If you don’t have an everyday carry knife, you need one. If you do, go ahead and treat yourself to another.
The new Skallywag Tactical Mudskipper grabbed my attention with its catchy name, and kept it with some pretty interesting features that make it a great EDC knife.
Let’s flick it open and see what’s up.
Skallywag Tactical Mudskipper Specs & Features
Specs
- Style: Folding
- Blade Steel: 14C28N
- Locking Mechanism: Liner lock
- Handle Material: Micarta
- Blade Length: 3.3”
- Overall Length: 6.5”
- Weight: 4 oz
- MSRP: $95
Features
- Matte stonewashed finish
- Smooth, bearing-driven action
- Rounded handle for pocket carry
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
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At the heart of the Mudskipper is a 14C28N blade with a durable and low-glare stonewash finish.
If you’re not steeped in steel, Sandvik 14C28N is a Swedish stainless steel that manages to deliver a surprising amount of value. It’s hard enough to shrug off abuse while boasting better corrosion resistance than other affordable knife steels, like D2. It’s very popular with knife-makers because it’s relatively inexpensive, easy to work with, and results in a tough blade that holds an edge well.
The Mudskipper’s blade rides on bearings that promise a smooth, light action. That large thumb hole ought to give plenty of one-handed leverage, as anyone with a Spyderco folder can attest.
A liner lock keeps the blade in place until you disengage the lock. It’s effective and doesn’t drive up the price like more complex locking mechanisms.
The handle scales are made from durable Micarta, and ride on an aluminum backspacer. The aluminum pocket clip is reversible side to side for ambidextrous tip-up carry. Stainless Steel hardware holds the whole package together.
Skallywag Tactical lists an MSRP of $95 for the Mudskipper.
I’m curious to get my hands on one, but at first blush it looks like a solid knife that’s reasonably priced and comfortable to carry. It would be a great companion to a value-focused EDC flashlight.
Be sure to sound off in the comments with your initial impressions.
What do you think of the new Skallywag Tactical Mudskipper? Let us know below. For more great pocket knives that won’t break the bank, check out our guide to the Best EDC Knives.
2 Leave a Reply
I have too many knives, but that's not going to stop me from buying more. I saw this review and ordered the Mudskipper. Skallywag was easy to work with and the knife arrived quickly. I like it a lot. Opening is as smooth as knives 2-3 times the cost. Factory edge is good, but I almost always sharpen everything as soon as I get it. Locking mechanism is really good and there is almost zero play when open. Fit in the hand is great for me, and the micarta handle gives plenty of grip, dry or wet, without the aggressive texture that will tear up your pockets.
I only have two negatives: 1) It isn't assisted opening. Most of the knives I carry daily are assisted flip open, push button, or OTF, so I'm used to a very quick deployment. This knife does flip open well, but every so often, I'll have to give a little extra wrist flick to fully open. 2) The liner lock is a little low in the handle, so it's harder to just run your thumb across to close. Most of the time I have to get my finger nail in there to really release the lock. Otherwise, great knife and I'll keep it in the rotation.
My higher quality folders usually stay in my bag, console or dresser drawer, unless I'm going to be away from home/work for a few days or out in the field. For every day stuff, I stick with the $30-40 Kershaw knives. For the price, they are feature rich, and I'm not going to be too upset if I chip or break a blade or lose one, which hasn't happened so far.
This is fantastic information - thank you for sharing!