Poltergeist Works Doubles Down on Integral Design with Sylph

Jakub Wieczorkiewicz of Poltergeist Works and Real Steel Knives are back together again, readying an upcoming model called the Sylph. Although aimed at the sub-$100 knife market, the Sylph manages to incorporate a ‘dual layer integral’ construction into its design.

Before we get to that dual integral handle, let’s take a look at the hardest working part of the Sylph’s design, which is, of course, its blade. It lands right in the “EDC Zone” for most, with its blade length of 3.15 inches; and Wieczorkiewicz’s waspish, straightspined drop point looks ready for daily cutter duties like slicing up food, opening the occasional box, and puncturing plastic packaging.

The EDC shape ‘n’ specs are backed up by Nitro-V blade steel, a synergistic choice for any everyday carry knife, as it turns in a very balanced performance sheet. Nitro-V has good edge retention, decent toughness, and high corrosion resistance. That’s the Holy Trinity of characteristics we look at when discussing knife steel, but Nitro-V also excels at the ‘hidden’ fourth characteristic: ease of maintenance. Touching up Nitro-V, or indeed giving it a full resharpening, is something that’s doable with even basic equipment: no specialized setups necessary here.

Wieczorkiewicz pulled out all the stops when it came to the Sylph’s handle design, building it with as a “two-layer integral.” What does that mean? There’s a single folded piece of stainless steel that comprises the frame (and incorporates the liner lock), with a second folded embellishment frame fitted over it; RSK aptly describes the resulting look as reminiscent of the chamber area of a bolt action rifle. They also point out that this dual-layering allows for an integral knife that’s surprisingly modifiable – not a characteristic associated with the format.

Despite the stainless steel used here, the Sylph remains lightweight at 3.35 oz. – thanks in part to the thinness of the two steel handle components. The loop over deep carry pocket is reversible too, helping the lefties out there a bit even if the liner lock itself remains configured for right-handed use.

The Sylph will be available soon.

Knife in Featured Image: Real Steel Knives Sylph

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