Max Knives MKES1N — Ulys by Stéphane Espi, CPM-20CV folder, all black

Overview

Of the three versions of the Ulys, the folder drawn by French knifemaker Stéphane Espi and released by Max Knives, the black one is the only one to receive a blade in a dark finish: a 110 mm black micarta handle and an 80 mm drop point blade in CPM-20CV steel, black as well, where the light blue and brown versions carry a light satin blade. Flipper opening on ball bearings, liner lock, 189 mm open, 106 grams, First Run series of 300 numbered pieces.

All black, with an unusual steel underneath

This is the most visible difference in the trio: here everything is dark, from the micarta of the handle to the blade itself. Under the finish the steel is the same CPM-20CV, and the blade shape a drop point: lowered tip, generous belly, the go-anywhere geometry. Cleanliness remains the best way to look after a dark finish.

The Ulys is one of the knives of the Stéphane Espi x MaxKnives collaboration: the knifemaker's background, the design of the model and its three versions are presented there in detail.

Flipper on bearings, liner lock, titanium clip and backspacer

What the specification table does not tell you is in the mechanism. The Ulys opens with a flipper: a press of the index finger on the tab protruding from the spine, and the blade swings out in one movement, riding on ball bearings that make the opening smooth and consistent. In the open position, the liner-lock plate moves behind the tang of the blade; to close, push it aside with your thumb. The pocket clip and the backspacer are made of titanium, a metal that does not oxidise and adds no weight to the knife. Each piece of the First Run carries its number.

CPM-20CV, a powder metallurgy steel

CPM-20CV is not an everyday steel. It is a stainless steel with a very high chromium and vanadium content, made by powder metallurgy: the steel is atomised into fine particles and then consolidated under heat, which spreads the carbides evenly through the whole mass instead of letting them gather into clusters. It is the highest-grade steel in the Max Knives catalogue, where blades are usually made of 440C, 12C27, N690 or D2.

Care

CPM-20CV is a richly alloyed stainless steel: a wipe after use and dry storage are all it asks. Its heavy carbide content makes for a long-lasting edge; bringing that edge back, on the other hand, calls for a diamond or ceramic stone able to bite into those carbides, always at the original angle. Micarta cleans up with lukewarm water and dries quickly; the titanium of the clip and backspacer needs nothing. A drop of fine oil on the pivot and behind the liner-lock plate keeps the action even. Do not disassemble the knife: contact us before any work on the mechanism.