I was drawn into purchasing the knife based on the selling point of the easy release button based on the ceramic bearing. I currently own six Microtech otf knives, so Microtech sets the standard for my assessment. True enough, some of the Microtech otf Knives have release button tension that make them a little difficult to operate. The problem that I have with the Guardian is that there is some wobble or play in the blade out position. For me, this is an unacceptable fault. Over the years, I have owned at least a dozen Microtech otf knives. They all have locked up in the out position like a safe. This is what sets Microtech apart from most other otf knives. So, in my opinion, the Guardian ceramic based release button is a cute novelty, however since it fails on the solid lock up in the released position, it is just another lesser quality clone of the Microtech.