Folding Knives Archives

First Look: Work Sharp RMX–Folder/Auto

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May 19, 2025

With its first foray into knifemaking, Work Sharp cooks up a doozie–a knife that’s both a folder and an automatic.

Work Sharp has five decades of experience keeping the knife world as sharp as ever. At that time, the tool and knife sharpening implements company had never dipped its toe into knifemaking—until now.

At the 2025 BLADE Show, the Ashland, Ore., company will debut its first foray into edged tools with the introduction of the RMX EDC-style knife. And while the pocket partner might seem like just another folder at first blush, the knife’s internals make it an innovative addition to nearly anyone’s collection. Work Sharp isn’t lying when it says the RMX is “Your knife. Your Way.”

Manual Or Auto

The groundbreaking aspect of the RMX (Replaceable Mechanism Exchange) is that the knife is both an auto and a manual action. And no, it’s not just manual by muscling open an auto or flicking open a manual.

As its name suggests, the RMX utilizes what Work Sharp claims is the first-ever interchangeable pivot cartridge. Essentially, the knife comes with two pivots—one ball bearing (manual) and one spring-loaded (auto). Simply switch one out for the other via a 2mm hex head.

Furthermore, internally, the tension is adjustable thus, the deployment of the blade in both manual and auto configurations is tunable. It’s a slick system, not only because of the implications of having two knives in one, but also legally.

Theoretically, the RMX should make shipping the sometimes automatic knife all the simpler, while also giving users more control over exactly what they’re carrying. Not to mention, it’s a plain and simple concept.

As for deployment, a push-button near the pivot kicks the blade out as an auto and acts as the release as well.

RMX Blades

The Work Sharp RMX comes in two blade styles and three sizes. The one I’ve seen making the most headlines is the full-sized 3.2-inch Reverse Tanto profile—a wicked-looking blade with an ultra-thin edge and excellent slicing properties. The company is also offering a drop-point profile in two sizes, 3.2 inches and a compact 2.4-inch option. Both come with a saber grind.

As for blade material, Work Sharp utilized Crucible Industries’ CPM 3V steel. This is a solid choice, given the metal is known for its toughness, high wear resistance and ability to hold a very fine edge.

RMX Handle

Interestingly, especially for a knife with auto guts, the RMX is feather light, thanks mainly to its handle. Work Sharp opted for magnesium, keeping the knife between 2.24 ounces and 2.7 ounces, depending on its configuration. Additionally, the material imparts a good deal of stiffness to the knives and, with a gray Cerakote treatment, proves plenty durable, not to mention eye-catching.

Complete Package

Even for the sheer novelty, the Work Sharp RMX is an intriguing system made even more so due to an affordable price. The RMX compact has an MSRP of $130 and the full-sized version an MSRP of $140, making the line competitive in both the folder and auto markets—very competitive. Overall, the offering makes one wonder why it took Work Sharp so long to take a stab at knife manufacturing.

More Pocketknife Info:

5 Pocketknife Breakthroughs That Changed The Class Of Knife
What Makes A Great Pocketknife? The Pros Weigh In
What Makes The Perfect Pocketknife?
How To Close A Pocketknife

Gent’s Knives: Classy Cutters That Are Tough As Nails

Pat Covert

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December 1, 2025

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Gent’s Knives: Classy Cutters That Are Tough As Nails

Don’t let these blades’ swanky good looks lull you into thinking they aren’t up to the job. They’re not just gents, but workhorses.

Gent’s knife is a fitting name for a pocketknife that’s just downright handy. It’s a refined edged tool good to have for all types of small chores you encounter on a daily basis, from cutting cord to opening packages.

Fallkniven U2vi Virgo

The U2vi Virgo is the latest in a long line of Fallkniven’s “U2” models that date back to 2004. I tested Fallkniven’s first U2 and it’s been in my pocket ever since. Back then I was highly impressed with the blade and the then-new Lamellar steel, and Fallkniven has used the U2 as a platform to showcase new steels ever since. The platform has a black Grilon synthetic handle with a cutout for a lockback release. There is no pocket clip—the knife is a pure pocket rider.

