Sao Knife Squid OTF Knife CPM-20CV Blade Orange and Red Aluminum Handle Bone SK260831-4

OTF knife engineered for everyday carry and tactical performance. Features a CPM-20CV blade with stone wash finish—renowned for edge retention and corrosion resistance. The aluminum handle with PVD coating delivers durability and a refined silver aesthetic. Compact and lightweight at 99g, with a closed length of 95mm and blade length of 60mm, this knife balances portability with cutting capability. The 2.0mm blade thickness provides structural integrity for demanding tasks. Perfect for professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors seeking a reliable, precision-crafted OTF knife with premium materials and thoughtful engineering.

Blade Material: CPM-20CV
Blade Finish: Stone wash
Handle Finish: Anodizing
Handle Material: Aluminum

Describe: OTF
Handle Color: Orange and Red
Overall Length: 165mm

Closed Length: 95mm
Blade Length: 60mm
Blade Thickness: 2.0mm

Knife Weight: 99g

CPM-20CV Blade Meets OTF Deployment: A Purpose-Built Tactical EDC Knife

The Sao Knives Squid OTF automatic knife is engineered for users who demand a blend of compact size, reliable deployment, and premium steel. Built around a CPM-20CV drop-point blade with a stone-washed finish, this EDC knife delivers the corrosion resistance and edge retention of a modern particle metallurgy tool steel — the same grade used in high-end custom knives — without the maintenance headaches of more exotic alloys. The handle is machined from aerospace-grade aluminum with an anodized orange and red PVD-coated finish and accented with a hand-fit bone inlay, giving every knife an unmistakable signature look in the pocket. As an OTF knife (out-the-front automatic), the Squid deploys and retracts the blade with a single thumb slide, locking positively into both open and closed positions. At 165 mm overall, 95 mm closed, and only 99 g, it disappears into a front pocket yet still offers a serious 60 mm cutting edge with 2.0 mm thickness for daily utility tasks.

Why CPM-20CV Steel Belongs on Your OTF Knife

CPM-20CV is a Crucible particle-metallurgy stainless steel engineered for edge retention, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. In a hard-core CPM-20CV pocket knife category that competes with M390, Bohler M398, and CTS-204P, CPM-20CV delivers a comparable cutting performance at a more accessible price point — making it one of the smartest choices for an everyday carry out-the-front knife. The stone-wash finish on this Squid blade further diffuses light and hides light wear from regular use, so the knife stays visually clean even after months of rotation through your pocket. Compared to D2 (semi-stainless, prone to rust), 154CM (softer, faster to dull), or S30V (one generation behind in wear resistance), CPM-20CV is the best balance for an OTF that needs to stay shaving-sharp between touch-ups and stand up to sweat, humidity, and pocket lint.

Core Selling Points of the Sao Knife Squid OTF

• Premium CPM-20CV blade – Crucible particle-metallurgy stainless steel, 60 mm cutting edge, 2.0 mm thick, stone-wash finish.
• Reliable OTF mechanism – Out-the-front automatic deployment and retraction via a single ambidextrous thumb slide; positive lock-open and lock-closed.
• Anodized aluminum handle – Lightweight aerospace-grade aluminum body, PVD-coated in signature orange and red, accented with a hand-fit bone inlay.
• Pocket-friendly footprint – 95 mm closed length, 165 mm open length, 99 g total weight, deep-carry pocket clip pre-installed for right- or left-hand tip-up carry.
• EDC-tuned geometry – Drop-point blade profile, comfortable two-finger grip, slim 13 mm handle thickness for low-bulk pocket carry.
• Squid series build – Part of the Sao Squid lineup designed for hard-core EDC, tactical, and outdoor use cases.
• Made for knife enthusiasts and collectors – Limited production runs, serialized SK260831 series, premium materials at an EDC-friendly price.

