Outdoor types have many uses for folding knives, so if such a device can be lightweight while also looking cool, so much the better. That’s where the Dragon Ridge comes in, featuring an M390 steel blade that folds into a skeletal titanium handle.
Currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign, Dragon Ridge is made by Hong Kong-based company TIGO (which means “titanium” and, er… “go”).
M390 steel was chosen for the 87 mm (3.4 in) blade rather than the often-used D2 steel, as TIGO claims the former is significantly more wear and corrosion resistant than the latter. In practical terms, this means the blade should not need to be sharpened frequently.
TIGO
When not needed, the blade folds into a 123 mm (4.8 in) skeleton handle, which is made of two joined pieces (one on each side) made from CNC-machined grade 5 titanium alloy. According to the company, this design not only reduces weight (the entire knife reportedly weighs 143 g (5 oz)) but also improves grip.
And as if that wasn't enough, the design is also claimed to “resemble the elegance of dragon bones.” We'll have to take TIGO's word for it.
Users can unlock the knife with one hand by pulling back a flipper mechanism with their index finger, pushing forward another mechanism with their thumb, or pressing down on the locking button with their thumb. The knife rotates smoothly on roller bearings and remains locked in place until the button is pressed again.
TIGO
A belt clip and a lanyard hole offer two different carrying methods for those who don't want to fit it in their pocket.
Assuming the Dragon Ridge knife goes into production, a pledge of $219 will get you one — the planned retail price is $279. It's demonstrated in the video below.
Dragon Ridge: Titanium Handle, M390 Blade EDC Knife
Source: Kickstarter