I’ve always leaned toward folders, but in the last couple of years I’ve noticed more people working compact fixed blades into their daily carry. That got me curious. Makers have really embraced the idea too, offering more small fixed blades than ever. Once I gave them a closer look, I realized the appeal—fast draw, no moving parts, and simple reliability. Since I usually prefer bigger blades in a folding format, I set myself a limit of around three inches for a fixed blade. Any larger and you’re just carrying extra handle and sheath.

That’s what led me to the Giant Mouse GMF1. It’s been around since 2016 and has earned a loyal following, so it felt like a good test case to see if a compact fixed blade could actually earn a spot in my rotation.

The Kosame, which translates to “light rain” in Japanese, is a knife designed with symbolism at its core. The maker describes it as a blend of elegance and power, reflecting how something as soft as rainfall can, over time, erode mountains. The handle’s curves and droplet cutouts are meant to represent the calm and beauty of rain, while the blade’s straight, sharp lines highlight the more destructive force of nature. It’s a neat concept and a good story, one I appreciate because it ties into the Japanese-inspired aesthetic. That said, I can’t help but see the design in another light—it reminds me more of science fiction, even bordering on the alien. The jimping and spine details echo the look of a xenomorph’s back, which makes me like it even more. Maybe that’s just the nerd in me talking, but either way it gives the Kosame a unique visual identity.

Ravens have always carried an air of mystery and intelligence. In mythology and folklore, they’re often seen as messengers or guardians, tied to wisdom, transformation, and adaptability. Outside of stories, they’re just as fascinating, known for their problem-solving skills, use of tools, and ability to thrive in nearly any environment. It’s easy to see why Kansept chose the name for this design. The Raven takes inspiration from the lines of a raven’s head and beak, blending sleek elegance with a sense of purpose. With that foundation in mind, let’s take a closer look at what Kansept has created with the Raven.

Leatherman has been polarizing with its customer base in recent years. Other than the FREE series, which includes the Arc, we have not seen much major development. Instead, the company has put energy into Leatherman Garage, its limited-release tools and gadgets that act as a testbed for potential future products. Some view this as an exciting way to experiment, while others see it as a cash grab. In addition, Leatherman has leaned heavily into releasing new colorways of existing models, which appears to be an effort to attract people who are not already in their customer base.

Many users are hungry for innovation, or at least that is the perception. The consumer base feels divided. On one side are the blue-collar customers who buy Leatherman tools, use them hard, and are satisfied. On the other are enthusiasts and collectors who want nothing but fresh, groundbreaking designs and feel the company is resting on its laurels. In their eyes, the lack of new releases leaves them with nothing to add to their collections. Leatherman, much like Benchmade, seems content to follow its own direction regardless of the noise, relying on internal data to make decisions that sometimes frustrate fans.