If last week’s Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade convention revealed anything about current trends, it’s that 2020 is the year of the slipjoint knife. Slipjoints are the most basic type of folding pocket knife – they’re constructed with a spring that keeps the blade either open or closed and no lock — and almost certainly the most common. Lately, knifemakers big and small are turning back to the old-timey format; WESN is the latest to do so with its new blade, the Henry.
WESN’s catalog is modest and decidedly focused on everyday carry. Its first knife was the Ti Microblade, a keychain-appropriate tool not much larger than a USB drive. Its follow-up was familiar and noticeably larger. But the Henry, WESN’s third knife, stands apart. Its the brand’s first knife to feature wood — cherry inlays in a titanium frame — and its first slipjoint.
Billy Chester, WESN’s founder, drew inspiration from an antique knife he encountered at a Swedish flea market during a recent trip. As an homage to that implement, the Henry uses Swedish-made Sandvik 14C28N blade steel, a type that balances corrosion resistance, wear resistance and strength.
The Henry is currently available on Kickstarter, starting at $65.
The best way to catch up on the day’s most important product releases and stories. Read the Story
Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
