Work Sharp Knives is on fire right now. I had just finished editing my review of their RMX Thumbstud when FedEx dropped off the brand’s latest offering, the Madrone.
For a company that spent the last half of 2025 restocking and selling out of its debut RMX knife line, it’s obvious that Work Sharp understands that if you want to make a name for yourself in the knife industry, you need to make a good product and keep at it. That means staying relevant and releasing products that have impact.
In a saturated market, you need to find your niche. With the RMX line and the new Madrone, that niche is Work Sharp’s swappable pivot and button lock. After all, a knife that can go from manual to automatic, out of the box, without having to navigate the red tape surrounding most automatic knives, is appealing. Still, there’s a lot more to this line of knives that folks should pay attention to.
Unlike its cousins, the Madrone marks the first knife that doesn’t bear the “RMX” name. It’s also the first knife from Works Sharp that doesn’t carry magnesium handle scales. Though still integral, in place of that one piece of milled and machined magnesium is aluminum.
In short: Overall, the Work Sharp Madrone is similar but different from other knives in the Work Sharp stable. It turns the dial up a bit in terms of durability and capability. It’s an impressive full-sized knife, with an angled handle that allows you to lean into your work. It’s well-suited to anyone who uses their knife for a variety of daily tasks but doesn’t want to worry about maintaining their knife.
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Angled handle + clip-point blade = highly effective
- M390 steel is better than MagnaCut (I said what I said)
- Cerakoted aluminum will keep the Madrone in your hand, wet and dry
Cons
- Bead-blasted blades will show surface spotting easier than other blade finishes — wipe the blade down if you get caught up in the surf or you have to dissect something
Work Sharp Madrone Review
Design & Materials
The big change with the Madrone is the use of aluminum instead of magnesium for the integrated handle. To date, all of Work Sharp’s knives have used magnesium. Prior to the RMX line, hardly any knives used magnesium.
That said, it made a good choice for those knives, and I believe that aluminum makes a good choice for the Madrone. Where I believe the two materials are both capable and durable as integral handles (those made from a single solid material), aluminum feels more robust.
Present on the Madrone is the unique swappable pivot and button lock. Both of these increase the functionality of the knife. The obvious appeal here is the ability to swap out the pivot from manual to automatic nearly effortlessly.
The angling of the handle provides increased ergonomics, which is great for long-term use. Choosing to Cerakote the handles makes sure that the knife stays put in your paw when you are putting in the extra effort to complete a task. All of this aids in the effectiveness of the clip-point blade. That blade shape benefits from the angle of the handle as well as the increased grip.
The Steel: M390
I am a huge fan of M390. Made by Bohler, it is a premium super steel with high ranks in edge retention, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance. In a world where everyone is chasing after MagnaCut, M390 is a superior steel that has been around long enough to have a cult following.
That said, it’ll be a pain in the ass to sharpen when the time does come. But that’s what rainy days and Sundays are for.
First Impressions
I’m a G10 and Micarta handle kind of guy. I enjoy the incredible grip those materials give you when you’re out in the elements, wet and miserable, having the time of your life. Flip side of the coin, I have never been a fan of aluminum because it does not provide the proper grip one might require. However, when you Cerakote aluminum (or magnesium), it increases the grip potential tenfold.
The handles on the Madrone provide a reliable grip on a rainy day just as well as they do on a sunny day. They’re also going to retain that coating for the foreseeable future, keeping the knife looking new, and keeping your hand in place.
Plus, the integral aluminum handle makes the knife feel more substantial in your hand. The way the handle angles forward on this knife instills a level of confidence to really bear down. This, of course, is aided by the clip-point blade, which has similar attributes to a drop-point blade with the added benefit of piercing.
I’m looking forward to getting down to brass tacks with the Madrone, but I don’t think I am going to convert it to an automatic. I much prefer the simplicity of a manual opener for my EDC.
In the Field
Get your Band-Aids ready, because this beauty is both stabby and slicey. Where I am a big fan of drop point blades for their universal ability, I enjoy clip points for piercing.
Have you ever tried picking a hot dog up off the grill with a drop-point blade? You can do it, but you’ll probably cut that meat tube in half. With a clip-point blade, you can get in and get out, and have that dog in a bun with just a small hole to show for your efforts.
The only thing you need to worry about is an abundance of ocean spray. That saltwater will spot the bead-blasted blade finish; however, you still won’t see any corrosion. Just make sure to wipe it down on your beach towel just in case.
While I didn’t get out to the beach, I did get out into the woods and into the yard. And, yes, I did snag a couple of turkey dogs off the Weber. This knife is a well-dressed utility knife. I would even say that, due to its design and materials, it could make a great hunting knife. But most will find that it does a fine job as a reliable EDC. At just over 3 ounces, it’s an easy carry that goes unnoticed in your pocket until you need it.
The Lock
This is the fourth knife I have encountered with this style of button lock. I am really happy with it. By design, it has to tie into the pivot, and it is positioned in just the right place for the knife to be at the ready in your hand to deploy.
It’s also incredibly reliable. No, I did not baton the spine of the blade; I did suggestively tap it a bunch. No wiggle, no wobble, and no lock failure.
Conclusion: Who’s It For?
As Work Sharp continues to grow its line with banger after banger, the brand is proving it’s still on an upward trajectory. Major players in the knife world should be worried about losing market share. From quality builds and materials to shapes and finishes that make them a breeze to use, knives like the RMX and Madrone are setting the tone for current trends in the knife world.
I think the Madrone would work well with someone in the trades who goes from the job to the trail. It’s a knife you don’t really have to worry about; just keep using it. It’s a simple knife with advanced ergonomics, boasting excellent materials with the option to keep it manual or switch it to automatic.
Overall, I dig it. I also like the fact that Work Sharp is keeping the price affordable. Anything under $200 boasting these qualities is a steal, especially considering it’s made in the USA.
