A Fast-Rising Knife Brand’s Flagship Folder Gets Even More Compelling

One meaningful mechanical tweak to an already excellent EDC option only adds to its fidget-friendly appeal.

Close-up of a folding knife with a blue-green textured handle and a silver blade marked "K1034H2 20CV.

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Since its founding by knife industry veteran Kim Ning just six years ago, Kansept Knives has enjoyed an almost meteoric rise to prominence in the space.

Together with its more wallet-friendly sibling, Tenable Knives, the prolific manufacturer has earned a rightful place in Yangjiang, China’s own “City of Knives.”

Three folding knives with colorful patterned handles and metal blades on a dark wooden surface. — Even among its slightly pricier siblings, the Crystallized Titanium & Stonewash Ti edition stands out.

As many knives as the two brands produce, one stands out for its looks, performance, popularity and variety of treatments: the indomitable, Greg Schob-designed Fenrir.

The latest news will only enhance its aura, as it gets outfitted with a somewhat rare and super-smooth new mechanism.

Top-notch lock and more

The big change with the latest trio of Fenrir treatments is the introduction of a top liner lock, a variation of a classic button lock in which the blade is kept in place by a liner lock that’s controlled in an innovative way.

Four folding knives with colorful patterned handles in purple, blue, and multicolor on a dark wooden surface. — That little capsule-shaped button across from the thumb stud lets you not only deploy but also retract the blade with one hand.

When pressed, a small button on the handle pushes the tensioned liner toward its adjacent scale, opening a free path for the blade to swing.

Yes, this mechanism offers a bonus deployment method, complementing the capable ambidextrous thumb studs.

This quick little video demonstrates the top liner lock mechanism much better than any combination of words can.

But the more significant trait is reverse, in that pressing the button when the knife is open enables the blade to swing smoothly back to the handle scales.

You can help the motion along with the flick of a wrist, but depending upon the orientation, it often merely takes a tap of the button for gravity to bring the blade home.

Three folding knives with patterned and metallic handles in a wooden tray on a brown leather surface. — From left, the blade comes in Damascus steel, stonewashed CPM 20CV and blackwash CPM 20CV.

It’s honestly one of the swiftest and most satisfying mechanisms around; placed within the premium Fenrir, the precision and accompanying fidget-friendliness equals sheer delight.

The three new editions also boast uniquely captivating materials, highlighted by handle scales made of 80S Camo Carbon Fiber & Titanium, Purple Haze Fatcarbon & Titanium and my personal favorite, Crystallized Titanium & Stonewash Ti.

Three folding knives with colorful and patterned handles on a dark wooden surface. — The reversible deep-carry tip-up clip keeps the knife safe and secure in your pocket until you need it.

Meanwhile, the business end is as potent as ever: the signature 3.4-inch harpoon-style blade, rendered in formidable CPM 20CV or Damascus steel, is as ferocious as the monstrous wolf of Norse mythology for which the knife is named.

Availability and pricing

The Kansept Fenrir Top Liner lock is available now in three variants starting at $236.

Folding knife with a gray blade and a handle featuring a blue to purple gradient finish.

Kansept Fenrir Top Liner Lock

Starts at $236

About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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