Blackfire BBM4223 Spring-Assisted Pocketknife Review

I have reviewed a lot of budget-friendly EDC knives over the last few years, and I have seen many disappointing knives come my way. So it’s always nice to find a well-made, budget-friendly knife that you can use, and that is exactly what the Blackfire is, an inexpensive assisted flipper that you can use in the real world.

I have had this Blackfire folder for a few weeks and have had the chance to take it fishing, on a long road trip with the kids, use it around the house, and generally put it through its paces. After all that, I can tell you that this guy is definitely a contender in the budget EDC knife landscape. This knife was sent to me by Blackfire, and I am impressed they took the chance, knowing I don’t just write vanity pieces. The knife is solid enough that you won’t be disappointed for the money.

Design & Features:

The Blackfire BBM4223 is a spring-assisted knife that is built to be robust and durable. The knife features a 3.5-inch blade that is made of 440A stainless steel and is coated with black oxide for added durability. The handle is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and features a safety lock to prevent accidental deployment.

I generally don’t carry assisted knives anymore as my philosophy on them has changed, but I definitely do like flipping them out as a fidget tool, and the Blackfire launches open which just a slight flick of the thumb stud. It’s got a very snappy deployment and solid lock-up. The Blackfire has a liner lock, and it has a solid feel when opened and is easy enough to push out of the way to close the knife.

After using this knife for several weeks, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation as a durable, reliable, and versatile tool. In this hands-on review, I’ll share my experience with the Blackfire Spring Assisted Knife, highlighting its features and providing my overall impression of this popular pocket knife.

Who Needs This Knife?

First, who is this knife for? The Blackfire has you covered if you are looking for an inexpensive, no-nonsense, assisted EDC knife. If you have found yourself strolling through Home Depot or other big box retailers and have been tempted to grab a Coast Knives folder or one of the Milwaukee Fastbacks, don’t, the Blackfire is a better option. 

This solid knife is ready to take some abuse on the job site or a day out in the field. For around $30, you have a knife that can handle being tossed around and put away wet. The Blackfire lives in that tough price-point region where it’s very competitive, and knives are starting to offer a lot of value.

Handle and Grip

The handle of the Blackfire BBM4223 is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which is lightweight and durable. The handle features a slightly textured grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold. The handle also features a lanyard hole, which allows you to attach a cord or strap. The scales are slightly chamfered, making the knife comfortable to hold even under hard pressure.

The Blackfire is not perfect, but no pocketknife is. I would like to see two areas improved right off the bat on the second-generation flippers when they get around to doing them. First is a reversible pocket clip; your only option is tip-down carry. Second, I would like to see Blackfire slim down the scales and overall width just a bit. Besides those two little nitpicks, you have a good all-around folder that will serve you well.

Blade Quality and Performance:

I was surprised at how well the knife performed during my cutting test. 440A stainless steel can go either way and here it was decent. The knife is very sharp from the box and easily cuts twine, cardboard, webbing, and more. I also made over 40 cuts of sisal rope, and it wasn’t until well in the 30s of cutting that I noticed real drag and a slowing down of performance. That’s pretty impressive for this steel. I think the blade coating actually helped it get through the rope here.

One of the benefits of less expensive steels is they are usually easy to sharpen, and the Blackfire is no exception. Even the serrated edge wasn’t too bad with a little carbide sharpening stick; it got the factory edge back plus more easily. Overall the blade is sharp and holds an edge well, making it suitable for both everyday use and more demanding tasks.

Some of the highlights of the Blackfire are:

• Modern design
• Spring-assisted opening mechanism for quick and easy deployment
• High-quality stainless steel blade with black oxide coating
• Aircraft-grade aluminum handle
• Deep carry pocket clip
• Liner lock mechanism for secure blade retention
• Low-maintenance and durable construction
• Affordable price point

The Blackfire Spring Assisted Pocket Knife BBM4223 is definitely a contender in this price range and offers a solid value. It offers high-quality construction and features, such as the spring-assisted opening mechanism, aircraft-grade aluminum handle, and durable stainless steel blade with a black oxide coating, at an affordable price point. 

Products Specs:

• Brand: Blackfire
• Model: BBM4223
• Type: Spring-Assisted Pocket Knife
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Material: Aluminum
• Blade Length: 3.25 inches
• Overall Length: 7.75 inches
• Weight: 4.2 ounces

The knife also comes with a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, adding to its value. With its solid construction, efficient performance, and user-friendly features, the Blackfire BBM4223 Spring Assisted Pocket Knife is a good option for those looking for a lot of knife for a reasonable price.

No products found.