For all its practicality, the GiantMouse Iona V2 could very easily find a home in the Star Wars universe (with a few laser-esque lightsaber upgrades).

Aside from its stout drop-point blade, the Iona V2 possesses a curved handle, strikingly akin to Count Dooku’s lightsaber, that’s designed to catch the back of your palm for tasks like cutting, shaving, and chopping. But it also has electric red handle scales that evoke serious crimson Sith vibes (but also aid in its grip).

Over the years, I’ve tested numerous knives from the GiantMouse stable. The biggest realization I’ve had from all that testing is that the brand pours painstaking thought and attention to detail into its designs and material choices. And the result is a consistency in quality and performance. I received the Iona V2 folding knife, one of the latest creations from the California knife maker, in January.

On paper, it tuned up nicely; a full-sized knife with advanced ergonomics and a fat drop point blade. However, in my hands, it turned into a precision workhorse. This knife ended up being a little bit of everything, even without a lanyard hole.

In January, I was sent the brand’s latest creation — the Iona V2 folding knife. On paper, it tuned up nicely; a full-sized knife with advanced ergonomics and a fat drop-point blade. However, in my hands, it turned into a precision workhorse. A lot of that has to do with a simple tapering and curve in the handle. This knife ended up being a little bit of everything, even without a lanyard hole.

In short: The GiantMouse Iona V2 is a study of balance in form and function. Its ergonomics and attention to detail pair very well with the MagnaCut blade and linen Micarta handle scales. Outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the MagnaCut steel when prepping both food and kindling. With those vibrant red Micarta scales, hunters won’t know where the handle ends and the blood begins, but will be able to process game precisely with little effort. And for the person looking for a great EDC, well, here you have it in the GiantMouse Iona V2.

Find your perfect folder in GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Pocket Knives.

GiantMouse Iona V2 Review

Design & Features

The Iona V2, with its overall length of 7.27 inches, is a handful of a knife, but it’s far from bulky. Its tapered and elongated handle allows for all four fingers to fit comfortably in the space provided, following the curve of the handle, which collectively provides impressive ergonomics.

There is a section of jimping on the spine, a short distance from the thumb stud. This gives your thumb a place to rest, depending on how you’re gripping the Iona V2.

GiantMouse chose to go with MagnaCut for its blade steel. MagnaCut is one of the most well-balanced EDC steels on the market today. It provides resistance to corrosion and abrasion. It’s also easy to sharpen but holds an admirable edge for some time before you need to visit a strop or sharpening stone. This was a great choice for an outdoor-oriented knife with a full-bodied drop-point blade.

Regarding the overall build of the Iona V2, it’s built off of a steel frame with its liner lock built into the pocket side frame. The model I tested came with red linen Micarta scales that play well with the overall shape and ergonomics of the knife.

Linen Micarta is a smooth version of Micarta, which increases in grip when your hands are wet. The knife also has a wire, deep carry pocket clip — customary for GiantMouse folders.

First Impressions

Part of the appeal of the Iona V2 to me was its red linen Micarta handle scales. As someone who generally goes for greens and browns, this was a departure for me

The whole knife is great in both form and function. Yes, the scales look fantastic, bouncing off the stonewashed blade, hardware, stand-offs, and pocket clip.

However, once I got it into my hand, I knew this knife was in for some down-and-dirty work on and off the trail. I also realized the Iona V2 would become a conversation piece. As simple as it really is, there’s a lot going on with the shape and build that is worth admiring.

I found that people were intrigued by the way the Iona V2 looked on the table in front of them and then smitten once it was in their hands.

In the Field

Being that I tested in winter, my hands were dry and beaten up. Early on, it was very apparent that wouldn’t work with the linen Micarta scales. In my first outing with the Iona V2, the knife slid right out of my hand while I was taking it out of my pocket. Even now, sitting at my desk, I picked up the knife and it slid down my hand, almost slicing my index finger.

The remedy to this is moisture, which linen Micarta absolutely loves. In fact, the handle scales get tacky when they’re wet and it provides an incredible grip. Keep that in mind.

Out of the box, the edge of the blade was razor sharp, and nearly a month later, it still is. I spent a lot of time shaving and shaping wood with the Iona V2. Sometimes when I hike, I like to keep my hands busy, so I’ll grab a stick off the trail or a chunk of wood and shave and shape it. It easily took large pieces of material off with each stroke.

However, the ergonomics of the handle, as well as the ability to get a full grip, allowed for a heightened level of precision. I wasn’t carving anything particular into the wood, but the Iona V2 easily could have.

One interesting experience I had with the knife was in cutting cordage. Even though the Iona V2 doesn’t have a spot for a lanyard, I was cutting up a few in my workshop from 550 Paracord. Pressing down with the belly of the blade made a smooth and satiating clean slice through the cordage.

I know some people cut cord and rope as a test to see how sharp their blade is. I was doing it more out of necessity and for utility. Any fans of ASMR would have found the experience satisfying.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

Overall, my experience with the Iona V2 was great. Aside from the materials, the ergonomics of this knife and the attention to detail in designing and manufacturing it add to its efficacy. This will no doubt lead to success, making it a long-running staple in the GM Ace lineup of knives.

I honestly don’t give a lot of folders without a lanyard hole as much time, love, and tenderness as I have the Iona V2. Lanyards aren’t just for looks; they also allow for easy retrieval of a knife in your pocket or pack.

They’re especially effective on knives with a deep-carry pocket clip, like the Iona V2. But I found myself adapting to life without a lanyard because I believe it to be effective indoors and outdoors. It can be a true companion in your workshop or out at a campsite.

This also brings up the fact that the Iona V2 is a $200 knife. I admire GiantMouse for keeping its prices reasonable because, frankly, it does not have to. I think the brand has earned the right to jack up its prices like some of the competition. So without putting too fine a point on it, the Iona V2 represents a screaming deal.