Bestech Senu BT2601A Folding Knife – 3.48" S90V Blade, Stonewash Titanium & Ultem Inlays

The Bestech Senu BT2601A is a versatile, premium everyday carry folding knife that pairs a 3.48-inch S90V blade with a refined stonewash titanium handle featuring distinctive Ultem inlays. Designed by Polish knife maker Grzegorz Grabarski, the Senu stands out in the Bestech titanium lineup for its uniquely flexible deployment options — opening via flipper, front flipper, or thumb hole — making it one of the most versatile openers in its class.

S90V (CPM S90V) is one of the most edge-retention-focused stainless steels available in production knives today. Developed by Crucible Industries using powder metallurgy, S90V's extremely high vanadium carbide content gives it cutting endurance that dramatically outlasts more common steels like S30V, M390, or MagnaCut — though it trades some ease-of-sharpening for that performance. The BT2601A's blade is heat treated to 61–63 HRC and finished in a bead blast and flat satin combination that reduces glare while keeping the blade easy to maintain.

The Ultem polymer inlays offer a uniquely warm, amber-toned visual contrast against the stonewashed titanium, making the Senu immediately recognizable. At just 108 grams, it's a lightweight carry despite its full-size 3.48-inch blade and premium material construction.

Key Features

• CPM S90V Blade Steel — Extreme edge retention with high vanadium powder metallurgy stainless steel, heat treated to 61–63 HRC
• Bead Blast & Flat Satin Finish — Dual-finish blade reduces glare, highlights the grind geometry, and is practical for field use
• Ultem Polymer Inlays — Warm amber-toned, semi-translucent polymer inlays provide unique aesthetics and a tactile grip surface
• Stonewash Titanium Handle — Lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant with a textured stonewash finish for grip
• Triple Deployment — Flipper tab, front flipper, and thumb hole give three distinct opening methods on a single knife
• Titanium Frame Lock — Strong, reliable lock with positive engagement and intuitive one-handed release
• Ceramic Ball Bearings — Corrosion-proof pivot for smooth, consistent one-handed deployment in any condition
• Grzegorz Grabarski Design — Ergonomic, purposeful aesthetics from a respected Polish custom knife designer

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What steel is the Bestech Senu BT2601A made from?

The BT2601A uses CPM S90V steel by Crucible Industries, heat treated to 61–63 HRC. S90V is a powder metallurgy stainless steel with an exceptionally high vanadium content, giving it some of the best edge retention available in production knife steels. It outperforms M390, MagnaCut, and S30V in edge-holding endurance, though it requires more effort to sharpen once dull.

How does S90V compare to S30V, M390, and MagnaCut?

S90V is the edge retention champion of the group. Its extremely high vanadium carbide content means it holds a sharp edge far longer than S30V or M390 under heavy use. Compared to MagnaCut, S90V offers higher peak edge retention but is somewhat harder to sharpen. M390 and MagnaCut offer better toughness and easier sharpening. For users who prioritize maximum cutting duration between sharpenings, S90V is the top choice — but it rewards users who have quality sharpening equipment or skills.

Is S90V hard to sharpen?

S90V is one of the harder-to-sharpen steels due to its high vanadium carbide content. Standard aluminum oxide whetstones struggle with it. For best results, use diamond stones, CBN (cubic boron nitride) abrasives, or quality ceramic sharpening rods. Once a proper edge is established, S90V holds it so long that the difficulty of sharpening is a worthwhile trade-off for most users.

What are Ultem inlays on the Bestech Senu BT2601A?

Ultem is a high-performance thermoplastic polymer (polyetherimide) known for its strength, heat resistance, and distinctive warm amber/honey color. On the BT2601A, Ultem is used as handle inlays set into the stonewash titanium, providing a tactile grip surface and a visually unique contrast. Unlike G10 or carbon fiber, Ultem has a semi-translucent quality that gives the Senu a distinctive look unlike most titanium-handled folding knives.

How many ways can you open the Bestech Senu BT2601A?

Three. The BT2601A features a flipper tab on the spine for rear-flipper deployment, a front flipper tab for forward-facing ambidextrous deployment, and a thumb hole for traditional manual opening. This triple-deployment system makes the Senu one of the most versatile openers in the Bestech lineup and accommodates virtually any grip or carry preference.

Who designed the Bestech Senu BT2601A?

The Senu BT2601A was designed by Grzegorz Grabarski, a respected Polish custom knife designer. Grabarski's work for Bestech reflects an approach focused on clean lines, practical ergonomics, and thoughtful material integration — the Ultem inlay choice on the Senu being a signature design element that sets it apart visually from other titanium-handle knives.

Is the Bestech Senu BT2601A good for everyday carry?

Yes. The BT2601A is purpose-built for EDC. It closes to 4.48 inches, weighs just 108 grams, and includes a titanium pocket clip. The 3.48-inch blade is within legal EDC limits in most US states, and the stonewash titanium handle resists scratches and wear from daily pocket carry. The triple-deployment system means it accommodates virtually any opening preference.

What lock does the BT2601A use?

The BT2601A uses a titanium frame lock. The lockbar is machined directly into the titanium handle, providing strong and reliable lockup with minimal parts. Frame locks are widely regarded as one of the strongest and most dependable locking systems for folding knives.

How does the BT2601A compare to other Bestech titanium knives?

Within Bestech's titanium lineup, the BT2601A stands out for its S90V steel — the highest edge retention option in the series — combined with its triple deployment and Ultem inlays. Compared to the BT2602 series (Ika Dagger) which uses M390 and integral construction for a collector/display aesthetic, the Senu BT2601A prioritizes practical EDC versatility and cutting performance. It's lighter than the Ika Dagger at 108g vs 162g.

Where can I buy the Bestech Senu BT2601A in the United States?

The Bestech Senu BT2601A is available at Going Gear, an authorized Bestech Knives dealer in the United States. Going Gear ships nationwide and offers expert support for all knife purchases.