Is This Tiny, Affordable Blade the Best All-Around Option for How Most People Use Their EDC Knives?

Although somewhat unusual, coin knives are not exactly unheard of. The most famous example is probably the Coin Claw, penned by beloved knifemaker and designer Serge Panchenko.

But others have made their mark, too, like the Tiniest Gear Coin.

A new contender has just entered the fray in the Kizer Snail-Trail. However, this version is doing some things I haven’t seen before in the coin knife style that actually make this one of the most convenient and useful around. And it’s actually perfect for the way most folks use their EDC knives.

Kizer

A coin toss

Most coin knives have a folding element. Either they split in two, or a blade pops out from the circular handle. But the Snail-Trail has a very different approach, one that’s actually more convenient, fidget-friendly and even potentially safer.

Instead of a blade that sits astride the handle, this one has a blade sandwiched between its scales. And the blade doesn’t pop out; it slides with the help of a small thumb disc.

But it’s not just a free-sliding blade, either. It has a slip-joint mechanism, which keeps the knife more securely closed and prevents it from slipping back when you have it deployed.

Kizer

But here’s the real kicker: the extremely stout 0.42-inch hawkbill blade is actually perfect for the most common EDC knife cutting task. Because it’s so short, it’s ideal for opening packages. You can even use it to open boxes while worrying far less about slicing whatever’s inside, as it can’t even go deep enough to do real harm.

And that makes this tiny titan an exceptional tour de force for the way most people use their EDC knives. Sure, it’s not boastful or flashy, but it does what you need when you need it and stashes away discreetly when you don’t.

Kizer

EDC, as easy as 1-2-3

Don’t confuse size and affordability for poor quality. Just because this knife is small enough to fit in your jeans’ fifth pocket (the watch pocket) and costs under $60, that doesn’t mean it isn’t solid and reliable.

The standard edition features aluminum handle scales with etched concentric rings for easy grip. That makes it durable and lightweight. In fact, the whole thing weighs just 1.08 ounces total — light enough that you might actually forget you have it on you (until, of course, you need it).

Kizer

And the blade is crafted from AEB-L steel, which is comparable to classics like 440C and 12C27. It’s not pricey or fancy, but it’s reliable and it’ll handle common cutting tasks with no problems.

While it is unfortunately already sold out, there’s also a special edition with a titanium handle, Damascus thumb stud and pivot collar, and Böhler M390 steel blade.

Kizer

Availability and pricing

The Kizer Snail-Trail is now available on the brand’s site in three colorways for $50 apiece. Unfortunately, the $90 titanium-Damascus version is already sold out, but you can sign up for restock notifications.

Kizer

Kizer Snail-Trail

• $50 at Kizer

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