Big Blade, Bold Feel: Hands-On with the NedFoss DA52 Folding Knife
If you've ever felt that most pocket knives are a little... underwhelming, then the Nedfoss DA52 is here to change your mind—and possibly your EDC habits. This isn’t just another folding knife. It’s a statement piece, a tool, and a reliable companion built for those who want something with more presence, more bite, and more boldness.
I’ve been carrying the DA52 for a few weeks now, and here’s my full hands-on take on this oversized beast of a blade.
📦 First Impressions: "Whoa, That’s a Big Knife"
Right out of the box, the DA52 demands attention. With a massive 5-inch blade and a rugged, tactical design, it’s clear this knife wasn’t made to be cute—it was made to get things done.
The blade deploys smoothly thanks to the flipper tab and ball bearing system, and despite the size, the action feels surprisingly refined.
Build Quality: Tough Where It Counts
The blade is crafted from 7Cr17 stainless steel, which provides good corrosion resistance and decent edge retention. It came sharp enough to shave paper, and after several days of outdoor tasks—cutting rope, opening packages, whittling wood—it’s held up well.
The liner lock is strong and secure, with no blade play at all. The handle is ergonomically shaped, textured for grip, and fits comfortably in my (fairly large) hands. For its size, the knife is well balanced and doesn’t feel awkward to hold.
Performance in the Field
This isn’t your typical small EDC knife. It excels in tasks where blade length and strength matter:
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Camping: Easily handled food prep, fire kindling, and even batoning soft wood.
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Daily use: A bit big for city carry, but amazing for heavy-duty work.
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Self-defense: The intimidating blade size and fast deployment make it a serious contender for emergency situations.
Even though it’s large, the deep-carry pocket clip keeps it fairly discreet when clipped inside a pocket or on a belt.
🎯 Pros & Cons
👍 Pros:
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Massive blade for serious tasks
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Smooth and fast deployment
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Solid liner lock and sturdy build
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Great price for the size and quality
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Tactical aesthetic that turns heads
👎 Cons:
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Too large for some EDC users
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Blade steel isn’t premium, but gets the job done
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Might raise eyebrows in urban environments
Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
The Nedfoss DA52 isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point.
If you want a big, bold folding knife that’s built to work and made to impress, this knife will not disappoint. It’s affordable, durable, and performs like a knife twice the price.
This is the perfect knife for:
✔️ Outdoor adventurers
✔️ Heavy-duty EDC users
✔️ Tactical gear enthusiasts
✔️ Anyone tired of tiny pocket knives
Final Score: 8.8 / 10 – A folding beast that doesn’t fold on performance.
Get it. Carry it. Use it. You’ll never look at regular pocket knives the same way again.
