We are in a strange place right now in the knife market. So many knives are rushing past the Sebenza Barrier like it is nothing more than a speed bump, that we no longer stare in shock at $1,000 production knives. To me, this all seems insane, but I am acutely aware that I may be afflicted with Old Man Syndrome, whereby I am evaluating behavior based on outdated norms. That said, these knives seem to serve no purpose. They lack the rarity, individuality, and hardcrafted nature of true collectibles, but they are too expensive and often gilded with very impractical materials that using them as tools seems silly. But what do I know? If you want to spend $1,100 for a production version of a custom knife that costs $1,000, go for it.
But in this weird market, there are folks at least trying to make a go at more reasonably priced knives. Such are the strange times we live in that the Daedalus Knife Co. Lab is a “value” knife at $150. The brand is a collaboration between Evan Nicolaides (Esyx) and Justin Lundquist (maker of the Kizer Feist and the Urban EDC Supply Baby Barlow and NOT Jacob Lundquist maker of the Invert, something I may have mixed up in previous articles). It is a classic rendition of the “modern traditional” knife, with a form that echoes patterns of yesteryear with touches and materials that are more current. The Lab has a pronounced clip in the blade with a large blood groove for slow deployment, but it also has a lock, a pocket clip, and a front flipper. In many ways this reminds me of the Pena X Series modern traditionals, at a lower price point. Is it worth a look? Read on.
Here is the product page, but it is really just a landing page. I bought the review sample with personal funds at C. Risner (aka TraditionalPocketKnives.com) where you can find all the specs. Here is a video review. There are no written reviews.
I like the shape of the handle. Its palm swell closely matches my Bertie Reitvelt Sniper.
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