Overall Impression

Andrew Fitz packs about as much blade as possible in his “Small Alias”

Model Small Alias
Pattern Utility folder
Maker Andrew Fitz
Blade Steel CPM 154 stainless
Rockwell Hardness 58-59 Rc
Blade Length 3 1/8”
Blade Width at Widest 1.75”
Blade Finish Hand-rubbed satin
Handle Bead-blasted 6AL4V titanium
Lock Frame lock
Closed Length ~4”
Maker’s List Price $475

I was not familiar with the voice on the other end of the phone. It was that of knifemaker Andrew Fitz wanting to know how to get his knife tested in an installment of “Spec Sheet.” He politely told me about himself and his knives. I received a good impression from talking to him and told him that I would look at the knife and then make a decision on whether to do a “Spec Sheet” on it.

A week later I had a nice frame-lock folder in my hands. Exhibiting excellent eye appeal and sturdy construction, the knife is a handful. The contoured titanium handle fits my hand perfectly. The blade reminded me of a Japanese chopping knife. I could tell I was going to have fun cutting with the “Small Alias.”

Multi-Use Piece

I had to use the Small Alias in the kitchen first just because the knife’s design provides enough room to palm the blade and use it in a chopping motion. The Small Alias diced and sliced carrots and celery for the stew pot. The knife is very controllable and the blade shape lends to a rocking motion when held in a standard grip. However, this is not just another knife for the kitchen. It is a multi-use piece, and I really like the wide blade.

Now for the real challenge—cutting plastic foam. It’s not as easy as you think because the edge can tear the foam very easily. I started out with a half-inch sheet of the foam packing. The Small Alias made long cuts without tearing it. Next I grabbed some foam peanuts and, using only the weight of the knife, cut thin slabs. It took me just one peanut to get the right technique down; after that it was smooth slicing.

So much for the finesse stuff—I needed a tougher medium.

A cardboard box was just asking to be sliced up. (Actually, it was just too long to fit in the garbage can.) The Small Alias “ate” long slices in the cardboard and before I knew it the box was in pieces at my feet. This is still too easy!

I had purchased a new 100-foot roll of half-inch sisal rope for test cutting. The Small Alias removed about 2.5 feet off the roll, which equates to 60 half-inch cuts. The thumb notches are in the right place and are rounded off so no sharp edges chewed on my thumb. Lockup was positive throughout the cutting, and the handle is very comfortable.

It was time to cut some wood. I had some 1x4 pine boards left over from a home project that fit the bill. I started whittling and the Small Alias bit deep into the pine board, producing a whole bunch of curly-cues. The flat-ground blade slid through the pine.
As long as I had the wood in hand, I decided to chop the 4-inch board in half. In less than two minutes I had the board split in two. I was really surprised at the comfort of the handle while chopping. The edge was fine and lockup was still great.

Changes

I would like to see a little more “lip” in the clip to make it easier to attach to a blue-jean pocket.

Overall

After I got used to the wide blade, the Small Alias was welcome to ride in my pocket. Andrew stuffed as much blade as possible into this model. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Very nice work; it is one well-built frame lock.

As long as the knife is not abused, Fitz said he will repair or replace it. For more information contact Andrew A. Fitz, Dept. BL12, 63 Bradford Hwy., Milan, TN 38358 731.420.0139.