the recommendations for people who don't know any better. They are basically a folding picnic knife you can buy in the department store.

Silky PocketBoy punches abovenits weight too.

Really compact and dead easy to carry but as good as other Silkys

Has Race Face kept the traditional torque requirement of around 525Nm for these?

Maybe 10 years ago. Hardly a small brand now. Outsourced manufacture, global shipping options and soon to be bought out by mega-umbrella Pon holdings.

Yep looks good value for a 'skatepark/DJ jibber'.

If you still plan on using a chain it's still a sprocket ;)