Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Falcon S35VN Folding Knife

Custom-knife feel at a production-knife price. That’s the idea behind the Massdrop x Ferrum Forge Falcon. Designed by Ferrum Forge Knife Works, a two-man operation out of San Diego known for producing small batches of custom knives, this folder is small enough to take anywhere, yet rugged enough to open boxes, cut rope, slice food, and much more. The blade is made from S35VN stainless steel for excellent edge retention and resistance to corrosion. It flips open effortlessly thanks to the caged bearing system—a mechanism used in nearly all of Ferrum Forge’s custom knives. The 6AL4V titanium handle is both lightweight and strong. Bead blasted to a smooth gray finish, it complements the satin blade nicely. A 3D-machined titanium clip is reversible for righties and lefties.

The Falcon’s 2.9-inch drop-point blade features a sizable choil for index finger placement when choking up. The spine has a concave cutout offering a natural thumb rest for a forward grip. As far as hardware, the Falcon has been crafted with the best materials on the market. Thanks to titanium’s spring properties, it makes for a safe and reliable frame lock that is almost impossible to accidentally disengage. The hardened steel lockbar insert won’t wear out in the long haul, drastically increasing the folder’s longevity. Holding the knife together is a titanium backspacer, bead blasted in gray. Also notable is the titanium clip, which has been adjusted for tension so that it stays put on the go, but it won’t rip your pants apart when taking out the knife.

Developed by Crucible Industries (one of the leading manufacturers of specialty steels for the cutlery industry) and Chris Reeve (arguably the most famous knifemaker in the world), S35VN is perhaps the most balanced blade steel ever created in terms of all-around performance. It’s made through a process of powdered metallurgy known as CPM, 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. This folder boasts a blade with remarkable edge-holding ability and wear resistance, placing the Falcon on par with knives vastly more expensive.

Founded in 2009, Ferrum Forge started from humble beginnings in Elliot Williamson’s garage in Southern California. Using found pieces of steel like old files and leaf springs, Elliot gradually taught himself the art of knifemaking and metallurgy. As his skills and passion grew, so too did the demand for his work. Luckily, Elliot’s brother Chris joined the team in 2012 to help expand Ferrum Forge to what it is today: a small operation dedicated to designing and producing custom knives through a rigorous process of development, machining, iteration, and quality control.

"I had the pleasure of test-driving this knife. I can tell you it oozes quality and precision craftsmanship. The action on this beauty is phenomenal. You won't be using it much for cutting stuff because as soon as you flip it open you'll get the irresistible urge to close it, just so you could flip it open again." - Theroc, Massdrop community member

"...this is a much more well-rounded style of blade that I very, very seriously doubt will come across any cutting task that this won't satisfy." - Jim Skelton, YouTuber

"This is a really great deal in that you are getting S35VN steel with titanium handles and you are paying just over $100." - EverydayTacticalVids, YouTuber

"...when you put together three industry icons' heads together to design and produce a knife, you can bet the result is nothing short of extraordinary." - Everyday Carry

"To me, this seems like a no-brainer. This is a great knife and with premium materials at an amazing price." - Cuylar, Massdrop community member

"There's a reason why so many people have gotten in on this drop. It's a fantastic EDC knife for not only knife collectors but someone who wants a rock solid EDC knife." - Living Survival, YouTuber

• "The Ferrum Forge Story" 
• "The WE Knife Story"