Max Knives MKH02S — Warthog Torpen folder in natural titanium, N690

Overview

Same knife, different skin: the Warthog MKH02S keeps its titanium handle in the natural colour of the metal, a matte grey that plays against the black N690 blade. This folder, 176 mm open, comes from a collaboration between Torpen and Max Knives on a drawing by Jérôme Hovaere. It too belongs to the First Run edition, limited and numbered to 300 pieces, and arrives with its cordura sheath.

Natural titanium and a rear lock

Titanium weighs little for what it takes, and it is untroubled by damp or perspiration: it is the handle material here, left uncoloured, just as it comes off the machining. The mechanism is the centrepiece of the model: a back lock with an integral spring, particular to Torpen, which opens and closes the blade one-handed with a clean movement. Two decisions, one about material and one about mechanics, and together they give the Warthog its character.

Technical specifications

N690 steel blade of 77 mm, plain edge, 3 mm thick, black finish. Natural titanium handle of 100 mm, which is the length of the folded knife; opened out, the Warthog measures 176 mm. Locking is handled by a back lock with an integral spring, exclusive to Torpen. The cordura sheath is included. First Run edition limited to 300 numbered pieces.

Care

A bare titanium handle is cleaned with clear water and dried with a cloth; there is no need to polish it, the material does not oxidise. For the black N690 blade, wiping after every use remains the rule, particularly after cutting acidic food. Store the knife dry, sheath included. The pivot and the rear lock appreciate a drop of fine oil now and then. The edge is brought back on a fine-grit stone, following the original angle.