Cutting Edge: The Sandrin Monza Folder Offers Razor Sharp Style

A phrase I was taught early in life is that there are few things more dangerous than a dull knife. The reasons behind this are many, but the primary argument is that cutting with a dull knife requires excessive force, which can lead to the user losing control and injuring themselves. Throw some general frustration into that mix, and a dull knife becomes dangerous and annoying. The perfect edge has been likened to the search for the Holy Grail in the knife realm. We all want the ultimate razor-sharp blade with looks. Sandrin Knives shortens the search with its Monza Titanium.

The Sandrin Monza – The Ultimate Razor Sharp Blade with Looks

Companies have tried and tested different steel, various blade angles, super ninja coatings, and everything else under the sun to get an edge that stays sharp. It is not really difficult to put an edge in steel. In fact, just about any hard material can be sharpened with a little work. The challenge has been to keep that edge. I must admit that I, too, am a pilgrim on the journey to ultimate blade sharpness and longevity.

It is on this quest that I was introduced to an Italian knife maker called Sandrin. While not a household name, they have managed to create what I believe is the answer to our search, the Monza Titanium with a tungsten carbide blade. The ultimate razor-sharp blade with looks

Blade Science

Tungsten carbide is one of the sharpest and most durable metals available, but in most applications, it can be brittle. That is why most TC cutting tools tend to be beefy. Sandrin has solved that challenge.

An advancement in the science of blade materials, Sandrin knives are crafted from their patented Polyhedral Tungsten Carbide (PTC), a flexible grade of tungsten carbide that outperforms steel in edge retention. Measuring HRC 71 on the Rockwell scale of hardness, the Monza retains its razor-sharp edge far beyond steel knives.

Beyond Sharp

Sandrin calls this their StaySharp Technology. A hardness of 71HRC is almost unbelievable. As a comparison, most knives on the market have a hardness in the low to mid 50’sHRC. To go to 71 is an order of magnitude. The argument against bringing a knife to this level of hardness is that they are almost impossible to resharpen. You will not have to worry about that with the Sandrin Monza Titanium, though, because it is as durable as it is sharp.

The blade is so hard that you can actually sharpen other knives on it. The blade has a raw carbide finish which is achieved by grinding the PTC with fine diamonds. Unlike steel, the Sandrin Monza Titanium blade is completely rustproof, making it suitable for both fresh and saltwater conditions.

The Sandrin Monza Titanium with Tungsten Blade

Lock it Up

There is more to the Sandrin Monza Titanium than just an incredible blade. The locking mechanism on it is unlike any I have encountered. Called the Recoil Lock, this ingenious locking system is simple yet efficient and was designed by knife wunderkind SNECX Tan. The ambidextrous action delivers positive force (grip) to secure the blade in its rock-solid open position.

Closing the knife is accomplished by sliding the backspacer to the rear, eliminating accidental blade unlock. Along with the locking device, the knife has a ceramic ball-bearing action that provides a smooth opening and closing experience. A robust thumb stud provides for one handed blade deployment.

The knife uses a Recoil Lock Mechanism Inspired by SNECX

There is no shortage of knives that look good but have the ergonomics of a square tennis ball. Sandrin took great care to make sure the Sandrin Monza Titanium had a very ergonomic and easy to use design. A reversible titanium pocket clip enables right- or left-hand carry.

Coming in at only 3.45 ounces, the Sandrin Monza Titanium is so lightweight it practically disappears in your pocket. And, with a blade length of 3.38 inches, it’s also legal to carry in most jurisdictions.

Up Close

I received the Sandrin Monza Titanium for testing and promptly put it in my pocket. It is designed as an EDC knife so that is the role it would serve. My first impression of the knife was very positive. It is very light weight and slender which made carrying it a breeze. I also like the titanium pocket clip because it will be very difficult to bend it out of shape.

The fit and finish are pure Sandrin. Alessandro Colombatto, the founder of Sandrin Knives, stated, “Sandrin Knives are finished with the kind of precision and expertise that only comes with 40 years of experience in grinding carbide and with the knowledge, experience, and passion passed along from my father. Neither steel or ceramic, these knives are the perfect combination of hardness and strength whose extraordinary precision can be measured to light band tolerances. With an outstanding hardness of HRC 71, simply put, they’re nothing short of the hardest and most durable knife blades that have ever been made.”

Test Drive

Of course, when you get a knife this sharp, the first thing you want to do is test it. One of the best ways to test an edge is to simply cut paper. A sharp knife should slice through unsupported paper with no tearing or catching. The Sandrin Monza Titanium sliced through the paper like a hot knife through butter. In fact, I was able to cut tiny slivers of paper with no effort whatsoever.

The application that this blade excels at is everyday tasks. I by no means abuse my knives, but I am not delicate with them either. The price of that attitude is many hours sharpening blades that have fallen victim to everyday use. The nice thing about the Sandrin Monza Titanium is that I do not foresee a need to ever sharpen this knife for at least an incredibly long time.

Be Warned

The last thing I will say about the Sandrin Monza Titanium is that it is sharp. I see you scratching your head at my repeated statement. This time, it is a warning, though. The razor sharpness combined with a thin blade makes this a knife you can not be cavalier with.

This knife will punish you for a moment of reckless behavior. You will be bleeding before you realize you have been cut. I am not trying to be overly dramatic, but rather brutally clear that this knife is sharper than almost anything you have carried in the past.

With that, I know I have piqued your interest just as mine was when I came across the Sandrin Monza Titanium. It is no secret that I have a knife collection issue. Of all of the blades I have at my disposal though, the Sandrin Monza Titanium is now my EDC. If you are as intrigued by great knives as I am, the Sandrin Monza Titanium has to be on your list of blades to look at.

For more information, please visit USA.SandrinKnives.com.