I’m a sucker for carbon fiber, through and through. It’s a material that, while fairly common today, still manages to feel high end and futuristic. Maybe that’s 80s David talking, but it always gives me that little hit of nostalgia. This isn’t your typical sheet-style carbon fiber either. The Pretatout uses shredded carbon, which creates a pattern that almost looks like snowflakes scattered on asphalt. It shimmers in the light and has a lot more visual depth than flat weave. From a construction standpoint, it’s hard to argue with the material choice. It’s lightweight, strong, and proven in everything from aerospace to motorsports and cycling. Even after all these years, carbon fiber still feels like a bit of a wonder material, right up there with titanium.

Ergonomics are where the Pretatout really shines. The gentle arc of the handle settles into the hand naturally, and the generous index finger cutout gives you a solid place to lock in. It’s one of those handles that feels like it was molded specifically for your grip. The edges of the carbon are beautifully chamfered, and there isn’t a sharp spot anywhere. I also really like the gold-colored hardware against the black handle. It adds a premium touch and just enough contrast to make the whole thing pop. The subtle milling in the handle isn’t just for looks either, it gives your fingers a bit of extra purchase when you’re actually using the knife. Around the back there’s a nicely sized lanyard loop that would pair perfectly with a brass bead, even though I’ve yet to add one myself.

Lockup on the Pretatout is solid and confidence inspiring, with enough tension to keep everything stable during twisting or harder cutting. This one uses a liner lock, which feels like a fitting choice for the design. Liner locks have been around since the early 1900s and were later refined and popularized by Michael Walker. Today, with so many crossbar and button locks on the market, it’s actually refreshing to go back to something simple and proven. It may not be the most fidget-focused mechanism out there, but it’s purposeful, familiar, and well executed.

The pocket clip is titanium and milled to follow the arc of the handle. Milled clips usually sacrifice deep carry, but this one makes a respectable attempt. It’s mounted fairly high, and the knife still rides relatively deep in the pocket. I’ll always have a soft spot for spring steel clips, mostly because I’m terrible at not bumping into things, but this one looks great and feels like an integrated part of the design rather than an afterthought.

Up front, the Pretatout sports a drop point with a hint of harpoon influence, giving it a pointy, aggressive, and very attractive profile. Deployment can be done via the thumb studs or the flipper tab, and the action is smooth and satisfying. There’s also a milled fuller that flows nicely with the lines of the blade and doubles as a great launch point for those who like to Spydie flick. The jimping on the thumb ramp is well judged, not too sharp but effective, and that harpoon-style swell gives your thumb a solid spot to bear down when pushing through tougher material.

This version uses Kansept’s Damascus, which is a blend of two steels with properties similar to 440C. On a knife that looks and feels this upscale, some people might expect a modern powdered steel. The raindrop pattern does look fantastic against the shredded carbon fiber though. Edge retention and overall performance are good, even if they don’t compete with the latest super steels. Personally, I don’t think everything needs the newest alloy on the market. Older steels still perform very well and they sharpen easily, which encourages people to actually learn how to maintain their tools. Steel snobbery shouldn’t get in the way of enjoying a knife that looks this good and feels this well put together.

Spending time with an older Kansept design like this has been a reminder of how consistent the brand has been. The Pretatout doesn’t feel dated at all. With shredded carbon fiber, a Damascus blade, titanium hardware, and a refined overall build, you would expect a pretty steep price tag. Surprisingly, it still comes in under the $100 mark. For something that looks this elegant and carries this well, that’s kind of wild.