Let’s start with the G10 handles. Textured just right, they strike a balance between grippy and pocket-friendly. No sandpaper feel here—your hands stay happy, and your jeans survive the week. And those edges? Chamfered like they’ve been to finishing school, ensuring the Bulldog feels as good in the hand as it looks.

Hidden under the scales are steel liners with a bronze finish, peeking out just enough to make you nod in approval. It’s like discovering your everyday hoodie has a designer label. The G10 back spacer with a bit of jimping rounds out the design, giving you the confidence to tackle heavier jobs without losing control.

Ah, the blade—a drop point masterpiece in CPM 20CV. Measuring 3.2 inches, it’s the sweet spot for EDC: long enough to handle real tasks but short enough to keep things civilized. The grind is high and flat, performing like a dream, whether you’re breaking down boxes or slicing up an apple. And despite its thicker spine, this blade knows how to glide through materials. It’s the Labrador retriever of blades: versatile, dependable, and happy to work all day.

Deployment? Smooth as butter on a warm biscuit, thanks to thrust bearings. The thumb hole is intuitive, though a bit snug for reverse flicking. If you’re a thumb-deployment purist, you’re golden.

TRM’s River-Lok is a fresh take on the Axis-style lock, and it’s a winner. With just the right resistance and easy access, it’s as satisfying as popping bubble wrap but far more useful. Whether you’re locking or releasing, it’s smooth, reliable, and perfectly integrated into the knife’s profile.

If you’ve ever been betrayed by a bad clip, you’ll appreciate the titanium deep-carry clip here. It’s sleek, secure, and doesn’t shout, “Hey, I’m carrying a knife!” Bonus points for TRM offering one for lefties, though I wish it was reversible.

The Bulldog is a delightful mix of rugged and refined. It’s the everyday tool that earns its keep, whether you’re working hard or just showing off to your knife buddies. Sure, TRM’s no-disassembly rule might cramp the style of DIYers, but honestly, this knife barely needs babysitting. A quick rinse and oil, and it’s back to being the MVP of your pocket.

If you’re on the fence about adding this scrappy companion to your lineup, just do it. The TRM Bulldog might be small, but it’s big on performance—and it’ll wag its metaphorical tail every time you put it to work.