Overview & First Impressions
IMP is a name that suggests something small and mischievous, and the BT1710 is neither. It is a full sized titanium frame lock with a CPM-S35VN blade, a carbon fiber inlay set into the handle, and a stonewash and satin finish. Three variants share the build. It is the most traditionally premium knife in the Bestech lineup and the one that feels most like a custom piece in the hand.
Materials & Construction
CPM-S35VN at a sensible hardness, flat ground and finished with stonewash flats and satin bevels. The frame is titanium with a carbon fiber inlay machined flush into the presentation side, so there is no lip to catch on a pocket. The frame lock is cut from the same titanium slab, which means no steel insert and no wear part to replace. Phosphor bronze washers rather than bearings, which is a longevity decision.
Design & Details
The blade is a broad drop point with a strong swedge and a high flat grind, sized to fill the handle without making the knife look like a folding machete. The handle has a carved relief that puts your fingers where they should be, and the grey-toned finish keeps it looking serious rather than decorative. The clip is a sculpted titanium bar set for deep carry, and the inlay gives the knife just enough visual interest.
Real-World Use
Opening mail, cutting tape, breaking down boxes, trimming cord, slicing food — the IMP handles all of the ordinary things with a deliberate action and a comfortable grip. The washers make it slower than a bearing flipper, which some people dislike and others prefer because the blade stays where you put it. It is happy in an office and competent in a workshop, which is a rarer combination than it should be.
Ownership Notes
Titanium and carbon fiber both dislike abrasive cleaners, so a damp cloth is the right approach. The inlay is set flush but the seam can collect lint, and a soft brush clears it. Oil the washers twice a year, keep the lock face clean and strop the edge when it starts to drag. S35VN will hold an edge long enough that routine maintenance matters more than sharpening skill, which is a nice position to be in. Bestech knives with a carbon fiber inlay are usually the most expensive thing on the shelf, and this one is priced sanely; among folding knives with a frame lock it feels like a custom, and for EDC knives that need to look good on a desk it is the pick.
Who Is This For?
Buy it if you want a titanium frame lock with an inlay, premium steel and no tactical styling. It suits collectors who want something they can actually carry, and anyone who values a solid frame lock over a fast action. Skip it if you insist on bearings, if you want a sub-three-ounce knife, or if visible inlay bothers you.
Final Verdict
The IMP is Bestech's most complete knife: titanium, carbon fiber, S35VN and a frame lock that engages with a satisfying click every time. It is not flashy and it does not need to be, because the materials do the talking. EdcMall stocks all three variants, and it is a sensible step up from a G10 liner lock without jumping into custom pricing.