I tested the Virgo around the office. One task was stripping electrical cord for splicing—first by slitting the cord up the middle, then around the perimeter, separating the two lengths. I scored the two tails of cord vertically and peeled off the coating, leaving the two tails of bare wire ready to splice. The blade was plenty sharp and did the job well. The Virgo is a featherweight folding knife you don’t know is there until you need it.

U2vi Virgo Specs
Blade length: 2.5”
Blade steel: SGPS laminate
Blade grind: Flat
Blade type: Drop point
Handle material: Black Grilon
Lock: Lockback
Carry: Pocket
Pocket clip: No
Weight: 1.4 ozs.
Closed length: 3.38”
Knife to Know: SGPS stands for Super Gold Powdered Steel
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $140

Spyderco Metropolitan Lightweight

The Metropolitan Lightweight is an all-new SLIPIT model by Spyderco, though you just might recognize it as an old friend. It was designed to fill a void between the company’s UK Pen Knife and Urban models and fit the gent’s knife size perfectly. Other than its size the Metropolitan looks identical to its fellow stablemates, from its wide blade and Spydie hole to its curvaceous, finely textured checkered scales with embossed company logo. The slipjoint action includes a notched-joint mechanism* for measured opening and closing. Those who like options will appreciate the tip-up pocket clip, reversible for southpaw carry.

The Metropolitan is not much longer than the Fallkniven Virgo but the configuration is quite different. The wider Spyderco blade is well suited for cutting food or snacks. It easily sliced up a link for summer sausage for lunch. In other words, the wider blade can tackle larger chores, something to consider if your routine calls for such. Each knife has its advantages.

Metropolitan Lightweight Specs
Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 2.68”
Blade steel: M398 stainless
Blade grind: Flat
Blade pattern: Spear point
Handle material: Black FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon)
Carry: Pocket or wire clip; ambidextrous, tip-up
Special features: Slipjoint has a notched-joint mechanism
Weight: 1.6 ozs.
Closed length: 3.73”
Country of origin: Italy
MSRP: $110

GiantMouse Ace Farley V2

The GiantMouse Ace Farley V2 is a gent’s knife to the extreme. It is the upscale example many knife enthusiasts envision when they think of the genre. It has all the right stuff, from its satin-bolstered frame to the meticulous surfaces of its finely finished scales and understated blade. It smacks of the good stuff and it is. This knife is very pocketable.

The Farley V2 is a decked-out gent’s knife much the same size as the Virgo, so I tested them together. The Farley proved a very good cutter and the handle is comfortable. It is a finely finished folder. The blade action is powerful and has a half stop. You may want to wear it by the pocket clip so your friends can ask about it. It’s a shame to hide it in your pocket and deny them the pleasure of seeing such an attractive gem.

Ace Farley V2 Specs
Knife type: Slipjoint
Blade length: 3.625”
Blade steel: Elmax stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle material: Carbon fiber/titanium
Carry: Pocket or reversible wire clip
Weight: 1.9 ozs.
Closed length: 3.75”
Special features: Slipjoint outfitted w/a half stop
Country of origin: China
MSRP: $225

SOG One-Zero Automatic

The SOG One-Zero Auto has the same pull-down blade release on both sides, a boon to southpaws who often get—ahem—“left” out of the design equation. The wide cutting edge is quite utilitarian.

The SOG One-Zero Automatic is noticeably larger than the other three test knives but is a high-stepping gent’s knife in its own right. It drips with refinement and its technical features are every bit as impressive. First off, it fires its premium-steel blade with authority. An easy, indiscriminate pull-down thumb release deploys the blade from either side—a bonus for lefties. Finally, the killer frosted aluminum handle reeks of class, replete with a stamped chrome clip.

You might call the One-Zero Auto a gent’s fighter, but it’s much more usable thanks to the grind midway up the blade as opposed to a pure dagger style—and the blade is stout. There’s nothing flimsy about the knife; it is rock solid from stem to stern. If you need protection and a nice amount of utility to go with it, the One-Zero Auto will serve you well.

