Greg Wegrzycki, better known as Karambitmaker in the knife community, is a long-time martial arts practitioner, knife collector, and maker. While his passion primarily lies in crafting karambits and curved blade knives, he occasionally ventures into more utilitarian projects. The Kansept Rei is one such endeavor, inspired by the tactical folders from the early 90s. This review dives into its design, functionality, and overall performance.
The 3.3'' blade, made from CPM 20CV steel, is known for its exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. This steel ensures the knife remains sharp even under rigorous use. The blade design, a hybrid between a spear point and a clip point, is classified by the manufacturer as modified. The grind isn't a high flat like a lot of knives lately, it's not as slicey compared to other Kansept knives but still effective. The blade excels in penetration tasks, aligning with the designer's focus on tactical utility.
The Rei offers versatile deployment options with both a flipper and thumb studs. The flipper mechanism is smooth, allowing the blade to fire out with authority. However, the thumb studs, while functional, seem a bit low and disproportionate to the handle, making deployment feel slightly awkward.
The handle design resembles a pistol grip, providing a forward-heavy feel in the hand. While comfortable, it’s not perfect. The jimping on the spine of the blade could benefit from being positioned further forward for better control. The handle is well-contoured, avoiding any hot spots or sharp edges. The dimples in the handle, although purely aesthetic, do not enhance grip as one might expect.The Rei is rather striking with its orange peel bronze anodized titanium handle. The light texture offers a pleasant tactile experience, and coloring contrasts nicely with the hardware.
The frame lock is robust, securing the blade firmly with strong spring tension. This ensures a reliable lockup, crucial for safety during use. The pocket clip, featuring a unique straight design with checkered milling, is equally interesting. While the milling is purely aesthetic, it's looks great against the handle texture.
The Kansept Rei is a well-designed knife that blends classic tactical folder elements with modern materials. Its aesthetic appeal, robust construction, and versatile deployment make it a solid choice for tactical use and everyday carry. However, its unique design may not cater to everyone’s preferences. For those who appreciate the style of Karambitmaker and seek a reliable tactical folder, the Rei is a commendable option. For others, there might be more suitable choices available for everyday carry.
Specifications
- Overall Length: 7.29'' / 185.1mm
- Blade Length: 3.14'' / 79.76mm
- Blade Thickness: 0.118" / 3.0mm
- Blade Material: Stonewashed CPM 20CV
- Blade Style: Modified
- Blade Grind: Flat Grind
- Blade Finish: Stonewashed
- Handle Material: Orange Peel Bronze Anodized Titanium
- Color: Bronze
- Lock Type: Frame Lock
- Weight: 3.74oz / 106g
- Model Name: Rei
- Designer: Karambit Maker
Pros:
- Durable CPM 20CV blade
- Eye-catching handle design
- Versatile deployment options
- Robust frame lock
Cons:
- Thumb studs placement feels awkward
- Handle grip and jimping could be improved
- Aesthetic features do not enhance functionality
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