Tenable ToothPik G020A4 Blackwash 14C28N Blade Black Micarta Handle Fixed Blade Knife

The Tenable ToothPik G020A4 is a precision-engineered fixed blade knife inspired by traditional Japanese Kiridashi design. Featuring a slim, needle-like 14C28N blackwash blade measuring 3.04 inches, it excels at detailed cutting, scoring, and carving tasks. The ergonomic black Micarta handle incorporates aggressive thumb jimping for confident control despite its ultra-compact 5.68-inch overall length and lightweight 1.58oz profile. Designed by Dirk Pinkerton with 18 years of security industry expertise, this knife embodies his philosophy: maximum functionality in the smallest package. The flat-ground blade and three-finger grip provide exceptional versatility for everyday precision work. Includes a molded Kydex sheath with ball chain for secure neck carry or pocket deployment. Perfect for EDC enthusiasts seeking a reliable, purpose-driven cutting tool that balances comfort with capability.

14C28N Blade Introduction

14C28N is a high-value budget-to-midrange stainless steel that excels in corrosion resistance and ease of sharpening, making it a low-maintenance workhorse for EDC and wet environments, but it falls short of premium steels in edge retention and requires more frequent touch-ups when cutting highly abrasive materials like cardboard.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall Length	5.68''/144.4mm
Blade Length	3.04‘/77.2mm
Blade Thickness	0.118" / 3.0mm
Blade Material	14C28N
Blade Style	Modified Kiridashi
Blade Grind	Flat Grind
Blade Finish	Blackwash
Handle Material	Micarta
Color	Black
Lock Type	Fixed Blade
Weight	1.58oz/44.9g
Model Name	ToothPik
Model Number	G020A4
Designer	Pinkerton Knives
Sheath	Kydex Sheath

G020A4

The Tenable ToothPik G020A4 is a precision-engineered fixed blade knife inspired by the traditional Japanese Kiridashi. The blade is 14C28N stainless steel at 58-60 HRC, slim and needle-like, with a 3.04in profile and a Blackwash finish. The handle is black Micarta with aggressive thumb jimping for confident control despite the ultra-compact 5.68in / 1.58oz build. Designed by Dirk Pinkerton with 18 years of security-industry experience, the ToothPik embodies his philosophy: maximum functionality in the smallest possible package. The flat grind and slim profile make it ideal for detailed cutting, scoring, carving and EDC carry where a full-size knife is overkill. Shipping through EDCMALL as a value-priced, high-utility compact fixed blade.

Steel & Hardware Selling Points

• 14C28N Stainless Steel: A Sandvik stainless steel optimized for cutlery. At 58-60 HRC it offers excellent corrosion resistance, good toughness and is one of the easiest production steels to sharpen.
• 3.04in / 77.2mm Kiridashi Profile: A traditional Japanese utility profile with a slim, needle-like tip optimized for detailed cutting, scoring, marking and carving.
• Blackwash Finish: A darkened, distressed surface treatment that hides scratches and reduces glare for a tactical field look.
• Black Micarta Handle: A resin-impregnated laminate that is warm in the hand, grippy when wet and develops a natural patina with use.
• Aggressive Thumb Jimping: Notched serrations on the spine and handle give the thumb a positive grip surface for controlled detail cuts.
• Flat Grind: Strong behind the edge, easy to sharpen, efficient through cardboard, packaging and carving work.
• Compact 5.68in / 144.3mm Overall: At 1.58oz / 44.8g the ToothPik rides as a featherweight EDC or neck knife without adding bulk.
• Dirk Pinkerton Design: 18 years of security-industry experience inform a "maximum function in the smallest package" philosophy.

Core Selling Points

• 3.04in / 77.2mm 14C28N stainless steel Kiridashi blade, flat grind
• 58-60 HRC — excellent corrosion resistance and easy sharpening
• Blackwash finish
• Black Micarta handle with aggressive thumb jimping
• Compact 5.68in / 144.3mm overall at 1.58oz / 44.8g
• Designed by Dirk Pinkerton (18 years security-industry experience)
• Detailed cutting, scoring and carving specialist
• Fixed-blade carry: belt sheath, pack or neck-knife option

Best Use Scenarios

1. EDC Compact Fixed Blade: At 5.68in overall and 1.58oz the ToothPik rides as a featherweight EDC or neck knife — maximum cutting capability in minimum bulk.
2. Detailed Cutting & Scoring: The slim Kiridashi profile excels at scoring cardboard, marking, opening clamshell packaging and carving.
3. Office & Urban Carry: The compact build and discreet fixed-blade profile make it a quiet, snag-free alternative to a folder.
4. Outdoor & Camping Backup: 14C28N tolerates humidity with simple wipe-downs; the slim blade handles food prep, cordage and small camp tasks.
5. Collector Kiridashi Release: Dirk Pinkerton design + premium handle material + value price make this a strong fixed blade collectible.

