At first it seems a little like a souvenir, reminding me a bit of the fake pistols that turn out to be cigarette lighters when you pull the trigger–but there’s nothing fake about this tactical folder from Lone Wolf Knives. In fact, it makes good sense to build a military knife with a handle that’s familiar to a military owner.
Lone Wolf adds the grip of the standard Army Colt .45, first used in 1911, to the sound engineering of this U.S. 45 Folder knife, and even manages to bring some traditional style to the idea with the checkered rosewood handle slabs and the “US” logo. The 45 is compact when closed (4.3″) but unfolds to a very serviceable full length when the 3.3″ stainless steel blade locks into place. As a weapon this knife is a little short and a little shiny, but the size is right for a dependable field knife and possibly even a backup military knife.
As an everyday pocket blade, camping, or hunting knife the 45 would be a fine choice for many modern users who prefer a smaller and less obvious folding clip knife to the bulkier sheath knives that were standard for generations. The 45 has all the modern perks that make sense, including ambidextrous one handed opening, solid blade locking, and toughened stainless steel construction beneath the practical artwork of the handle.
