The Hook: How a Design Drawing Sparked an Obsession
As a long-time partner of Bestech, I had the privilege of seeing the NYRRDREKI design drawings before most enthusiasts. To be honest, the moment I laid eyes on this folder—crafted by Dutch designer Fabian Hobbelen—I was struck by its unmistakable silhouette. The broad blade, the sheepsfoot-style cutting edge, and that generously proportioned handle curve practically carved out a pocket in my mind right then and there.
Within the aesthetic universe of EDC knives, I've always gravitated toward three blade shapes: sheepsfoot, tanto, and drop point. My collection already houses a CRK Small Sebenza 21, and my daily workhorse is the Benchmade Bugout—its extreme lightweight construction and effortless cutting capability handle the bulk of my package-opening, slicing, and everyday cutting tasks. But as capable as the Bugout is, it could never fill the sheepsfoot-shaped hole in my heart. So when the NYRRDREKI arrived with its distinctly Chinese-cleaver-inspired stance, I knew almost immediately: this one was meant for me.
In Hand: Unexpectedly Light
The unboxing was genuinely exciting. Before handling the physical knife, I had mentally categorized it as a "heavy-duty folder" based purely on the renderings and specs—the 4mm-thick M390 blade, the titanium frame, and the visually imposing broad blade all suggested serious heft.
But the moment I held it, my first thought was: This is way lighter than I expected.
I forgot to put it on a scale (forgive my carelessness), but based on years of handling folders, I'd estimate it at roughly 150 grams. For a knife with a titanium frame and an overall length pushing 18cm, that's remarkably disciplined. What's even more interesting is the balance—when gripped, you can distinctly feel the blade bias. The blade presence even slightly outweighs the handle, creating a subtle forward-leaning center of gravity. Rather than a flaw, this front-heavy bias becomes an advantage during chopping and slicing tasks, as if the blade guides itself toward the cut with decisive intent.
Looks: A "Tactical Cleaver" You Can Actually Carry
If I had to capture the NYRRDREKI's character in one phrase, it would be "tactical cleaver."
It doesn't chase the slender, low-profile silhouette of traditional EDC folders. Instead, it proudly displays a broad, straight cutting edge and a thick spine. This design language, rooted in the classic Chinese kitchen cleaver, has been reimagined by Fabian Hobbelen with an added layer of tactical hardware ruggedness. That prominent hole near the blade's spine is clearly borrowed from Chinese chef's knife tradition—not just a visual exclamation mark, but a cultural design hybrid that gives this knife a unique identity.
Deployment: Three Methods, One Level of Smoothness
The NYRRDREKI offers multiple deployment options to match different scenarios and habits:
Thumb-hole opening is the most intuitive—the generously sized aperture allows your thumb to hook in naturally with plenty of leverage. The front flipper is a modern-folder standard, flicking open with minimal effort. But the real delight is the pinky flip—with the blade closed, you can hook your pinky into that front hole and swing the blade open. This wasn't originally part of the design brief; it was a happy accident Hobbelen discovered while handling the first prototype, and it has since become the knife's most charming party trick. Thanks to the ceramic ball bearing system, all three methods glide open with top-tier smoothness. The detent resistance is perfectly tuned—neither sloppy nor requiring brute force.
Handle: The Warm Philosophy of Micarta
My sample is the BT2607A, featuring a bead-blast stonewashed titanium frame with a natural canvas Micarta inlay.
Compared to the cold slickness of carbon fiber or G10, Micarta carries a unique "thermal personality"—it won't freeze your hand in winter, and in summer, sweat actually enhances the grip rather than compromising it. During chopping or heavy cutting, Micarta's damping characteristics absorb vibration effectively, preventing hand fatigue over extended use. For an EDC piece, this "all-season" handle material is incredibly user-friendly.
There's also a hidden bonus to Micarta: patina. After months of carry and use, skin oils and sweat gradually work their way into the canvas fibers, developing a one-of-a-kind aged luster. This naturally earned "weathering" is something no factory distressing process can replicate. For enthusiasts who love a worn-in, vintage aesthetic, this knife only gets better with time.
Lock: The Human-Centered Button Frame Lock
The NYRRDREKI employs a button frame lock. The genius of this mechanism lies in its simplification of the traditional frame lock release—instead of pushing the lock bar sideways with your thumb, you simply press a button. For newcomers still learning locking mechanics, this dramatically reduces the risk of fumbling or accidental slips. And for users who may have thumb injuries or limited dexterity, this design is genuinely considerate—no thumb pressure required. Just depress the button, and the blade closes smoothly under its own weight. The entire process feels composed and safe.
Clip & QC: The Details That Matter
Bestech's reputation for quality control holds up here. The deep-carry titanium pocket clip keeps the knife riding low and discreet, with just the right amount of retention for confident draw and re-holstering.
Specifically on the BT2607A: the blade's stonewash finish is even and refined, free of the blotchy inconsistency you sometimes see. And the Micarta inlay edges are rounded and polished—your fingers glide over them without catching on canvas burrs. This is worth calling out, because plenty of brands cut corners on Micarta edge finishing, leaving a "fuzzy" feel that irritates the palm during extended use. Bestech clearly invested effort in the final fit-and-finish stage.
Verdict: Who Is This Knife For?
If, like me, you have a soft spot for sheepsfoot/cleaver-style blades and you're looking for an EDC folder that delivers visual impact without dragging down your pocket, the NYRRDREKI is one of the few premium options that nails the brief. It's not an ultralight "forget-it's-there" piece like the Bugout, nor is it a heavy-duty tool that sacrifices carry comfort for brute strength. It occupies a rare sweet spot: light enough for daily carry, distinctive enough to spark conversation, fidget-friendly enough to keep your hands busy, and substantial enough to handle real cutting work.
Fabian Hobbelen said he wanted the closed knife to resemble the head of a dragon. And when I hold it in my hand and swing that blade open with my pinky, I do feel something almost ceremonial—like a dragon lifting its head.
This isn't a knife that disappears into your pocket. It's a knife you'll find yourself opening, closing, admiring, and showing to friends over and over again.
The bottom line: If you need an EDC with soul, feel, and a story worth telling, the NYRRDREKI deserves a spot in your rotation.