Cutting with Class: The KANSEPT Cru Flipper Knife in Stunning Purple Titanium

By: Rachel Ortega

Kansept Knives has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative designs that cater to knife enthusiasts and professionals alike. Today, we’re excited to unbox and put to the test another stunning piece from their lineup: the Kansept Cru Flipper Knife (Purple Anodized Titanium & Shred Carbon Fiber Handle, 3.46” CPM S35VN Blade), designed by Villella Knives.

With a Wharncliffe-style blade, a lightweight yet sturdy titanium frame, and a CPM S35VN steel cutting edge, this knife promises durability, precision, and effortless handling. But how does it perform under real-world conditions? We conducted a series of cutting tests to evaluate its sharpness, edge retention, ergonomics, and overall reliability.

Let’s dive into the details and see if the Kansept Cru Flipper Knife lives up to expectations!

First Impressions & Build Quality

Unboxing the Kansept Cru

Right out of the box, the Kansept Cru impresses with its sleek aesthetics and premium feel. The purple anodized titanium handle catches the light beautifully, while the shred carbon fiber inserts add a striking contrast that enhances the knife’s modern appeal.

The flipping action is buttery smooth, thanks to its precision ball-bearing pivot system. The frame lock mechanism, reinforced with a tempered steel insert, ensures rock-solid blade engagement, preventing any unwanted blade play during heavy use.

Specifications at a Glance:

• Overall Length: 8.19” / 207.9mm
• Blade Length: 3.46″ / 88mm
• Blade Thickness: 0.118″ / 3.0mm
• Blade Material: CPM S35VN
• Blade Style: Wharncliffe
• Blade Grind: Flat Grind
• Blade Finish: Stonewashed
• Handle Material: Purple Anodized Titanium & Shred Carbon Fiber
• Lock Type: Frame Lock
• Weight: 4.11oz / 116.6g
• Designer: Villella Knives

Design and Materials

The Kansept Cru embodies a perfect balance between modern styling and practical utility. The stonewashed CPM S35VN steel blade is designed to deliver exceptional edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.

The Wharncliffe blade shape offers clean, precise cuts, while the flat grind enhances slicing efficiency. Meanwhile, the 3.46-inch blade length strikes an ideal balance for everyday carry, making it neither too large nor too small for versatile use.

The handle is where this knife truly stands out. The purple anodized titanium frame, accentuated by shred carbon fiber inserts, offers a visually striking contrast while ensuring durability and lightweight performance. The frame lock mechanism, reinforced with a tempered steel insert, provides solid lock-up, minimizing blade play over time.

Ergonomics and Handling

In hand, the Kansept Cru feels remarkably comfortable. The ergonomically contoured handle ensures a secure grip, even during prolonged use. The jimping along the spine allows for greater control when applying pressure, making it reliable for precision cutting. At 4.11 oz (116.6g), it’s light enough for pocket carry but substantial enough to instill confidence in its durability.

Now, let’s see how it performs in real-world cutting scenarios.

Cutting Performance Tests

To truly assess the Kansept Cru Flipper Knife, we conducted eight different cutting tests, simulating real-world scenarios.

1. Hair Shave Test – Ultimate Sharpness

The first test was a simple but effective hair shave test. Running the blade gently over an arm, it effortlessly shaved hair, indicating a razor-sharp factory edge. The fine grind of the CPM S35VN blade ensures precise and clean cuts right out of the box.

*The factory edge cleanly shaves hair with minimal effort.*

2. Denim Cut Test – Slicing Through Tough Fabric

Cutting through thick denim fabric is an excellent way to gauge edge geometry and slicing efficiency. The flat grind blade moved through multiple layers with minimal resistance, leaving behind clean, fray-free cuts. This performance highlights the blade’s excellent edge geometry.

*The Cru Flipper’s flat grind makes slicing through denim feel effortless.*

3. Hardened Plastic Cutting Test – Strength Under Pressure

Cutting through hardened plastic can be challenging, but the Kansept Cru managed to handle it smoothly. It sliced through plastic sheeting with little force required, and even after repeated cuts, the edge showed no signs of chipping or dulling.

*The S35VN blade powers through rigid plastic without chipping.*

4. Wood Shaving Test – Outdoor & Survival Readiness

To test its outdoor utility, we used the knife for wood shaving and carving. The razor-thin edge bit into the wood easily, creating fine, controlled shavings. This proves its versatility for bushcraft and survival situations.

*The Kansept Cru excels in making fine wood shavings, perfect for fire-starting and carving.*

5. Cardboard Cut Test – Edge Retention Challenge

Cardboard is one of the toughest materials on a blade, as it quickly dulls edges. After slicing through multiple layers of thick cardboard, the Cru Flipper’s edge remained razor-sharp, demonstrating impressive edge retention.

*The Kansept Cru slices through thick cardboard without dulling.*

6. Nylon/Rope Cut Test – Precision & Power

We tested its cutting power on heavy-duty nylon rope. With a single push cut, the Wharncliffe blade sliced through cleanly. This result proves its ability to handle tactical and emergency situations where cutting rope quickly is crucial.

*The CPM S35VN steel makes short work of thick nylon rope.*

7. Paper Cut Test – Scalpel-Like Precision

For a final fine-edge test, we attempted delicate paper slicing. The knife glided through sheets with zero tearing, proving how well the factory edge is honed.

*The Kansept Cru slices through paper like a straight razor.*

8. Can Test – Blade Durability Under Extreme Use

To assess the blade’s durability, we used it to puncture and slice through an aluminum can. Despite the stress, the edge showed no signs of chipping or rolling, confirming its superior heat treatment and toughness.

*The Kansept Cru punctures and cuts aluminum cans without damage.*

Final Verdict: Is the Kansept Cru Worth It?

After an extensive round of testing, the Kansept Cru Flipper Knife stands out as a top-tier EDC option with exceptional cutting performance, premium materials, and stunning aesthetics.

Pros:

✅ Razor-sharp out of the box
✅ Premium CPM S35VN steel offers superior edge retention
✅ Lightweight yet durable titanium and carbon fiber handle
✅ Smooth flipping action with a solid frame lock
✅ Wharncliffe blade excels in slicing and precision work

Cons:

❌ Premium materials come with a higher price tag
❌ Frame lock may require a break-in period for smoother operation

For those seeking a high-performance EDC knife that combines modern styling with practical functionality, the Kansept Cru Flipper Knife is a phenomenal choice. Whether for daily tasks, outdoor use, or collection purposes, this knife delivers in every category.

🔗 For more details or to purchase, visit: Kansept Knives