By: Daniel Mason

The world of everyday carry knives is crowded with options that promise performance but often blend together in design. The Liong Mah EFD (Everyday Folding Design) breaks that monotony with a bold personality, practical engineering, and a confident in-hand presence. Built around dependable materials and thoughtful ergonomics, the EFD Folding Knife in Purple G10 proves that a working tool can also be a statement piece.

A Design Built for Real Life

Liong Mah Designs has always focused on creating knives that feel purposeful rather than flashy. The EFD follows that philosophy perfectly. Slightly wider and more substantial than many folders in its class, it delivers a reassuring heft without becoming bulky. The purple G10 scales give it character, while the stainless liners and liner lock keep everything grounded in practicality.

The Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade is the heart of the knife. Known for excellent corrosion resistance and easy sharpening, this steel is a favorite among EDC users who actually cut things daily. The drop-point profile and flat grind create a versatile edge capable of slicing, piercing, and controlled utility work.

A stonewashed finish completes the blade, not only giving it a rugged, broken-in look but also hiding the inevitable marks that come from real use. This is a knife designed to age gracefully.

Handle Ergonomics and Carry

The Purple G10 handle is more than just eye-catching. G10 offers excellent grip in wet or dry conditions, and the slightly thicker handle profile of the EFD fills the hand comfortably. Users with larger hands will especially appreciate the extra real estate, while smaller hands still benefit from the gentle contouring.

The deep-carry stainless pocket clip is ambidextrous, allowing tip-up right or left carry, a thoughtful touch for left-handed users. Riding on a bearing pivot system, the blade deployment is smooth and confident whether using the thumb stud or a gentle wrist flick.

About the Designer – Liong Mah

Liong Mah is respected in the knife community for blending modern aesthetics with hard-use practicality. His designs often feature clean silhouettes, purposeful ergonomics, and a focus on how a knife actually performs outside the display case. The EFD reflects his belief that an everyday knife should be simple, strong, and enjoyable to use without unnecessary complexity.

Performance Cut Testing

To see how the EFD performs beyond paper specs, the knife was put through a series of common cutting challenges.

• Paper Cut Test

The factory edge arrived razor sharp. The EFD sliced cleanly through printer paper with zero snagging. Push cuts were effortless, showing that the flat grind geometry is well executed.

• Cardboard Cut Test

Breaking down thick shipping boxes is where many knives reveal weaknesses. The 14C28N blade maintained bite through multiple layers of corrugated cardboard. The wider handle prevented hot spots, making long cuts comfortable.

• Rope Cut Test

On ½-inch nylon rope, the drop-point blade chewed through fibers with minimal pressure. The edge showed no rolling afterward—proof of good heat treatment.

• Denim Cut Test

Folded denim can be surprisingly tough. The EFD separated the material cleanly, and the tip offered precise control for draw cuts.

• Can Cut Test

Using light pressure to score and puncture an aluminum can, the blade held up admirably. No chipping occurred, and the liner lock remained rock solid.

• Plastic Cut Test (White Straw)

Fine shaving curls were possible on a plastic straw, demonstrating excellent edge refinement.

• Wood Cut Test

On dry hardwood, the knife performed controlled feather sticks. While not a bushcraft blade, it handled light wood tasks better than most urban folders.

• Hair Shave Test

After all testing, the edge still shaved arm hair—an impressive result for a production EDC knife.

Build Quality and Everyday Use

Over several days of pocket time, the EFD felt like a dependable companion rather than a fragile showpiece. The liner lock engaged consistently at around 40%, with no play in any direction. Bearings provided glassy action without feeling loose.

The slightly wider profile that sets the EFD apart also makes it excellent for food prep, workshop tasks, and general utility. It bridges the gap between slim gentleman’s folders and chunky tactical knives.

Specifications

• Blade Length: 3.50″
• Cutting Edge: 3.15″
• Closed Length: 4.50″
• Overall Length: 8.00″
• Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N Stainless Steel
• Blade Thickness: 0.125″
• Blade Style: Drop Point
• Blade Grind: Flat
• Blade Finish: Stonewash
• Handle Material: Purple G10
• Handle Thickness: 0.458″
• Liner Material: Stainless Steel
• Locking Mechanism: Liner Lock
• Pivot Assembly: Bearings
• Pocket Clip: Deep Carry Stainless Steel (Tip-Up, Right/Left)
• Weight: 3.92 oz.
• Designer: Liong Mah
• Made in China

Pros and Cons

Pros

• ✔ Excellent Sandvik 14C28N steel – easy to sharpen, great corrosion resistance
• ✔ Wider, comfortable handle ideal for larger hands
• ✔ Smooth bearing action with reliable liner lock
• ✔ Ambidextrous deep-carry pocket clip
• ✔ Stonewash finish hides wear
• ✔ Versatile drop-point blade for real EDC tasks
• ✔ Unique purple G10 adds personality

Cons

• ✖ Slightly wider profile may feel bulky in slim pockets
• ✖ No flipper tab for those who prefer that deployment
• ✖ Not intended for heavy prying or hard-use abuse
• ✖ Color may be too bold for minimalist tastes

Final Thoughts

The Liong Mah EFD Folding Knife is one of those rare EDC blades that balances character with capability. It isn’t trying to be tactical, nor purely gentlemanly—it sits confidently in the middle as a true user’s knife. The Sandvik 14C28N blade delivers dependable cutting performance, while the purple G10 handle ensures it never gets lost on the table or in a pocket.

For anyone wanting a folder with a little more presence, excellent ergonomics, and proven materials, the EFD deserves serious consideration. It’s a knife you’ll actually carry, actually use, and still admire at the end of the day.

For more information and other designs from Liong Mah, visit:
https://liongmah.com/