When I caught wind of the Kniper, I knew this was going to be right up my alley. It was first described to me as a throwing multi-tool. I’ve immediately got this picture in my head of someone chucking a Leatherman Super Tool at me. That’s not exactly what I’d call intimidating. Then I found my way to the Kniper website where I’m greeted by the bottom half of what appears to be an attractive lady in red and black tights holding this device. As I stare, I wonder if I’ve accidentally found my way to the next Hunger Games movie trailer…
Sure enough I’m in the right place. But now it’s time to see what all the hype in my inbox was about. A closer look at the Kniper reveals a survival tool/weapon that really does look like it belongs in the Hunger Games arsenal. It’s been milled from a single piece of 420 high carbon stainless steel. 420HC steel is noted for being a good all around steel for knife blades. Its properties of excellent hardness, durability, and sharpening make it a solid choice among knifemakers. The Kniper is 13 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 5.5 millimeters (~0.22 inches) thick.
There are 22 functions that the Kniper has built into it’s design. I’m not going to go into all of them here, but let’s take a a look at some of the more exotic offerings. Built for the “ultimate outdoor adventure”, you start with the throwing knife. In case you lose track of time, where the hell you are, or how steep that hill is, there’s a sundial/latitudinal finder/inclinometer. A range finder will help you find how far away the other Tributes that are trying to kill you are. Or how far away that tree over there is.
Once you settle down for the night, fire starting is easy with the built in fire bow bearing. Once everyone’s belly is full of fire whiskey, you’ll even be able to pass around the peace pipe. Yep, there’s a built in “tobacco” pipe. You know, because bringing out the range runner in you also brings out a desire to smoke.
I’m all for innovation and the Kniper has certainly pushed the boundaries of what we would consider to be a multi-tool. Personally, I think it’s somewhere in between a survivalist tool and a hippie camp out. I haven’t heard if Bear Grylls is endorsing this, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. Does anyone else think that smoking a metal pipe might get a little warm on your lips? Tell us what you think! Sound off of Facebook and Twitter!
