By: Lester Glover

A Precision-Crafted Titan Built for Everyday Mastery

When a knife arrives with the Poikilo Blade name on the box, expectations instantly rise — and the Komodo Standard configuration proves exactly why. This knife is more than a tool; it’s a deliberate expression of craftsmanship, metallurgy, and mechanical refinement. From the moment you open the box to the first time the blade cuts through real-world material, the Komodo stands out as a purpose-built, high-performance folder engineered for those who demand excellence.

Unboxing Experience — First Look at the Beast

Opening the Komodo Standard feels like unveiling a premium instrument. The packaging is clean, deliberate, and protective, allowing the knife to make a strong first impression the moment it’s revealed.

Inside the box, the first standout is its presence:

• The titanium frame with its sleek contours
• Purple-anodized accents on the backspacer and pocket clip
• A blade that radiates purpose with its dark stonewash finish

Lifting the knife from its foam cradle, you feel the full 4.44 ounces of precision-machined metal — not heavy, but substantial in a confidence-inspiring way. The Komodo is built to be used, not just admired.

Design & Construction

The Komodo’s structure is a seamless blend of tactical engineering and artistic detailing. Every piece, from the titanium handle to the Bohler M398 blade steel, speaks to durability, performance, and refinement.

General Configuration

• Configuration: Standard
• Carry: Right-hand, tip-up
• Opening: Thumb stud
• Overall Length: 8.41″
• Weight: 4.44 oz
• Series: BIO Series

The Komodo carries naturally in the pocket and deploys with controlled precision thanks to the thumb stud and perfectly tuned pivot system.

Blade — The Heart of the Komodo

At the core of the Komodo’s identity is its blade — a sheepsfoot profile crafted from one of the most advanced modern steels: Böhler M398.

Blade Specifications

• Blade Finish: Dark Stonewash (DSW)
• Blade Material: Bohler M398
• Blade Grind: Full flat (V-grind)
• Blade Style: Sheepsfoot
• Blade Width: 0.157″
• Blade Length: 3.69″

Why M398 Matters

M398 isn’t just good steel — it’s elite-tier metallurgy. Known for sky-high wear resistance, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, it’s a steel designed for enthusiasts who want their blade to stay sharp through relentless cutting tasks. Combined with a sheepsfoot shape and flat grind, the Komodo delivers:

• Controlled slicing
• Predictable cut paths
• Superior pressure distribution
• Exceptional performance on abrasive materials

The dark stonewash finish reduces glare, hides scratches, and gives the knife a rugged, purposeful aesthetic.

Handle — Titanium Strength Meets Artistic Detail

The Komodo’s handle is crafted from lightweight yet incredibly strong titanium, giving the knife both resilience and a sleek, ergonomic form.

Handle Specifications

• Handle Material: Titanium (Ti)
• Handle Length: 4.72″
• Handle Width: 0.54″
• Lockbar: Titanium frame lock with steel lockbar insert
• Backspacer Finish: Titanium with purple anodization
• Pocket Clip Finish: Titanium with purple anodization

The purple anodization adds a premium, custom-shop flair without sacrificing durability.

Frame Lock Excellence

The steel lockbar insert ensures reliable lockup, prolongs longevity, and prevents lock-stick. Combined with the precision-fit tolerances of the titanium frame, deployment feels secure and consistent.

Ergonomics — Built for Real-World Grip

In hand, the Komodo feels exceptional:

• The handle fills the palm without being bulky.
• Titanium machining gives just the right amount of traction.
• The sheepsfoot blade aligns naturally with the cutting motion.

The thumb stud is placed for instinctive deployment, and the strong detent balances speed with safety.

Performance Testing — How the Komodo Handles Real Work

A knife can look beautiful, but real performance is revealed through cutting tests. The Komodo Standard shines across the board:

1. Hair Shaving Test

The M398 edge easily shaves hair with a clean, crisp bite. The keen geometry and razor-sharp factory edge deliver effortless skin-level sharpness.

2. Paper Cutting Test

Thin paper, cardstock, notebook sheets — all sliced with a smooth, controlled glide. Zero tearing, zero feathering.

3. Rope Cutting Test

Whether synthetic utility rope, paracord, or braided lines, the sheepsfoot profile cuts cleanly and predictably, showing excellent bite.

4. Denim Cutting Test

Multiple folded layers of denim are sliced without binding, showing the blade’s ability to handle thick fabric materials used in field or emergency scenarios.

5. Cardboard Cutting Test

Corrugated cardboard, one of the biggest edge killers, is no challenge here. M398’s wear resistance shines as the Komodo maintains aggression through multiple box breakdowns.

6. Hardened Plastic (White Straw) Shaving Test

The blade shaves thin curls off hardened plastic tubing with surprising precision, proving its edge stability on dense synthetics.

7. Wood Shaving Test (Particle Board)

The Komodo creates uniform shavings and controlled curls even on rougher types of wood, despite particle board being notoriously abrasive.

8. Aluminum Can Cutting Test

The Komodo punctures and slices through aluminum can walls smoothly. While not an everyday task, the test proves the toughness and reliability of M398 when needed.

Deployment & Lockup

With a well-tuned thumb stud and precision pivot, deployment is crisp and controlled. The ceramic-bearing action allows the blade to glide into lock position with satisfying authority.

The titanium frame lock engages securely and consistently, with zero blade play in any direction. The steel lockbar insert ensures longevity even under repeated heavy use.

Carry & Everyday Use

The titanium pocket clip (with purple anodized finish) allows discreet, strong retention in the pocket. At 4.44 oz, the Komodo has a reassuring heft but never feels cumbersome.

Whether used for utility, work, outdoor tasks, or collection rotation, its size and performance make it a dependable daily companion.

Final Thoughts — A Premium Performer in Every Category

The Poikilo Blade Komodo – Standard delivers exactly what enthusiasts expect from the brand:

• Premium metallurgy
• Titanium craftsmanship
• Elegant-but-functional design
• Serious, real-world cutting performance

It’s a knife that feels engineered with intention — not just made, but crafted. From the unboxing to the final cut, the Komodo stands out as a reliable, high-performance folder for anyone who values precision and durability.

For more details and availability, visit their official website: https://poikiloblade.com/