DESIGN NAME: K29
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Folding Knife
INSPIRATION: To make the product stand out in the product category, a combination of materials and form language was used that was not available on the market yet. Through the creation of multiple prototypes by the manufacturer, as well as adjustments based on testing these prototypes, it was made sure that the knife was ergonomically and visually optimized.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A striking pocket knife design in which steel is combined with wood. In addition to a blade that can be folded out, it features a glass breaker, belt cutter, lanyard hole, and belt clip. The dynamic lines and curves make the design stand out. It comes in two editions: ‘Titanium’ in grey with olive wood and ‘Tiger’ in black with bocote. In order to display the natural qualities of the wood, its original appearance is preserved and no additional color is used on the material.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The K29 knife can be opened by using its flipper and/or thumb stud. It automatically locks with its Linerlock mechanism. To fold the knife back, the lock bar should be pressed to the side first. The K29 knife can be opened with one hand. In certain countries and regions it may be prohibited to use and/or carry a knife of this type. Consult the laws that apply to you when considering to buy or use such a product. Don't harm anyone, be careful, and keep knives away from children.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The design process started in the end of September 2018 in Berlin. The first version of the product was launched in April 2019 on the German market, with Italy, Spain and France following in the subsequent months.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The knife is built up in layers. The handle has outside layers that provide volume, which is important for a safe grip. These outside layers are connected to the liners of the handle, to which the wooden parts are connected. The liners also have notches on top that assist in holding the knife when cutting. Hex screws hold everything together securely and make it possible to replace parts.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Total length, unfolded: 21 cm.
Total length, folded: 12.1 cm.
TAGS: knife, folding knife, pocket knife, outdoor, safety, adventure, foldable, collapsible, wood, steel
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Market research was done by the brand in order to determine the type of product to develop. During the design process, the brand also ran tests with users to assist in decision making.
CHALLENGE: Although it is not obvious when observing the pocket knife, the most challenging part was to find the right screws to use. The screws had to be suitable for use in the entire Bergkvist knife collection, to be readily available, and easy to remove and attach.
ADDED DATE: 2020-12-04 12:53:13
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Designer: Ridzert Ingenegeren and Client: Michael Gläser, Bergkvist
IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1: Mission Green Ltd., K29 Titanium, 2021.
Image #2: Mission Green Ltd., K29 Titanium and K29 Tiger. 2021.
Image #3: ExpertenTesten.de/ever-growing GmbH, K29 Titanium, folded, 2020.
Image #4: ExpertenTesten.de/ever-growing GmbH, K29 Tiger, 2020.
Image #5: Mission Green Ltd., K29 Titanium Balanced. 2021.
Video Credits: Mission Green Ltd., 2020.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Registered designs. Design numbers 007510938-0001 and 007510938-0002. Bergkvist. 2020. European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
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