My Favorite Tiny EDC Knife Just Got a Huge Materials Upgrade

Only 500 units of this premium edition were built.

Closeup shot of WESN Ridgeback Microblade blade over black pebbles

Published December 12, 2024

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Regarding ultra-compact EDC, no knife hits like WESN’s aptly named Microblade. Not only is this incredibly small flipper blade built exceptionally — more like a full-sized knife than a novelty — but its design makes it much more useful than many other knives in its class.

In an exciting development, WESN has just given us yet another reason to love the Microblade. The brand has released a new, premium, limited edition called the WESN Ridgeback Microblade.

WESN Ridgeback Microblade on wood table surrounded by rope, watch, magazine — This version of the Microblade retains its signature size and silhouette, but the new hammered titanium handle helps it stand alone.

Still tiny, even more mighty

Thankfully, the Ridgeback Microblade retains the same silhouette and size specs as its less-premium counterparts. For reference, it has a 1.5-inch blade and 2.25-inch handle, which combine for a total length of 3.75 inches and a weight of only one ounce.

However, it does have some significant material and style swaps. For instance, the D2 blade steel is replaced by much higher-grade Böhler M390 steel, renowned for its wear resistance.

The most obvious change is the handle. This one still has a smooth titanium scale on the frame lock side, but the presentation side is now made from hammered titanium instead of smooth titanium or G10.

That combination stylistically vaults this edition of the Microblade into the stratosphere, which is appropriate, considering the knife’s inspiration.

Closed WESN Ridgeback Microblade on slate with yellow lanyard surrounded by black pebbles — Along with its material upgrades, the Ridgeback Microblade also comes with a yellow lanyard and WESN-branded bead.

EDC meets outdoor inspiration

Much of WESN’s EDC gear is squarely in the city-going category. But this release marks a change, as the influence comes from elsewhere.

According to the brand, the WESN team traveled together to Northern Sweden. After sleeping among the craggy mountains for a few days, the idea for the Ridgeback manifested.

While the rocky inspiration seems obvious in the hammered handle scale, it doesn’t stop there. Even the tiniest detail, the thumb stud done up in a bright yellow meant to allude to mountain sunrises, harkens back to that trip.

This persistent, deliberate attention to detail has helped WESN stand apart as an EDC brand, and it’s put on full display with this limited-edition release.

WESN Ridgeback Microblade held by gloved hand over rocky landscape — Only 500 units of this minuscule EDC cutting tool were made. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.

Pricing and availability

Unsurprisingly, the WESN Ridgeback Microblade’s premium upgrades also increase the price, bringing this version to $150 (up from the original’s $89 MSRP).

Even then, this version will likely sell out sooner than later, as only 500 units were manufactured. WESN says, “Once they’re gone, they’re gone,” so you’ll want to pick yours up while you can.