One-Zero Auto Specs
Knife type: Automatic
Blade length: 3.1”
Blade steel: S35VN stainless
Blade pattern: Drop point
Handle material: Satin-finished aluminum
Carry: Stamped chrome pocket clip
Weight: 3.3 ozs.
Closed length: 4.7”
Special features: Auto equipped with pull-down thumb release
Country of origin: USA
MSRP: $300

*Editor’s note: Though the Spyderco Metropolitan Lightweight’s notched-joint mechanism operates similarly to a half stop, it is not a half stop. “The best way to think of it is a back lock with a fixed backspring instead of a rocker,” Spyderco’s Michael Janich explained. “Now, take the locking lug and round off the corners so it ‘snags’ more than a slipjoint but doesn’t mechanically lock. A half stop is a flat spot on the tang of a slipjoint that creates a stop midway through the blade’s closing arc as a safety feature so the blade doesn’t snap shut too aggressively.”

More Knife Reviews:

Sharps Bros. Meanstreak Review: Keen, Mean Cutting Machine
Relentless Knives Curved Fillet Knife Review
Cold Steel Finn Bear Review: Light, Sharp And Up To Snuff
Spartan Blades Clandestina Review: 2024 Blade Knife of the Year

First Look: The James Brand Barnes Titanium & Damasteel

BLADE Staff

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February 4, 2026

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The high-end integral folder gets a premium edition.

The James Brand has always been a design-led company, but their latest iteration of The Barnes pushes the pattern into a different tier of cutlery. While The Barnes has been defined by its integral construction, this newest version represents the most premium execution of that platform to date. As an integral design, the handle is CNC-machined from a single, solid billet of 6AL-4V titanium. By eliminating the traditional backspacer and scales in favor of a one-piece construction, the knife offers fewer moving parts, less maintenance, and a level of structural integrity that standard folders simply cannot match.

While the engineering is complex, the aesthetic remains strictly minimalist. The dark stonewashed titanium handle provides a clean, tactile grip that feels incredibly solid in the hand. This premium version of The Barnes steps away from standard stainless options to feature Damasteel DS93X Hakkapella. This material is a favorite among collectors for its striking pattern-welded look, but it is no safe queen; Damasteel is known for delivering world-class performance and durability that holds up to serious use.

The Barnes has long been known for a perfectly dialed-in detent and an action that feels like glass. This is thanks to the blade running on a stainless steel pivot supported by ceramic bearings. Deployment is handled via dual-sided thumb studs, making it accessible for a variety of opening styles and maintaining the symmetrical, clean lines the brand is known for.

The attention to detail extends to the carry system as well. The Barnes features a machined titanium pocket clip with a paint-filled Clovis detail and an integrated paracord lanyard. Despite its full-sized 3.5-inch drop point blade, the knife remains impressively light at just 4.6 ounces, making it an easy choice for a high-end daily carry.

Previous versions of The Barnes were already considered premium offerings at over $600, but this Damasteel integral version moves the needle significantly to $1,300. Designed in Portland, Ore., it represents the most technically advanced execution of their flagship folder—a style-conscious blend of high-end materials and architectural precision.

Barnes Titanium & Damasteel Specs
Blade Steel: Damasteel DS93X Hakkapella
Handle Material: One-piece Integral 6AL-4V Titanium
Lock Style: Integral frame-lock with hardened steel lockface insert
Blade Length: 3.5″
Overall Length: 7.8″
Weight: 4.6 oz
MSRP: $1,300

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What Makes The Perfect Pocketknife?

Folding Knives

Jason Fry

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March 19, 2024

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Decades ago in America the pocketknife was universal, with such patterns as the barlow, stockman, trapper and folding hunter well represented in the pockets of our fathers, grandfathers and great-grandfathers. But what about today, when the most likely pocketknife task is opening an Amazon box or trimming a string off a shirt? To find out not only what folks are carrying but why, BLADE® asked several industry insiders, “What makes the perfect pocketknife?”

Pocket Knife Funtionality

Let’s begin our hunt with a look at the past. Many BLADE readers know Joe Culpepper for his and wife Kristi’s knife handle material business, Culpepper & Co. For many years the Culpeppers have provided the knife industry with quality jigged bone, Sambar stag and other exotic materials. Joe is also a student of the slip-joint/traditional pocketknife in all its variations, and sells vintage knives under the business name of Old School Knife Works.

