I remember reviewing a tiny knife earlier this year and using the phrase ‘Napoleon of EDC’ to describe how compact-yet-ruthlessly-efficient it was. To be honest, it’s a phrase I’ve come to love and I wish I could use it all the time… but the problem is that there can only be one Napoleon. However, the NanoMax embodies a similar spirit, with its small form-factor. Barely the size of a key when closed, the NanoMax opens up to become quite the powerhouse, getting you through any scenario where a sharp blade comes in handy.
Compact yet impressively capable, the NanoMax by TiGo is designed to slip seamlessly into your everyday routine. Crafted with a strong GR5 titanium frame and a premium M390 steel blade, this mini folding knife measures a mere 6.9cm (2.7 inches) when closed and weighs just 53.5g. The result is a tool that’s as convenient to carry as a house key, yet robust enough to tackle demanding tasks whenever they arise.
Designer: TiGo
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Rather than merely shrinking down a standard knife, the NanoMax brings purposeful design to the EDC scene. Its sleek titanium handle, fortified with surface anti-slip grooves, ensures a confident grip in any condition, while the M390 blade maintains a razor-sharp edge through long stretches of frequent use. The combination isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about long-term durability, reliable cutting performance, and a consistently refined experience.
Two distinct deployment methods—an integrated back flipper and a thumb groove—allow for effortless one-handed opening. Meanwhile, a secure liner lock mechanism keeps the blade firmly in place once engaged, providing peace of mind whether you’re slicing open a package, paring down kindling, or performing detailed craftwork. A roller bearing system ensures each opening action feels smooth and satisfying, minimizing any hesitation when you need the blade most.
Once flipped open, you’re greeted with a curved-belly Wharncliffe blade that looks like it means business. Measuring 53mm (2.1 inches), the blade’s tiny, but goes above and beyond to get the job done. Made from M390, a martensitic chromium steel that’s incredibly tough, corrosion-resistant, and easy to sharpen, the blade complements the NanoMax’s titanium handle perfectly. It outshines other steels like D2 and Damascus with how well it retains edges, and that Wharncliffe blade profile (also known as sheepsfoot) handles everything from cutting to slicing, piercing, whittling, and scraping. It’ll just as easily slice through boxes as it will through your seatbelt, giving it the kind of versatility that’s somewhat uncommon in the tiny knife world.
In an emergency, the titanium frame can pair with a ferro rod to help spark a fire, making the NanoMax more than a mere cutting tool. Whether you’re slicing rope on a campsite or opening letters at the office, this knife transitions smoothly between urban and outdoor environments. Its slim profile ensures that it never feels cumbersome or out of place—just ready for action at a moment’s notice.
For added practicality, a built-in keychain hole and pocket clip give you flexible carry options. Attach it to your keys, clip it to your pocket or bag, or hang it as a pendant. The NanoMax’s Tritium slot (vial sold separately) even lets you add a subtle glow-in-the-dark element for easy spotting in low light, reinforcing that this knife is designed with real-world conditions in mind.
At under 2 ounces, and roughly the size of a key or a thumbdrive, the NanoMax really does live up to its name. It’s tiny, but not as a compromise because it definitely maxes out with the materials it uses. To be honest, the use of titanium and M390 are exactly what allow the NanoMax to be so tiny, giving you something that punches well above its weight.
The NanoMax comes in just a single colorway for now, with its nude titanium and steel finish that kind of does feel like a classic color palette, if you ask me. The rawness of this lack of color or anodization gets taken away by the fact that the knife comes with a fair bit of detailing, including straight lines, sharp angles, and the judicious use of curves and radii. Simple grooved patches give the knife grip, and those tritium slots let you customize the EDC, making it visible even in low-light.
Although TiGo doesn’t explicitly mention this anywhere, you can expect a knife like the NanoMax to last you decades without breaking a sweat. Titanium has the ability to withstand pretty much any form of physical abuse, while the M390 blade will do so too… but just in case its edge wears out after a few years, a quick sharpening session gets you back to the NanoMax being its deadly, compact self. Sort of like the tiny little warrior I referenced earlier.
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The post The Small Samurai: Upgrade Your EDC with this Ultra-Compact Titanium Pocket Knife first appeared on Yanko Design.