Small Field Duty by Liong Mah Design — Featured in Gear Patrol
Gear Patrol just put the spotlight on our newest release — the Small Field Duty. Their take: it's a compact rethink of a Liong Mah classic that breaks new ground in a few interesting ways. We couldn't have said it better, so here's the full story behind the SFD.
Photo: Gear Patrol
A classic, downsized
The Small Field Duty — SFD for short — takes the Field Duty silhouette and shrinks it into a true pocket-friendly package. At 6.75 inches open, it's noticeably more compact than the full-size Field Duty, while keeping the clean lines and working-knife attitude the design is known for.
Three ways to open it
The SFD marks a first for Liong Mah Design: our first crossbar lock, paired with our first thumb stud. Add the nail nick on the blade, and you've got three distinct deployment options — crossbar flick, thumb-stud roll, or a sneaky reverse flick off the nail nick, all running on caged ceramic bearings.
The crossbar lock isn't just trendy — it's one of the most reliable and fidget-friendly mechanisms out there, and it changes the whole feel of the knife.
Materials that mean it
The 3-inch drop-point blade is hand-rubbed MagnaCut — the steel our full comparison calls the best all-rounder in the business. It rides in ergonomic titanium scales with extended jimping on the spine and a finger choil, locking your grip in for real work.
Make it yours
Here's where the SFD gets fun: a T8 torx bit lets you adjust the spring tension to your taste, and the titanium scales swap out for marbled carbon fiber or amber Ultem (sold separately). Few production knives at this size give you that kind of customizability.
Pocket-ready
A reversible wire clip and a 3.4-ounce weight round out the package. As Liong puts it: your pocket will thank you.
The SFD, up close
Studio shots of the Small Field Duty — open, closed, and every angle in between.
Get the SFD
The Small Field Duty launched on Kickstarter — back the campaign here. And read the full Gear Patrol feature: A Legendary Knife Designer's Latest Gorgeous EDC Flipper.
FAQ
What is the Small Field Duty?
The Small Field Duty (SFD) is a compact version of Liong Mah Design's classic Field Duty pocket knife, launched on Kickstarter. It features a crossbar lock, a 3-inch MagnaCut drop-point blade, and titanium scales.
What makes the SFD different from the regular Field Duty?
Beyond the smaller size, the SFD introduces Liong Mah Design's first crossbar lock and thumb stud, plus a nail nick — three deployment options in one knife. It also offers swappable handle scales and adjustable spring tension.
What steel does the Small Field Duty use?
The SFD uses a hand-rubbed MagnaCut blade — prized for its rare combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance.
Where can I buy the Small Field Duty?
The SFD launched on Kickstarter. Check the campaign page for availability and pricing tiers.