The tiny knife trend is ending. The trend, not the blades themselves; those have proven their staying power, and no longer should they be seen as an impermanent development doomed to future mediocrity. Small knives, when done well, succeed at being more pocketable (and sometimes keychain-friendly) without sacrificing utility. Knifemakers are becoming increasingly adept at striking this balance, and this week at SHOT Show — the annual trade show for the shooting, hunting and firearms industry (SHOT stands for “Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade”) — they showed off how they’ll do it in 2019.
Zero Tolerance 0022
With a 1.8-inch blade, the 0022 is Zero Tolerance’s smallest pocket knife ever. Its size is in no way representative of its quality though — the 0022’s modified trailing point blade (a trailing point is characterized by a spine that curves upward toward the tip) is made of stonewashed CPM 20CV steel and opens with a flipper tab and a ball bearing pivot. Its handle is made with carbon fiber and titanium scales and has an integrated framelock. All of these features are typical of high-end knives and show that the 0022 isn’t merely a gimmicky addition to its collection. The 0022 will retail for $250.
Kershaw Launch 10
The Launch 10, which Kershaw has nicknamed “The Claw,” is a folding knife with a 1.9-inch hawkbill blade. That shape — and its tough, edge-retaining CPM 154 steel — aid the Launch 10 in accomplishing the simple daily tasks that it’s designed for, like opening boxes and cutting cords. It also has an automatic, button-activated opening mechanism. This little knife is for those who need a blade regularly throughout the day, and as such it’s small enough to sit quietly in-pocket. The Launch 10 will cost $150.
