A detailed, hands-on review of YOUSUNLONG’s new compact folder. With its unique Nessmuk/Clip Point blade and two distinct G10 handle colors, is this the perfect pocket-friendly powerhouse?
THE BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT
YOUSUNLONG’s latest release is a direct and compelling entry into the highly competitive compact EDC market. This new Damascus folder is a thoughtfully designed knife that successfully packs a surprising amount of utility and ergonomic comfort into a small, pocket-friendly package. The highlight is its versatile Nessmuk/Clip Point hybrid blade, which offers excellent slicing capabilities uncommon in knives of this size. The choice between a vibrant Sky Blue or an understated Earth Brown G10 handle allows for welcome personalization. After carrying and testing it, I find it to be a very strong contender for anyone seeking a high-quality, legally-compliant (in many areas), and stylish knife for daily tasks.
CORE SPECIFICATIONS & THE COMPACT ADVANTAGE
Before we explore the details, let’s establish the knife’s foundation with its specifications. The size is the key story here.
- Model: YOUSUNLONG Compact Damascus EDC Folder
- Overall Length: 166mm / 6.54 in
- Blade Length: 68mm / 2.68 in
- Handle Length: 96mm / 3.78 in
- Weight: 110g / 3.88 oz
- Blade Steel: Damascus Steel
- Handle Material: Machined G10 (Available in Sky Blue & Earth Brown)
- Locking Mechanism: Steel Liner Lock
- Pivot System: Ball Bearings
The most significant spec here is the 68mm (2.68-inch) blade length. This positions the knife squarely in the “compact EDC” category and, importantly, makes it legally compliant to carry in many jurisdictions with blade length restrictions (such as certain cities or states). This thoughtful sizing immediately broadens its appeal to a wider audience of daily users.
DEEP DIVE: THE NESSMUK / CLIP POINT HYBRID BLADE
The blade is the soul of a knife, and this model features a fascinating and highly functional hybrid shape.
- Understanding the DNA: This blade combines two classic, time-tested designs.
- The Nessmuk: Named after the 19th-century outdoorsman George “Nessmuk” Sears, this blade shape is characterized by its significant “belly” (a continuous curve on the cutting edge). This makes it an absolutely phenomenal slicer, ideal for food prep, skinning, and any task requiring long, clean cuts.
- The Clip Point: This design features a “clipped,” often concave, section on the spine, which creates a finer, sharper tip. This excels at piercing and precision work.
- The Hybrid Advantage: By blending these two, YOUSUNLONG has created a blade that aims for the best of both worlds. It retains a generous belly for excellent slicing, but the clipped tip provides a level of piercing utility that a traditional Nessmuk lacks. For a compact EDC knife, this versatility is a massive asset. It can open a letter or package with its fine tip, then slice an apple for lunch with its curved belly, all in one small package. The Damascus pattern itself is beautifully executed, adding a layer of visual appeal to this functional design.
DEEP DIVE: THE G10 HANDLES & ERGONOMICS
YOUSUNLONG offers this model in two distinct G10 colors, creating a choice between two different personalities.
- The Colors: Sky vs. Earth:
- Sky Blue G10: This is a vibrant, modern, and eye-catching option. Beyond pure aesthetics, a brightly colored handle has a practical advantage: it provides high visibility. It’s much harder to lose a sky-blue knife if you set it down on the forest floor or in a cluttered workshop.
- Earth Brown G10: This is a more classic, understated, and traditional choice. The earthy, coyote-brown hue is low-profile and won’t draw unwanted attention. It’s for the user who prefers their gear to be effective but discreet.
- Ergonomics in a Small Package: Designing a comfortable small handle is a challenge, but it has been executed well here. Despite its 96mm length, the handle allowed for a full, four-finger grip for my medium-sized hands. The G10 is subtly contoured to fit the palm, and the fine texture provides excellent, non-abrasive traction. It feels secure and controllable, which is crucial for a small knife where a firm grip is paramount for safety.
REAL-WORLD CARRY AND EDC PERFORMANCE
I integrated this knife into my everyday carry for a weekend to assess its practicality.
Portability and Carry: This is where the knife truly excels. At 110g and with its compact dimensions, it is an effortless knife to carry. It disappears in the pocket and doesn’t create a noticeable weight or bulk. The pocket clip is well-designed, allowing the knife to sit low for discreet carry. For anyone who has found a larger 3.5-inch blade knife to be too cumbersome for daily life, this compact size will feel like a revelation.
EDC Task Performance: I used the knife for a range of typical daily tasks:
- Package Opening: The fine tip created by the clip point was perfect for piercing packing tape and opening boxes with precision.
- Food Prep: I used it to slice an apple and a block of cheese for a snack. As expected, the Nessmuk-style belly performed brilliantly, making clean, rolling cuts effortlessly.
- Cordage: It cleanly sliced through a thick piece of paracord in a single pass, demonstrating the sharpness of the factory edge.
The knife handled all these tasks with a level of competence that belies its small size. The ball-bearing pivot is smooth, allowing for quick, one-handed deployment, making it a very convenient and accessible tool.
PROS & CONS SUMMARY
A balanced look at the strengths and potential limitations:
Pros:
- Excellent Compact Size: Highly portable and legally compliant in many areas.
- Versatile Hybrid Blade Shape: The Nessmuk/Clip Point design is a fantastic all-around performer for EDC tasks.
- High-Quality G10 Handles: Excellent ergonomics and the choice of two appealing colors.
- Premium Damascus Aesthetics: Delivers a custom look in a production knife.
- Smooth and Reliable Action: The ball-bearing pivot is a joy to use.
Cons:
- Not for Large Hands: Users with very large hands might find the handle too small for a comfortable four-finger grip.
- Not a Heavy-Duty Tool: By design, this is a compact knife for EDC and light outdoor tasks, not for heavy prying or batoning.
CONCLUSION: WHO IS THIS COMPACT KNIFE FOR?
The new YOUSUNLONG Compact Damascus Folder is a well-designed, well-executed knife that fills an important niche in the market.
I would highly recommend this knife to:
- The Urban EDC User: If you work in an office or live in a city, this knife’s discreet size and versatile blade are perfect for daily tasks.
- Anyone with Blade Length Restrictions: This is an excellent way to carry a high-quality, beautiful knife while complying with local laws.
- The Hiker or Backpacker Seeking a Lightweight Option: It can serve as a primary knife for an ultralight hiker or a capable backup knife for any outdoor adventurer.
- The User Who Values Pocketability: If your primary concern is having a knife that is easy and comfortable to carry all day, this model should be at the top of your list.
YOUSUNLONG has successfully delivered a knife that is not just small, but also smart. It’s a powerful, practical, and pocketable tool that proves great things truly do come in small packages.
