By: Adrian Gonzalez

Black G10 Handle | 3.17” Rose Gold Coated D2 Blade | JB Stout Design

In the world of everyday carry knives, compact fixed blades occupy a unique and often underestimated space. They must be small enough to remain discreet yet robust enough to handle demanding tasks when called upon. The Tenable Tiny Dancer Fixed Blade strikes this balance with remarkable precision. Designed by JB Stout, this pocket-sized fixed blade delivers professional-grade cutting performance wrapped in a sleek, portable form.

With its striking rose gold coated D2 blade, ergonomic black G10 handle, and a thoughtfully engineered Kydex sheath, the Tiny Dancer proves that size does not limit capability.

First Impressions: Compact, Purposeful, and Distinctive

The Tiny Dancer immediately stands out thanks to its elegant yet rugged aesthetic. The rose gold blade coating offers a refined contrast against the understated black G10 handle, giving the knife a premium look without sacrificing functionality.

At 6.83 inches overall, the Tiny Dancer is compact enough for daily carry while still offering a full three-finger grip. Its balanced proportions inspire confidence, making it clear that this knife is meant to be used—not just admired.

Design Philosophy: Small Fixed Blade, Big Versatility

The Tiny Dancer was intentionally crafted as a compact EDC fixed blade, but its capabilities extend far beyond light utility work. During real-world testing, this knife has proven capable of tasks typically reserved for larger blades, including processing game such as deer. This real-world validation underscores the effectiveness of its blade geometry, thickness, and ergonomics.

The handle is shaped to accommodate both smaller and larger hands, offering excellent control without feeling cramped. Whether choking up for precision cuts or applying pressure during tougher tasks, the knife remains comfortable and predictable in hand.

Blade Performance: D2 Steel with Rose Gold Finish

The 3.17-inch drop point blade is forged from D2 tool steel, a material widely respected for its balance of hardness, wear resistance, and edge retention. Precision heat treatment ensures the blade maintains sharpness through repeated use while still being tough enough to handle demanding cuts.

The flat grind enhances slicing efficiency, allowing the blade to pass cleanly through materials with minimal resistance. The rose gold coating not only elevates the knife’s visual appeal but also adds an extra layer of corrosion resistance, making it suitable for both urban and outdoor environments.

Handle Ergonomics: Control You Can Trust

The black G10 handle is designed with both comfort and traction in mind. Its textured surface provides a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions, while the contoured shape naturally fits the hand.

This ergonomic design allows for:

• Confident control during precision cuts
• Reduced hand fatigue during extended use
• Reliable grip across varied conditions

Despite the knife’s compact size, the handle never feels undersized, making the Tiny Dancer comfortable for a wide range of users.

Fixed Blade Confidence

As a fixed blade, the Tiny Dancer offers inherent reliability—no locks, no moving parts, just solid construction. The 0.157-inch blade thickness provides strength and stability without adding unnecessary bulk, ensuring the knife can withstand both everyday tasks and more demanding cutting scenarios.

This simplicity makes the Tiny Dancer especially appealing to users who value dependability and immediate readiness.

Carry System: Multi-Angle Kydex Sheath

Included with the Tiny Dancer is a precision-molded Kydex sheath designed for secure retention and quick access. The sheath features a 180-degree adjustable clip, allowing users to customize carry angle and position based on personal preference.

Whether worn discreetly for everyday carry or positioned for outdoor use, the sheath system offers flexibility without compromise. The modular base and included mounting hardware ensure the knife stays exactly where you want it.

Everyday and Outdoor Performance

In daily use, the Tiny Dancer excels as a versatile cutting tool:

• Everyday Tasks: Opening packages, cutting rope, food prep, and light utility work are handled effortlessly.
• Outdoor Use: The blade geometry and steel choice make it suitable for light bushcraft, food prep, and game processing.
• Precision Work: The drop point tip offers excellent control for detailed cutting tasks.

The knife’s compact profile makes it easy to carry daily, while its performance ensures it’s ready when more serious tasks arise.

Specifications at a Glance

• Model Name: Tiny Dancer
• Model Number: G014A1
• Designer: JB Stout
• Overall Length: 6.83″ / 173.5mm
• Blade Length: 3.17″ / 80.6mm
• Blade Thickness: 0.157″ / 4.0mm
• Blade Material: Rose Gold Coated D2
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Grind: Flat Grind
• Blade Finish: Rose Gold Coated
• Handle Material: Black G10
• Color: Black
• Lock Type: Fixed Blade
• Weight: 4.73oz / 134.2g
• Bonus: Kydex Sheath

About the Designer: JB Stout

JB Stout comes from a background as a machinist and tool-and-die maker, a trade that demands precision, efficiency, and an intimate understanding of materials. This technical foundation directly informs his knife designs, ensuring that every blade functions with purpose and intent.

