Drop’s Mordax Is a Fantastic All-Purpose Pocket Knife

Drop (formerly Massdrop) is known for its custom products, and especially its knives. And in all honesty, the Mordax pocket knife is a great example of Drop’s commitment to quality. It’s simply a fantastic all-purpose pocket knife.

A Shining First Impression

I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this knife until I had it in my hands. This is the first Massdrop-branded product I’ve ever owned, and I was a bit concerned the build-quality would be a little sub-par (in spite of the shining reviews on Drop’s website, and the fact that Drop users continually request for the Mordax to go back in stock).

But man, the quality and presentation of the Mordax knife is stunning. It comes in a pretty box (reminiscent of a jewelry box), and Drop goes far out of its way to remind you the Mordax knife is hand-made in the USA by its friends at Ferrum Forge and ProTech.

Turns out this commitment to domestic design and manufacturing leads to a high-quality product. The Mordax knife feels great, its anodized aluminum body looks fantastic, and it’s clear that no corners were cut on the Mordax’s 3.6″ blade. After all, it’s made from “CPM-20CV stainless steel.” While I’m not entirely sure what that means, the Mordax blade feels much more durable than similar blades I’ve come across.

But looks aren’t everything. A pretty knife is useless if you can’t use it. And to my surprise, this knife is very practical for all-purpose use.

The Mordax Has Great Opening Mechanisms

You can open the Mordax in one of two ways: Press the flipper with your forefinger, or hold the release button with your thumb and flick the knife open. (It’s not an assisted-open knife, but it’s smooth and opens fast.) Both opening mechanisms work great, they feel responsive and easy to control, and they make the Mordax a great knife for one-handed use.

As for closing the Mordax, you simply press the release button and flick the blade back into the handle. This action feels surprisingly smooth (thanks to the Mordax’s build quality). Plus, it’s very easy to intuitively “feel” when the blade is locked back into its resting place.

I only have one complaint about these opening and locking mechanisms. The release button is extremely uncomfortable for left-handed use. It’s positioned explicitly for use with your right thumb (there’s even a little cutout), and you have to pinch the knife between your thumb and forefinger for left-handed use.

This isn’t a deal-killer if you’re a righty (like me), but considering this knife’s $240 price tag, Drop should mention it’s designed for right-handed use on their product page.

The Mordax Feels Ergonomic and Easy to Control

I’m rarely interested in knives as large as the Mordax with its 3.6″ blade length and 8.25″ overall length. They tend to feel kind of funny in my hands. I don’t like how they weigh down my pockets, and I’m clumsy enough to cut myself when a knife’s build quality is too “loose.”

So I’m genuinely surprised by how much I like the Mordax’s feel. Everything about it is ergonomic and convenient, from the button mechanism’s placement to the lightweight aluminum handle. And the build quality is so tight that, despite the Mordax’s size, it feels safe and easy to control.

The Mordax also fits nicely in my pockets, its recessed screws don’t snag on fabric, and its pocket clip feels super tight and safe. But, and here’s another tiny complaint, you can’t swap the pocket clip’s position on the knife for left-handed use.

An All-Purpose Knife for Real-World Use

The Mordax is kind of like a 3.6″ kitchen knife. It has a flat saber grind and a drop-point blade, which means it’s relatively thick and optimized for slicing action. But it isn’t great for piercing, it won’t make wood carving any easier (but it’ll get the job done), and its lack of serration limits its ability to push through super thick, fibrous objects.

And again, despite the Mordax’s size, it’s a surprisingly fast and lightweight one-handed knife. It feels safe to use, and it doesn’t weigh down your pocket like other knives of this size.

Really, this is an all-purpose knife. It won’t work well in niche situations, but it’s great for cutting cardboard, slicing food, camping, or skinning (if you’re into that). I’ve spent some time cutting through thick boxes, vegetables, and cables (don’t ask) with the Mordax knife, and I’d recommend it to anyone who needs a large, lightweight all-purpose knife.

If You’re Right-Handed, the Mordax Is Worth Its Price

In my eyes, the Mordax is an extremely versatile pocket knife (in spite of its relatively large size). It looks good, it’s lightweight, it’s durable, and its flat saber grind (while not pointy) is ideal for slicing.

And of course, the Mordax’s build quality, its flush pocket-friendly screws, and its smooth flipper and button mechanism make it well worth the hefty price tag. Even with some abuse, this knife is sure to last for a long time.

Really, my only complaint about the Mordax is that it isn’t lefty-friendly. It doesn’t have any holes to swap the pocket clip’s position on the knife, and its release button is easier and safer to reach when used in the right hand. This isn’t something I’d usually complain about (I’m right-handed), but for $240, Drop needs to make it clear that this knife is for righties.