While you may think a pocket knife is a pocket knife, New West Knifeworks is aiming to change your mind with the Saddleback Glory. As soon as I saw this folding knife, its unique design immediately caught my attention. I got my hands on it for a closer look and to help you decide if it can replace your current EDC.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- High-end CPM S35VN steel blade
- Titanium frame and clip
- Lightweight
Cons
- Out of range of some budgets
New West Knifeworks Saddleback Glory Pocket Knife Blade
- Blade length: 2 3/4 inches
- Total length: 7 1/8 inches
- Blade thickness: 0.015 inches
- Spine thickness: 0.095 inches
- Steel: CPM S35VN
New West Knifeworks starts strong, using CPM S35VN steel for the blade. This blend is known for its durability and easy maintenance, even compared to the ever-popular S30V steel. It offers increased toughness and chipping resistance, which is ideal for an EDC knife that’s going to see plenty of action.
Sharpened to a drop point with a plain, slightly contoured edge, it gives you a nice surface area for slicing and a solid piercing tip.
For deployment, the Saddleback Glory knife features a flipper that enables smooth, one-handed opening. The blade measures 2.75 inches in length, making it a good size for everyday tasks. Altogether, the knife measures 7 1/8 inches when fully open.
New West Knifeworks Saddleback Glory Pocket Knife Handle
The handle is where this knife really stands out. I reviewed the Ironwood and Red Liner colorway, which, as the name suggests, uses ironwood for the handle. I really love the dark, polished finish that allows you to see the natural wood grains.
Aside from Ironwood handles, you can also find the Saddleback Glory knife with either a G10 or carbon fiber handle. Both materials are known for their durability, so you surely can’t go wrong no matter which style you choose.
A titanium frame and pocket clip tie the whole piece together, ensuring a tough, durable, yet lightweight design.
New West Knifeworks Saddleback Glory Pocket Knife Price
This knife is a premium model, and its price tag reflects the design that went into it. The base Saddleback Glory model retails for $470, and the price gets up to $510 depending on your choice of handle material. The model I am reviewing is the Ironwood and Red Liner colorway, which retails for $510. You can find the entire collection directly from New West Knifeworks.
If you’re looking for a customizable option, you can also add laser-engraved text for an additional charge.
The Bottom Line
It’s not common that a product makes our whole team say, “wow!” but the Saddleback Glory folding knife did just that. This knife has a wide range of appeal, between its quality construction, customizability, and Made-in-the-USA dependability. While the price point may be restricting for some, the Saddleback Glory folding knife is a great EDC option for those looking for a step up from Grandpa’s ol’ reliable.
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