About the Designer:
Behind the Deadite’s wickedly cool lines is Geoff Blauvelt, the man behind Tuffknives. Hailing from the USA, Geoff’s built a reputation for crafting knives that are as tough as they look. His work often blends rugged utility with bold, aggressive styling — think of it like muscle cars with razor-sharp edges. Known for his hands-on craftsmanship and a knack for innovation, Geoff doesn’t just design knives for display cases; he makes tools meant to be used, abused, and admired.
Handle and Ergonomics:
When it comes to comfort, the Deadite is as cozy as your favorite recliner — if that recliner had tactical aspirations and a mean streak. This guy’s got curves in all the right places, and it fills the hand just right without overcomplicating things. There’s a generous finger groove that cradles your index finger like it was made for it, and access to the lock bar is smooth and intuitive. Kansept didn’t go overboard with extra grooves and fancy finger scallops — and honestly, they didn’t need to. Sometimes simple really is the best way to handle ergonomics.
There’s no added jimping on the handle or spine, but I don’t find myself missing it. Everything about the Deadite whispers elegance wrapped in robustness. And that contrast is kind of perfect, considering the name. You’d expect something wild and gnarly, maybe splattered in zombie-green G-10 — but instead, you get a sleek, refined knife that still feels ready for a fight. I’ve also got to tip my hat to the black-on-black look happening here. Sure, there are other options out there, but this dark theme just works with the Deadite’s name and attitude. The black carbon fiber, with its subtle rose pattern, adds just the right touch of class without dulling the knife’s edge (pun very much intended). It’s harmonious, it’s handsome, and it’s executed beautifully.
Blade and Cutting Performance:
Now, let’s talk about the teeth on this thing. The Deadite sports a clip point blade crafted from CPM S35VN steel, flat ground and blackwashed to match its stealthy aesthetic. I mean, let’s be honest — what good would a shiny satin blade be on something called Deadite? The clip point has an aggressive shape, with a little tanto-esque bump that gives it extra attitude. The tip is needle-sharp, perfect for those precise, detail-oriented cuts, whether you’re slicing tape or doing some fine tracing work.
That flat grind means it slices with efficiency, and in my testing — breaking down boxes and tackling everyday tasks — I didn’t encounter much drag at all. It just gets to work, no drama, no struggle. Deployment is handled by either the thumb studs or the flipper tab, giving you options depending on your mood. The thumb studs are well-placed, making it easy to flick the blade open or do a slow roll if you’re feeling fancy. The flipper tab has a push-button feel rather than the typical light-switch action, but it works reliably and I rarely had a misfire. For a knife named after the undead, this thing feels very much alive.
Pocket Clip and Carry:
Ah, pocket clips — my personal litmus test for knife happiness. And right out of the gate, the Deadite’s clip had me smiling. It’s sleek, well-designed, and has just the right amount of spring tension to keep things secure without shredding your pocket. But, in true David fashion, I managed to brush a little too close to a chair and, well... let’s just say the clip and the chair didn’t see eye to eye. The result? A slightly skewed clip.
Now, here’s where things get a little tricky: the screws for the clip are mounted internally rather than the more traditional external setup. This keeps the knife’s lines clean (a win for the design team), but it also means I’ve got to disassemble the whole knife to fix my poor, bent clip (a win for no one). It’s a classic case of form slightly edging out function — looks great, but can be a little fussy when real life comes knocking.
Closing Thoughts:
At the end of the day, the Kansept Deadite might have a name ripped straight out of a campy horror flick, but there’s nothing silly about how well this knife is put together. It’s got curves where you want them, bite when you need it, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting without going full chainsaw-wielding maniac. Geoff Blauvelt and Kansept managed to craft something that feels refined and robust at the same time — a rare balance that makes the Deadite stand out in a crowded market.
Sure, I had a run-in with a rogue chair that left my clip a little worse for wear, but even then, I can’t stay mad. This knife just works, and it does so with a kind of sinister charm that’s hard not to love. Whether you’re a fan of horror movies or just looking for a solid EDC with killer looks and great ergonomics, the Deadite is very much alive and kicking. And honestly? I wouldn’t mind having this one by my side if the Deadites ever did come knocking.