Knives have existed for millennia and represent some of the very first tools ever used by mankind. As such, it’s an extremely difficult space to innovate in. Despite this, we’ve just witnessed what’s unquestionably one of the most noteworthy technological leaps in blade steels that we’ve seen in years—and it comes to us from an unexpected outfit, as rather than being developed by a blade steel specialist like Carpenter Technology, Crucible Industries, or Böhler, this new innovation was conjured up by none other than famed firearms accessory firm, Magpul.
The Brand Behind The Blade
Founded in 1999 by a former U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant, Magpul has grown into the largest firearms accessories producer on the planet, lauded for its injection-molded polymer mags, stocks, and other peripherals. And after debuting its first knife in 2017 with the Rigger, the company has now introduced its second blade with the Breslau, which it’s using to unveil a very impressive production technique borrowed from its firearms accessories.
Same Technique, New Material
Magpul has long been using a proprietary injection-molded polymer construction, though the company has recently unlocked a method of applying this same technique to metal—a concept Magpul calls “Metal Injection Molding” (or “MIM”). This innovative new technique is being used to craft the new EDC knife’s blade—and locking mechanism and pocket clip—while its handle uses Magpul’s tried-and-true injection-molded polymer construction.
What Exactly Is Metal Injection Molding?
With normal plastic injection molding, pellets—that are called “feedstock”—and fed into an augur via a hopper before being melted down and then pushed/injected into a mold. In the case of the Breslau, the knife’s alloy elements have been created using this same process, albeit repacing the plastic feedstock with metal.
A Novel Lock
Alongside the material innovations present on the Breslau, Magpul has also introduced an all-new proprietary locking mechanism called a “Lug Lock” which appears to sport a simplified AXIS-style setup that’s set lower in the handle.
MIM’d CPM
For the Breslau, Magpul has selected Crucible Industries’ popular CPM S35VN stainless steel, which has been reconfigured as a metal injection molded version dubbed “MVNS35.” Deployed via a flipper tab and fitted with a built-in friction reduction system at the pivot, the blade also sports raised Magpul branding that’s been made possible through the injection molding process. Think an inverse engraving.
Advantages Of Injection Molding
The MIM’d blade steel actually offers slightly better edge retention than normal S35VN, and its edge impact testing proved to be just as good. What’s more, because there’s no bits of metal being milled off, this technique also hugely cuts down on manufacturing waste.
Sizes & Shapes
Spanning 7.375″ overall and sporting a blade measuring 2.94”, the Breslau features a pokey Wharncliffe blade with a 0.12” thickness and a hollow-to-flat grind.
The Handle
Crafted from the same material as many of Magpul’s firearm accessories, the Breslau boasts an injection-molded polymer handle set over full stainless steel liners. Equipped with a sleek yet ergonomic shape, the handle also comes fitted with a sturdy Lug Lock and a billet-style 3D tip-up deep-carry pocket clip.
Our Thoughts
It’s hard to overstate what a big deal this new knife is, as it represents a massive step forward in the world of both knife and blade steel manufacturing. It costs less, offers better performance, and simply has a cool-factor that’s hard to ignore. We also really appriciete how Magpul went above and beyond here. Rather than simply delivering a MIM’d blade and calling it a day, they supplemented the design with a novel proprietarty lock, and applied the innovative new technique to the knife’s clip and lock. We also love seeing the brand’s proven injection molded polymer construction borrowed from its firearms accessories and used for the handle. The fact the entire knife is made in America is just the icing on the cake.
Spec Sheet
Overall Length: 7.375″
Blade Length: 2.94″
Blade Thickness: 0.12”
Blade Steel: MVNS35
Handle Material: Polymer
Lock Type: Lug Lock
Weight: 3.61oz
Manufacturing Origin: USA
Pricing & Availability
Offered in three color options, the Magpul Breslau is available for preorder now exclusively via BladeHQ, with pricing set at $180. The Breslau is just the first in a line of MIM’d-steeled knives that Magpul plans on rolling out over the coming years.
Recap
Magpul Breslau EDC Knife
Magpul—the world’s largest firearms accessories producer—has just unveiled a highly-innovative new EDC knife that utilizes a revolutionary metal injection molding technique for its blade, and the brand’s proven polymer construction for the handle.
