Kansept continues to impress with its 2024 lineup, delivering one hit after another through strategic collaborations with top-tier designers. Today, we take a closer look at the Havørn, a knife that generated plenty of buzz during the last Blade Show—and for good reason. Designed by Jonathan Sibley, a master craftsman whose journey through multiple disciplines (from jewelry-making to competing on Forged in Fire) converged into knifemaking, the Havørn is an exemplary blend of artistic vision and functional precision.
Design and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function
Right out of the box, the Havørn's 4.71" titanium handle stands out for its sheer beauty and comfort. It's not just visually appealing; it’s a tactile experience. Kansept’s attention to detail with the chamfering—smooth, rounded edges and the meticulous milling—gives your hand something to grab onto. The textured wave milling on the titanium frame isn’t just for show; it enhances grip, making it easier to handle in any situation. The copper carbon fiber inlays add a touch of refinement, while the bronze anodizing ties the whole aesthetic together.
What really struck me was how well the handle fits the natural contour of my hand. With no sharp edges and a lockbar cutout that's cleanly tucked on the inside, the knife feels almost custom-fitted. As for the pocket clip, it mirrors the wave milling on the handle—a detail I’ve noticed Kansept has been doing more recently. While this might seem like a small detail, it makes a world of difference when you’re pulling the knife out of your pocket, offering a reliable grip while adding some visual flair.
Lockup and Deployment: Dialed in for Precision
The Havørn’s lockup is rock-solid. The framelock, with a 30% engagement, snaps with authority, and while the lock bar is a bit stiff, I personally prefer this over a too-easily-moved one. Plus, the lock bar insert with the integrated over-travel stop is an elegant solution, avoiding the visual disruption that older stops often caused.
When it comes to deployment, the Havørn offers both front and rear flipper tabs. The front flipper, more prominent than the rear, makes deployment easy and smooth, though I’ve heard some people wishing for a thumb stud option. Personally, I’m glad they didn’t go that route, as I think a thumb stud would detract from the knife’s sleek profile. The flipper tabs function flawlessly, and the knife's action—thanks to the ball bearings—feels buttery smooth.
Blade: Sharp, Slicey, and Ready for Action
The Havørn's blade is a thing of beauty. Crafted from S35VN, it sports a clip point design and a full flat grind, reminiscent of a fillet knife in both appearance and function. This blade geometry makes it a slicing powerhouse, effortlessly gliding through materials of varying thicknesses. I’ve used it for everything from food prep to opening packages, and it consistently impresses me with how well it performs.
S35VN steel is a smart choice here, known for its balance of edge retention, toughness, and ease of sharpening. It’s a steel that was developed with pocket knives in mind, and Kansept's choice to use it in the Havørn underscores their commitment to blending practicality with premium performance.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have EDC
The Havørn truly delivers. From its high-end materials to its flawless execution of both form and function, this knife is a standout piece in Kansept’s 2024 collection. Whether you’re looking for a daily carry knife or something that speaks to your love of artful design, the Havørn checks all the boxes. With its lightweight construction, versatile deployment options, and slicey blade, it's a must-have for anyone who appreciates a knife that can perform as well as it looks.
If you haven't checked out the Havørn yet, do yourself a favor and add it to your collection—you won’t be disappointed.
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