THE GIANTMOUSE ACE NIMBUS V2 IS A CLASSY EDC FOLDER FOR A MODEL THEY CALL “UTILITARIAN”

“I’m going to carry this knife,” I told myself as soon as I unboxed the GiantMouse ACE Nimbus V2 folder. And, of course, when I say “carry” I mean that I will be using this knife a lot.

ANOTHER FAVORITE?

A knife enthusiast’s main regret is that there are so many great knives but so few pockets. Yes, I know more often than not people who review knives give favorable reports on them. Contrary to rumors, the reason is not that we’re obligated to knifemakers in any way. Rather, we are normally reviewing good-quality knives. No one looks forward to working with junk, so most times we leave the poor-quality knives alone.

“On opening the blade fully, the liner lock clicks in with the precision of a fine-tuned machine.”

Closed, the knife is just under 4.19 inches long. It rides comfortably either in the bottom of a pocket or attached tip-up with the deep-carry wire clip.

I’m lucky to get my hands on many excellent knives from many makers but, despite my good intentions, many get set aside after the review is over. I don’t think that will happen with this knife. This will be one that will get a coveted position in the upper right drawer of my dresser where I keep the knives I use most often for everyday carry. Depending on my mood and the mission for the day, the knife I choose to put in my pocket comes from that drawer.

ACE NIMBUS V2

The Nimbus V2 comes from GiantMouse’s line of regular production models, ACE knives. The Nimbus is named after the Danish classic Nimbus motorcycle that was known as a utilitarian workhorse and was last produced in 1960. But this knife looks more like a modern classic than something you’d label as a “utilitarian workhorse,” although certainly it is a knife you’ll want to put to work.

“One update with the V2 model over the original Nimbus is that the blade is now made of elite Elmax steel.”

One update with the V2 model over the original Nimbus is that the blade is now made of elite Elmax steel. This Bohler-Uddenholm stainless steel is made using powder metallurgy and is known for its excellent wear and corrosion resistance.

The blade is 3 inches long with a full, flat grind. It’s technically a drop-point in configuration, but the drop is very slight. I like this blade shape. The blade was extremely sharp out of the box. I expected no less as I had previously tested the company’s GMF1-P, an excellent small fixed-blade. That knife was very sharp and I have the scar to prove it.

The cutout in the handle provides easy access to the teardrop blade hole when opening the knife and the liner lock when closing the knife. It also enhances the secure grip quality of the handle.

The blade spine of the Nimbus V2 has nicely rounded edges with some jimping well placed almost halfway up the spine where you might place the thumb when exerting fine control. A good bushcraft knife will usually feature sharp, 90-degree edges on the spine so that it can be used to scrape tinder or a ferro rod without dulling the blade’s edge. But on a knife such as the Nimbus V2 that’s more likely to see use as an everyday carry utility tool, the rounded spine is a welcome feature, especially if you employ a thumb-forward grip very often.

Instead of thumb studs or a flipper, the Nimbus V2 has a teardrop-shaped hole to use for opening the blade one-handed. There is some resistance initially when opening the blade. That’s good in my view. I don’t want the blade partially opening in my pocket.

The ACE Nimbus V2 measures 7.25 inches long opened. It a good size that carries well while still having lots of capability.

As a result, however, I found it easiest to open the blade using my thumb on one side of the blade hole and my index finger on the other in a pinch hold just to get the blade started. The V2 version of the Nimbus now uses bronze washers and once the initial resistance is overcome, the blade opens smoothly the rest of the way using the thumb alone.

On opening the blade fully, the liner lock clicks in with the precision of a fine-tuned machine. That liner has enough engagement with the blade tang to inspire confidence that the blade will stay locked when making difficult or unconventional cuts.

ERGONOMIC GRIP

Another improvement with the V2 model is that the handle scales are more rounded as well, which makes for a more comfortable, ergonomic grip. The handle scales on the model I received were fashioned from green canvas Micarta. It’s a material that wears well and offers enough texture for a secure grip without being abrasive on the hand. The included wire pocket clip positioned for tip-up deep carry is reversible for right- or left-side carry. A finger groove also helps with safety and security while the knife’s in use, and it also provides access to the thumb hole and liner lock.

The open-back design helps to keep lint and other debris from building up in the knife mechanism and trapping moisture.

The liner lock clicks in with precision when the blade is opened, and it provides a good amount of confidence-inspiring engagement.

There is some jimping about halfway out on the blade spine for added purchase on the blade when making detail cuts. The rest of the spine is nicely rounded.

The blade is made of excellent Elmax steel. The tip drops ever so slightly to provide a very useful point.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

GiantMouse’s limited run knives sell out quickly and immediately become collector items. The knives in the ACE line are regular production models and are therefore more likely to be available. But they are certainly top-notch tools you’ll be proud to own. These knives are indeed ACES and the Nimbus V2 lives up to that name. 


GIANTMOUSE: LIMITED RUNS AND STORY

The story goes that noted Danish knife designers Jens Ansø and Jesper Voxnaes got together with American entrepreneur Jim Wirth one night back in 2015 during a knife show in the U.S. From those informal discussions around the table, GiantMouse Knives was born.

Ansø and Voxnaes design every knife in the GiantMouse lineup. The two work closely with their production partner from development to prototype testing and all the way through to the finished product. Knives in the company’s GiantMouse line are produced in limited runs of 400 units. One hundred of those are special versions marked with the company’s Pirate Mouse logo. When the 400 knives are gone, the company discontinues the design.

Those limited GiantMouse knives become highly sought collector’s items as soon as they’re announced. For those of us who aren’t quick enough on the keyboard to grab one from the GiantMouse website, there’s the company’s ACE line. Knives in this line, such as the Nimbus V2, still offer top quality, but at more attractive prices and the designs aren’t discontinued after limited runs.


SPECS

GiantMouse ACE Nimbus V2

Blade Steel: Elmax with satin finish
Overall Length: 7.25 inches open
Length Closed: 4.1875 inches
Blade Length: 3 inches
Blade Thickness: 0.138 inch
Handle: Green canvas Micarta
Lock Mechanism: Liner lock
Weight: 3.8 ounces
Origin: Maniago, Italy
Other: Wire pocket clip reversible for tip-up carry, bronze pivot washers
MSRP: $185


SOURCE

GiantMouse Knives
GiantMouse.com

Editor’s Note:

A version of this article first appeared in the May/June 2022 print issue of Knives Illustrated.