In Hand and On the Job

 

The Rafe L feels good in hand. Its gently tapered handle practically disappears when gripped, giving you that locked-in control that makes a knife comfortable for extended use. The chamfered edges ensure there’s nothing to dig into your palm, and while there’s no jimping on the handle itself, the spine of the blade makes up for it with thick texturing. It’s reminiscent of what you’d see on hard-use designs like Medford knives—overbuilt but useful.

 

 

The finger groove gives easy access to the liner lock and keeps the grip intuitive. My pinky lands right on the edge of the handle, which isn’t ideal but still works without feeling awkward. I’d call it ergonomic overall, with just enough real estate for a solid hold.

 

Blade Talk

 

I’ll say it outright—I have a soft spot for sheepfoot blades. They’re just so versatile, and the14C28N steel only enhances that. This budget super steel features everything you want: corrosion resistance, edge holding and easy to sharpen. The Rafe is thick at the spine but thins out nicely behind the edge, making it a slicing machine. Whether you’re doing detail work or just tearing through everyday tasks, it’s all utility with just a hint of style.

 

 

The stonewashed finish hides wear well, and the slight belly in the blade means it’s beginner-friendly when it comes to sharpening. It’s beefy, sure, but it doesn’t feel clunky. The fuller is technically functional for deployment, but I see it as more of a nice touch than a primary feature.

 

 

 

Speaking of deployment, the Rafe L has front and rear flipper tabs that work flawlessly. Both are easy to engage and give that satisfying pop every time. You could middle-finger flick with the fuller if you wanted, but that feels more like a bonus than a necessity.

 

Pocket Clip: It Works, but...

 

Let’s talk about the clip. It’s a reversible deep carry design, so it sits discreetly in your pocket and has good tension. It doesn’t cause hot spots or get in the way, which is always a plus. But honestly, it feels like an afterthought. Kansept (the parent company) often integrates their clips into the overall design, and I wish the same care had been taken here. This one works—it’s functional—but it doesn’t add to the knife the way a well-designed clip can.

 

 

What’s Missing

 

If there’s one feature I wish the Rafe L had, it’s a proper finger choil. The sharpening choil is there, and you could use it as a finger choil in a pinch, but you’ll be cutting it close to the edge—literally. For anyone who likes choking up on their blade, this might feel like a missed opportunity.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The Rafe L is a no-nonsense, do-it-all knife that punches above its price point. At around $50, you’re getting a robust design, great steel, and smooth deployment in a package that feels ready for just about anything.

 

It’s not perfect—the clip and lack of a finger choil hold it back—but those are minor gripes when you consider the overall package. For me, the Rafe L hits the sweet spot between function and affordability. It’s a knife that’s not afraid to work hard, and it looks good doing it.