We ditch the tactical black for something vibrant. A comprehensive, hands-on field test of YOUSUNLONG’s latest release: a 199mm drop point flipper that aims to be the ultimate ‘Goldilocks’ EDC.
INTRODUCTION: WHY YOUR EDC NEEDS A POP OF COLOR
In the world of outdoor gear and Everyday Carry (EDC), there is a tendency to gravitate towards the “tactical”—matte black, olive drab, wolf gray. While functional, it can sometimes feel a bit… serious. This weekend, I took a different approach. I headed out for a day hike with the newly released YOUSUNLONG Damascus Folding Knife, a tool that embraces a vibrant personality with its Colorful G10 handle.
But a pretty face isn’t enough when you’re miles from the trailhead. A knife needs to perform. Over the last 48 hours, I’ve carried, deployed, and used this knife extensively to answer a simple question: Can a knife that looks this fun also be a serious tool? With a flipper deployment, a secure liner lock, and a mesmerizing Damascus blade, the spec sheet says “yes.” Here is my rational, deep-dive review into the performance, ergonomics, and reality of living with this colorful companion.
THE SPECS: THE GOLDILOCKS ZONE
Before we get into the feelings, let’s look at the physics. The specifications of this knife place it in a very interesting category—large enough to be a primary outdoor knife, but light enough to be an urban EDC.
- Model: YOUSUNLONG Colorful G10 Damascus Folder
- Overall Length: 199mm (7.83 inches)
- Blade Length: 85mm (3.35 inches)
- Handle Length: 114mm (4.49 inches)
- Weight: 123g (4.34 oz)
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Steel: Premium Pattern-Welded Damascus
- Handle Material: Machined Colorful G10 Composite
- Deployment: Flipper Tab (Ball Bearing Pivot)
- Locking Mechanism: Steel Liner Lock
Analysis of the Numbers: The 123g weight is significant. It sits right in the “sweet spot.” It’s substantial enough that it doesn’t feel like a toy—you know it’s in your hand—but it’s light enough that it doesn’t drag down lightweight hiking shorts. The 85mm blade is functionally ideal; it provides enough cutting edge for slicing food or whittling, without being unwieldy.
VISUALS & MATERIALS: ART MEETS UTILITY
The Blade: Premium Damascus Textures The first thing that catches the light is the blade. The Premium Damascus pattern is distinct and swirling. Unlike a printed pattern, real pattern-welded steel has a texture you can feel with a fingernail. It adds a level of sophistication to the knife. The Drop Point profile is the quintessential “do-it-all” shape. It features a robust spine that tapers to a usable point, offering a perfect balance between strength and slicing capability. It’s not aggressive; it’s functional art.
The Handle: Colorful G10 This is the headline feature. G10 (a high-pressure fiberglass laminate) is an industry standard for a reason: it is impervious to moisture, temperature shifts, and impact. However, YOUSUNLONG has moved away from standard flat colors. The Colorful G10 cover features layers of vibrant hues revealed through 3D machining.
- Rational Observation: Beyond just looking cool, high-visibility gear has a practical purpose. If you drop a black knife in the dusk or into tall grass, it’s gone. If you drop this colorful knife, it stands out against the natural earth tones. It’s a safety feature disguised as an aesthetic choice.
MECHANICS: THE FLIPPER AND THE LOCK
A folding knife is a machine, and the quality of that machine is defined by its action.
The Deployment: The knife utilizes a Flipper tab. There are no thumb studs to get in the way of the cutting path. I found the detent (the resistance that keeps the blade closed) to be well-tuned. It requires a deliberate amount of pressure to break, which then sends the blade flying open with a satisfying snap. The pivot, likely running on ball bearings, is smooth and gritty-free.
- Field Note: When wearing light hiking gloves, the flipper tab was easy to locate and operate, which is a crucial detail for colder weather hiking.
The Security: Once open, the blade is secured by a Liner Lock. I inspected the lockup closely. The steel liner engages the tang of the blade at about 30-40%, which is ideal—early enough to allow for wear over time, but deep enough to be secure. There was absolutely no vertical blade play (wiggle up and down) and no side-to-side movement. Reliability is key in the outdoors, and this lock felt solid.
