What’s in a Name?
Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, and archery, symbolizes precision, skill, and clarity—qualities that resonate strongly with a high-performance knife. The name evokes elegance and functionality, making it a perfect match for a tool designed to excel in both form and function. Much like its namesake, the Apollo knife strikes a balance between aesthetics and precision, delivering reliability and excellence in every cut.
Ergonomics and Design
The Apollo’s maroon Gmascus handle is visually striking, with a blend of maroon and black that mimics the look of wood grain. It’s not just good-looking; it’s functional too. The contours of the handle are spot on, with a comfortable finger groove, a palm swell that fits naturally, and an overall sculpting that makes this one of the most comfortable knives I’ve used. It’s right up there in my top ten for ergonomics, holding its own against the competition.
One detail that really impressed me is the chamfered edges around the flipper tab. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference in comfort, especially when you’re using the knife a lot. The deep carry pocket clip isn’t fully deep carry, leaving about half an inch exposed, but that’s not a dealbreaker for me. It actually makes retrieving the knife easier, which is a nice tradeoff.
The knife also features a hidden lanyard hole tucked between the two liners at the back. It’s a nice touch, but the hole is pretty small, so if you’re planning to use it, you’ll need a thin paracord or something similar.
Blade Performance
The blade itself is a hybrid between a drop point and a reverse tanto, with a gently curved belly that’s perfect for slicing and cutting tasks. The reinforced tip gives it durability for thrusting and detail work, and the fuller that runs from the thumb hole to the tip adds some aesthetic flair. It doesn’t offer any functional advantage, but it looks great.
Crafted from 14C28N steel hardened to a Rockwell of 62, the Apollo’s blade is dialed in for performance. It holds an edge exceptionally well and sharpens up like a dream. The coating on the blade is superb, and while it’s too early to tell how it’ll wear over time, it seems durable enough to handle a lot of use.
Deployment is smooth and versatile, with a flipper tab and a thumb hole. The flipper is quick and snappy, while the thumb hole offers more options—whether you slow roll it open, pop it with your thumb, or use a Spydie-flick.
Closing Thoughts
With its sleek design, great ergonomics, and outstanding blade performance, the Apollo shows that Fintiso has what it takes to stand among the best budget knife brands. The attention to detail, like the chamfered liners and stellar ergonomics really sets this knife apart. And with a name like Apollo, it’s clear that Fintiso is aiming for greatness. Much like the god it’s named after, this knife exemplifies precision, artistry, and reliability.
It’s exciting to see where this company is headed, and if the Apollo is any indication, Fintiso has a bright future ahead.
Specifications:
3.3 inch blade
7.8 inches overall
4.5 inch handle
14c28n blade steel
Gmascus (G10) handle