This Is the EDC Knife Samurai Might Carry if They Had Access to Modern Craftsmanship

North Mountain Blade drops a trio of new high-end Japanese-inspired flipper knives made in collaboration with artist Tyler Anderson.

North Mountain Blade Chop EDC Knife blade closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published May 29, 2025

·

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

These days, most folks know tantos as Japanese-inspired blade shapes, with curves reminiscent of katana swords. However, the style originates as its own standalone knife — a short knife used by samurai in close-quarters combat.

While the samurai class is largely long gone, having been outlawed in the late 19th century, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine them carrying a North Mountain Blade x Tyler Anderson Chop EDC knife.

These stunning tanto-inspired flippers pay homage to their roots while thoroughly modernizing the style with contemporary materials, mechanisms and tech.

North Mountain Blade Chop EDC Knife next to ruler — At under 8.0 inches long, the NMB Chop hits that sweet spot, perfect for pocket carry.

Ancient inspiration made modern

Traditionally, tanto knives were the smallest blades in a samurai’s arsenal. Even then, they were sizable compared to EDC knives — the blades are typically five to 12 inches.

These NMB Chops are much more compact, at under 8.0 inches, yet they still bear the hallmark blade shape. However, they’re thoroughly modernized beyond that.

Even traditional samurai swords wouldn’t outperform these blade steels — such is the benefit of modern engineering.

Depending on your chosen configuration, the blade is made from either ZDP-189 or Böhler M390, exceptional super steels that perform magnificently. Even traditional samurai swords wouldn’t outperform these blade steels — such is the benefit of modern engineering.

Regardless of which you choose, the blades are mated to titanium handle scales — again, far more durable and rugged than traditional options. However, two have frame locks, while the third has a liner lock.

North Mountain Blade Chop EDC Knife handle lock side — Depending on your chosen version, these Chops come with a frame or liner lock, but they all have titanium scales.

A sharp trio

These EDC knives are special beyond their connection to Japanese samurai weaponry. They also boast some stylistic uniqueness courtesy of Tyler Anderson (@shiny_edc), the artist who worked on them.

All three versions come with unique Cerakote coatings. Two (in green and blue) get distressed paint jobs, like they’ve been worn out. Another two have a spare ombré-like fade.

Because they’re crafted from Cerakote, the finishes offer even more durability.

Then, the third (and most unique of all) has a dark bluish-black speckled style made to look like a forest beneath a starry sky. But here’s the real kicker: these finishes offer more than just looks.

Because they’re crafted from Cerakote, the finishes offer even more durability and resistance to moisture (and other forms of corrosion), chemicals, abrasions and even temperature changes. They don’t just look good, they’re also more robust and formidable.

North Mountain Blade Chop EDC Knife closed presentation side — The minimalist scale design allows Tyler Anderson’s stunning Cerakote finishes to do all the talking.

Available now

The North Mountain Blade x Tyler Anderson Chop EDC knives are now available on the brand’s site. Depending on your chosen configuration, they cost between $340 and $400.