Pocketknife fish — A Case knife in damascus is in the traditional fish knife pattern, an early folding fillet knife. (Old School Knife Works image)

“A good pocketknife first and foremost should perform and function reliably in the way it was designed,” he began. “Whether we’re talking about an electrician’s knife, fish knife, melon tester or trapper, the most important thing is that it does its job.”

Pocketknife melon tester — The melon tester pattern, here in an advertising knife configuration, almost always has a long, thin single blade. (Old School Knife Works image)

It has been a while since I used a knife to test a melon and Joe, too, was quick to acknowledge that many of the knife tasks of yesteryear have fallen by the wayside. “Frankly,” he admitted, “many of our pocketknives are simply just really nice box cutters.”

Pocket Knife Blade Size

Sticking with the nice box cutter theme, Knafs co-founder Ben Petersen added that he likes knives suited to the “dad life”—cutting apples cleanly without splitting them, opening boxes and whittling the occasional stick. “I’m not out to stab people,” he grinned. “For me, I think a 2.9-inch blade is perfect. Being under 3 inches keeps you safe from most restrictive knife laws, and it also is the perfect length for the finger test.” Ben went on to explain. “Most of the time when I cut, I put my index finger along the spine of the blade,” he noted. “I want the point of the blade right in the middle of my fingertip where it won’t cut me, but also gives me very precise control.”

Pocketknife medford — Medford Knife & Tool offers a range of titanium framelock folders, including the Praetorian T in CPM S35VN stainless blade steel. Weight: 9.3 ounces. Closed length: 4.9 inches. MSRPs start at $785.

Ben had a fun take on the perfect knife. “You know,” he reflected, “to a 12-year-old a gas station knife* is perfect. The perfect knife is totally different to everyone.” I smiled, remembering how much joy my 14-year-old son got from a rusty Bass Pro Shops framelock, missing a screw, that we found in a pasture on a dove hunt.

Types Of Pocketknives

Most of us BLADE readers probably already have a good idea of what we like in a pocketknife. We know if we like small ones or bigger ones for everyday carry. We know the steel types we like, and whether we prefer a single or multi-blade. Joe offered some generalizations that match my experience.

Tradional

Hobo — Another older Case edition, the hobo knife features a blade and fork in a handy pocket-sized folding knife. (Old School Knife Works image)

“As we get more into knives we tend to evolve into one of two categories, and they’re often correlated with age,” he reasoned. “The older generation tends to go for the more traditional slip joints with natural materials and carbon steel like their dad or grandad carried.”

Joe considers some “classic” patterns and brands among his favorites, particularly the knives manufactured pre-1970 by the old American firms that mostly have gone out of business. “When you hold an old Schrade, Empire, Robeson or even a vintage Case you get a certain sense of nostalgia,” he noted.

Modern

Pocketknife hinderer — Jordan Wagner said the market is strong for high-quality USA-made titanium framelocks. Among those fitting the niche is the XM-18 3.5 flipper folder from Rick Hinderer Knives. Closed length: 4.75 inches.

As for the other category, Joe finds that younger folks tend to lean toward modern conveniences like pocket clips, modern steels and the more tactical types of knives like Benchmades. Being just a bit on the older side myself, as well as a bit of a traditionalist, I reached out to Jordan Wagner at DLT Trading for some thoughts about what makes a “perfect pocketknife” from a modern point of view.

From an online merchant’s perspective, he said the market is very strong for quality USA-made framelocks. Titanium framelocks from makers like Rick Hinderer Knives, Chris Reeve Knives, Medford Knife & Tool and custom knifemaker Les George in the $400-to-600 price range continue to be popular.

Knives in the modern category tend to have a few common characteristics. They feature premium blade steels. They all have some kind of one-hand-opening device such as a thumb stud, blade hole, flipper tab, etc. In general, these are mid-tech production or small batch customs made in shops as often as in factories. The next level below the mid-techs are the larger-batch manufactured knives by companies like Zero Tolerance, Spyderco and Benchmade. They’re often high quality, built in factories to tight tolerances and most often made in the USA.

