This EDC Blade Borrows a Unique Feature from Japanese Chef’s Knives

While the unusual machining is the stand-out aspect, there’s a lot to love about this high-end flipper.

Closeup of Kansept Orion knife on blue-pink background

Published January 27, 2025

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Although both are cutting tools, EDC folding blades and chef knives usually share little else. That makes sense, as EDC knives are more general-purpose tools, whereas chef knives specialize in culinary tasks.

However, one of Kansept’s new EDC releases, the Orion, has a unique blade design typically found only in Japanese kitchen cutlery. This makes me wonder if these two knife categories shouldn’t share aspects more often.

Kansept Orion knife in hand on blue-pink background — The unique machining on the blade should help prevent whatever you’re cutting from sticking to the knife and may result in smoother cuts overall.

Bizarre, beautiful blade

What you should first notice about the Kansept Orion is its blade. No, not the shape, not the material, not even the edge. Rather, notice the bevel (the sides of the blade).

While many knives have smoothly beveled blades, this one features grooved milling. Though slightly different in appearance, this milling is similar in execution and function to the dimples found on some chef knives.

In practice, this means the blade should offer smoother cuts, as there is less friction between it and the material you’re cutting. It also helps prevent said material — such as meat, veggies or whatever else — from sticking to the blade’s sides.

Best of all, the milling doesn’t negatively affect the knife’s performance. Because it’s applied before the edge, the edge is as straight and sharp as ever. Re-sharpening the blade is the same process as any normally beveled blade.

Backside of Kansept Orion knife on blue-pink background — With three deployment methods and a sturdy frame lock handle, the Orion is sure to please outside of just its novelty.

Much more than a novelty

Even if this knife didn’t have that unique bevel machining, it would still be pretty spectacular.

For instance, it boasts a gorgeous (and grippy) machined titanium frame lock handle mated to an S35VN steel blade. It’s also equipped with a ball-bearing pivot for velvet-smooth deployments.

Speaking of deployments, this knife offers three separate methods: a flipper, thumb disc, and fuller/nail nick. Overall, the Orion has everything we’ve come to expect from a relatively high-end EDC knife.

Kansept Orion knife closed on blue-pink background — This knife’s titanium handle ensures it is both lightweight and extremely tough.

Preorder now

Three versions of the Kansept Orion with the blade milling are now available for preorder. You can score any of the three for $190 apiece.

However, if you don’t like the blade machining, you’re not entirely out of luck. Two versions of this knife swap the machined blade for a Damascus one. They’re also a little cheaper at $170 each.

While there is no specific release date, Kansept has clarified that, due to the brand’s Chinese New Year break, these knives will not ship before February 8.