Design and Ergonomics

The first thing that catches the eye is the carbon fiber and titanium handle, particularly in the black-and-white carbon fiber variant. The contrast pops, but more than that, the sculpting on this handle is next-level. Unlike many modern designs that favor subtle contours, the Vivid embraces deep finger grooves that immediately remind me of older, highly ergonomic designs. It works. My index finger naturally finds a groove, whether I’m holding it behind the bolster or choking up on the forward choil. Both grips feel natural and provide excellent control.

Despite the lack of textured materials like G10 or micarta, I never feel like I’m missing grip—a true testament to how well this handle is designed. It’s one of the most comfortable I’ve used in a while.

Crossbar Lock – Familiar, But Better

Kansept and Lundquist took a fresh approach to the crossbar lock, adding a textured, ramped surface that makes it easier to actuate. Most crossbar locks are generic in design, but this small change is a welcome one. The spring tension feels good—maybe even a little too light, which affects deployment in some cases (more on that later).

Deep Carry Clip – A Design I Wish More Brands Used

The pocket clip is mounted at the end rather than the side, a feature I wish more manufacturers would adopt. This true deep-carry clip tucks the knife further into the pocket while remaining comfortable in hand. It’s titanium, though at a glance, it looks surprisingly unassuming—simple, but effective. More importantly, it doesn’t dig into my palm during use, which is always a win.

The Blade – Sheepsfoot Done Right

The Vivid sports a 3.04” CPM-S35VN sheepsfoot blade, which is beautifully executed. A stylized fuller runs along the top, adding a sleek aesthetic, though it doesn’t contribute much to reverse flicking ease. That said, the thumb hole deployment is solid, and I personally prefer this setup over flippers.

However, this brings us back to the crossbar lock and its effect on deployment. For a great reverse flick, you typically want a crisp detent to build tension, ensuring the blade fires open when the hold breaks. Crossbar locks inherently have weaker detents, which means reverse flicking feels a bit mushy rather than snappy. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to note if you’re big on deployment methods.

But ultimately, performance trumps fidget factor, and this blade absolutely delivers where it matters most. The razor-sharp, flat-edged design excels at precision cutting, making tracing and detail work effortless. And sharpening? A breeze. The consistent edge profile and S35VN steel ensure it comes back to a hair-shaving sharpness without much effort.

Final Thoughts

The Vivid is a standout design from Jacob Lundquist, and Kansept did an excellent job executing it. It nails ergonomics, aesthetics, and cutting performance, making it a compelling option for sheepsfoot blade enthusiasts. While the detent could be stronger for better reverse flicks, the comfortable grip, strong lock, and outstanding edge geometry make up for it.

If you’re in the market for a unique, well-designed EDC knife with killer looks and equally great function, the Kansept Vivid is absolutely worth checking out.