I am all about counting ounces when it comes to sleeping bags and hiking boots, but I get a little wary when knife brands start trimming “fat” off their knives. Sure, there are plenty of reliable knives out there that come in at 3 ounces or under. However, a growing amount of these lightweight knives are only rated for light-duty work.
Light-duty knives are great for carrying around if you spend considerable time opening letters and packages. And they’ll slice open packets of Mountain House Chili Mac and moleskin, but they’re not necessarily a knife you want when you find yourself in a sticky situation in the middle of nowhere. Put simply: You can’t do demanding work as they can flex and fail in hard-use situations.
In response, OKNIFE set its sights on making a lightweight knife that was tougher than the rest. The brand was so hellbent on the objective that it created a new aluminum alloy for the task. It also partnered with renowned knifemaker Ken Onion to design something with his appeal.
The result is the OKNIFE XEN-OAL knife, a full-size folding knife made of premium materials and sporting an uncanny amount of toughness for a knife that only weighs 2.57 ounces.
In short: With its XEN-OAL, OKNIFE created a hardworking, lightweight knife that excels in corrosion and abrasion resistance, and a stout degree of toughness. It is not the least expensive knife out there, but it’s a reasonably priced option for those who mind their packweights and face rugged outdoor tasks. Buy this knife and beat it up!
- OAL: 7.36”
- Blade length: 3.16”
- Blade steel: S45VN w/Pearlescent stonewash finish
- Blade shape: Sheepsfoot
- Grind: Flat
- Hardness: 61-63 HRC
- Lock type: Frame
- Opening type: Flipper & thumb stud
- Carry: Right hand, tip-up
- Weight: 2.57 oz.
Pros
- OAL aluminum alloy
- S45VN sheepsfoot blade
- Size-to-weight ratio
- Hardworking
- Grip and ergonomics
Cons
- Aluminum stays cold for a while (you really feel it in your back pocket)
OKNIFE XEN-OAL Knife Review
Design & Features

First Impressions

In the Field

Steel: S45VN Is Tough!

Overtravel Concerns?

In Conclusion
