Upswarm

The Upswarm is a compact self-defense knife built for deep concealment and close-quarters use. It draws from karambit handling but ditches the full finger ring, so you get a secure grip in forward or reverse without the risk of getting a finger stuck. It's the backup you want when you can't reach your primary tool.

• The handle is inspired by a knuckle duster, so it locks into your hand naturally and stays there when things get tense.
• By using a karambit-style rear contour instead of a closed ring, you keep control without the danger of finger entrapment.
• The 3-inch main edge (with an optional 1.63-inch top edge) is built for fast slashes or stabs in tight spots.
• We used 1095 high carbon steel because it's tough and easy to sharpen.
• Black Canvas Micarta handles with Coco-Drillo tread give you a solid grip even if your hands are wet or you're under stress.
• The black Kydex sheath has a rotating spring steel clip, making it easy to hide and carry however you prefer.

Eric Mooney, who works in our grinding room, designed the Upswarm. The idea actually came from a sharpness test—the way the paper curled after a cut looked exactly like the profile of this blade. Eric took that shape and spent over a month refining it through more than fifty variants before the geometry, balance, and function all came together the way he needed. He added knuckle duster ergonomics and karambit features, intentionally left out the full ring to keep your fingers safe, and flipped the blade orientation during development after testing showed the original position wasn't performing across both grip styles. The balance point is right in the first finger groove, which makes switching between hands feel smooth and controlled.

The knife weighs 4.3 ounces (6.3 with the sheath) and stays out of sight until you need it. Since some of the 1095 high carbon steel will be exposed, you should wipe it down with a bit of oil after use, especially if you live somewhere humid. We make these right here in Idaho. You can get them in single or double-edge versions.