Drop + Eric Ochs Otter Titanium Liner Lock Knife

Our third collaboration with knifemaker Eric Ochs, the Otter is the smallest, most functional, and most EDC-friendly yet. Measuring just 6 inches long and weighing only 2.7 ounces, this compact folder takes up little space in a pocket, but rises to the occasion when called upon. The leaf-shaped blade is as versatile as it is balanced—not to mention it’s made from S35VN, arguably the best commercial steel available. The handle, here in G-10 or marbled carbon fiber, is cut to match the contours of the blade for a fluid silhouette, not unlike that of the water-dwelling creature the knife takes its name from. Fitted with a titanium liner lock, titanium hardware, and a built-in bottle opener, the Otter is ready for everyday tasks, and after-hours celebrations.

As any Eric Ochs fan knows, handles are his forte. The Otter’s handle has somewhat unexpected origins. In the early days, when Ochs practiced grinding scraps of wood into knife handles to better understand their ergonomics, it dawned on him that eggs fit quite nicely in a palm. After many refinements, one of Ochs’ first custom knives—on which our Otter is based—was born, sporting a wildly comfortable handle shaped like an egg. Now, we’ve taken that handle design and improved it once more, by adding a built-in magnetized bottle opener to crack open a cold one and keep track of the cap. On top of that, you’ll find all titanium hardware, ceramic bearings for smooth opening and closure, and a contoured titanium clip for convenient carry.

“If you don’t have a good handle, you don’t have a good knife. If you can't hold on to a knife, you can't cut very well." Growing up in Oregon against a backdrop of rivers, valleys, and forests, Eric Ochs understood this from an early age. In fact, that age was six, when his father gave him his first pocket knife. A year later, Ochs got his first Swiss Army Knife, and today he can’t remember a day without a folder by his side. A self-taught talent, Eric started making knives in 2007. His designs have become known for their blend of simplicity, balance, and function. He’s also an avid hunter, fisherman, and kayaker, so he has ample opportunity to field test his knives—which is testament to why they’re so useful for a wide range of tasks.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (pioneer of the integral frame lock), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process known as Crucible Powdered Metallurgy, which results in near perfect consistency in the distribution of carbides. Compared to conventional melting practices, the CPM process produces a steel characterized by superior dimensional stability, grindability, and toughness.

Since its founding in 2000, WE Knife has set a new standard for manufacturing in China. With a professional research and development team, high-quality facilities, and a commitment to precision manufacturing techniques, the company produces a wide range of cutlery manufactured to the highest tolerances.