North Mountain Blade Chop 2 Button Lock Black Folding Knife

The North Mountain Blade Chop 2 has a 3.5-inch SLD-Magic San Mai tanto blade, a black G10 handle, an extended tang, a button lock and a pocket clip, closing to 4.5 inches, with a molded storage case.

San Mai is a laminated construction, a hard cutting core forged between two softer outer layers. The core takes and holds the edge while the outers absorb shock and protect it from cracking, which is how Japanese blades have been built for centuries. SLD-Magic is the core here, a Hitachi tool steel with a reputation for holding an edge well while staying tougher than most steels at the same hardness.

A button lock puts a spring-loaded plunger through the blade tang, so the knife opens and closes one-handed without reaching across the blade path. The tanto puts a reinforced corner at the front for piercing, at the cost of a sweeping slice. Explore more Folding Knives.

• San Mai laminate: hard core between softer outer layers
• SLD-Magic core holds an edge while staying tough
• Button lock opens and closes with one hand
• 3.5-inch tanto blade, 4.5 inches closed