Olight Metal 2 Knife Review: An Unusual Mix That Mostly Works

Introduction

Olight’s knife lineup keeps growing, and the newest addition, the Metal 2, is one of the more unusual blends of features we have come across in a while. It pairs a fairly thin spear point blade with a thick, desert tan Micarta handle, a push-button lock, and 154CM blade steel, all in a package described as pretty inexpensive. That combination is not something you see every day, and it gives this folder a personality that separates it from more conventional EDC knives.

Design and Handle

The handle is the first thing that draws your eye. It uses Micarta, a soft, old-school material that is also super durable, and the desert tan finish gives the knife a warm, classic look. The frame is a full open-back design with only a single standout at the far end, which makes it easy to clean. The overall aesthetic leans thin-blade, thick-handle, which is exactly the kind of mix that is not common on other knives.

Deployment: Push Button and Lever

Deployment is where things get interesting. Like other Olight knives, the Metal 2 has a push-button lock that can be used to release the blade so it hangs free, making opening effortless. There is also a deployment lever, but its placement is unusual: the top of the lever, where your finger naturally lands, sits almost in line with the pivot. That means you probably need a little bit of a running start, almost like flicking a lighter, to get the blade to snap fully open with the lever alone. Pushing down normally only deploys it about halfway.

For comparison, Olight’s own Freeze 2 and Splint place the lever above the pivot, which gives a much faster snap. On the Metal 2, the easiest method is simply pressing the lock button to release the blade and letting it swing out. It works, but it rewards a bit of practice.

Blade and Steel

The blade is essentially a spear point profile and keeps a fairly thin stock, which suits slicing tasks. There is a bit of jimping near the spine, and the blade features a subdued groove that is not quite a full fuller. It doubles as a grasping point, almost like a giant fingernail hole, giving you enough definition to get some purchase and flick the blade open that way if you prefer. It is hard to do a full thumb flick with it, but a finger flick from the back side of the handle works well.

The steel choice is 154CM, and the edge out of the box is razor sharp. Seeing that steel on a budget-friendly folder is a genuine plus, since it is a proven premium blade steel.

Everyday Carry Practicality

For daily carry, the Metal 2 checks the right boxes. It has a reversible pocket clip, the open-back frame keeps lint from building up, and the blade steel is easy to maintain. The push-button lock keeps the blade securely stowed, and releasing it with one press is a satisfying, quick way to get to work. The quirky lever placement is the main adjustment if you are coming from knives with faster flick-style deployment.

Buying Advice

If you like trying knives that combine features you rarely see together, the Metal 2 is an easy recommendation. The Micarta handle, 154CM steel, and push-button lock deliver real quality at a modest price. If fast flick deployment is your priority, look at Olight’s Freeze 2 or Splint instead, since their lever placement above the pivot gives a noticeably quicker snap. For everyone else, the Metal 2 offers plenty of character for the money.

Conclusion

The Olight Metal 2 is a charming oddball: thin blade, thick Micarta handle, push-button lock, and 154CM steel in an inexpensive package. Its lever takes some getting used to, but the lock-button deployment is smooth and reliable. For anyone after an affordable EDC folder with an uncommon feature set, it deserves a close look.