Jimmytronics’ Tactile OTF EDC Utility Knife Is an Overbuilt, Kickstarter-Breaking Masterwork

Once an unsung hero of the knife world, the humble utility knife has made major headway in gaining well-deserved respect over the last few years.

This has been aided, of course, by some intrepid engineers and knifemakers, like the folks at RiveryMFG with their Zero-G, the Placed Atoms Maker II and many more.

Now, a new full-sized contender enters the fray. You may have heard of Jimmytronics from its X-Acto-like, keychain-friendly Sardine. Well, the brand has returned with an even more innovative take, called the Tarpon Utility Knife.

Jimmytronics

Thin is in

While the brand’s previous project, the Sardine, was a keychain-style utility knife and, therefore, quite small, the Tarpon (like the fish) is a full-sized offering.

That means it accepts all standard-sized replaceable utility blades (or razor blades, as they’re commonly referred to). However, even a passing glance could inform you that this is no ordinary utility knife.

Jimmytronics

That starts with its unique body. Crafted from solid 316 stainless steel, it’s sturdy and strong. But it’s also incredibly thin, at just 6.0 millimeters thick. That makes it a lot thinner than typical EDC folders. It’s also very lightweight, making for easy carry.

It also has a clever blade mount, which features a simple-to-use rotating knurled disc to secure and release the blade, as well as a lanyard hole and a Cerakote wire pocket clip (available in numerous colorways).

But the best part of it is how it works…

Jimmytronics

Thrilling utility

Technically speaking, this is an OTF (“out-the-front”) knife, meaning the blade deploys in a sliding, forward motion, rather than unfolding like typical pocket knives. Crucially, this knife is not an automatic. It has no internal spring mechanism to “pop” the blade out, like a typical OTF.

Instead, it uses a slider mechanism in conjunction with the brand’s Fin Lock. Depress a section on the spine and it releases the blade. Then, you can slide (or flick) the blade into deployed position, at which point the Fin Lock locks it into place once more.

Jimmytronics

To unlock it again, you simply depress the fin lock and slide the blade back into the closed position. It’s remarkably well-designed, cleverly engineered and very fidget-friendly. It’s also strong and secure; you’ll never have to worry about it failing during normal, reasonable operation.

It’s also fully ambidextrous (you can easily flip the pocket clip, as well), precision engineered (there’s virtually no play to any of the mechanisms or moving parts) and it looks gorgeous.

I’m calling it now: this could be a contender for the best utility knife of the year.

Jimmytronics

Availability and pricing

The Jimmytronics Tarpon Utility Knife is now funding on Kickstarter. Gear Patrol readers can get it starting at just $68.

Jimmytronics

Jimmytronics Tarpon Utility Knife

• Starts at $68

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