Kickstarter Roundup: Kiridashis, Kitchen Knives, and Belt Knives

Kickstarter has been quite busy with new knife projects recently. We saw the Dervish Knives Wyrm and the Tactile Turn BAK. But there are still other projects being put up on the popular crowdfunding platform, including some eye-opening takes on familiar concepts.

Tidashi 2.0

The Tidashi 2.0 is made by Sander Bakker of SplinterSeed. It is a sequel to the original Tidashi, which brought the an all-titanium kiridashi utility blade shape into tiny, almost pen-like dimensions. Designed as an everyday cutter, the Tidashi 2.0 is carried in a small silicone cap-like sheath that covers the live edge while leaving the tubular handle exposed for easy retrieval.

This new version also increases the edge length, although it is still smaller than even most small knives, with a cutting edge of just .4 inches. The Tidashi 2.0 is made entirely from titanium, but given the light cutting tasks the knife is designed for maintenance should be relatively drama-free. The Tidashi 2.0 has exceeded its funding goal several times over with 19 days to go.

Reverso Knife 2.0

The Reverso Knife 2.0 is an eye-catching tool from Chef Franco Di Nicola that brings two very unusual traits to the kitchen cutlery table: it can be folded, and its modular construction allows for the attachment of different types of blades and additional gadgets on top of that.

For now, the Kickstarter version only comes with two different blades, a plain edge and a serrated one. Both are made from “Reverso Steel,” a proprietary blend. A new, mysterious steel might be cause for skepticism but well-known Maniago, Italy manufacturer Mercury is behind it, so it seems reasonable to expect quality performance here. The Reverso 2.0 is just about $1000 away from its sought amount, with 4 days to go.

Cranesbill EDC Knife and Belt

This last one is a unique take on the idea of a ‘belt knife.’ Knife maker Zdravko Shuplev is creating a small, 2.75-inch long fixed blade knife that fits into a special sheath that integrates directly, scout style, into a handmade leather belt. The sheath component of the belt can also be removed from the belt for neck knife carry as well.

Designed to take advantage of this unique carry method, the Cranesbill EDC is a very thin, carryable fixed blade. The drop point blade is a classic workhorse, and Shuplev is making each knife from Niolox, a European tool steel with well-rounded characteristics, perhaps most comparable to D2. The Cranesbill EDC is going to have a photo finish in terms of reaching its goal. It needs about $2100 to go within the next 15 hours. But whether it reaches its goal or not Shuplev may be a maker to watch.

Knife in Featured image: SplinterSeed Tidashi 2.0