Key Highlights
- Premium mid-size custom folding knife from NL Knives
- M398 powder steel blade with versatile Drop Point profile
- Distinctive Brilliance Mirror Polish combining mirror-polished and stonewashed character
- Stonewashed titanium frame with custom Carbon Fiber inlays
- Artistic Timascus pocket clip
- Flipper deployment on double-row ceramic bearings
- Strong and reliable Frame Lock
- Approx. 3.5" blade and 3.3 oz / 94 g weight for versatile everyday carry
The NL Knives NoWa Carbon is a premium mid-size folding knife that combines minimalist design, serious cutting performance, and the distinctive artistic craftsmanship NL Knives is known for.
Originally introduced as one of the workshop’s most anticipated new designs, the NoWa platform was built on a simple idea: remove everything unnecessary while preserving exceptional ergonomics, functionality, and character.
This NoWa Carbon M398 configuration takes that philosophy further with a premium M398 blade, custom Carbon Fiber inlays, stonewashed titanium construction, and an expressive Timascus pocket clip.
Blade & Materials
The blade is crafted from M398, a premium powder-metallurgy stainless steel engineered for extreme wear resistance and exceptional edge retention. It is an excellent choice for an upscale EDC knife where long-lasting cutting performance is a priority.
This version uses a highly versatile Drop Point blade shape, giving the NoWa a practical balance of tip control, slicing performance, and strength for everyday cutting tasks.
What truly sets this configuration apart is NL Knives’ distinctive Brilliance Mirror Polish finish. Rather than a conventional mirror polish, the blade combines polished, reflective surfaces with a stonewashed visual texture, creating a finish that shifts with the light and gives every angle a different appearance.
Refined, unusual, and unmistakably custom.
Size & Performance
With a blade of approximately 3.5 inches, the NoWa falls into an ideal mid-size EDC category — substantial enough for serious everyday cutting while remaining comfortable and discreet in the pocket.
The knife weighs approximately 94 grams / 3.3 oz, giving it a reassuring feel without being unnecessarily heavy.
The combination of practical blade geometry, premium steel, and balanced proportions makes the NoWa equally suitable for everyday utility, office carry, travel, or as a refined gentleman’s knife.
Handle & Ergonomics
The handle's foundation is a strong titanium frame, finished in stonewash and accented with custom Carbon Fiber inlays.
At first glance, the NoWa handle appears simple and sculptural, but its shape reveals considerable ergonomic thought. The edges are softly rounded, and a broad chamfer near the front of the handle creates a natural resting and indexing point for the hand.
The result is a handle that looks clean and minimalist while remaining comfortable, secure, and purposeful in use.
The Carbon Fiber inlays add visual depth and soften the starkness of the titanium, giving this version a more technical and contemporary personality.
Action, Lock & Carry
The NoWa is a true flipper, running on double-row ceramic pivot bearings for smooth, responsive deployment.
A robust Frame Lock provides secure blade lockup while preserving the titanium handle's clean architecture.
For carry, this configuration features a beautiful Timascus pocket clip. Beyond its practical function, the layered colors and patterns of Timascus add an artistic focal point and make this NoWa Carbon immediately recognizable as far more than an ordinary production folder.
The NL Knives NoWa Carbon M398 is a sophisticated EDC knife that successfully balances minimalism, ergonomics, advanced materials, and custom artistry.
Its M398 Drop Point blade delivers serious cutting performance, while the unusual Brilliance Mirror Polish, custom Carbon Fiber inlays, stonewashed titanium frame, and Timascus clip give the knife a distinctly collectible character.
Elegant enough to serve as a gentleman’s knife yet practical enough for everyday use, the NoWa Carbon is a refined example of NL Knives’ ability to turn functional design into something genuinely individual.
This premium mid-size EDC folding knife from NL Knives features an M398 Drop Point blade with Brilliance Mirror Polish, a stonewashed titanium Frame Lock handle, custom Carbon Fiber inlays, a Timascus pocket clip, and flipper deployment on double-row ceramic bearings.
Explore more NL Knives or browse our Folding Knives collection for additional custom and EDC blades.
