Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 Nitro-V Blade Blue Aluminum Handle Liner Lock Folding Knife

The Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 is a minimalist folding knife that perfectly balances form and function for everyday carry. Designed by renowned knife maker Matthew Christensen, this EDC tool features an ultra-thin 3mm Nitro-V blade with excellent corrosion resistance and slicing performance. The drop-point blade, finished in rose gold, delivers precise cutting control across diverse tasks. Crafted with a blue aluminum handle featuring a signature faceted wave texture inspired by flowing water, the Tarkin provides enhanced grip and dynamic visual appeal. The ergonomic design accommodates multiple deployment methods—thumb disc or front flipper—with a smooth caged ceramic ball bearing system for fast, effortless action. A reliable liner lock ensures secure lockup during use. At just 3.89 oz with a 3.4" blade and 7.87" overall length, the Tarkin strikes an ideal balance between full-size cutting capability and all-day pocket carry comfort. Whether you're an EDC enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, this lightweight, high-quality folding knife delivers dependable performance in a refined, portable package that complements any lifestyle.

Nitro-V Blade Introduction

Nitro-V is a nitrogen-enriched martensitic stainless steel refined to deliver an outstanding balance of extreme toughness, fine edge stability, and excellent corrosion resistance. Its fine carbide structure allows for remarkable ease of sharpening and exceptional resistance to chipping. However, its edge retention is modest when compared to high-vanadium powder metallurgy steels, meaning it requires more frequent honing under abrasive cutting tasks. It is an ideal choice for demanding applications where durability and ease of maintenance outweigh ultimate wear resistance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall Length	7.87''/199.8mm
Blade Length	3.4''/86.5mm
Blade Thickness	0.118"/3mm
Blade Material	Nitro-V
Blade Style	Drop Point
Blade Grind	Flat Grind
Blade Finish	Rose Gold
Handle Material	Blue Aluminum with Faceted Wave Texture
Color	Blue
Lock Type	Liner Lock
Weight	3.89oz/110.3g
Model Name	Tarkin
Model Number	B1078A2
Designer	Matthew Christensen

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Product Overview

The Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 is designer Matthew Christensen's answer to the everyday folder: a full-size blade in a carry that still disappears. The 3.4 in Nitro-V steel blade is ground flat and finished in rose gold, a drop point that keeps a strong tip for piercing plus a long belly for slicing. The blue aluminum handle carries Tarkin's signature faceted wave texture - milled ridges that bite the palm without shredding a pocket. Deployment is dual-path: flick the front flipper or push the thumb disc, both riding a caged ceramic ball bearing system that stays glassy after thousands of cycles. A liner lock takes up solid behind the tang, and a deep-carry clip keeps the whole package low. Compare it to the rest of the Tenable Knives line or browse all folding knives at EDCMALL.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Nitro-V Steel Performance Breakdown

Nitro-V is a nitrogen-enriched martensitic stainless built for people who actually use a knife. At 58-60 HRC it takes a very fine edge, holds it through cardboard and rope without chipping, and touches back up in under a minute on a ceramic rod or a 1000-grit stone. Its nitrogen addition lifts corrosion resistance well above plain 440-series steel, so sweat and humidity are not a problem. The honest trade-off is wear resistance: Nitro-V will not out-cut a high-vanadium powder steel like M390 or CPM-20CV over hundreds of feet of abrasive material. What it gives back is toughness, stain resistance and serviceability - the right balance for a 3.4 in folding knife that sees daily use.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Core Selling Points

• 3.4 in Nitro-V drop point at 58-60 HRC - tough, stainless and quick to sharpen in the field.
• Caged ceramic ball bearing pivot delivers instant, hydraulic-smooth flipper deployment.
• Dual deployment: front flipper tab or thumb disc, whichever the carry demands.
• Blue aluminum handle with faceted wave texture gives a locked-in grip without aggressive jimping.
• Rigid liner lock with a generous engagement face and a comfortable thumb release.
• Rose gold blade finish hides carry marks and keeps a low-glare, non-tactical look.
• Deep-carry pocket clip keeps only a sliver of handle above the pocket line.
• 3.89 oz and 7.87 in overall - full-size cutting reach with 90-gram-class carry weight.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Where It Earns Its Pocket Time

• Daily cardboard duty - The flat grind and 3.4 in edge chew through boxes, packaging and mail without tire.
• Site and workshop work - Nitro-V takes incidental contact with staples and zip ties without chipping like high-hardness powder steels can.
• Outdoor and camp tasks - Feather sticks, cord, food prep and opening packaging - the drop point handles all of it.
• Urban and office carry - The deep-carry clip and rose gold finish keep it discreet in a shirt or trouser pocket.
• Gift for a knife collector - A Matthew Christensen design with a bearing pivot and premium steel is a serious piece of kit to hand over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tarkin easy to open with one hand?

