This Multi-Deploying Gentleman’s Knife Melds Vintage Design with Sneaky Multi-Tool Functionality

Knafs breaks out of its comfort zone with a slick new blade that showcases unique features, materials and more.

Blue folding knife with a metal clip and a wooden inlay handle resting on brown leather next to a smartphone camera.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

By Sean Tirman

Published March 16, 2026

·

Updated March 16, 2026

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Knafs has been a staple of the EDC knifemaking industry for some years now, known for its approachable and often affordable designs. And it has found a groove with its iconic Lander silhouette, which makes up the majority of its catalog.

However, it looks like the brand could be shifting away from that familiarity and into new, uncharted waters, if its new Knafs Doodler is any indication. Not only does this knife mark a significant style shift, but it also has some sneaky multi-tool functionality that makes it even more valuable than you might expect.

Three folding knives with stainless steel blades and colored handles (blue with tan, black with red, white with orange) held in a hand over a brown leather surface. — At launch, the Doodler will be available in the three color configurations pictured above.

Midcentury magnificence

I don’t think I’m alone in thinking that there’s a certain midcentury modern flair to the Knafs Doodler. In fact, its slender form and organic curves actually remind me of the ’60s-era Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray or Ford Thunderbird — both quintessential midcentury cars.

Whether that is an accurate assessment of its inspiration or not, there’s no denying that it works well for a gentleman’s knife. This blade is sleek and slender, making it easy to carry and clearly easy on the eyes.

Hands holding a folding pocket knife with a white and orange handle and a partially opened stainless steel blade. — The Wharncliffe blade is made from S35VN steel and has a nail nick for easy, classic manual deployment (alongside a front flipper).

It’s actually deceptively compact, measuring 6.91 inches overall, with a 2.85-inch blade. And to keep that silhouette slim and trim, the brand has opted for a pair of deployments that suit it: a front flipper and a nail nick.

But the real stars of the show are the materials. The Wharncliffe blade is S35VN, a time-tested classic premium performance steel, and the handle is made from G10. That handle also has swappable inlays available in Micarta, titanium, carbon fiber, wood and more, so you can customize it to your heart’s content.

Hand holding a closed folding knife with a blue handle and brown textured inlay. — That inlay is actually swappable, so you can customize your knife.

Not just a blade

If the Knafs Doodler were “just” another knife, it would still be a pretty fantastic addition to the brand’s catalog, especially as proof of concept that it can take risks. However, this knife has some sneaky functionality that helps make it even more valuable.

Along with its cutting blade, multi-deployment, pocket clip and swappable inlays, it also has a secondary tool hidden in the base of its handle. With a little pinch and pull, you can access a micro pen, so you can sign documents, scribble down ideas or even, as the knife’s name suggests, doodle.

Hand holding a small metal tool checking off items on a printed sales report with a folding knife on the paper. — There’s a micro pen hidden inside the knife’s handle, offering handy additional functionality.

I am a known proponent of writing things down by hand (and it’s not just a preference; there are genuine benefits to your mental health and fitness), so this seemingly small, out-of-the-way addition is a big bonus for a person like me. However, it also offers an EDC benefit for those already interested in carrying a pen alongside your knife: you get both in one, saving precious pocket space in one fell swoop.

If you’re like me, this gentleman’s knife is likely going to be a big hit — one you can add to your regular rotation happily. And it could have quite a bit of longevity between its usefulness and customization. I hope, whatever the case, that this leads to Knafs taking more risks and big swings in the future.

Three knafs knives spin around a gridded desktop pad — The Doodler measures 6.91 inches overall with a 2.85-inch blade, making it somewhat compact.

Availability and pricing

The Knafs Doodler is funding on Kickstarter right now, starting at $129. However, it has already crushed its goal, so it will definitely be headed for a production run.

Folding knife with a stainless steel blade and a blue handle featuring a brown textured inlay.

Knafs Doodler

Starts at $129

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.