Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 Nitro-V Blade Black G10 Handle Liner Lock Folding Knife

The Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 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 slicing performance and corrosion resistance. The drop-point blade with flat grind delivers precise cutting control for a wide range of tasks. Built for comfort and practicality, the Tarkin measures 7.87" overall with a 3.4" blade and weighs just 3.89 oz—ideal for all-day pocket carry without bulk. The black G10 handle provides reliable grip and durability, while the liner lock ensures secure lockup during use. Multiple deployment options, including a thumb disc and front flipper, work seamlessly with the caged ceramic ball bearing system for fast, effortless action. Christensen's signature design philosophy shines through in the ergonomic contours and refined blade geometry. Whether you're a seasoned collector or seeking a dependable everyday tool, the Tarkin delivers full-size cutting capability in a lightweight, portable package. This is a knife built to perform, day after day.

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	Blackwash
Handle Material	Black G10
Color	Black
Lock Type	Liner Lock
Weight	3.89oz/110.3g
Model Name	Tarkin
Model Number	B1078A3
Designer	Matthew Christensen

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Product Overview

Matthew Christensen's Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 is minimalist carry done right: a thin 3.4 in Nitro-V drop point in a low-key blackwash finish, a grippy black G10 frame, and dual deployment - thumb disc or front flipper - riding on caged ceramic ball bearings. The liner lock locks up tight at 3.89 oz total. For a sub-$70 folder with named-designer geometry, it punches hard inside our Tenable knives range of folding knives.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Steel Performance Breakdown

Nitro-V gives the Tarkin its personality: a nitrogen-refined stainless at 58-60 HRC that is unusually tough for its class, resists corrosion through wet weather, and re-edges in minutes on ordinary stones. The thin 3 mm blade with flat grind slices cardboard, food and cordage with minimal wedging, while the steel's toughness means the thin profile is not fragile. Edge retention trails high-vanadium powder steels on abrasive material - that is the honest trade for easy maintenance and chipping resistance at this price.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Core Selling Points

• 3.4 in Nitro-V drop point in a stealthy blackwash finish at 58-60 HRC.
• Thin 3 mm flat-ground blade that slices with almost no wedge resistance.
• Dual deployment: thumb disc plus front flipper on caged ceramic ball bearings.
• Black G10 handle with contoured ergonomics and confident grip wet or dry.
• Liner lock with solid lockup and one-handed closure.
• 3.89 oz and 7.87 in overall - full-size capability without pocket bulk.
• Red pivot accent ring gives the blackout build a signature detail.
• Matthew Christensen's clean, purposeful designer geometry under $70.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Where It Earns Its Pocket Time

• Daily cardboard duty - The thin grind plus blackwash finish eats tape and boxes and never looks worse for it.
• Camp kitchen - Drop point belly handles food prep; G10 grips wet fish and greasy hands.
• Minimalist pocket carry - Slim frame and low-ride clip vanish in dress pants or jeans.
• Range and tasks - Thumb disc opens fast with gloves; liner lock closes one-handed safely.
• First designer knife gift - A named-designer, quality-steel folder at an easy price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Tarkin and Tuckamore?

The Tarkin runs a drop point in black G10 with dual flipper/disc deployment; the Tuckamore runs a sheepfoot in Micarta with a single deployment style - both use Nitro-V.

Does the blackwash finish wear off?

Blackwash is a tumble-darkened surface; it wears into an even grey patina that most users find improves the look.

Can I open it with gloves on?

Yes - the thumb disc gives a large, gloved-hand-friendly opening surface in addition to the front flipper.

Is the blade too thin for hard use?

At 3 mm with Nitro-V's toughness it handles hard slicing; it is not a pry bar, and no thin folder should be.

How is the detent on the flipper?

The caged ceramic bearing action runs smooth with a positive detent - no blade wiggle in pocket.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - 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. It delivers rare toughness for its class, superb fine-edge stability and easy sharpening at 58-60 HRC.

Sheepfoot
A blade with a straight spine that curves steeply down at the tip - a safety-oriented profile loved for controlled slicing and push cuts.

Micarta
Fabric or paper layers soaked in resin and compressed into a handle scale. It gains grip as it ages and warms to the hand in cold weather.

Vortex Micarta
A marbled Micarta variant swirled with contrasting pigments, so every handle carries a unique flowing pattern.

Liner Lock
An internal spring bar that wedges behind the blade on opening; pushed aside with the thumb to fold the knife.

Flat Grind
A full-height bevel from spine to edge that maximizes slicing efficiency on cardboard, rope and food prep.

Blackwash Finish
A dark tumble finish that gives a broken-in, non-reflective blade surface that hides wear.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy

• Budget-minded EDC users who still want a named designer and quality steel.
• Fans of stealthy all-black knives with a subtle accent.
• Slicers who value thin geometry over thick survival blades.
• Left- or right-handers who like multiple opening options.

Who Should Skip

• Buyers wanting premium steels - Nitro-V trades edge retention for toughness and price.
• Users who need a locking button safety or double lockup redundancy.
• Anyone wanting natural handle materials like Micarta or wood.
• Collectors of heavier, tank-like folders.

Tenable Tarkin B1078A3 - Care & Maintenance

1. Wipe the blade dry after every use - moisture left in the pivot migrates into the lock face overnight.
2. Add a drop of quality knife oil to the pivot and lock contact points once a month; work the action to distribute it.
3. Flush pocket lint out of the handle with compressed air before oiling so grit never grinds inside the pivot.
4. Clean with warm water and mild dish soap when needed, then dry completely before storage.
5. Touch up the edge on a 1000/3000 grit stone system; for 60+ HRC powder steels, diamond plates cut faster.
6. Never run the knife through the dishwasher - heat and detergent destroy handles, bearings and edge geometry.
7. Do not pry, twist or use the tip as a screwdriver; even 60 HRC steel chips on hard lateral stress.
8. Store in a dry drawer with a vapor tab; for long-term storage, coat the blade lightly with mineral oil.
9. Check the pocket clip screws periodically and re-tighten with the correct Torx driver, not a worn flathead.