For Stout, function always comes first. Once the mechanics are perfected, the artistic elements follow. This philosophy is evident in the Tiny Dancer—a knife that prioritizes performance and ergonomics while still delivering a refined, distinctive aesthetic.

Performance Cut Testing

To evaluate the real-world capability of the Tenable Tiny Dancer Fixed Blade, a comprehensive series of cutting tests was conducted. These tests simulate common everyday carry tasks, outdoor utility use, and controlled stress scenarios. Despite its compact size, the Tiny Dancer demonstrated performance well beyond expectations, reinforcing its reputation as a small fixed blade with serious cutting power.

• Paper Cutting Test

Result: Excellent
The Tiny Dancer sliced cleanly through standard printer paper with minimal effort. Both slow push cuts and fast slicing motions produced smooth, continuous cuts with no tearing or drag.

Comment: The flat grind and well-refined factory edge deliver impressive precision, making the knife suitable for detailed cutting tasks.

• Hair Shaving Test

Result: Passed
The blade easily shaved arm hair with light pressure, gliding smoothly without skipping.

Comment: This level of sharpness reflects quality heat treatment and careful edge geometry, impressive for a compact fixed blade designed for durability.

• Cardboard Cutting Test

Result: Outstanding
Thick corrugated cardboard was cut repeatedly without loss of performance. The blade maintained bite throughout extended cutting, and the edge showed no noticeable degradation.

Comment: The D2 steel’s wear resistance shines here, making the Tiny Dancer excellent for daily utility tasks such as box breakdown.

• Denim Cut Test

Result: Very Good
Single and folded layers of denim were sliced cleanly using controlled push cuts. The blade engaged quickly and tracked straight through the fabric.

Comment: The drop point profile provides excellent control, allowing clean cuts even through dense textiles.

• Rope Cut Test

Result: Excellent
Standard utility rope was severed cleanly in one to two pulls. The blade bit aggressively into the fibers and cut decisively.

Comment: This test highlights the knife’s readiness for emergency or outdoor scenarios where quick, reliable cuts are essential.

• Hardened Plastic (White Straw) Shaving Test

Result: Passed
The blade shaved thin curls from a hardened plastic straw, demonstrating fine edge stability and consistent grind geometry.

Comment: This confirms excellent edge alignment and attention to detail in manufacturing.

• Can Cutting Test

Result: Strong (Controlled Test)
Thin aluminum can material was punctured and sliced without edge deformation. The blade showed no rolling or chipping after the test.

Comment: While not recommended for routine use, this test demonstrated the strength and toughness of the D2 steel and blade construction.

• Wood Cutting Test

Result: Very Good
Soft pine was used for light carving, feathering, and shallow notching. The blade produced clean shavings and allowed controlled carving motions.

Comment: Though compact, the Tiny Dancer performs exceptionally well for light bushcraft and outdoor utility tasks.

Grip and Handling During Testing

Throughout all cutting tests, the black G10 handle provided excellent traction and comfort. The contoured ergonomics prevented hot spots, even during extended cutting sessions. The knife remained stable in hand, accommodating both smaller and larger grips with ease.

As a fixed blade, the Tiny Dancer inspired complete confidence—no lock engagement concerns, no blade play, just solid, predictable performance.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Compact fixed blade with impressive real-world capability
• D2 steel offers excellent edge retention and durability
• Comfortable G10 handle fits a wide range of hand sizes
• Multi-angle Kydex sheath allows highly customizable carry
• Striking rose gold blade finish adds uniqueness

Cons

• Fixed blade may not suit all EDC preferences
• D2 steel requires basic maintenance to prevent corrosion

Final Thoughts

The Tenable Tiny Dancer Fixed Blade is a prime example of thoughtful design meeting real-world functionality. It proves that a small fixed blade can be just as capable—if not more so—than larger folding knives when executed properly. With its reliable D2 steel, ergonomic handle, and adaptable carry system, the Tiny Dancer is well-suited for both everyday carry and outdoor use.

Whether you’re looking for a dependable daily companion or a compact blade that can handle serious tasks, the Tiny Dancer delivers performance far beyond its size.

Official Website: https://www.tenableknives.com/