Yes. Both the front flipper and the thumb disc open the blade one-handed, and the caged ceramic bearings make the action fast without wrist flicking.

How does Nitro-V compare to 14C28N?

Nitro-V trades a little corrosion resistance for noticeably better toughness and edge stability, so it resists chipping better under hard cutting.

Will the aluminum handle scratch?

Milled aluminum will show scuffs with hard use, which is normal. The wave texture actually hides most of them.

Is it legal to carry where I live?

A 3.4 in liner lock folder is legal in most regions, but check your local knife laws before ordering.

What does the knife ship with?

Every Tenable knife from EDCMALL arrives factory fresh in its original box with the maker's warranty.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Steel Comparison Table

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
Nitro-V (this knife)	58-60	Good	Very Good	Very Good	Very Easy
14C28N	59-61	Good	Excellent	Good	Very Easy
D2	58-61	Very Good	Fair (oil it)	Good	Moderate
8Cr13MoV	57-59	Fair	Good	Good	Very Easy

Glossary of Key Terms

Nitro-V
A nitrogen-vanadium refined stainless knife steel at 58-60 HRC. Rare toughness for the hardness, superb fine-edge stability and very easy sharpening.

Wharncliffe
A straight cutting edge with a spine that slopes down to a low, fine tip - built for controlled push cuts and detail work.

Drop Point
A convex spine that curves down to a strong, controllable point - the default all-round cutting profile.

Micarta
Fabric or paper layers soaked in resin and pressed into a handle scale. It gains grip with age and stays warm in cold weather.

G10
A woven fiberglass-resin laminate used for handle scales; light, rigid and essentially weatherproof.

Liner Lock
An internal spring bar that wedges behind the blade on opening and is pushed aside with the thumb to close.

Ceramic Ball Bearing
Pivot bearings made of ceramic that stay glassy smooth and never rust, even in humid carry.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy

• EDC users who want a full 3.4 in blade but refuse to carry a heavy knife.
• Buyers who value fast, bearing-smooth one-handed deployment.
• People who want a tough, stainless steel that sharpens quickly instead of a high-wear steel that fights them.
• Collectors of Matthew Christensen and Tenable designs.
• Anyone who prefers a discreet deep-carry clip and a non-tactical blade finish.

Who Should Skip

• Buyers who need maximum wear resistance for industrial-scale abrasive cutting - choose CPM-20CV or M390 instead.
• Anyone wanting a sub-3-inch blade for tighter legal limits.
• Users who require a fully ambidextrous, button or crossbar-style lock.
• Campers who want a fixed blade for batoning or heavy prying.
• Buyers who insist on titanium or carbon fiber handle materials.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A2 - Care & Maintenance

1. Wipe the blade dry after every use - moisture left at the pivot migrates into the lock face overnight.
2. Add one drop of quality knife oil to the pivot and lock contact points monthly, then work the action to spread it.
3. Blow pocket lint out of the handle with compressed air before oiling so grit never grinds inside the pivot.
4. Wash with warm water and mild dish soap when it gets grimy, then dry completely before it goes back in the pocket.
5. Touch the edge up on a 1000/3000 grit stone system; stropping on leather keeps a working edge alive for weeks.
6. Never put the knife in the dishwasher - heat and detergent wreck handles, bearings and edge geometry.
7. Do not pry, twist or use the tip as a screwdriver; even 60 HRC steel chips under hard lateral load.
8. Store it dry with a vapor tab; for long-term storage, coat the blade with a light film of mineral oil.
9. Re-tighten pocket clip and body screws periodically with the correct Torx driver, not a worn flathead.