By: Clarke Jeffreys
A Refined Fusion of Custom DNA and Everyday Cutting Performance
The KANSEPT Orion Limited Version (model K1089A5) is a standout collaboration between KANSEPT and designer JB Stout, bringing signature custom flair into a limited production run. Drawing inspiration from Stout’s renowned SquirrelMaster XL design, the Orion offers more curves, refined lines, and a dynamic aesthetic that appeals to collectors, enthusiasts, and everyday carry users alike.
With a bronze anodized titanium handle, blackwash CPM S35VN blade with CNC milling, and premium hardware throughout, the Orion Limited Version strikes a rare balance of beauty, performance, and utility — all wrapped into a compact, pocket-ready flipper.
A Custom Inspired Folding Knife with Production Accessibility
JB Stout designed the Orion as a production piece that channels many of the qualities found in his hand-made customs. While fully manufactured, the knife doesn’t feel “mass produced.” Instead, it carries the premium feel, aggressive styling, and ergonomic refinement typically seen in boutique folders — yet at a price and availability that welcomes serious EDC users.
The Orion’s slick curves, aesthetic CNC details, and functional geometry make it more than just a tactical tool; it’s a piece of everyday carry art.
Blade & Steel: CPM S35VN with CNC Milling
At the core of the Orion Limited Version is a 3.07″ CPM S35VN steel blade. CPM S35VN is a stainless powdered metallurgy steel prized for delivering:
- Excellent edge retention
- Strong toughness
- Good corrosion resistance
- Adequate wear resistance for long cutting sessions
Compared to earlier production steels, CPM S35VN offers a refined balance that keeps the blade performing well through repetitive tasks without compromising sharpenability.
The clip point shape combines good slicing capability with precision tip control, and the blackwash finish enhances concealment of scratches and adds a rugged, tactical aesthetic. The CNC-milled details along the spine and flats aren’t just decorative — they subtly catch the eye and reinforce the knife’s premium presentation.
Handle: Bronze Anodized Titanium with Precision Machining
The Orion’s handle is crafted from bronze anodized titanium, giving it both durability and distinctive visual appeal. Titanium handles are known for their:
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Corrosion resistance
- Overall longevity
The Orion takes this a step further with finely milled grooves that provide tactile grip enhancement without being abrasive. The flat handle surfaces are machine stained to add depth and contrast, underscoring the knife’s high-end feel.
Despite its solid construction, the Orion remains surprisingly light in hand, with balanced weight distribution that favors control over heft.
Deployment & Locking Mechanism
Multiple Deployment Options
The Orion is designed to support the way you want to open it:
- Flipper deployment — quick, intuitive, and firm
- Thumb disk deployment — controlled, wrist-independent
This choice makes the knife versatile for both tactical use and everyday tasks.
Ball Bearing Action
High-quality ceramic ball bearings make opening and closing buttery smooth from either deployment method. The detent is tuned to be strong enough to avoid accidental openings, yet soft enough to allow quick deployment when needed.
Frame Lock System
A robust frame lock ensures a secure blade lockup. The titanium frame engages solidly under pressure, eliminating blade play and maintaining a confident lock even after repeated use.
Performance Cut Testing
To evaluate how the Orion performs in real-world cutting scenarios, the knife was put through a series of practical tests covering everyday materials and common tasks. Here’s how it fared.
1. Paper Cutting Test
Result: Excellent
The Orion sliced cleanly through printer paper in both push and draw cuts. The edge tracked straight without catching or tearing.
Comment: The flat grind and refined edge geometry of the CPM S35VN blade allow for precision slices — ideal for unboxing, paperwork, or light craft work.
2. Hair Shaving Test
Result: Passed
With light pressure, the blade easily shaved arm hair cleanly along the cutting edge.
Comment: For a production folding knife, this level of sharpness is impressive and speaks to quality heat treatment and edge alignment.
3. Cardboard Cutting Test
Result: Outstanding
Dense corrugated cardboard was sliced repeatedly without edge drag or loss of bite.
Comment: Excellent for utility tasks like unpacking, cardboard breakdown, and package handling — the Orion excels where many custom-level knives falter.
4. Rope & Paracord Test
Result: Excellent
The Orion chewed through nylon rope and paracord with controlled pull cuts. No slippage, and the blade maintained bite throughout.
Comment: The blade’s geometry and the digitated handle grip work together to provide confidence and control during fibrous cutting tasks.
5. Denim Cutting Test
Result: Very Good
Single and folded layers of denim were cut cleanly. The knife’s edge held strong without micro-chipping or stalling.
Comment: A good indicator that the knife handles abrasive materials without losing edge integrity.
6. Hardened Plastic (White Straw) Shaving Test
Result: Passed
With controlled slicing, the blade shaved rigid plastic straw material cleanly.
Comment: This demonstrates good edge stability and fine control — useful for opening packaging or trimming synthetic materials.
7. Aluminum Can Cutting Test
Result: Stable
Thin aluminum can material was pierced and sliced without visible wear or rolling on the edge.
Comment: While not designed for constant metal scraping, the test indicates solid edge resilience when the situation calls for tougher contact.
8. Wood Shaving Test
Result: Very Good
The blade produced smooth wood curls and light feather sticks on soft pine wood.
Comment: Not a primary bushcraft tool, but the Orion’s ergonomics and CPM S35VN edge geometry enable it to handle light wood tasks with finesse.
Real-World Handling Experience
In everyday carry scenarios, the Orion impresses with:
- Balanced feel in hand — Not too heavy, not too light
- Easy deployment — Both thumb disk and flipper options are reliable
- Comfortable grip — Machined grooves add traction without abrasive grip fatigue
- Solid lockup — Confident and predictable
Users who transition between urban tasks and outdoor activities will find the Orion capable and reassuring in performance.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Overall Length | 7.15” / 181.7 mm |
| Blade Length | 3.07” / 78 mm |
| Blade Thickness | 0.137” / 3.5 mm |
| Blade Material | CPM S35VN |
| Blade Style | Clip Point |
| Blade Finish | Blackwash / CNC Milling |
| Handle Material | Bronze Anodized Titanium |
| Lock Type | Frame Lock |
| Deployment | Flipper & Thumb Disk |
| Pivot System | Ceramic Ball Bearings |
| Carry | Reversible Tip-Up Pocket Clip |
| Limited Edition | Serial-Marked (of 800) |
| Designer | JB Stout |
| Model Number | K1089A5 |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium CPM S35VN steel with excellent balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance
- Unique CNC-milled blade detail adds character rare in production knives
- Multiple deployment options (flipper + thumb disk)
- Smooth action thanks to ceramic ball bearings
- Solid frame lock with strong engagement
- Stylish and functional bronze anodized titanium handle
- Limited edition collectible appeal
Cons
- Shorter blade length limits deep chopping tasks
- Karambit and clip point geometry may not suit all users’ preferences
- Limited edition run (800 total), making availability tighter
- Handle color may not suit minimalist/tactical purists
Final Verdict
The KANSEPT Orion Limited Version Flipper blends high-end materials, refined design, and real performance into a package that should satisfy both collectors and serious EDC users. With its CPM S35VN blade, premium titanium handling, and versatile deployment options, the Orion stands as a premium everyday carry knife that doesn’t compromise on performance or style.
Whether you’re handling daily cut tasks, light outdoor chores, or simply want a pocket knife with both aesthetic appeal and dependable capability, the Orion delivers with confidence.
Official Website:
https://www.kanseptknives.com/
Sin City Press 