UG-Tools from Germany manufacture virtually indestructible knives made from MagnaCut steel. We test two versions of a handy all-rounder: the TiNy Floe and TiNy Pango. The Ranger team is amazed – find out why here.
The people behind UG Tools are keen to experiment and, above all, highly skilled professionals. Philipp Utsch and Jan Gierse have been building “uncompromising knives”, as they themselves put it, since 2020 – and when we look at the cutting-edge pieces in theory and practice, we have to say: the two gentlemen are probably right.
Using a unique process, they combine what knife users have wanted from their handy companions since time immemorial: Low weight with maximum stability. They have achieved this combination through an innovative process that requires the corresponding know-how.
The future is now
The magic word is “3DTi”, a titanium attack from the 3D printer. What sounds futuristic is actually a reality, and a beautiful one at that. Taking the TiNy as an example, this means that the version of the TiNy we have with a drop-point blade and MagnaCut steel (65 HRC) is a featherweight knife weighing just 80 grams that feels cool to the touch and has a unique, fine-grip feel – the surface is neither smooth nor strongly contoured. Nevertheless, the knife feels secure in the hand. Amazing.
The metallic coolness that you might expect behind the word “titanium” actually dissolves into a pleasant warmth as soon as you hold the knife in your hand. Even in winter temperatures around zero, it doesn’t take long for the handle to warm up. It really is like a bit of magic.
A little one really big
The TiNy itself is available in two blade shapes with a stonewashed finish, two steel and three handle variants. Our favorite is the TiNy Pango made of MagnaCut steel (65 HRC) with a drop point blade. In contrast to TiNy Floe, it has a more contoured handle, but all other specifications remain the same.
MagnaCut steel is a fairly recent development. It is considered a material with particularly high edge retention, high toughness and good corrosion resistance. The additional very high strength of titanium in the handle ensures that the knife does not even need a full-tang construction, i.e. a blade steel that is continuous to the end of the handle. UG-Tools regularly prove how much the knives can withstand at events and tests.
In use
We also used the TiNy Floe and TiNy Pango. Mounted on the Lasercut bowbelt from Armybug, the Floe is our regular companion for all outdoor activities. When bushcrafting, it is used for all (really: all) activities: From fine carving work and debarking branches, to knocking out forks, to splitting wood and drilling in thick heartwood. Despite the narrow handle, we can manage without gloves, but they are usually worn for these jobs anyway (-> To test the Vader gloves from Eska).
Due to its toughness, it has sometimes been used for completely frowned upon tasks with knives, such as digging out the last few centimetres of soil when a branch no longer helps and there are also stones mixed in. That is cruel and will certainly (certainly?) not be repeated – but it also shows how much confidence we have gained in the quality of the knife and how much it has become an extension of our muscle memory. In an emergency, the knife would also be able to withstand such ordeals and still remain sharp enough afterwards. It is now also always with me when hiking, as it is very handy and light as a feather. However, the low weight is normally considered a disadvantage during strenuous bushcraft work. We also remained cautiously optimistic at first when chopping with the knife. However, it quickly became clear that it is the combination of everything that makes it so special: the shape and material are designed in such a way that you can actually work intensively without your hand “falling off” after just a few minutes.
The TiNy Pango with stronger handle contouring, on the other hand, sits as a backup knife behind the spare magazines on the bowbelt of Armybug (-> Here in the Ranger long-term test as a bushcraft belt). The Droppoint blade is shaped in such a way that it would allow immediate use even with the weak hand in the fist grip “upside down”. Depending on the positioning on the belt, however, various drawing options can be found with one or both hands. The angular end of the handle, where recessed holes for a paracord are hidden, is also worthy of note. The steep angle suggests that you can “activate” one or two pain points here …
Fixed seat
The 3D-printed sheath is also responsible for the variability in mounting. With the UltiLink mounting point and corresponding adapter attached to it, the knife can be mounted at numerous angles. The whole setup has already had to withstand a few blows and lateral loads and it has always held firmly. However, it is important that the knife is actually pressed into the sheath until you can hear and feel the resistance. Then it really stays “on the man”.
Ranger conclusion: The knives from UG-Tools have arrived in the outdoor sector at the latest since they had to assert themselves in the “7 vs. Wild” series. Some EDC items for everyday use have also been developed from the same material. Beard comb, spork, Kubotan – development is progressing fast! For us, the TiNy in particular is a knife to fall in love with. It is an incredibly robust and universal work and backup knife that is completely “Made in Germany”. Due to its low weight and simultaneous stability, we clearly see the concept behind the TiNy and other models in the official sector. It is therefore not surprising that UG tools are actually present there. We’ll keep you posted and hope to be able to tell you more soon.