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Numerous knife nuts finally come to the purpose the place they need to strive a customized knife. Customized knives, handmade by expert knifemakers, are usually exceptionally costly, simply greater than $1,000. Additionally they are inclined to have wildly unpredictable availability as they’re, in fact, handmade, one after the other.
My recommendation is to begin small, normally with a hard and fast blade. Yow will discover out if the steep costs are made worthwhile at a decrease price of entry.
Among the best and least expensive methods to dip one’s toes within the customized market is the Wenger Aphid 2. It additionally occurs to be an exceedingly helpful knife that exhibits off the traits that make customs value the price. That is an EDC knife that may blow you away — for $40. You learn that proper.
Briefly: The Aphid 2 is an exceedingly high-value knife with a superior design that may function an EDC with little impression on weight, but flexes to deal with duties a folder shouldn’t deal with.
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Metal
Nitro-V -
Grind
Partial convex grind with zero bevel -
Lock
Mounted blade -
Blade size
1.5″ -
OAL
3.75″ -
Weight
0.8 oz. -
Worth
From $40 -
Nation of Origin
USA (Michigan)
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Sharpest knife you may ever use (besides possibly a customized) -
Small and simple to hold -
Exceedingly excessive worth -
Excellent for ultralight backpackers
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Considerably restricted availability -
Not ultimate for some duties (meals prep, batoning, and so forth.)
Wenger Aphid 2 Knife Evaluation

The Aphid 2 is a small fixed-blade knife that comes with a molded KYDEX sheath. Excellent as a neck knife or a small EDC, the Aphid 2 can stow just about anyplace: coin pocket, backpack, or glove field.
The metal, Nitro-V, is without doubt one of the finest cheaper steels obtainable, able to taking a razor edge, holding it for some time, and resisting stains. The blade is a drop level and the deal with is skeletonized to avoid wasting on dimension and weight.
The knife is made by Dave Wenger, who has an impressive (and well-earned) status for making basic fixed-blade patterns with intelligent and well-done touches. His “Tracker-style” knife is a extra upscale model of these made by manufacturing firms and options swooping strains and crisp grinds.
He has launched commissioned batches via high-end gear firms like Prometheus Design Werx. Wenger’s knives are famend for his or her laser-like edges. Whereas not all the time in inventory, the Aphid 2 is often launched in batches on Wenger’s web site. Following him on Instagram will provide you with a warning when drops can be found. Be warned: They promote out in minutes.
Testing
I’ve owned or reviewed hundreds of knives from dozens of manufacturing firms and a whole bunch of makers. No knife has had an edge on it like my Aphid 2.
By eradicating the chopping bevel and tapering the sting down from the backbone (a so-called zero grind), Wenger achieves unparalleled sharpness.
My Aphid 2 minimize hair off my arm whereas I used to be barely utilizing sufficient pressure to carry the knife up. It blasts via paper, cardboard, and meals with nearly no effort. And but it nonetheless hides in my pocket practically invisible. The truth that I don’t have to fret about grit or grime getting in a pivot is one other bonus.
This knife may be very near the best mounted blade EDC — small but succesful. After all, a knife this small can’t do sure issues — batoning is out, as is meals prep for big gadgets. However you purchase a knife of this dimension figuring out these limitations.
Excellent Introduction to Customized Knives

Inside its limitations, I’ve by no means discovered something higher than the Aphid 2. Its worth, round the price of two lunches out to eat, is extremely honest and it permits you to see what all of the fuss is about within the customized knife world.
Getting an edge this sharp on a manufacturing scale is just unimaginable. However if you’re a knife fan, that edge is a factor that may go away you breathless. It’s astounding.
Conclusion
With each unmatched efficiency and a microscopic price ticket, the Aphid 2 is a blade that anybody might personal, carry, and respect. I extremely suggest this knife.