It might be somewhat surprising to some how popular compact and ultra-compact knives, like the ESEE Candiru and Izula are, for EDC. 

For one thing, they’re easy to conceal and exceptionally lightweight, so knives in patterns like these can be effortlessly carried to the point that you forget they’re there, till you need them.

But for another, once you carry one every day, you’ll be equally surprised at how capable they are. They’re also not the only great small knives on the market. 

Another of them, and similar is, the Aphid 2 in nitro-V steel, from Wenger Blades. It is an excellent compact EDC knife that offers a lot of value in a small package, and at an affordable price. 

Compact but Capable 

The Aphid 2 is 3.75” overall with a 1.5” blade, putting it on comparable footing with the ESEE Candiru. In terms of size and shape it is very similar. 

It also has a skeletonized handle and only weighs a half ounce without the sheath. Even with it, it’s under an ounce. 

It sports a half-flat (Scandi) grind that is easy to resharpen as the bevel is a built in guide, and also exceptionally tough, for fairly brusque chores, especially considering the small stature of the knife. 

It’s significantly different, however, from the Candiru because of the knife steel. The nitro-V blade steel is a winner here. This alloy is basically AEB-L tool steel but modified with vanadium and nitrogen. It also performs very similarly to 14C28N. 

As you might imagine, vanadium, which forms carbides and which is itself a very dense, tough element, increases the wear resistance and edge retention of nitro-V considerably. 

As for nitrogen, that not only increases the wear resistance and edge retention of the alloy, but also helps to improve the corrosion resistance slightly.

On the whole, nitro-V is capable of raising a very fine edge and offers reasonable edge retention and wear resistance, along with fair corrosion resistance as well. 

The Aphid 2 also comes with a custom Kydex sheath that offers solid retention and numerous, flexible carry options. It can be carried on a belt or rigged for scout carry, but it can also be easily carried as a neck knife, expanding its versatility.

Light, slim, compact, and accommodatingly sized, the Aphid 2 is a solid little fixed EDC and the price is right. Carry a knife this size and you’ll be shocked at how capable it is, even for tasks that would generally be reserved for much larger knives. 

All in all, if you need a sturdy fixed EDC knife that offers flexible carry options, and which is priced affordably, the Aphid 2 is an excellent choice from a great brand. 

Where to Learn More About This and Other Dave Wenger Blades

These Aphid 2 is literally just one of many Dave Wenger Blades that offers incredible value, and the brand doesn’t just specialize in super-compact EDC knives and neck knives. Many are much larger, suitable for camp chores, bushcraft, and more. Dave Wenger also makes compact axes and tomahawks. 

For more information (or just to get yourself an Aphid 2) visit The Knife Connection. They carry the knife that is the focus of this article (at a very attractive price point) and many other Wenger Blades, too. 

You can learn more on their website or get in touch with them directly for more information.

For more information about White River Knives and tactile knife company Please visit: The Knife Connection.