In the world of everyday carry (EDC) gear, material trends come and go, but few have captured the community’s attention quite like Ultem. This amber-colored, semi-translucent polyetherimide polymer has jumped from aerospace and medical labs straight into our pockets.
When Bestechman announced they were dressing up their fan-favorite budget crossbar folder in this space-age material, enthusiasts immediately started asking: Is the Bestechman Cicada's Wing Ultem handle version price worth it? Today, we’re breaking down the cost, the performance, and the unique properties of this specific model to see if it earns its keep as your next daily carry tool.
The Rise of Ultem in EDC Gear
Before analyzing the price value, it helps to understand what makes Ultem special. It isn't just cheap translucent plastic like an old-school video game controller. Ultem is an amorphous thermoplastic resin known for:
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Extreme Rigidity: It resists flexing or bending under extreme mechanical stress.
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High Thermal Resistance: It can withstand temperatures up to $340^\circ\text{F}$ ($170^\circ\text{C}$) without losing structural integrity.
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Chemical Stability: It won't degrade when exposed to fuels, lubricants, or pocket cleaning solvents.
By applying this material to the Bestechman Cicada's Wing, the designers created a knife that looks like a futuristic relic while shaving off significant weight.
Weighing the Price vs. Performance Matrix
Typically, when a knife brand upgrades a budget model to a trending material like Ultem, the price tag skyrockets. However, keeping in line with the affordability mission of Bestech Knives' budget-friendly sister brand, the Bestechman Cicada's Wing Ultem handle version price remains incredibly competitive, hovering just slightly above the standard G10 version.
Here is how the Ultem version stacks up against the baseline model specifications:
For a marginal price increase, you gain an entirely different aesthetic and a noticeable reduction in physical weight.
1. The Featherweight Pocket Advantage
The stand-out benefit of paying the Bestechman Cicada's Wing Ultem handle version price is the weight reduction. Coming in at an incredibly nimble 2.47 ounces (70 grams), this version drops roughly 12% of the weight found in the standard G10 setup.
When clipped inside light summer shorts, formal suit trousers, or athletic gear, this lightweight EDC pocket knife virtually vanishes. If you are a weight-conscious packer who calculates every ounce of your daily setup, the premium spent on the Ultem scales pays for itself in sheer carrying comfort.
2. A Peak Inside the Mechanics
There is something undeniably satisfying about the visual design of the Ultem Cicada's Wing. Because the scales are semi-translucent, you get a clear, mechanical view of the internal skeletonized stainless steel liners.
More importantly, it showcases the inner workings of the highly praised crossbar lock mechanism. Watching the omega springs contract and the locking bar slide smoothly over the tang of the 10Cr15CoMoV steel blade adds an extra layer of industrial charm. For knife collectors who appreciate mechanical design, this visual transparency provides a high-end "cool factor" usually reserved for expensive custom folders.
3. Real-World Grip and Durability
A common concern among buyers is whether the polished look of Ultem translates to a slippery handle. Fortunately, Bestechman applied subtle surface texturing to the scales. While it feels smoother than coarse G10, it offers excellent traction against the palm. The intentional finger choil and deep jimping along the blade spine ensure your hand remains locked safely in place during heavy slicing tasks.
In terms of durability, this scale material will not crack or chip if accidentally dropped on concrete. It handles everyday impacts beautifully, making it an incredibly resilient EDC workhorse.
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
If you purely want a basic cutting edge to open Amazon packages twice a week, the standard G10 Cicada's Wing will serve you perfectly.
However, if you appreciate modern knife aesthetics, want a conversation-starting tool, and value an ultra-lightweight pocket footprint, the answer is a resounding yes. The Bestechman Cicada's Wing Ultem handle version manages to deliver premium, space-age materials and smooth crossbar-lock action without breaking the bank. It represents one of the absolute best values in the modern budget market.
