Chris Reeve x PDW Small Inkosi: Tactical Elegance or Just a Fancy Pocket Fidget?

Chris Reeve x PDW Small Inkosi: Tactical Elegance or Just a Fancy Pocket Fidget?

 

There are two types of knife people in this world: those who use their blades for everything from opening packages to whittling spoons on the fire escape in a hospital for fun or a makeshift spear in case of an unexpected survival situation… And then there are those who lovingly admire their knives, open and close them a few times, then carefully place them back in the safe, quickly before they are bleached from the sun as well as ensuring that there are no new fingerprints on them.

 

I’d love to tell you I’m the first type... we all know that i am not a Swiss Army Knife collector after all... But let’s be honest, this Chris Reeve Knives Small Inkosi x Prometheus Design Works edition? Yeah, this one’s firmly in the “admire and appreciate”category... 

 

Well… mostly....

 

 

A Knife Worthy of a Wedding

 

Here’s the thing, I had every intention of keeping the Inkosi in pristine, untouched condition, boxed of course, keeping that BNIB status, never to see the light of day and all that. But then, last weekend, I found myself in a situation where carrying it just felt right.

 

I was at a wedding. Not just any wedding, but one where I had the honour of being a groomsman. And this was of course not just any groomsman gig, this was for a friend I met through the EDCCooperative. We all know that the EDCCooperative is essentially a community, not a cult, of like minded folks who appreciate good gear, sharp knives, and the finer details of everyday carry, all smooshed up with a bit of bantaaaaa, who could have ever imagined that when I created the Facebook group in 2016 that I would be not only invited to a wedding of a member, but also be part of such a special day. Now, I will add, I was not the only cooperator that was in attendance, nor was I the only cooperative groomsmen, this is a testament to the group and the community that it has created... I've said it before, I will carry on saying it, the community that YOU have created!

 

Anyway, so, naturally, when I was picking out my carry for the day, I figured:

What better occasion to carry a knife like this?

 

 

The CRK x PDW Collaboration: A Perfect Match

 

If you’re into the higher end knives, you will probably already know that Chris Reeve Knives (CRK) doesn’t mess around. Their knives are known for their bank-vault lockup, buttery smooth action, and ridiculously precise tolerances (we’re talking aerospace-level precision here). Then there’s Prometheus Design Works (PDW), a brand that designs gear for adventurers, operators, (cooperators) and people who just like things that look rugged and cool.

 

So when CRK and PDW teamed up? You knew it was going to be something special.

 

There is a story to me actually picking the knife up in the first place... want to hear it... well... I will tell it anyway. 

 

PDW are known for their small batch releases of items, we knew that the Inkosi was getting dropped and then we knew that it was small numbers. I was in two minds as to whether I would actually want the knife, I know that I would never carry it, but... I knew that i at least wanted to fidget with one, a real one and not a dodgy clone I had years ago... we do not condone clones of course. 

Anyway, would you believe, I had been chatting with another cooperator, another good friend that I wouldn't have if it wasn't for the EDCCooperative.... I will stop know, I think you get the picture... anyway, he really wanted the Inkosi so I thought that I would try and get one on the drop just in case he didn't manage to get one, then he could have mine... the clock struck 2000GMT and boom, I had one in my cart... then it was paid for... a large chunk of cash on a knife... the most I had ever spent on a single knife in fact... one that I didn't really even want. 

The knives sold out in a matter of seconds, there weren't many available... funny story, my mate got one too... so I was 'stuck' with this inkosi... one that I would later have to pay one hundred and seventy pounds in import fees on top of the knifes initial cost.... anyway.... It was amusing to watch the fallout on the internet, in a sick and twisted kind of way, knowing that there were two of these coming over to the UK... only two, and both of them were in the EDCCooperative....

 

The Inkosi arrived, pretty quickly and I was in love, I could have flipped it and made some serious money on it, but i'm not in to that sort of game... plus, it is lovely.... so lovely.

 

What Makes This Small Inkosi Special?

 

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes this knife stand out:

• Blade Steel: S45VN, an upgrade from S35VN, offering better edge retention while maintaining toughness and corrosion resistance.

• Blade Length: 2.75 inches, compact enough for everyday carry but still robust.

• Blade Coating: PVD or DLC, a tough, low-friction coating that reduces glare and enhances durability.

• Handle Material: 6AL-4V Titanium, because what’s a premium knife without premium materials, do you even Ti bro?

• Locking Mechanism: Integral Lock (aka Reeve Integral Lock), CRK’s legendary frame lock, designed for rock-solid security.

• Milling Pattern: “Line of Drift”, a series of precision milled grooves that improve grip and add a unique visual touch.

• PDW Kraken Trident Logo: A subtle but awesome engraving near the pivot screw, marking this as a special edition.

• Lanyard: Because why not add a little extra flair?

 

It’s a Small Inkosi at heart, but with PDW’s rugged design influence, making it feel even more special.

 

From Collection Piece to Wedding Carry

 

Now, obviously, I didn’t exactly put this thing through hard use at the wedding (though I was tempted to cut the cake with it for dramatic effect, but decided against it, I don't think it would have gone down too well). But slipping it into my pocket felt like the perfect nod to how friendships, like great knives, are built on precision, reliability, and sometimes a bit of adventure.

 

Sure, it’s a collector’s piece, but carrying it for an occasion like that? Totally worth it.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Some knives are meant to be workhorses, others are meant to be admired. The CRK x PDW Small Inkosi manages to be both, but now, it’s also a knife with a story behind it and memories that go with it. Let’s be honest, isn’t that what makes a great piece of gear even better?