WE Micro Trogon Review

The Micro Trogon is one of the coolest sub-three-inch knives I have handled. I do not think of it as a fifth-pocket knife. To me, this is a true EDC knife, with the presence and execution to make it interesting beyond its small dimensions. I love the full-size Trogon too, but this smaller Brian Brown design has plenty of appeal on its own.

The blade stock is remarkably thick for a knife this small. It may be the thickest I have handled at this size, yet the knife feels extremely well balanced in my hand. The compound grind is what makes the blade interesting: the primary bevel is hollow ground, while the area toward the tip has a flat grind. I lean toward calling the shape a tanto because of that distinct point in the edge.

The titanium frame lock has a beefy, tank-like feel. At $267.75, I think it is an insanely good deal compared with Brian Brown customs. This is his design, and the execution feels extremely precise to me. I have no complaints with it. The quality of the construction is a big part of why I am so enthusiastic about this little knife.

Even the CIVIVI Mini Praxis is considerably longer when I put the two side by side. The Kizer Mini Momo is bigger too, and I also brought out the ExOne, another Brian Brown design. Those comparisons make the point: this really is a small knife. I think it would make an amazing office carry because it is attractive, fun and interesting without looking especially intimidating.

The edge comes in around 0.019 to 0.020 inch behind the bevel, coming down from that hollow grind. I like the sharpening choil and the little plunge grind as well. The fuller works for middle-finger flicking, and the thumb studs work very well too. Both give me enjoyable ways to open it, rather than leaving the fuller as a purely decorative detail.

The handle milling is one of the stars here. I love running my fingers over it and feeling the texture. Combined with the bright, high-sheen finish, it makes this feel fancy without losing that tough little EDC character. I would like to see another run of the full-size Trogon, but I think this micro version will be especially appealing to people who appreciate good milling.

The action is fantastic, and the whole knife gives me very little to criticize. I enjoy the feel of the handle just as much as the blade and deployment. It reminds me that I do not handle enough WE knives, because this one does so much so well. Brian Brown and WE have put together a small knife that I am very happy to praise.