New West KnifeWorks Upgraded Its MagnaCut EDC Knife with a Precision Button Lock

While much of what was exceptional about the original remains in this new edition, the user convenience gets a major boost.

Close-up of a black and gray textured folding knife handle with metal screws and a button on a tan background.

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By Sean Tirman

Published 2 hours ago

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In October of last year, my colleague, Steve Mazzucchi, wrote about a stunning MagnaCut EDC knife from a surprising brand. That knife was the New West KnifeWorks Glory Folder.

While the original was pretty damn great, it wasn’t perfect. That said, it didn’t need a full redesign, either.

Thankfully, the NWKW Glory Folder 2.0 delivers tweaks that fix precisely what needs fixing and leaves everything else intact.

Three folding knives with stonewashed blades and textured handles in blue, wood grain, and black, resting on a wooden surface. — The new precision-engineered button lock adds convenience and fidget-friendliness to the design.

Newfound glory

The starting point for the Glory Folder 2.0 was already incredibly solid. Honestly, it could take the cake as NWKW’s best knife to date. At the very least, it’s an exceptionally compelling entry into the EDC world.

For the most part, this new version doesn’t change much. The overall size (7.125 inches) and the silhouette remain unchanged. The materials also remain.

Three closed folding knives with textured handles in blue, black, and orange-red colors on a wooden surface. — The uniquely milled, grippy handle remains true to the original design.

That includes, of course, the flipper-deployed MagnaCut steel 2.75-inch modified drop-point blade. It also includes the unique handle with its deep-set grooves, which serve to both offer better grip and show off the material.

Those scales, by the way, are made from either G10 or Ironwood, depending on which configuration you choose. Just keep in mind that the wood options will run you $595 while the G10 is $525.

Three closed folding knives with blue, orange, and wood-grain handles resting on a wooden surface near two stacked books. — The MagnaCut super steel blade has a flipper deployment for speedy action, and the milled pocket clip has a matching finish.

Craft and care

Other returning elements include a thick, tip-up pocket clip (with a stonewash finish that mimics the blade) and the titanium internal frame.

In case you need reminding (or don’t know to begin with), the internal frame is one of the parts that’s machined and fitted entirely in-house, ensuring laser-precision and the highest degree of quality craftsmanship. The scales are hand-fitted to the frame, in-house as well.

Hand holding a closed black folding knife with a textured handle and metal screws. — The knife measures 7.125 inches total, hitting the EDC sweet spot nicely.

So, what’s the difference? It might look small, but it’s a big one. This new version gets a button lock instead of a liner lock. Not only does that swap make this version safer, but it also makes it more convenient and fidget-friendly, too.

In fact, the brand is also promising zero play, smoother overall deployment and a “rock-solid lockup” that you can hear. And that one tweak could take this knife from being really good to exceptionally great. Of course, you’ll have to try it out for yourself to know for certain.

Five folding knives with partially serrated silver blades and colorful handles in wood, blue, black, and red-orange, arranged on a dark textured surface. — Here, you can see all the available options of the Glory 2.0.

Availability and pricing

The New West KnifeWorks Glory Folder 2.0 is now available on the brand’s site in five configurations, starting at $525.

Folding knife with a partially open stainless steel blade and a black textured handle with finger grooves.

New West KnifeWorks Glory Folder 2.0

Starts at $525

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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