“Esto Perpetua,” or “let it be forever,” is the state motto of Idaho—and it’s where this heavy duty EDC knife gets its name. Designed by Idaho-based knifemaker TJ Schwarz and made by Millit Knives, this American-made folder is built to take on anything. If the locking mechanism looks familiar, it should; developed by McHenry and Williams, this style of lock has been a key component of Benchmade knives over the last two decades. That’s because it’s widely recognized as the strongest and safest locking mechanism there is, which is crucial to folders as the lock is the most common point of failure. The blade is made from premium Nitro-V: a nitrogen-enriched steel with excellent edge retention, high hardness, and extreme corrosion resistance. For a secure grip, there’s a smooth G-10 handle in stealthy gray and a removable tip-up clip for righties and lefties.
Note: Due to the sensitive nature of shipping knives internationally, we can only ship this knife to select countries. It is the responsibility of the buyer to know and comply with all importation regulations and local laws. Click here for additional information.
After our initial launch of the Perpetua, we received some excellent feedback, and we've incorporated your ideas into this version of the knife. Among the key additions on this round, we've strengthened both the liners and clip, which are now made from hardened 400 series steel for added durability. We've also added a new thumb relief near the thumb stud, making it easier to open the knife than before. Finally, we've increased the pivot screw head diameter for improved lateral strength and a more balanced look.
Overall, the Perpetua measures 7.65 inches long: big enough to tackle any task, but small enough to comfortably take anywhere. The 3.25-inch drop-point blade has a dark, chalky stonewashed finish to help hide nicks and scratches. Nitro-V steel is most often compared with AEB-L, a steel praised by custom knifemakers for its use in razor blades. Nitro-V can be heat-treated to a greater working hardness and includes small amounts of vanadium and nitrogen for better wear resistance. Looking dead-on at the blade, you’ll notice an aggressive hollow grind. Achieved using Millit’s state-of-the-art grinding techniques—which create the largest effective diameter on the market—the blade takes a wicked-sharp edge. To deploy the folder, there are dual thumbstuds with ridges to catch your thumb. Once open, jimping on the spine offers extra grip for more strenuous tasks.
A product designer by trade, TJ Schwarz originally got into knifemaking through his love of sketching cars. While enrolled at Boise State University, an old high school friend recognized his talent and approached him with a chance to design the first knife for his budding company. Schwarz jumped at the opportunity, hoping his drawing skills would transfer over to the realm of knives—and they certainly did. Shortly after, the Zenaida—a screwless knife he designed to be assembled without any tools—won Blade Show's "Most Innovative American Design" of 2015. Guided by the principal that beauty is second to function, but that both should coexist, Schwarz has made a name for himself as one of the most intriguing up-and-coming knife designers in the industry.
Handle any Millit-made knife and you'll immediately know that their slogan, "Simply, doing it right," rings true. Based in Meridian, Idaho in the fertile Treasure Valley, the company was established in 2011. Since its founding, Millit has earned a reputation by manufacturing knives for internationally recognized knife designers like Serge Panchenko, Grant and Gavin Hawk, Michal Gavac, Jerry Moen, and more. Thanks to a wide array of CNC machines, water jet machines, surface grinders and belt grinders, and a staff that trained at other top shops like Chris Reeve Knives, Millit holds an extremely high standard for every made-in-the-USA piece it creates.
We get it. Sometimes what you ordered just doesn’t work out. If that’s the case for you, don’t fret! All customers (both US and international) may return this item in new, unused condition within 30 days of delivery.
Estimated ship date is Apr 22, 2021 PT.
Payment will be collected at checkout. Cancellations are accepted up to 2 hours after checkout for in-stock items, or up until pre-order ships.