Work Sharp RMX Thumbstud Review

Winter was slow and cold. For the most part, it felt like life in the Northeast was operating just above hibernation levels. So when spring came, I applied all of that reserved energy and enthusiasm to projects and activities — that meant a lot of upgrades around the house. Little did I know that I would end up relying on one knife to be there for me to open and break down boxes, score wood for cutting, and mark points on our walls to hang shelves and pictures.

Last summer, Work Sharp, a brand known for top-notch knife sharpeners, tried its hand at making knives, and the reaction was incredible. The brand’s original RMX line of knives was so popular that Work Sharp spent the balance of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 selling out and restocking the models in the collection.

Not only were the knives designed for hard use in the everyday carry (EDC) world, but they could also swap from manual to automatic by switching out the pivot, which was included in the box. Using lightweight magnesium for the handle scales — an unorthodox choice — and blade steels like M390 and CPM-3V created appeal from all angles.

This March, Work Sharp released the RMX Thumbstud. This knife carries over the form and materials from the original line, minus the ability to switch it from manual to automatic. Overall, this knife presents a balance as a useful tool for both work and play.

In short: Built for carpenters, hikers, and homeowners, the Work Sharp RMX Thumbstud utilizes a magnesium handle to keep it lightweight and durable. Its drop point M390 blade allows you to complete task after task without having to worry about it tarnishing or getting dull. In short, it’s the perfect work and play EDC knife.

Work Sharp RMX Thumbstud Review

Design & Materials

Other brands have toyed with the idea of using magnesium for their handle scales or framework, but Work Sharp took the ball and ran it downfield. And, I’ll admit, I was apprehensive at first.

Magnesium is a soft material when compared to aluminum and (especially) titanium, both of which are prevalent in the knife world. However, just like when I worked with the original RMX Knives last year, I’m happy to report on how strong and durable the magnesium handle is on the RMX Thumbstud. The same goes for the Cerakote finish, which looks brand new after nearly 2 months of hard use and abuse.

Using M390 steel for the blade is a great choice. While it may not be as tough as MagnaCut, it’s tough enough and ranks highly in both edge retention and corrosion resistance. Additionally, because it’s been around for a while and used on many knives, M390 is affordable, meaning consumers benefit from a less expensive knife. Its drop-point shape and double choil make the knife easy to maneuver, showing off even more of what this slicey steel can do.

Overall, the size, shape, weight, and build of this knife are destined to impress. Where the RMX Thumbstud makes a solid EDC knife, it’s a sleeper workhorse as well.

First Impressions

It’s hard to ignore how light the Thumbstud is. Like the other knives in the RMX line, the reliance on magnesium for the frame and handle keeps the weight down below what you would expect from a full-size knife.

Though it’s not something you notice off the bat, you soon realize how capable the Thumbstud is. There’s no play or wobble in the blade. The pivot is set just right out of the box, and due to its size and shape, it lends itself to be a universal knife.

I was blown away by how smoothly this knife opened and closed. With minimal effort, the blade swings open and locks in place. Then, by pressing the lock button, the blade folds back into its magnesium cavern with a sound reminiscent of a sword being put back in its sheath. As someone who’s not a huge fan of aluminum- or titanium-handled knives, Work Sharp may have won me over with magnesium.

In the Field

When the Thumbstud arrived, I was in the process of building a new deck, bedroom and patio furniture, and a stellar set of Adirondack chairs around our fire pit. We’re talking a lot of tape, cardboard, and a ton of plastic banding; all of the things that gunk up and dull a good knife blade. I also used it to mark fresh, wet, pressure-treated lumber.

M390 steel is stubborn. I firmly believe that if knife steel had a conscience, M390 would stay sharp out of spite. However, after filling my 110-gallon recycle bin with carefully placed cardboard for the second time, the blade needed a little sharpening. Not to make a shameless plug, but the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener got the edge all dialed in within minutes.

When I wasn’t working on the house, the Thumbstud went with me everywhere and was hardly noticeable in my back pocket. It sits nice and low, and even without a lanyard, I found it easy to retrieve. Even though the Cerakoted magnesium handle is smooth, it still has grip to it. You also get a reliable grip on it when your hands are wet.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

With multiple knife brands doing their best to appease the ounce counters, more and more EDC knives are coming out under 3 ounces. It’s nice to see that Work Sharp has found this great balance with its RMX line. The brand is making EDC knives that won’t pull your pants down and that you can be a little rough with without worry.

Where I used it mostly for utility, the Thumbstud is a well-rounded knife ready for a variety of tasks, for both work and play. I think it’s a great knife for the avid hiker or backpacker. I also think it’s a great knife for a handy person, or someone finding themselves working on a lot of tasks at once. And yes, it’s great for breaking down all of those Amazon boxes you’ve got piled up on your front steps; so really, it’s a great knife for Prime members too!

Overall, the RMX Thumbstud is a smooth operator and an EDC experience that a lot of established knife brands have been chasing for years.