By: Michael Galvin

When it comes to folding knives, most enthusiasts fall into one of two camps: those who prioritize everyday utility, and those who see their blade as an extension of their self-defense toolkit. The Hoffner CQB Folder manages to bridge that divide. It’s a knife with tactical DNA yet perfectly capable of handling the mundane—whether slicing open shipping boxes or dicing vegetables for dinner.

In this review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience with the Hoffner CQB, specifically the 3.5-inch spear point model, and how it stacks up against one of my long-time benchmarks: the Spyderco Tenacious.

First Impressions: A Solid, Confidence-Inspiring Folder

I first got my hands on the Hoffner CQB Folder at the SHOT Show. It immediately caught my attention for its full steel liners, hefty stainless frame pins, and liner lock with a detent ball that ensures smooth deployment. The lock engages with a very reassuring click, locking up mid-blade and eliminating any worry about the blade folding back on my knuckles mid-cut.

Compared side-by-side with the Spyderco Tenacious, the Hoffner feels more robust, slightly heavier, and unapologetically built for scenarios where reliability is non-negotiable.

The version I picked up features a 3.5-inch spear point blade with a black finish. It’s a shape that’s equally adept at thrusting, slicing, and detailed work. Hoffner also offers a smaller 2.8-inch blade option for those who prefer compact EDCs, but I wanted the extra reach for both utility and defensive purposes.

Blade Steel: 440C Stainless—A Balanced Choice

The CQB’s blade is made from 440C stainless steel, a high-alloy steel with a healthy dose of chromium that gives it excellent corrosion resistance. In the knife community, steel preferences are a near-religious debate, but 440C has always been a practical choice for a working blade.

Here’s why:

• Corrosion Resistance – Perfect for humid climates or occasional neglect.
• Ease of Sharpening – You don’t need to be a master sharpener to bring back a keen edge.
• Edge Retention – Not top-tier like premium powdered steels, but more than adequate for daily carry.

Out of the box, the blade wasn’t hair-popping sharp, but it was functional. After some time on my Spyderco Sharpmaker, I was able to get it close to shaving sharp. It’s also worth noting that the spear point profile, paired with a hollow grind, makes for a blade geometry that slices efficiently while maintaining a strong tip.

Handle Ergonomics: Purpose-Built for Grip and Control

The handle is one of the Hoffner’s defining features. My model came with olive G-10 handle scales featuring large circular cutouts in the middle—an intentional design choice for indexing and grip transitions.

Two handle texture options are available:

1. Smooth – More comfortable for extended utility use.
2. Chiseled – Offers extra traction for high-adrenaline scenarios.

My version is the smooth grip, but even so, the aggressive jimping along the spine and index areas offers superb traction. During use—even with wet hands—the knife stayed firmly in place.

What really sets this handle apart is how it facilitates a quick change between forward and reverse grips. After a few practice drills, I could switch seamlessly without breaking my flow. In defensive applications, Hoffner designed the butt of the knife as a pressure point implement, while the top acts as a blunt striking surface. In testing, even light strikes to pressure points proved painfully effective.

Specifications at a Glance

• Overall Length: 8.38″
• Blade Length: 3.5″
• Blade Thickness: 0.11″
• Blade Steel: 440C Stainless
• Blade Style: Spear Point
• Grind: Hollow
• Finish: Black
• Edge: Plain
• Handle Length: 4.875″
• Handle Thickness: 0.46″
• Handle Material: G-10
• Color: Olive
• Frame/Liner: Steel
• Weight: 4.54 oz.
• Ambidextrous: Yes
• Pocket Clip: Tip-down, reversible
• Lock: Liner Lock

Utility in Action: More Than Just a Self-Defense Knife

While the CQB was undeniably designed with self-defense in mind, over two months of testing, I found it equally at home in day-to-day chores.

Examples from my usage:

• Automotive Work – When replacing my truck’s brakes, I used the knife to separate pads from calipers. Despite scraping the clip against metal, the damage was minimal, and the black blade finish held up impressively well.
• Tech Work – Stripping CAT-6 cable for a modem installation was a breeze thanks to the fine spear point.
• Outdoor Use – The knife handled shaving bark and cutting through packaging with ease.
• Kitchen Duty – Yes, it cut steak and vegetables just fine—though it’s clearly not a chef’s knife.

After 8 weeks of use, I tested the edge retention with a cardboard cutting trial—83 cuts before it started binding. That’s respectable performance for 440C, considering cardboard’s notorious dulling effect.

The Pocket Clip: Small but Mighty

One of my pet peeves with folding knives is a flimsy clip. The Hoffner’s pocket clip might look understated, but it’s strong, secure, and reversible—great news for left-handed users. It sits deep in the pocket, keeping the knife discreet and reducing the chance of snagging on door frames or countertops.

Over time, I noticed my olive G-10 scales taking on a faint blue tint from my jeans—purely cosmetic and removable with cleaning.

Grip Design for Tactical Advantage

Hoffner didn’t just create a knife handle; they engineered a combat grip system. The indexing holes and unique shaping allow the knife to rest in your palm in a way that feels like a natural extension of your arm. This grip adds an effective 1.5–2 inches of slashing reach without increasing the blade length—keeping it within most legal carry limits.

The top of the handle’s jimping isn’t just for traction—it can be used offensively. I tested the butt end on pressure points and, with minimal effort, produced intense discomfort. Hoffner even suggests using the angled butt to drive into the base of an attacker’s nose. While it sounds extreme, the design clearly supports that application.

Drawbacks: Not Without Its Quirks

No knife is perfect, and the Hoffner CQB is no exception.

1. Weight – At 4.54 ounces, it’s heavier than most of my daily carries. The weight is reassuring in hand but noticeable in the pocket.
2. Handle Shape for Precision Cuts – The tactical grip is excellent for combat but can be less convenient for precision utility tasks where I want my thumb directly on the spine near the blade.
3. Pivot Tension Screw – Frequent rapid deployments can loosen it over time. I had to tighten mine once, and a dab of Loctite would solve it for good.

Durability and Warranty

For a knife in the $50+ range, the build quality is impressive. The CQB feels like it could handle years of regular use. Hoffner backs the knife with a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects—a reasonable policy for a budget-friendly tactical folder.

Final Verdict: A Tactical EDC Worth Carrying

The Hoffner CQB Folder is more than just a blade you carry “just in case” — it’s an everyday workhorse that’s equally comfortable opening packages, performing field tasks, or standing ready for self-defense.

This knife shines for those who value confidence in the hand. The unique indexing grip, sturdy 440C steel blade, and deep-carry pocket clip combine to make a knife that feels secure, dependable, and built for both utility and tactical purposes.

Here’s who I think will love this knife:

• Tactical enthusiasts who value a combat-ready grip system.
• Everyday users wanting a reliable work knife at a fair price.
• Collectors looking for something different than the usual EDC designs.

Whether you’re searching for a dependable EDC or a purpose-built self-defense tool, the Hoffner CQB Folder offers a rare blend of practicality and tactical readiness. It’s built to take abuse, feels rock-solid in hand, and delivers real value for its price.

Where to Buy: Explore the full lineup of Hoffner knives, configurations, and finishes directly from the manufacturer at https://hoffners.com/ or through authorized knife retailers.