Often within these and other brands are quality, lower-price-point knives made overseas as well, such as the production Demko AD 20.5 made in Taiwan. There are also quality knives made by China-based companies like Reate, WE and its sister brand CIVIVI and others.

Case remains the leader in the current production of traditional patterns. But is it because there’s a demand by knife users for a two-blade trapper? Maybe, maybe not. The folks at Case know and understand that there are two big segments of customers that they serve—users and collectors—and they make patterns to please both groups.

The Perfect Pocketknife?

I think about “perfect” in terms of pragmatism. When was the last time the average knife user needed a hobo knife with a fork? Have you ever seen a titanium framelock melon tester? Culpepper has his finger on the vintage-slip-joint market, and his take is that the rise of social media has opened up huge new audiences to the vintage knives.

“The unique patterns always have a market and a strong following,” he said. “For the unique vintage knives there’s good demand, whether they’re made in the USA or even England or Germany.”

More On Pocketknives:

Why The Pocketknife Endures
Best Pocketknife Options For EDC
Best Pocketknife Brands
How To Close A Pocketknife

Stiletto Switchblade: Sharp And Controversial

Mike Ableson

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October 3, 2022

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There Are Few Knives More Controversial Than The Stiletto Switchblade. This Automatic Knife Is Outlawed In Numerous States And Countries.

Certain knives get the interest of lawmakers and not for good reasons. The stiletto switchblade is extremely controversial because owning one is completely outlawed in seven states and heavily restricted in another eight.

The stiletto endures because of its use in movies and television and because it opens unlike other types of knives.

Why Is The Stiletto Switchblade Banned?

In the states where the knife is completely outlawed, a big reason is due to the way the blade deploys. The blade flips out due to a button, or other assisted means, much faster than most knives that open with a nail nick or a thumb stud. This has earned it a classification as a “dangerous knife” in many states, thus leading to its ban or restriction.

This short video shows how quickly a stiletto can be opened.

Remember though, the stiletto is only banned or restricted in 16 states and is legal in states from coast to coast, between the borders, and even in Alaska. It’s just important to check your local knife laws to make sure they are allowed to be owned and carried.

What Even Is A Stiletto Switchblade?

A stiletto is a long, narrow blade used historically in Italy and around Europe with a needle point. It GAINED POPULARITY IN THE 15th century and was used by knights and assassins alike throughout the Middle Ages as a fixed-blade knife.

Stilettos evolved throughout the ages into well-honed COMBAT knives used throughout the world. In the 1950s, large numbers of switchblades began to be imported to America from Italy that featured a stiletto blade, and the name “Stiletto Switchblade” stuck over the ensuing decades.

The knives are still made in Italy and in other countries as well.

Best Stiletto Switchblade To Buy

If you live in a state where it is legal to own a stiletto, there are many on the market today. HERE ARE A FEW NOTABLE EXAMPLES.

Timber Wolf Mosaic Damascus Stiletto

A beautiful and durable knife, this stiletto from Timber Wolf would be a great conversation starter with other knife lovers.

The blade and the handle are both made from damascus steel with inlaid wood and brass pins accenting the handle. The BLADE is four inches when deployed and nine inches in total length. The brass liners and stud contrast nicely with the rich, dark color of the blade material.

Just be careful when closing the KNIFE. The double-edge BLADE means there’s no dull spine to push the knife closed so it’s important to be diligent in closing so you don’t slice your hand.

Is this the most utilitarian stiletto? No. Is this a beautiful knife that you’ll want to show off to everyone you know? Absolutely.

MSRP: $61.99

PRO-TECH 720 Godson Auto Folder

This small, nimble knife won THE BLADE MAGAZINE 2014 Investor/Collector Knife Of The Year® and it’s easy to see why. PRO-TECH has made a versatile stiletto in the Godson that’s used by both military and civilian folks alike.

The stiletto-inspired blade is 3.15 INCHES OF 154CM STAINLESS STEEL ground to a spear point with a blasted finish. It OPENS via a push button from the 6061-T6 aluminum handle.

It deploys in a flash and is an excellent self-defense knife or just as your regular EDC. There are no bells and whistles on this knife; it’s just well-constructed and well thought out to be one of the best and easiest-OPENING switchblades on the market.

