Sonora 1772

I have a large knife collection, and the MachineWise Sonora earns its place through the details. The integral titanium handle gives it a clean, continuous shape, and the machining rewards a closer look. I particularly appreciate the combination of the button lock, washer action, and a blade designed for everyday use. There is plenty here to interest someone who enjoys understanding how a knife is made. It is an expensive knife, and I expect careful execution at this price. For me, the Sonora’s appeal comes from its construction and mechanical character, along with the satisfaction of owning an American-made knife.

Amazing work that lives up to the high standard Machine Wise claims! The custom order was finished and shipped very quickly, especially considering that they were also in the lead up to Blade Show Atlanta, very impressive turnaround time. Everything about the knife appears perfect, the anodization is beautiful, blade play is non-existent, the detent strength is excellent, and it is the single smoothest feeling action I have ever experienced. Machine Wise does not disappoint and I appreciate the great work they do, at a pretty reasonable price for what it is even. Hoping to pick up a Mojave someday soon too now!

First Machinewise and first flipper knife and i couldn’t be more pleased. The action is fantastic and it often competes with my rosie and crk for pocket time. Love the work, keep it up!

Ahhh where to begin, the Sonora is an amazing knife and also equally an amazing experience. After seeing some reviews on this knife then hearing the price I thought “ woof seems really cool but I don’t got that kinda money” then I seen a review on the custom ordering being available and checked it out…just looking right? Well I became entranced with the possibilities along with s90v being the blade steel on offer (one of my favorites) and finally pulled the trigger on a custom ordered one. As of this review it hasn’t arrived yet. So how am I writing a review? I looked into machinewise some more after my expensive purchase and after watching some of Will Hirsch’s videos visiting machinewise realized just how incredible the knife was gonna be, the attention to detail and level of quality control and tolerances along with mindset exceeds even the aerospace industry in many respects and I’ve worked for a major American aerospace manufacturer for well over a decade. At this point my expensive button lock folder I ordered seemed more like a cheat code or dare I say even a great value. Buying from a small American company that refuses to compromise values and quality is very hard to do nowadays and if I can I will, I was impressed enough that I ordered the Sonora I’m reviewing from a drop after I ordered my custom one because I knew I needed to experience it sooner and I don’t mind supporting a company with machinewise’s values, in fact I’d much rather spend my money with them than someone who I don’t know otherwise. I was not surprised when the Sonora I ordered was everything I imagined, best factory edge I’ve ever gotten, rivals my own hand done edges, fit and finish is insane and the button lock action is crazy! No button stick at all and the bushing action is unique in that it’s insanely smooth but not chaotic like bearings, it’s very hard to describe until you experience it. I love that it’s an integral and the anodize job on it is perfect. Love that the pocket clip can be reversed for lefties as I am part of that 10% of the population. Machinewise please don’t ever change! you guys are on a righteous path and are choosing the hard way of uncompromising standards and tolerances and while not everyone will understand or appreciate it, I do and greatly appreciate it. With decent care and no abuse the Sonora will last several lifetimes I’m sure, longer than most anything I own no doubt. $900 is an investment at that point not a detriment. I’ve been carrying this Sonora for over a week now and it’s just a dream. Can’t wait to see how my custom order turns out.

C’est un superbe couteau, des détails incroyables, c’est ultra fluide comme flipper, un jeu pour l’ouvrir, le fermer ! Il tranche comme un rasoir, la lame lightwash est tres belle et la pointe est sublime, le plus sympa est son poids et son équilibre. C’est un couteau discret et je suis fan des monobloc. Il est tellement beau qu’il a eu le droit à sa petite pochette en cuir.

My Sonora was defective and wouldn’t deploy at all, even after sending it in for service so without me even requesting it I was given a full refund and my choice of any Sonora for free!! A $900 knife after tax and everything! That blew my mind, I’ve never seen a company be run with such generosity and incredible customer service going above and beyond. Machinewise stands by its products like no company I’ve ever seen before

Far exceeded my expectations. Smooth as silk and the machining is extraordinary! Customer service was excellent as well.

This knife is pure perfection. It has the smoothest button lock action in the game. I anodized and stonewashed my clip to match the factory anno.

I now own two Sonora Button lock Integral flippers now. Best action hands down. 64hrc MagnaCut and a 63hrc 20CV blade. Beautiful wicked sharp polished edge. Can’t stop fidgeting with them. American made in AZ. Changed the aqua bolster to copper, easy with the included T15 bit that comes with the knife case and lube. Can’t say how great the action is on both of them.

I got this knife a while ago and it has not left my pocket! The action on it is absolutely amazing and I love that they did a mirror polish on the blade edge. This knife is on par with other brands I own like Holt, Grimsmo, and Northarm knives. Also the fact that this knife is on washers with action like this is absolutely wild. 10/10 knife and I would 100% recommend it!

Recently got a zig zag blade sonora. Absolutely love it. One of the smoothest actions if ever experienced on a knife . Keep up the amazing work machinewise

One of the smoothest knives I own. What a gorgeous pattern on the blade. Right up there with Koenig,Henry, and Sharp by Design.

I have been collecting high end American knives for several years now, and the Sonora definitely stands out. I put it on par with Koenig, Oz Machine Company, and CRK, and that is some high praise indeed. MachineWise’s micro milling, and fit/finish is just stunning to behold. For what you get, the Sonora is very reasonably priced. Kudos MachineWise, your first folder is a banger for sure 👊🏼

Perfection, buy one and you will understand. Words, pictures and videos do not do it justice.

The build quality, fit and finish of the Sonora are unmatched by knives even in the $1000 range. No sharp edges, very nice milling for the “fine step” finish.

Amazingly smooth action for washers. Like oiled glass. No lock stick at all.

Edge came mirror polished.

Great customer service as well.

Sonora is a nice knife. In fact, this is my second Sonora. The action is smooth.

Everything about this knife is just sensational. All the way down to the 3D printed packaging! This is the best feeling knife I’ve ever held and the pictures don’t do it justice either. You can’t tell here but the washed finish on the steel blade is just amazing! This is by far a grail knife if there ever was one. I can’t stop marveling at it and flipping it. In LOVE

Ordered and received Sonora #534, and I absolutely love it. One of my favorite knives ever. In fact I love it so much, I just ordered #535 magnacut blade in blurple to keep it company.

I've been stalking the Sonora drops and when the green/bronze gold came up it just popped, and I ordered. In person it exceeds already high expectations. Detent is great on mine. This knife is something I want to hand down to my two kids, so I guess I'll need another one...

First I would like to thank an amazing engineer who designed this beautiful work of art. Sonora is beyond my expectations, when I received the knife I was amazed at the quality and beauty of it. I own a lot of premium knives in my collection Sonora will be definitely on top of the list. Snappy action with no blade play, solid detent with a strong lock up , and it’s gorgeous . Just get the knife , but don’t get addicted.