GiantMouse Gives One of Its Most Popular EDC Knives a Swashbuckling Blade Upgrade

This stunning reimagining of the brand’s revered Iona folder has some surprising maritime history attached to it.

Close-up of a folding knife with a textured dark gray handle and a silver blade resting on a rusty metal surface.

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By Sean Tirman

Published February 11, 2026

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Updated February 11, 2026

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Originally founded by Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes, two master knifemakers and giants of the EDC industry, GiantMouse has proven to be a tour de force brand, dropping hit after hit.

In fact, even reinterpretations of its existing catalog models have proven unique enough to garner standalone attention (including one from just a few weeks ago). The latest in that trend is a knife just announced a few short minutes ago: the GiantMouse ACE Iona Sailor, which draws inspiration from maritime legend.

Folding knife with textured black handle and silver blade resting on orange and blue safety equipment with rope and metal shackle. — This new take on the Ace Iona comes with either a Black or Wolf Gray handle.

A pirate’s life for me

The ACE Iona Sailor’s name is derived from its unique modified sheepsfoot blade, which has a steeper, clip-like drop-off toward the tip.

So the story goes, sailors were once expected to break off the tips of their knives to prevent them from assaulting officers and committing mutiny. That said, this is largely a myth and has never been proven true.

Folding knife with textured gray handle and silver blade marked "ACE CPM 590V" on a metal surface. — The textured handle is made from injection-molded FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon).

However, whether or not the story bears and weight, this blade actually does offer some valuable utility when it comes to seafaring usage. Its outward-curved edge offers excellent safety, precision, control and more. And its abbreviated tip is still sharp enough for piercing work.

Furthermore, the blade steel of choice, S90V, is a super steel renowned for its corrosion resistance, lending further credence to its ocean-going use (though it still requires cleaning and care to remain rust-free).

S90V is highly corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for offshore work (though it still requires care to keep it rust-free).

GiantMouse

Tip the scales

The pointy end of this knife isn’t the only element that has been given a redux. The handle has similarly undergone a pretty comprehensive overhaul.

Normally offered with Micarta handle scales, this new take features injection-molded FRN (fiberglass-reinforced nylon), which is incredibly lightweight, durable, resistant to temperature changes and chemicals, and more. The injection-molding process is also what allows it to have its uniquely textured ridges, which offer even better grip, especially in soggier conditions.

Black textured folding knife with silver clip resting on coiled white rope with blue accents and orange background. — The knife’s wire pocket clip is reversible, and its brass thumb studs are similarly ambidextrous.

The knife also retains its classic liner lock, an iconic, dependable mechanism, as well as brass thumb studs and a reversible wire pocket clip. And it can be had in either Black with a satin blade or Wolf Gray with a stonewashed blade.

What’s perhaps the best part of this knife is how it honors what made the Iona a great knife — lightness, clean design, high functionality and more — while allowing it to stand out amongst its peers. This knife is as practical as it is premium, and that’s a tough balance to strike.

Folding knife with textured dark gray handle and stonewashed blade resting on a weathered metal pulley with rope. — From tip to tail, this reinterpretation of the GM Iona is spectacular.

Pricing and availability

Announced on the brand’s Instagram today, February 11, the GiantMouse ACE Iona Sailor launches officially next Tuesday, February 17, for $175 in either colorway.

Folding knife with a curved stainless steel blade and textured black handle.

GiantMouse ACE Iona Sailor

$175 at GiantMouse

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

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