An Underdog Brand Ups the Ante with a Midcentury Hot Rod EDC Knife

Long have I sung the praises of Knafs. This underdog brand has done a fantastic job of offering highly utilitarian, unfussy, relatively affordable knives.

The brand’s catalog includes things like a keychain-sized reinterpretation of its fan-favorite Lander knife, a crossbar lock utility blade, and one of the best starter pocket knives on the market.

But the brand’s latest, the Knafs Capcom, marks a new frontier for the brand: an entry point into high-end, premium knifemaking.

Knafs

Art deco excellence

If you’re familiar with Knafs, you may already know the brand has a penchant for a particular silhouette: the Lander. This ergonomic, iconic shape makes up the vast majority of the brand’s catalog.

The Capcom does not fit into that box, however. Instead, this knife has much more distinct styling. It boasts the same minimalist approach and geometric elements as Airstream trailers and other legendary Art Deco-evolved designs (the style is known as Streamline Moderne, in case you were wondering).

Knafs

Personally, I love the look of this knife. And its elements are also functional, which gives them bonus points. The machined lines down the handle also offer a grippy surface to grasp, for instance.

It also has a symmetry I find pleasing. The shape of the handle is mirrored by the sheepsfoot blade, both offering distinct curves that balance one another out.

Of course, looks aren’t everything. Luckily, the Capcom has a ton of substance, as well.

Knafs

Pretty slicey

It behooves me to start with the pointy end. The blade is made from Böhler M390 super steel, a giant among blade materials that stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of MagnaCut and Elmax.

As mentioned, it has a sheepsfoot shape, which gives it a long cutting edge, while still maintaining a nice piercing point that’s excellent for precision cuts and detail work. It also gets dual deployments: a fuller groove and a flipper.

Knafs

Opposite the blade, the Capcom gets aluminum handle scales, which are lightweight but still boast plenty of stability and durability. And the two elements meet at a buttery-smooth ceramic ball-bearing pivot and a convenient yet reliable and strong button lock.

And whichever of the three colorways you choose, those elements remain, including the deep-carry pocket clip.

I have to say: this was a surprise to see from Knafs, but a welcome one. And it makes me even more excited to see what the brand might cook up next.

Knafs

Availability and pricing

The Knafs Capcom is now available on the brand’s site for $225 in your choice of three sharp colorways.

Knafs

Knafs Capcom

• $225 at Knafs