Dachs Knives Howed EVO Folding Harpoon Lock Knife (D2)

The Dachs Knives Howed EVO is a large folding outdoor knife that manages to combine two things you don't normally see together: proper heavy-duty cutting capability and a genuinely classy appearance.
 
On one side you've got a substantial D2 tool steel blade, a harpoon profile and a hollow grind designed around serious cutting work. On the other, you've got a beautiful Golden Sandalwood handle, complete with Dachs' distinctive Obsidian grip pattern.
 
If you're looking for a slightly different gift for someone who appreciates quality knives, the Howed EVO makes a rather good one.
 
Built For Outdoor Work
The Howed EVO isn't a tiny pocket knife that happens to have an aggressive blade shape. At 225 mm overall and 155 g, it is a substantial folding knife designed around outdoor use and heavier cutting tasks.
 
The 95 mm harpoon-style blade gives the knife a particularly useful working profile. The hollow grind keeps the cutting edge keen and well suited to slicing, while the reinforced upper section gives the blade plenty of visual and physical presence.
 
The harpoon shape also creates two useful areas around the blade's profile where pressure can be applied.
 
When using the belly of the blade for downward cutting, the shape gives your hand a natural area to work against. Move towards the tip and the geometry provides another useful contact point. It is a small advantage that becomes much more noticeable when the knife is being used for sustained cutting rather than simply opening the occasional parcel.
 
D2 Tool Steel
The blade is made from D2 tool steel, a popular choice for knives intended to see harder use.
 
D2 is known for its high hardness, good wear resistance and ability to maintain a working edge through demanding cutting tasks. It isn't a completely stainless steel in the same sense as many dedicated stainless blade steels, so normal care is still worthwhile, particularly if the knife is regularly used outdoors or exposed to moisture.
 
The polished blade finish gives it a much smarter appearance than the typical tactical-looking outdoor knife, while the hollow grind keeps the emphasis on cutting performance.
 
A Harpoon Blade That Actually Makes Sense
The Howed EVO's harpoon blade isn't just there to make it look aggressive.
 
The elongated ridging along the back of the blade provides a useful thumb rest when slicing, giving you more control and helping prevent your thumb from sliding forward.
 
That same area can also provide a friction point against the hand when using the knife with the palm to apply downward pressure.
 
So whether you're using the edge for controlled slicing or putting some weight behind a heavier cut, there are deliberate contact points built into the blade.
 
It is the sort of design that makes more sense the more you actually use the knife.
 
Golden Sandalwood Handle
Then there is the bit that makes the Howed EVO rather different from most working knives.
 
The handle is made from Golden Sandalwood, giving the knife a warm natural colour and distinctive grain. As with any genuine natural wood handle, every knife will have its own individual grain and appearance.
 
The front section incorporates Dachs' Obsidian corrugated grip pattern, adding texture exactly where you want it while giving the handle a distinctive visual detail.
 
It isn't just decorative either. The additional texture provides a more secure grip when your hands are wet, sweaty or you're wearing gloves.
 
The combination of polished steel, natural Golden Sandalwood and textured obsideon-Cut-style Dachs detailing gives the Howed EVO a much more refined appearance than its heavy-duty blade would initially suggest.
 
Smooth Axial Bearings
Despite its size, the Howed EVO is designed to open smoothly thanks to its axial bearing pivot system.
 
The bearings allow the blade to move with a smooth, controlled action, while the Liner Lock securely holds the blade open during use.
 
That combination gives you a knife that feels deliberate rather than clumsy. It is a large folder, but it doesn't operate like a large folder that has been designed by simply scaling everything up.
 
A Proper Outdoor Knife With Some Class
The Howed EVO is particularly well suited to people who want a folding knife for camping, fishing, hunting and general outdoor work, but don't want something that looks like it belongs exclusively in a tactical gear catalogue.
 
The blade shape gives it the capability for heavier cutting, while the hollow grind makes it particularly useful for slicing. The ergonomic ridging and harpoon profile give you multiple ways of controlling the knife depending on the job.
 
And then there is the sandalwood.
 
Because let's be honest, most heavy-duty outdoor folders aren't exactly winning any beauty contests. The Howed EVO is considerably more presentable.
 
It is a practical tool, but it is also something you could give as a proper gift to someone who appreciates well-made knives and premium materials.
 
Specifications
Model: Howed EVO
Overall Length: 225 mm
Closed Length: 125 mm
Blade Length: 95 mm
Blade Material: D2 Tool Steel
Blade Style: Harpoon
Grind: Hollow
Blade Finish: Polished
Blade Construction: Folding
Lock Type: Liner Lock
Pivot: Axial Bearings
Handle Material: Golden Sandalwood
Handle Colour: Natural
Weight: 155 g
Country of Manufacture: Czech Republic
 
UK Knife Law
The Howed EVO uses a locking Liner Lock, so it is not a qualifying non-locking folding knife for everyday carry under the usual UK rules.
 
Knife laws can be specific to the circumstances, location and intended use. The buyer is responsible for ensuring they have a lawful reason to possess or carry the knife and comply with current UK legislation.
 
The Howed EVO is therefore best viewed for its intended role as a substantial outdoor and working knife, rather than as a general-purpose everyday-carry folder.
 
From its D2 harpoon blade to the Golden Sandalwood handle, the Howed EVO is a slightly unusual combination. It has the blade geometry and construction to be taken seriously as an outdoor tool, but the natural wood handle gives it enough character to make it a genuinely nice thing to own.
 
A proper working knife, just one that happens to have a rather posh handle.