Finding the right knife involves more than choosing a blade length or steel type. Some people want a folding knife for opening packages and handling occasional cutting tasks, while others prefer something designed with camping, hunting, or outdoor activities in mind. Appearance also matters, particularly when a knife is intended to become part of an everyday carry setup or a growing collection.
NedFoss offers three knives with distinctly different designs: the CHEETAH, M17 tactical pocket knife, and CATFISH. Each takes a different approach to styling, from an exposed aluminum handle to a conventional tactical profile and a hunting-inspired design.
The differences aren’t limited to appearance. Handle construction, blade materials, and carrying arrangements all influence what buyers should consider when choosing between these models. Here’s a closer look at what distinguishes each knife and the type of buyer it targets.
1. NedFoss CHEETAH: A skeletonized handle with a distinctive look
The NedFoss CHEETAH stands out with a skeletonized aluminum handle. Openings expose portions of its construction, giving this folding knife a mechanical look rather than the solid surfaces of a conventional handle.
Those cutouts remove material, but they don’t tell the whole weight story. The blade, hardware, and overall dimensions also determine how much knife you’re carrying.
Price: $28.49
Where to Buy: Amazon
Aluminum provides rigidity without requiring an all-steel handle. It also lends itself to machined shapes and finishes, making it a useful material for the CHEETAH’s open-frame design.
NedFoss markets the CHEETAH as survival-oriented, giving it an outdoor focus. Its suitability for specific tasks still depends on the blade configuration and overall construction, not the label alone.
The folding format puts it in familiar utility territory: opening packages, cutting cordage, and handling occasional household or outdoor chores. Closing the blade into the handle also makes storage more compact than a fixed-blade setup.
The CHEETAH is the standout for buyers who enjoy visible construction details and unconventional styling. Its exposed frame gives collectors and everyday-carry enthusiasts a distinct alternative to the M17’s more traditional tactical look.
2. NedFoss M17: A conventional tactical pocket knife
The NedFoss M17 tactical pocket knife pairs folding construction with an aluminum handle and familiar tactical styling. Compared with the CHEETAH’s exposed frame, it takes a more restrained approach without elaborate handle cutouts.
The blade folds into the handle for compact carry without a separate sheath. That format suits everyday utility jobs such as opening boxes, cutting cordage, and tackling occasional household chores.
Price: $27.06
Where to Buy: Amazon
The M17 uses an aluminum handle, though its overall dimensions and hardware also affect how comfortably it carries.
When comparing the M17 with other folders, look beyond the handle. Blade length, locking mechanism, opening method, and carrying arrangement all help determine how it fits your everyday carry setup.
The M17 is the option for buyers who prefer a conventional tactical look over the CHEETAH’s mechanical styling. Its appeal is straightforward: a familiar folding format for routine cutting tasks.
3. NedFoss CATFISH: Hunting-inspired styling with 14C28N steel
The NedFoss CATFISH takes the lineup outdoors with a 3.7-inch fixed blade, full-tang construction, a G10 handle, and a bottle opener. Its hunting-inspired design sets it apart from the M17’s tactical profile and the CHEETAH’s exposed mechanical look.
Its 14C28N stainless steel is formulated for knife applications, balancing corrosion resistance, hardness, and edge performance. That’s a useful combination for outdoor use, though regular cleaning and drying still help protect the blade.
Price: $35.99
Where to Buy: Amazon
Steel is only part of the picture. Heat treatment, blade geometry, and manufacturing quality also shape cutting performance, so the 14C28N designation is a useful comparison point rather than a promise of results.
For campers, outdoor enthusiasts, and collectors who prefer a fixed blade, the CATFISH offers a clear alternative to the two folders. Its outdoor styling, full-tang build, and G10 handle give it a distinct identity within the NedFoss range.
Three NedFoss knives, three different styles
The three NedFoss knives offer distinct styles: the CHEETAH has a skeletonized aluminum handle for an exposed mechanical look, the M17 pairs an aluminum handle with conventional tactical styling, and the CATFISH brings hunting-inspired design and 14C28N stainless steel to a fixed-blade format.
These differences give buyers three distinct directions to consider. Someone interested in unconventional styling may gravitate toward the CHEETAH, while the M17 represents a more traditional tactical design. The CATFISH brings hunting-oriented styling into the comparison.
For buyers choosing between them, the clearest starting point is format: a folder for compact storage or a fixed blade for those who prefer that construction. From there, appearance and individual features help separate the three.
