The handle of the Trance is of the same design as the Subcom series of folders also designed by Chad Los Banos (a.k.a Daywalker). One side being Zytel with a nested steel liner the other side being steel and comprising the frame lock (integrated liner lock). The blade is 6.8cm long and made from the steel AUS-8 the same as the newer versions of the Subcom. The only difference with materials between the Subcom and Trance is the thumb stud, the Trance features a round metal stud where as on the Subcom the stud was a plastic semi-circle.
As with the Subcom the Trance is of solid construction and is very well made with no visual flaws. The opening and closing of the blade is very smooth. The frame lock has a solid lock up and is in my opinion easier to close than the Subcom and there is no blade play when open.
The handle in my hands is a great size, and as with Chad’s 2 other knives on the market (Boker Subcom and Spyderco Lava) is very comfortable to hold in a variety of grips. The jimping on the top of the blade and the flipper/blade-guard doesn’t grip enough for my taste, I’d prefer it a little more aggressive though it is effective enough. The flipper is very effective and opening the knife with a flick of the wrist is much easier and quicker that using the thumb stud (and more fun too). The pocket clip is very firm which means it would be difficult to for the Trance to accidentally fall from your pocket but I find it can be difficult to clip the knife back into your pocket in a hurry if your pockets are not very sturdy, I have the same problem with the Subcom series.
Overall I think this is another great design by Chad and complements the Subcom series perfectly. The only things that I’m not overly fond of are the light jimping and the pocket clip is a little tight for my tastes.
