The AION is a clean, symmetrical folder with a 3.53" Nitro-V blade, DLC coating, and lightweight OAL aluminum handles. It features ceramic bearings, a liner lock, and a deep-carry ambidextrous clip, all wrapped into a sleek 3.32 oz package. It’s elegant on the surface but built with enough backbone for more than just light office use.

Let’s get down to brass tacks and see how the AION fares.

Right out of the box this knife surprised me. It looks like an office knife—something a suit-and-tie executive might carry. It even carries some styling cues that resemble an out-the-front automatic. But make no mistake: this knife is none of the above. It may look good in slacks, but it’s built to handle much more than envelopes and desk duty.

The AION’s handle is made from Olight’s proprietary OAL aluminum. It’s a material that punches above its weight. Stronger than some titanium alloys and far more scratch-resistant, OAL feels like the future of knife handle materials, and OKnife seems to know it. The slender body is held together with four cleanly placed body screws and a hidden pivot screw that adds to the minimalist look.

Despite the slim profile, the knife feels good in hand. The handle is mostly straight, with a subtle ramp near the index finger for lock access. The flipper tab and spine jimping give just enough traction to keep control during cuts. It’s not grippy in the aggressive sense, but the fine brushed texture on the OAL gives it a soft, refined touch that suits the design language. During use, the knife remained comfortable, even under heavier tasks, and the jimping gave me the control I needed when pushing through denser materials.

The AION uses a liner lock, a departure from the frame locks found on some of OKnife’s previous releases. And honestly, it’s the right call here. With aluminum handles, a steel liner just feels better. There’s something reassuring about the tactile snap of steel-on-steel lockup. This particular liner lock engages early, which means plenty of life ahead before it starts to settle in. Access is solid, tension feels tuned just right, and disengagement is easy and intuitive.

As for the clip, it’s a winner. It’s a slender steel clip with a titanium coating, mounted at the butt end of the knife. I prefer this deep-carry style over traditional body clips. Not only does it keep the knife buried and secure in-pocket, but it also simplifies the ambidextrous setup. Tension and retention are spot on, and the ramp cleared even thicker pocket seams without snagging.

Deployment is handled solely by a flipper tab. While that might limit fidget factor for some, the AION makes up for it with crisp, reliable action. The tab itself is minimal, in line with the knife’s clean silhouette, but still provides enough leverage for smooth, consistent opening.

The blade is a drop point made from Nitro-V steel with a non-reflective DLC finish. The profile is slim, with little belly, making it ideal for precise cuts, packaging, and slicing tasks. The flat grind glides through material without binding, and I’ve had no issues with the blade sticking or stalling. The DLC coating has held up extremely well—no signs of wear even after a month of steady use. Nitro-V may not be a "super steel," but it sharpens easily and holds a working edge respectably well. A few swipes on a ceramic hone and it’s back in business.

That said, I did find myself wanting a bit more belly for some tasks. The straight edge excels in control and detail, but for certain food prep or draw cuts, a little curve would have gone a long way.

The AION is a knife that balances refinement with readiness. It’s sleek enough for formal settings but strong enough to handle real work. The use of OAL aluminum makes it stand out in a sea of titanium and G10, and the design, true to Ostap Hel’s signature style, is both modern and timeless.

While it may not be the most aggressive cutter or the most fidget-friendly folder, the AION earns its place in the rotation with its comfort, aesthetics, and versatility. It’s the kind of knife I can see myself carrying to a wedding, a meeting, or just out to dinner—something unique, clean, and dependable. If OKnife keeps this pace and continues working with top-tier designers, it might just become the next big name in production knives.