Real-World Use Cases

The Sao Knife Squid OTF was designed as a do-everything tactical EDC companion. In daily rotation, it opens boxes, breaks down cardboard, trims paracord and rope, and handles food prep on the trail. For outdoor use, the corrosion-resistant CPM-20CV blade shrugs off sweat, humidity, and wet ropes on camping and hiking trips; the anodized aluminum handle takes scrapes without chipping. For self-defense and tactical scenarios, the out-the-front deployment gives you a blade into play in well under a second, with a positive lock that won't fold under lateral stress. For knife collectors, the Squid is a showcase piece: premium CPM-20CV, anodized orange-and-red handle with bone inlay, serialized SK-series marking, and a tight tolerance build typical of Sao Knives. If you're already carrying an EDC folder and want a one-handed automatic on the days you need more capability, the Squid slots in alongside your existing CPM-20CV folder in the same steel family without doubling your steel maintenance routine. Pair it with one of our EDC gear essentials or browse best-selling folding knives for a complete carry kit.

CPM-20CV vs Other Premium Steels (Honest Comparison)

Bottom line: for an OTF automatic, where edge retention and corrosion resistance matter more than absolute toughness, CPM-20CV is one of the best steels you can buy at this price tier — and the Sao Knife Squid puts it to work without overcharging for the upgrade. Looking for an even tougher version on a folder? Step up to a CPM-S35VN folder in our lineup for slightly better toughness, or stay in the same steel with another CPM-20CV EDC knife for the lowest maintenance cost.

Knife Terminology Explained

OTF (Out-the-Front) Knife

An automatic knife whose blade deploys straight out from the front of the handle (rather than swinging out the side like a typical folding knife). OTF knives are prized for one-handed speed and ambidextrous deployment.

CPM-20CV Steel

Crucible Particle Metallurgy stainless steel. A high-vanadium, high-chromium steel engineered for superior wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Equivalent in performance to Böhler M390.

Stone-Wash Finish

A blade finish created by tumbling the finished blade with abrasive media, producing a textured, low-glare surface that hides light wear and fingerprints from daily carry.

Anodizing (Type II Hard Coat)

An electrochemical process that converts the surface of aluminum into a hard, corrosion-resistant oxide layer. Type II anodizing on aluminum handles accepts a wide range of colors and is more durable than paint.

PVD Coating

Physical Vapor Deposition — a vacuum-applied coating used to add color and abrasion resistance to metal parts. On the Squid, the PVD layer reinforces the underlying anodized aluminum.

Drop-Point Blade

A blade profile where the spine curves smoothly down to the tip, providing strong tip geometry for general-purpose cutting. The most common EDC blade shape.

Deep-Carry Pocket Clip

A pocket clip designed to keep the entire handle inside the pocket with only the clip ridge showing, reducing the knife's visible profile in carry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the Sao Knife Squid OTF legal in my state / country?
Laws on out-the-front automatic knives vary by country, state, and even city. In the United States, federal law allows OTF ownership in most states, but a handful restrict carry or even possession. Always check your local statutes before ordering. EDCMALL ships from China and is not responsible for local legal restrictions on the buyer's side.

Q2. How do I maintain a CPM-20CV blade?
Wipe it dry after exposure to sweat or salt, occasionally oil the pivot with a light machine oil or PTFE lubricant, and refresh the edge on a ceramic rod or strop when it stops shaving hair. CPM-20CV is stainless and tolerates neglect far better than D2 or carbon steel, but every knife benefits from basic cleaning.

Q3. What is the actual usable edge length?
Approximately 60 mm of cutting edge before the choil, supported by a 2.0 mm thick spine — enough for daily EDC cuts and outdoor tasks like rope, cordage, food prep, and box breaking.

Q4. Can I left-hand carry the Squid?
Yes. The pocket clip is reversible for left- or right-hand tip-up carry, and the out-the-front thumb slide can be operated ambidextrously with a little practice.

Q5. What is included in the box?
The Sao Knife Squid OTF knife, pre-installed deep-carry pocket clip, factory packaging. The bone inlay is hand-fit on each unit, so inlay grain and tone vary slightly knife to knife — part of the appeal of the Squid series.

You May Also Like

• Browse the full Sao Knives lineup for matching EDC pieces.
• Compare all CPM-20CV blade knives for similar steel.
• Step up to CPM-S35VN folder knives for tougher edge geometry.
• Discover the entire EDC knife collection at EDCMALL.
• Grab a deal in our discounted EDC knives section.