So what does all this have to do with a knife?

Well… enter the Kansept Bison — a modern folder named after that same beast. Now, I’m not saying this knife could wrangle a herd or plow through the tallgrass, but it does carry some of the same character: bold, tough, and built with purpose. And just like the animal, it demands attention without saying a word.

Let’s take a closer look at what this Bison brings to the table — or better yet, to the pocket.

Design and First Impressions

The Bison was designed by none other than Ray Laconico — a name usually associated with clean lines, minimalism, and elegant simplicity. But with the Bison, Laconico steps off the beaten path and goes full frontier. It’s still his design DNA, but bulked up, toughened out, and wearing work boots.

This knife blends the heritage of a traditional Bowie-style clip point with a sleek, modern titanium handle. It’s a clear departure from his typical “gent’s carry” aesthetic, and I’m here for it. There’s something refreshing about seeing a maker take a creative risk — especially when it turns out this good.


Specs and Materials

Overall Length: 9.61" (244.1mm)

Blade Length: 4.25" (108.05mm)

Blade Thickness: 0.137" (3.5mm)

Blade Steel: CPM S35VN

Blade Style: Bowie-style Clip Point

Blade Grind: Flat

Handle: Blue Anodized Titanium with Frag Pattern

Lock Type: Frame Lock

Weight: 6.71 oz (190.3g)

Pivot: Ceramic Ball Bearings

Pocket Clip: Milled Titanium


In-Hand Feel and Ergonomics

Saying the Bison is large is an understatement. At nearly 10 inches overall, this thing eats up pocket real estate like it’s on a mission. But somehow, Laconico’s design magic makes it feel more manageable than it looks. It carries like a smaller knife thanks to good balance and thoughtful shaping.

The handle is deceptively simple. There’s a slight arc and a subtle finger groove that comfortably fits two fingers when you’re choking up. The chamfering is superb, and the frag pattern on the scales isn’t just for looks — it adds meaningful traction without being overly aggressive.

One thing I really appreciate is the forward guard. While I don’t expect to be stabbing anything harder than a tomato, it’s well-integrated into the handle and flows with the design. It doesn’t scream “tactical!” — it just works.

There are multiple ways to grip this thing, and every one of them feels intentional. Whether your thumb is resting on the back of the top guard or riding the spine with a choke-up grip, the Bison remains stable and secure in hand. It’s honestly surprising how natural the ergonomics feel for a knife this size.


Blade Performance

Now let’s talk about that blade — because this is where the Bison really earns its name.

The Bowie-style blade is a nod to the legendary Jim Bowie, whose iconic knife defined a genre. Originally designed for self-defense and survival, the clip point Bowie became synonymous with grit, power, and utility. Jim Bowie made his name as a fighter and folk hero in the early 1800s, most notably at the Alamo, but his legacy started long before — with a big knife and a reputation for using it well.

The Bison’s blade keeps that legacy alive with a modern twist. Made from CPM S35VN, it has great edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. The elongated clip point gives you excellent piercing capability, while the generous belly is perfect for slicing and general utility.

Opening is handled solely via thumb studs — no flippers, no front-finger gimmickry — and honestly, I respect that. A flipper tab would’ve felt out of place on a knife like this. That said, the detent is a little stiff for my taste. It’s not unmanageable, but it does take a little more thumb pressure to overcome than I personally prefer.

Once open, though? This thing cuts like a dream. The high flat grind and long blade length give it real slicing prowess. I’ve used it for everything from feather sticks to dinner prep, and it just keeps asking for more. I do think a hollow grind would’ve taken the slicing to the next level, but even as-is, it’s no slouch.


Lockup and Pocket Clip

The Bison features a titanium frame lock with a lockup around 40%. When engaged, it feels rock solid — like a vault door shutting into place. There’s plenty of tension to keep the lock secure, but it still disengages easily and intentionally.

And yes — the entire handle is titanium, in case I forgot to mention that earlier. It’s rugged, well-machined, and looks fantastic in this anodized blue with frag pattern milling.

The milled titanium clip is also a win. It works well across a range of pocket materials and thicknesses with no issues in retention or access. My only gripe is purely aesthetic: the frag pattern is mirrored on the clip, and I think a plain one would’ve offered a nicer contrast. Still, functionally? No complaints.

Final Thoughts

The Kansept Bison is like that quiet, broad-shouldered guy at the barbecue — unassuming until he slices the brisket perfectly, ties down a tent, and opens beers with a carabiner in the same motion. It’s bold without being overbuilt, refined without feeling fragile, and has just enough grit to earn its frontier-inspired name. Ray Laconico stepped out of his minimalist lane for this one, and honestly? I’m glad he did. The Bison feels like a knife meant for the open range — or at least for those of us who daydream about it between errands and EDC gear rotations.

It’s not a featherweight, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re looking for a dependable, comfortable, and impressively capable folder with a wild heart and modern soul, this one’s ready to roam.

Big. Bold. Bison. Just try not to call it a buffalo.