Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife, a collaboration between Ivan Braginets and Real Steel, immediately caught my eye with its sleek design and the promise of ambidextrous operation. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear user, I’m always searching for a reliable EDC blade that can handle anything from daily chores to demanding field tasks. The innovative Slide Lock mechanism and the mythological inspiration behind the “Huginn” name added to its appeal.

I’ve been looking for a folding knife that is truly ambidextrous without sacrificing strength or ease of use. Many “ambidextrous” designs compromise on one side or the other, making them less than ideal for dedicated lefties like myself. This knife was intriguing.

Upon unboxing, the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife felt solid and well-balanced. The red and black G10 scales offered a secure grip, and the blade deployed smoothly with the Slide Lock. It felt like a quality tool ready for some real-world action.

I was considering the Benchmade Bugout and the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, both excellent knives in their own right. The Huginn, however, stood out due to its unique Slide Lock mechanism and the promise of true ambidextrous usability. I was looking for something different.

I was genuinely excited. The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife seemed to offer a fresh take on the EDC folding knife with both form and function. I couldn’t wait to put it to the test.


Real-World Testing: Putting Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife was during a week-long backcountry camping trip in the Cascade Mountains. I used it for a variety of tasks, including food preparation, cutting cordage, and whittling kindling for fires. It performed admirably in all scenarios.

The weather was typical for the Cascades – a mix of sunshine, rain, and cool temperatures. The G10 scales provided a secure grip even when wet, and the VG-10 blade held its edge exceptionally well despite the demanding tasks. The Slide Lock took a few minutes to master, but quickly became intuitive.

The Slide Lock is a game-changer. Opening and closing the blade with either hand was smooth and easy, and the lockup felt incredibly secure. There were no issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife has proven to be a reliable and durable EDC tool. It’s seen everything from daily carry in the city to extended outdoor excursions. It shows little signs of wear and tear.

The VG-10 blade has held its edge remarkably well, requiring only occasional stropping to maintain its sharpness. The G10 scales still look and feel great, and the Slide Lock continues to function flawlessly. Maintenance is simple.

Cleaning is straightforward; a quick rinse with water and a light application of oil to the blade and pivot point keep it in top condition. Compared to other folding knives I’ve owned, the Huginn has exceeded expectations in terms of both performance and durability.

Breaking Down the Features of Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife

Specifications

  • Blade Length: 3.6 inches. This provides ample cutting surface for most EDC tasks while remaining compact enough for comfortable carry.
  • Closed Length: 4.63 inches. A comfortable size for pocket carry without feeling bulky.
  • Blade Material: VG-10 stainless steel. Known for its excellent edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening.
  • Handle Material: G10. Offers a superior grip, even in wet conditions, and is extremely durable and resistant to wear.
  • Weight: 3.7 ounces (105g). Lightweight enough for everyday carry without feeling flimsy.
  • Knife Application: Everyday Carry. Designed and built for daily tasks, outdoor adventures, and general utility.
  • Handle Color: Red/Black. A visually appealing color combination that provides a good grip.
  • Additional Features: Pocket Clip. Allows for secure and convenient carry; can be reversed for left or right-hand carry.
  • Locking Mechanism: Slide Lock. Ambidextrous, strong, and easy to use.

These specifications are what make the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife an excellent EDC choice. The combination of a high-quality steel blade, durable handle material, and ambidextrous locking mechanism results in a versatile and reliable tool.

Performance & Functionality

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife performs exceptionally well across a variety of tasks. Its sharp VG-10 blade slices effortlessly through cardboard, rope, and food, making it an ideal tool for both everyday tasks and outdoor adventures. It is accurate and reliable.

The Slide Lock mechanism is a standout feature, providing a secure and reliable lockup with smooth and easy operation. While it takes a little getting used to, it’s far superior to many liner locks and frame locks in terms of ambidextrous use. The only minor weakness is the detent, which could be slightly stronger.

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife meets and exceeds expectations. It’s a well-designed, well-built, and highly functional folding knife that is a joy to use.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife is excellent. The G10 scales are precisely machined and provide a comfortable and secure grip. The knife feels solid and well-balanced in hand.

The design is user-friendly, though the Slide Lock does require a small learning curve. Once mastered, it is intuitive and easy to operate with either hand. The reversible pocket clip is a nice touch.

Durability & Maintenance

With its VG-10 blade and G10 scales, the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife is built to last. It is corrosion resistant, wear-resistant, and capable of withstanding demanding use. It is easy to maintain.

Maintenance is straightforward; regular cleaning and occasional sharpening are all that’s needed to keep the Huginn in top condition. The knife is easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and lubrication if necessary.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife comes standard with a reversible deep carry pocket clip. This provides secure and discreet carry.

While there are no readily available aftermarket scales or other accessories specifically designed for the Huginn, the standard pocket clip can be swapped out for other similar sized clips from other brands. The design is already excellent.

Pros and Cons of Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife

Pros

  • VG-10 blade offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance.
  • G10 scales provide a superior grip, even in wet conditions.
  • Innovative Slide Lock mechanism is truly ambidextrous and secure.
  • Lightweight and comfortable for everyday carry.
  • Sleek and aesthetically pleasing design inspired by Norse mythology.

Cons

  • Detent could be slightly stronger.
  • Slide Lock mechanism requires a small learning curve.


Who Should Buy Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife?

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife is perfect for EDC enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and anyone looking for a high-quality, ambidextrous folding knife. It’s also an excellent choice for left-handed individuals who have struggled to find truly ambidextrous knives.

Those who prefer traditional locking mechanisms or are looking for a larger, more heavy-duty knife might want to skip this product. Someone needing a dedicated survival knife might want a fixed blade instead.

A sharpening stone or strop is a must-have accessory to maintain the blade’s edge. A small bottle of lubricating oil is also recommended to keep the Slide Lock mechanism running smoothly.

Conclusion on Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife

The Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife is an exceptional EDC blade that combines innovative design, high-quality materials, and excellent performance. Its unique Slide Lock mechanism, ambidextrous usability, and sleek aesthetics set it apart from the competition. The price is justified.

I would highly recommend the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife to anyone looking for a reliable, versatile, and stylish EDC tool. It’s a knife that is both functional and enjoyable to use.

Don’t hesitate – add the Real Steel Huginn Folding Knife to your collection today and experience the difference!

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