On the list of good ideas, a really big throwing knife, with sharp edges on virtually every surface, that you can get high from, has to rank near the top. And such a serious product requires serious testing, so we started by smoking pot out of the Kniper, then moved along to the rest.
What Is It?
A large one-piece, fixed-blade “survival” knife that has various grooves, holes, edges, and protrusions designed to perform other functions. Of those, really only the knife blade, bottle opener, fork, and obviously the pipe are worthwhile. You’ll find wrenches, nail pullers, range finders and inclinometer/sundial/latitude hashings on other faux-survival stuff, and I’m sure they work, but they’re a bigger pain in the ass than they’re worth.
Who’s It For?
People who like to have fun doing silly stuff when they’re outdoors. I don’t think anyone really takes this thing seriously, but it can actually perform the work of a real knife, especially if you go ahead and wrap the handle in paracord to provide a comfortable, secure grip. So it’d be a fun gift for someone who’s safety you don’t worry about too much or a fun toy you can drag along on a camping trip.
Design
It’s acid green, it’s covered in random “functions” that don’t work terribly well, and it’s designed to both be thrown and get you high, so obviously it’s a) ridiculous, and b) dangerous. But I think that’s a big part of the point. Reid Evans, its designer, didn’t make it to be a serious outdoors tool. He designed it to recapture the spirit of fun he used to have on camping trips with his dad. Not every outdoor product needs to be super serious all the time.
Using It
The Kniper arrives with spoon-like sharpness, so the first thing you’ll need to do is put it on your or to put a real edge on it. Made from 440HC stainless steel, it’s definitely not the easiest blade I’ve ever sharpened, but it shouldn’t take you too long, and it’ll hold that edge with some semblance of longevity.
Last weekend, I dragged the knife up to the High Sierra for a group campout way out in the middle of nowhere. There, we had fun throwing it at trees, used it to opens some cans and beers, and yes, smoked a ton of weed out of it.
My first impression of the Kniper was surprise at its heft, then alarm as I stabbed myself on one of its many sharp, protruding edges, including the saw on the back and the fork on its pommel. No one slashed any part of their face off this weekend, but I did pack an extra tube of Krazy Glue, just in case.
A quick paracord wrap improves the handle comfort and safety immensely. But it also interferes with the knife’s weight balance and therefore its ability to fly straight when thrown. You’ll need to choose between not cutting yourself and throwing it.
At 13 inches long, the Kniper is a surprisingly big, hefty knife. That means it really sticks into something when thrown and that it can be used to process firewood and perform other big-knife chores. I would recommend a pair of gloves if you intend to use it for heavy work though. Again, it’s pointy and slick.
Ultimately, the Kniper proved more of a novelty than an essential camp tool or even a fun toy. We did end up resorting to hatchets and a bow saw to process wood, went back to chatting instead of knife throwing around the fire, and smoked pot from traditional hardware, once the initial amusement had worn off.
Likes
- Definitely the world’s most dangerous marijuana pipe.
- Impacts your throwing target with gusto.
- Will help you clear old Band-Aids out of your first-aid kit.
- Not the worst knife I’ve ever used.
- Chicks dig scars.
- Retains packed bowl when thrown.
Dislikes
- Arrives totally dull.
- Sheath is garbage.
- Saw is both too short and too thick to work.
- Phillips head is not shaped like a Phillips bit.
- You’ll stab yourself in the eye, guaranteed.
Should You Buy One?
Are you an 18-year-old boy? If not in fact, in spirit? If so, you’re next camping trip will be a lot more fun if you bring one of these things along. Of course, if you are actually 18, you might have trouble affording one. .