Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife

The Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife is a unique offering from Mikov, known for their traditional Czech cutlery. This isn’t your grandpa’s pocketknife; it’s a modern take on folding knife design, featuring a distinctive handle that doubles as part of the opening mechanism. The knife promises a blend of compact size and functionality, all wrapped in a sleek, all-stainless steel package.

I was looking for a discreet, everyday carry (EDC) knife that wouldn’t weigh me down but could still handle basic cutting tasks. I needed something easily concealable yet durable enough for light use. The unique design of the Mikov The Cube immediately caught my eye.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the solid feel of the knife. Despite its small size, the all-stainless steel construction gives it a surprising heft. The design is minimalist and modern, with clean lines and a satin finish. It feels well-made and sturdy.

Compared to my usual EDC, a Kershaw Leek, and a Swiss Army Knife Classic SD, the Mikov The Cube offers a very different experience. The Kershaw is known for its assisted opening and slim profile, while the Swiss Army Knife excels in versatility with its multiple tools. The Mikov The Cube stands out with its unique opening mechanism and robust feel, prioritizing simplicity and strength over additional tools.

My initial impression was one of intrigue and cautious optimism. The unusual opening mechanism seemed like it could be either brilliant or frustrating. I was eager to see how it performed in real-world use.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife during a week-long camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. This provided a variety of tasks, from food preparation to gear maintenance, and a range of weather conditions. The knife was used for cutting rope, opening food packages, preparing kindling, and even some light whittling.

The opening mechanism initially took some getting used to. Double flipping the handles required a bit of practice to master smoothly. Once I got the hang of it, however, it became surprisingly efficient. It was still a bit awkward compared to a traditional flipper.

My first real use revealed one immediate downside. The all-steel construction gets very cold to the touch in chilly mountain weather, and can become slippery when wet. Wearing gloves mitigated these issues, but it’s worth noting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of intermittent use, the Mikov The Cube has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of loosening or play in the blade or handle. The satin finish has proven resistant to scratches and corrosion.

The only noticeable wear is on the internal pivot points of the handles. This is simply cosmetic, as the knife’s operation remains unaffected. The blade has maintained its edge well and required only occasional stropping to keep it sharp.

Maintaining the knife is simple. A quick wipe-down with a clean cloth after use and occasional lubrication of the pivot points with a light oil are all that’s needed. Compared to my experiences with other folding knives, which often require more frequent cleaning and sharpening, the Mikov The Cube is relatively low maintenance. It outperforms in simplicity, but isn’t as versatile as some multitools.

Breaking Down the Features of Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife

Specifications

• Blade Length: 2.38 inches. This makes it suitable for small, precise tasks, while remaining easily concealable.
• Closed Length: 3.13 inches. Compact and easy to carry in a pocket or on a keychain.
• Overall Length: 5.63 inches. Provides a decent amount of blade length for the size when opened.
• Blade Material: 440A Stainless Steel. Offers a good balance of corrosion resistance and edge retention.
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel. Provides a robust and durable handle.
• Opening Mechanism: Double Flipping Handles. A unique, albeit potentially awkward, ambidextrous opening method.

These specifications matter because they dictate the knife’s intended use and performance. The compact size and stainless steel construction make it an ideal EDC knife for those who prioritize durability and discreet carry. The blade steel’s properties determine how often you’ll need to sharpen, and the handle material affects grip and comfort.

Performance & Functionality

The Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife performs its primary function of cutting reasonably well. The blade is sharp enough for most everyday tasks, though not as aggressively sharp as some premium steels. The knife’s unique opening and closing function works as intended after a learning curve.

The knife’s main strength is its unique design and robust construction. It’s a conversation starter and feels like it could take a beating. The main weakness is the opening mechanism which, while innovative, isn’t as smooth or intuitive as a more traditional design.

The Mikov The Cube mostly meets expectations, although it fell short of expectations in ergonomics. Its innovative design comes with a bit of a trade-off in terms of immediate usability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Mikov The Cube is a study in minimalist design. The all-stainless steel construction gives it a clean, industrial look. The build quality is excellent, with precise machining and tight tolerances.

The knife feels solid in hand, but the all-steel construction can be slippery, especially when wet. The beveled corners are a welcome touch. They do help to improve ergonomics, but a textured finish would be preferable for enhanced grip. There’s definitely a learning curve with the unconventional opening mechanism.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its stainless steel construction and simple design, the Mikov The Cube should last a long time. The knife appears to be very durable. The lack of any complex mechanisms also reduces the likelihood of failure.

Maintenance is very straightforward. The knife requires minimal effort to keep in good working order.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mikov The Cube comes boxed with a hanging tab for retail display, but includes no additional accessories. Due to its unique design, customization options are limited.

There are no readily available aftermarket scales or other modifications for this knife. This is a drawback for those who enjoy personalizing their gear.

Pros and Cons of Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife?

The Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife is perfect for: collectors, those seeking a unique EDC knife, and individuals who appreciate minimalist design and robust construction. It is also good for anyone seeking a conversation starter.

Who should skip this product? Those who prioritize immediate ease of use, prefer knives with textured grips, or require a wide range of tools in their EDC knife.

A must-have modification, if it were available, would be textured scales to improve grip. A small lanyard could also be beneficial for added security.

Conclusion on Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife

The Mikov The Cube 2.38in Folding Knife is a distinctive and well-built knife with a unique opening mechanism. Its compact size and durable construction make it a suitable option for everyday carry. However, the opening mechanism takes some practice, and the all-steel construction can be slippery.

At $59.99, the price is reasonable for the quality of materials and construction. The value proposition is tied to its uniqueness and durability rather than its immediate usability.

I would recommend the Mikov The Cube to anyone looking for something different in their EDC knife. If you are willing to invest a little time in mastering the opening mechanism and prioritize durability over ultimate grip, this knife will reward you with years of reliable service. It’s a conversation piece that you can rely on. Give it a try and experience a truly unique folding knife!