MSRP: $200

Kershaw Launch 8

From one of America’s biggest factory KNIFE COMPANIES, the Kershaw Launch 8 takes inspiration from the traditional stiletto and repackages it in a modern way.

The blade of CPM 154 STEEL is corrosion resistant and holds its edge. The push button release and lock ALLOW for lightning fast deployment and a secure lock that keeps everything firm when open. The button is low profile to help prevent accidental deployment while in your pocket. The pocket clip is ambidextrous and can also be fitted so the knife carries tip up in your pocket.

The anodized aluminum handle with carbon fiber insert is strong and light. The whole piece weighs just 2.4 ounces.

MSRP: $155.99

Viper-Tec VT Don Italian Stiletto OTF

This stiletto from Viper-Tec is the lone OTF (OUT-THE-FRONT) knife on the list and opens with a mechanism that both deploys the knife and brings it back into the handle.

The blade itself is made from a ridiculously sharp stainless steel that is 3.75 inches long with a flat grind. The satin finish gives the blade a classy, elegant look, and the handle is available in both wood and marble.

At 5.25 inches in length when closed, it sits easily in a pocket or a bag.

The Don Italian is a smart knife. Everything has been thought through to make an easy-to-use stiletto that can last you for years.

MSRP: $79.96

Read More

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4 Perfect Pocketknives For Women

Mike Ableson

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November 4, 2022

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The Best Pocketknives For Women Are Knives That Are Easy To Maintain And Can Be Deployed In A Flash. These Pieces Stand Out From The Pack.

A pocketknife in and of itself isn’t gendered. It’s a piece of steel and aluminum, maybe Micarta®, that’s shaped to be a cutting tool.

However, certain knives are better for women due to the convenience, the fact that they are a bit smaller, or that they are excellent knives that are great at protection as well as standard EDC tasks. Below are a quartet that stand out from a crowded field of knives, any of which would be a great gift for your wife, sister, or yourself.

Kershaw Leek

Kershaw makes excellent knives at excellent prices, and the Leek is no exception. With a 3-inch blade and coming in at just three ounces, the Leek would be a perfect carry in a bag or a clutch as it doesn’t take up too much space.

The drop-point blade of 14C28N stainless steel is shaped to be a great EDC cutting tool as well as a puncturing implement if called upon. The bead-blasted blade and steel handle give the knife a clean, monochrome look. Made in the USA, the Leek opens easily with a flipper, and will serve you well for a very long time.

MSRP: $79.99

Benchmade Mini Griptilian

Benchmade makes high-quality knives with exceptional craftsmanship. The Mini Griptilian is small, nimble, and rugged knife that will be your loyal sidekick. It starts with the glass-filled nylon handle that provides a great grip and can take a beating.

The 2.91-inch plain-edge drop-point blade is CPM S30V stainless steel, opens with a thumb stud, and has a flat grind designed for slicing through pretty much anything within reason. The AXIS lock is fun to use and secures the blade safely and solidly in the open position. At just 2.81 ounces it’s incredibly light and perfect for life on the go.

MSRP: $150

Brighten Blades Green Day

Brighten Blades is a small, women-run factory knife outfit based in Utah. The Green Day knife is part of the company’s “Not So Heavy Metal Series.”

The knife is a small, minimalist blade with a 2.5-inch 8Cr13MoV stainless steel blade and an aluminum handle in a rich green. The blade also comes with a suede carrying case to store in a purse or pocket. This also keeps the knife in one secure place and doesn’t allow for accidental deployment.

The knives are fun to use and come in many different colors and designs.

MSRP: $29.99

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

The unstoppable Alpine Swiss Army knife (SAK) from Victorinox is a great pocketknife for women. Even this small version features numerous tools that will help every day, from a spear-point blade to tweezers, scissors, nail file, and screwdriver.

All of the tools are made from stainless steel and are designed to last for life. The Swiss Army knife isn’t just for the intense outdoor enthusiast or craftsperson; the tool is excellent for busy parents looking to have a small toolbox at hand for whatever the kids can throw at them. The SAK is utilitarian and has endured for a reason.