ERGONOMICS: HANDLING THE 114MM GRIP
The handle length is 114mm (approx. 4.5 inches). For my medium-large hands, this provided a full four-finger grip. The G10 material has a micro-texture that feels dry and grippy, not slick.
The machining on the handle isn’t just for the color reveal; the contoured grooves fit the fingers naturally. During a prolonged whittling session (making a tent peg), I didn’t experience any “hot spots” (painful pressure points). The pocket clip is positioned to allow the knife to sit deep, but the smooth G10 underneath means it doesn’t tear up your pants pocket when drawing it—a small but appreciated detail.
FIELD TEST: A WEEKEND IN THE WOODS
We took the knife onto the trail to see how it integrated into a standard hiking and camping loop.
Scenario 1: The Hike (Carry Comfort) Hiking involves a lot of movement—climbing over rocks, squatting to tie laces. A heavy or bulky knife can become an annoyance, banging against your leg. At 123g, the YOUSUNLONG folder disappeared into my pocket. It has enough heft to feel quality, but not enough to be a burden. I clipped it to my right pocket, and for the 4-hour ascent, I barely noticed it. This is exactly what you want from EDC: presence when needed, invisibility when not.
Scenario 2: The Camp Kitchen (Slicing) We stopped at a scenic overlook for a break. The menu: apples, hard salami, and cheese.
- The Cut: The drop point blade features a high flat grind. This geometry is excellent for slicing. When cutting the apple, the blade slid through cleanly rather than “wedging” or splitting the fruit.
- The Control: The flipper tab acts as a small finger guard when the blade is open, preventing your hand from slipping forward onto the edge. This added a layer of safety while slicing the harder salami.
- The Vibe: There is something undeniably pleasant about using a beautiful tool in a beautiful setting. The swirling Damascus steel catching the afternoon sun while preparing a simple meal elevated the experience. It felt refined.
Scenario 3: Utility Tasks I needed to cut some paracord to secure a tarp and shave some feather sticks for a fire lay. The factory edge was hair-shaving sharp. The G10 handle provided the leverage needed to push through the tough nylon cordage with a single push-cut. The drop point tip was strong enough to drill a small hole in a piece of wood without fear of snapping.
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
A note for the rational buyer: Damascus steel is a high-performance material, but it requires respect. Unlike basic stainless steel, the high-carbon layers that give it such great edge retention can be susceptible to corrosion if neglected.
- My Routine: After cutting the fruit, I wiped the blade down with a dry cloth. Once home, a light coat of mineral oil on the blade brought the pattern contrast back to life and protected the steel. The G10 handle, however, requires zero maintenance—just a wipe down with water if it gets muddy.
PROS & CONS: THE RATIONAL VERDICT
Pros:
- Ideal Weight: At 123g, it strikes the perfect balance between durability and portability.
- High-Visibility Aesthetics: The colorful G10 is unique, stylish, and practical for outdoor visibility.
- Smooth Action: The flipper deployment is reliable, snappy, and fun to use.
- Versatile Blade: The 85mm drop point shape is the master of general utility.
- Comfortable Grip: 114mm handle length accommodates full-sized hands comfortably.
Cons:
- Liner Lock Bias: Some users prefer a frame lock or button lock, though the liner lock here is well-executed.
- Damascus Care: Requires more attention (cleaning/oiling) than a basic stonewashed stainless steel blade.
CONCLUSION: A TOOL WITH PERSONALITY
The YOUSUNLONG Colorful G10 Damascus Folder is a breath of fresh air in a market dominated by tactical gray. But to dismiss it as just a “pretty knife” would be a mistake. Behind the vibrant colors lies a seriously capable tool.
The 123g weight makes it an effortless companion for long hikes. The drop point blade is a voracious slicer. The flipper action provides reliable, one-handed access. It manages to be a conversation starter and a workhorse simultaneously.
If you are looking for an EDC knife that brings a sense of joy and color to your gear loadout without sacrificing performance, this is a fantastic option. It reminds us that outdoor gear doesn’t have to be boring to be good. It’s a knife that invites you to get outside, use your gear, and enjoy the view.