Before reading a review of the original Knafs Lander, I didn’t know much about Ben Petersen or his company, Knafs.
However, the concept of swappable, customizable handle scales and the use of my favorite tool steel, D2, caught my attention in the review. But, I wanted to delve deeper and learn more about it.
Since then, I have had the chance to test and review nearly all the products introduced by Knafs. As a knifemaker, I find Petersen’s willingness to discuss his craft very helpful. It allows me to understand why he designs things a certain way or chooses specific materials, which is an insight that is often hard to come by.
In the Lander 2, Petersen seized the opportunity to enhance the knife, making it larger, improving the locking mechanism, and upgrading the steel. However, it still retains many design elements from the original. It maintains the ability to “fast swap” the handle scales and provides the CAD files for free, allowing users to manufacture their own. Additionally, most parts of the knife can be purchased separately, ensuring longevity.
In summary: It seems like Mr. Petersen is on a mission to achieve perfection. With the Lander 2, Knafs has managed to incorporate all the most sought-after materials and features that a folding knife can have in 2023—except for the lanyard hole (wink). Best of all, the price is surprisingly reasonable, making it accessible to more people.
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OAL
7.40” -
Blade length
3.25” -
Blade steel
S35VN -
Blade shape
Drop point -
Grind
Flat -
Hardness
59-61 HRC -
Lock type
Clutch lock (Crossbar Lock) -
Carry
Deep carry, left or right hand, tip-up -
Weight
2.9 oz. -
Price
$130
-
Size-to-weight ratio -
Clutch lock -
The fat-bellied S35VN drop point blade
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There aren’t aftermarket scales available for it yet -
I haven’t used SolidWorks or AutoCAD in at least 5 years -
Don’t tempt me
Knafs Co. Lander 2 Review
Design & Features
Manufactured by Kizer Knives, the Lander 2 is made of G10 handle scales with a stainless steel sub-frame and a stonewashed S35VN blade with a drop point. It features Kizer’s Clutch Lock for smooth and secure opening and closing, along with a thumb stud for added convenience. In my experience with the Lander 2, the Clutch Lock has proven to be more effective than the thumb stud.
Similar to the original Lander, the handle scales of the Lander 2 can be easily switched, allowing for customization. The ability to create custom scales became popular with the original Lander and is expected to continue with the sequel.
First Impressions
One notable feature of the Knafs Lander 2 is its incredibly smooth opening and closing action, which is quite rare for knives with crossbar locks. Its action is almost spring-assisted, making it effortless to open using the thumb stud. Additionally, the knife has a unique clutch lock that allows for easy and quick blade deployment without any wrist flicking.
Another noticeable feature is the absence of an obvious lanyard hole. While this may not be a concern for some, it may pose a challenge for users who find lanyards useful for retrieval.
Furthermore, the Lander 2 fits comfortably in the hand, with ample space for all fingers and natural placement for the thumb on the blade’s jimping. It appears to be well-suited for demanding tasks, especially with its pronounced drop-point blade.
In the Field
During my month-long EDC testing, the Lander 2 performed admirably, especially in wet and slippery conditions. The G10 scales offered substantial grip, making cutting and slicing tasks easier, and the broad blade shape came in handy for various outdoor chores.
The knife provided a seamless carry experience, almost unnoticeable with its light weight and deep pocket placement. Despite the various conditions it faced, the S35VN steel blade maintained its pristine condition, showcasing its durability and resistance to corrosion.
A Note for Tinkerers
While I did not experiment with different handle scales on the Lander 2, I appreciate the ability to customize it. Additionally, I admire Petersen’s transparency in producing product videos, offering information and replacement parts, and providing a full line of maintenance products, which contributes to a greater sense of involvement and excitement for his products.
Conclusion
If Ben Petersen’s goal was to create the perfect EDC knife in 2023, he has certainly succeeded. The size of the Lander 2 fits well within the ideal EDC range, and its durability and performance make it an excellent choice for everyday carry. Whether you are familiar with Knafs or not, the Lander 2 is a fantastic starting point to experience Petersen’s craftsmanship.
