Cutting the axle is not as easy as it sounds. The problem is the Dahon hub is 74mm compared to a normal 100mm front bike hub. A normal axle is also partially threaded. If you cut the axle shorter, you might not have enough inwards threading for adjusting the cones and lock nuts.

Unless you can get a 74mm hub axle from a dahon dealer.

wheelsmfg.com/products/axles-cones-hub-parts/all-axles.html