You can also customize this version in 10 different colors, ranging from teal and pink to black and lime green.

MSRP: $21.99

Read More

Oknife Beagle Review: Does This Folder Pass Muster?

Msg Kim Breed (ret.)

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February 8, 2023

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Oknife Beagle Review: Does This Folder Pass Muster?

High-Quality Folder Or Cheap Piece Of Metal? The Beagle From Oknife Gets Put Through Its Paces To Figure It Out.

The Beagle linerlock folder from Oknife feels good in the hand and rides quite well in a pants pocket. Action is very smooth with a positive lockup. When you close the knife, the detent ball grabs the harpoon-pattern blade securely. Balance is excellent. As for cutting performance, let’s see.

Edge Test

OKNIFE BEAGLE cutting bone — The Beagle whacked 22 times into the bone before breaking it. Afterward, the author detected a very small nick in the edge. Not bad at all!

First up: a check of the factory edge with a slice of 20-pound bond copy paper. Via a pull cut, the Beagle sliced very clean with no snagging. Cuts were controllable and smooth.

Double-walled cardboard provided the next test medium. The blade cut neat and fluidly with a minimum of grab by the cardboard. The Beagle worked better using a push rather than a pull cut. I felt no snagging in the process. Control was a tad wobbly as more pressure was needed to part the thick cardboard.

Heavy-Duty Cutting With The Oknife Beagle

OKNIFE BEAGLE skiving leather — The folder made very fine slices and emitted a nice crunching sound during the skiving. The author used the blade belly mostly to keep the leather together instead of in a pile of pieces.

Plastic board was next. The Beagle cut effortlessly with hardly any wobble. The folder was controllable during the test with only a few zigs in the plastic board. I exerted medium pressure with a push cut.

I used quick, short push cuts in a strip of 8-ounce leather. The Beagle made extremely fine slices and emitted a nice crunching sound. It was very manageable during the skiving. I skived with the belly of the blade mostly to keep the leather together instead of in a pile of pieces.

Beagle Takes On Wood And Sisal Rope

OKNIFE BEAGLE cutting rope — Working on 3/8-inch sisal rope for the final medium, the edge made it to 98 clean crunching cuts. The author suffered no hotspots or pinches of his hand during all 98 cuts.

Grabbing some pine leftover from my fencing, I commenced to whittle. The 154CM stainless steel blade made some very nice curly-cues. It was controllable for the thin curly-cues and for the deeper bites, too.

The handle felt good in my hand with no pinch spots during the heavier cuts. The Beagle finished four fire sticks with no issues. Whittling with it was a pleasure.

Next, the edge made it to 98 clean crunching cuts in 3/8-inch sisal rope. After that, the edge slowed down and crunching was not achieved throughout the full cut. My hand suffered no hotspots or pinches during all 98 cuts. The Beagle exhibits outstanding handle contouring.

Oknife Beagle Vs Bone

OKNIFE BEAGLE wood curly-qs — The 154CM stainless steel blade was manageable for the thin curly-cues and the deeper bites, too

For a possible destructive test, I clamped a piece of cow bone in the vise and slammed the edge into it repeatedly. The Beagle whacked 22 times into the bone before breaking it. I detected a very small nick by running a fingernail along the edge. Not bad at all!

Recommendations

I know that for production purposes the liners extend past the handle material. I prefer them to be flush. (Editor’s note: The action is very smooth and fast upon closing—so fast, in fact, take care when closing the blade one-handed that the edge does not nick the skin just below your thumbnail.)

Final Assessment Of The Oknife Beagle

The Beagle is a nice mid-size linerlock with a great handle and excellent edge retention. I would put this one in my pocket for daily carry anytime.

Oknife Beagle Knife Specs

BLADE LENGTH: 3.25 inches
BLADE STEEL: 154CM stainless
BLADE PATTERN: Harpoon
HANDLE: G-10
LOCK: Linerlock
LINERS: Stainless steel
WEIGHT: 3.25 ounces
CLOSED LENGTH: 4 ⅜ inches
EXTRAS: Includes a pouch w/fabric closure that contains a collector coin in a small pocket
MSRP: $79.95

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