Bestech has been steadily building its reputation as a manufacturer willing to take risks on unconventional designs, and their latest move is a statement of intent: they've recruited a new designer, Fabian Hobbelen, and his first model for the brand is anything but safe. It's called the Nyrrdreki, and it brings a cleaver blade profile to the EDC category with serious stage presence.
The cleaver folder has become something of a sub-category unto itself in recent years. Designers discovered that, with the proportions adjusted, the classic meat-cleaver shape could make an outstanding everyday carry cutter — not unlike a wharncliffe or sheepsfoot, but with a visual identity all its own. Hobbelen clearly counts himself among the cleaver's appreciators, because the Nyrrdreki is a bold example of the form.
The blade measures 3.8 inches — substantial for an EDC folder — and its height, stepped opening cutout, and classic cleaver blade hole give it an imposing presence that makes it look larger than it is. The steel is M390, the Austrian super steel that has become the gold standard for premium folders, and the edge geometry is designed to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Where the Nyrrdreki gets particularly interesting is in its opening options and lock mechanism. You can deploy the blade three ways: via the stepped cutout, a pinky flip using the blade hole, or the front flipper. The titanium bolstered handle provides a full four-finger grip, and the lock is a button bolster lock — the button on the front disengages what is essentially a frame lock concealed beneath the off-side scale. It's a clean, modern system that keeps the show side uncluttered.
Bestech offers the Nyrrdreki in four scale configurations: two Fat Carbon options, canvas Micarta, or a purple/black striated G-10 that gives the knife a distinctly Dark Fantasy aesthetic. Weight sits at or just under 4 ounces across the range.
As Bestech continues to expand its designer roster and push into more aggressive designs, the Nyrrdreki signals that the brand is serious about competing in the premium folder space. It's available now directly from Bestech.
Key Specs:
Blade Length: 3.8 inches
Steel: M390
Handle: Titanium bolstered with interchangeable scales (Fat Carbon x2, Canvas Micarta, Purple/Black G-10)
Lock: Button bolster lock (concealed frame lock)
Deployment: Front flipper, thumb hole, stepped cutout
Weight: ~4 oz
Availability: Available now