FAQ

Q1. What is a Kiridashi knife?
A: A traditional Japanese utility blade profile with a slim, needle-like tip optimized for detailed cutting, scoring, marking and carving. Kiridashi knives are not built for heavy chopping; they are precise cutting tools.

Q2. How is 14C28N different from D2?
A: 14C28N is a fully stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and very easy sharpening, while D2 is a semi-stainless tool steel with longer edge retention but weaker corrosion resistance. For EDC in humid climates 14C28N is the lower-maintenance choice; for pure edge retention D2 wins.

Q3. What is the rose gold finish on G020A3?
A: A cosmetic copper-pink finish over the 14C28N blade. It gives the knife a distinctive warm tone without affecting cutting performance or corrosion resistance.

Q4. How heavy is the ToothPik?
A: Approximately 1.58oz / 44.8g across both variants — one of the lightest fixed blades in the EDCMALL catalog and a true featherweight carry.

Q5. How do G020A3 and G020A4 differ?
A: Same 3.04in 14C28N Kiridashi blade, Micarta handle and 5.68in platform. The series changes blade finish: G020A4 is blackwash, G020A3 is rose gold.

Steel Comparison — Same-Price-Class Blade Steels

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
14C28N (this knife)	58-60	Good	Excellent	Good	Easy
154CM	58-61	Very good	Very good	Good	Moderate
10Cr15MoV	58-60	Good	Very good	Good	Easy
Nitro-V	58-61	Very good	Very good	Good	Moderate
CPM-S35VN	58-61	Excellent	Very good	Good	Moderate
D2 (semi-stainless)	58-61	Excellent	Weak	Moderate	Difficult
Damascus	58-62	Very good	Moderate	Good	Difficult
M390	60-62	Exceptional	Very good	Moderate	Difficult

Key Terminology

14C28N
A Sandvik stainless steel optimized for cutlery. At 58-60 HRC it delivers excellent corrosion resistance, good toughness and easy sharpening on conventional water stones — the benchmark "user steel" for EDC blades.

Kiridashi
A traditional Japanese utility blade profile with a slim, needle-like tip and a single-bevel or chisel edge. Designed for detailed cutting, scoring, carving and marking rather than heavy chopping.

Fixed Blade
A knife built as a single solid piece with no folding mechanism. Stronger, easier to clean and faster to deploy than a folder, but takes up more space in the pack or on the belt.

Blackwash Finish
A darkened, distressed surface treatment applied over a stonewashed or satin base. Hides scratches, reduces glare, and gives the blade a broken-in field look from day one.

Rose Gold Finish
A copper-pink finish applied over the blade surface. Visually distinctive; cosmetic only and does not affect cutting performance.

Micarta
A resin-impregnated laminate of linen, canvas or paper. Warm in the hand, grippier when wet than most plastics, and develops a natural patina with use.

Thumb Jimping
Notched serrations on the blade spine or handle that give the thumb a positive grip surface for controlled, detailed cuts.

Flat Grind
A straight taper from spine to cutting edge. Strong behind the edge, easy to sharpen, efficient through cardboard, packaging and carving.

Dirk Pinkerton Design
An American knife designer with 18 years of security-industry experience, known for elegant fixed blades and compact folders that prioritize real-world function over flash.

Who Should Buy / Who Should Skip

Who Should Buy:

• EDC fans who want a featherweight fixed blade at 1.58oz
• Buyers looking for a Kiridashi-style Japanese utility blade
• Dirk Pinkerton design collectors building out the ToothPik line
• Detail-work specialists who score, carve and open packaging daily
• Anyone who sharpens on conventional water stones and wants an easy-to-maintain stainless blade

Who Should Skip:

• Buyers who need a heavy-use chopping or batoning blade — the slim Kiridashi is a precise cutting tool, not a chopper
• Anyone who needs maximum edge retention — 14C28N sits in the "user steel" tier for easy maintenance, not the longest edge life
• Users who specifically want a folder — the ToothPik is a fixed blade
• Buyers who want a full-size 4in+ blade — the 3.04in Kiridashi is compact and purpose-built

Care & Maintenance

1. Wipe the 14C28N blade dry after wet, salty or food-prep work; corrosion resistance is excellent but not immune.
2. Sharpen 14C28N on conventional water stones or ceramic rods — it is one of the easiest production steels to maintain.
3. Maintain a consistent angle and use light pressure on the slim Kiridashi tip; excess force can chip a needle-point profile.
4. Strop on leather or compound after heavy cardboard or scoring work to keep the apex keen without removing steel.
5. Wipe Micarta with a dry microfiber; avoid harsh solvents that dry out the resin-impregnated laminate.
6. Periodically oil Micarta with a light mineral oil to keep the surface supple and prevent drying over years of carry.
7. Brush the thumb jimping with a soft dry brush to lift pocket lint and debris.
8. Avoid prying, twisting or using the slim Kiridashi tip as a screwdriver; the needle geometry is for cutting and scoring, not leverage.
9. Store the knife dry in a breathable sheath or tool roll; never sealed in a damp bag.