This Fixed Blade’s Bizarre Feature Increases Its Cutting Power

Petrified Fish made its outdoor-ready Eel knife both safer and stronger at the same time.

Closeup of gloved hand holding Petrified Fish PFH01 EEL knife

Published December 20, 2024

·

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

The cutting power of a fixed-blade knife depends partially on how much force the user can put behind the blade. However, the more force someone uses, the higher the risk of potentially dangerous slips.

The folks at Petrified Fish have devised a pretty ingenious, albeit bizarre, way to avoid that risk with the PFH01 Eel fixed-blade knife. They did it by subtracting material from the knife.

Three Petrified Fish PFH01 EEL knives on black background — The Eel’s massive finger hole actually makes it easier and safer to use, especially for tougher cutting tasks.

Sometimes less is more

The crux of Petrified Fish’s PFH01 Eel lies in the massive finger hole that sits squarely between the handle and blade. Instead of a typical choil (or cutout), the finger hole entirely captures the user’s front digit, making it practically impossible for their hand to slip up the blade’s edge when cutting.

This adds an extra layer of safety and allows the user to exert extra force into their cuts without fear of slipping and possibly cutting themselves. It’s a clever, useful addition, especially for a hard-use outdoor fixed-blade knife.

Petrified Fish PFH01 EEL knife cutting through rope — The finger hole combines with the thick blade to create a formidable outdoor-ready cutting tool.

Made for hard work

The Eel is a sizeable fixed blade at 9.25 inches in total. But most of that is found in the 5.79-inch G10 handle. This makes it a great option for just about all hand sizes. Furthermore, it means you can get a good grip on it even in gloves — like you might wear when hunting or fishing in colder weather.

Despite the stouter 3.46 length, the blade’s width and belly curve mean the edge is deceptively long — clocking in at 4.49 inches. Furthermore, it’s made from 9Cr18MoV, a budget-friendly stainless high-carbon steel that offers plenty of strength, sharpness and edge retention.

The whole thing is finished with a unique sheath that matches the G10 handle. Since it doesn’t block the finger hole, users can deploy the blade with the proper, intended grip.

Petrified Fish PFH01 EEL knife, sheath, and fingerless tactical glove on black table — The sheath is designed to allow knife deployment with the proper finger-hole grip.

Pricing and availability

The Petrified Fish PFH01 Eel is available now on the brand’s site for $79. However, you can also get it in all three colorways — OD green, black and gray — for just $71 on Blade HQ.

Whichever route you choose, you’ll get a hard-working fixed blade with a unique, secure grip that’ll serve you well outdoors.