Cudeman Mikra Natural Olive Wood (335-L): a pocket-sized Mediterranean in minimal form
The knife that truly travels with you is the one so light you forget it is there. The Cudeman Mikra in its olive wood finish is built on exactly that idea: packing real cutting ability into a piece that weighs around 45 grams. Made by Cudeman in Albacete, this version is aimed at anyone who wants a discreet, ultra-light blade without giving up the secure lock-up of much larger folding knives. It is an option designed for everyday carry that never gets in the way.
What sets it apart
- A size you forget: just 15 cm overall when open, so it disappears into your pocket and works beautifully as an EDC.
- A firm lock: unlike many blades of similar size, it features a back-lock that holds the blade securely while you cut.
- Fine work: between its clip-point profile and a 2.0 mm blade thickness, it allows detailed cuts with excellent feel and control.
- Wood with character: the natural olive wood gives it a traditional, organic look and means no two pieces are exactly alike.
The steel and its cut
The blade is forged from molybdenum vanadium steel, an alloy prized for its toughness and for standing up well to environmental corrosion. Hardened to 54/56 HRc, it strikes a well-judged balance for everyday use: it holds a working edge for a good while and, most usefully, it sharpens back up with great ease. An ideal combination when you want a tool that is ready to use with minimal fuss and care.
How it is built
Modest as its dimensions are, the Mikra is surprisingly solid in the frame. The scales are fixed to the chassis with brass pins, giving a strong bond between wood and body. The satin finish on the blade, beyond a clean and professional look, hides the marks left by daily handling. That said, at 2.0 mm thick it is best kept to what it does well, cutting, and not subjected to lateral stress or used as a pry bar.
Handle and real-world grip
The body in satin natural olive wood offers a warm, organic feel that is hard to match with other materials. Its 8.5 cm handle is ergonomically shaped so the fingers settle in well and control of the tip is never lost. Being a dense, pleasant wood, the knife stays comfortable and under control even during repeated cutting.
References and carry
Thanks to how light it is, you can carry it loose in your pocket or, if you prefer, on your belt in its sheath. Two references are available:
- 335-L: the knife on its own, without a sheath.
- 335-LF: the knife together with a brown in-house sheath (sheath reference 635-C).
What it is good for
- Everyday carry (EDC): it handles any routine cut, from opening the post to small tasks around the house.
- Detail and precision: its fine tip moves with ease through intricate work where you need to control the blade well.
- Outdoors and picnics: light and capable, it tags along without adding weight for preparing food or making clean cuts outside.
Care and maintenance
- As the scales are natural olive wood, it is best stored in a dry place and never rinsed under the tap.
- After each use, wipe the blade with a soft cloth to remove moisture or acidic residue and keep the satin finish intact.
- From time to time, a drop of fine oil on the pivot and the back-lock mechanism keeps the opening smooth and precise.
- Keep it away from strong heat sources for long periods so the olive wood retains its natural moisture and tone.
The Cudeman Mikra (335-L) in olive wood proves that a knife's strength lies not in its size but in a good fit and near-artisan craftsmanship. Available at Navajeria, it is a dependable companion to keep with you at all times.
