Best Kickstarter Knives

From compact and nimble blades like the Hummingbird knife to the illustrious Tosa Kurouchi Knife Series, steeped in a rich history spanning over 100 years, there is a Kickstarter knife project to suit your tastes and needs whatever they may be.

Currently, the knife category on Kickstarter has 942 projects and as an enthusiast, you can support and engage with these projects from their inception. That’s the appeal of Kickstarter campaigns.

You become an integral part of the journey, supporting the vision of these skilled knife makers and contributing to the continuation of their craft.

Today we’ll be exploring a curated selection of the best Kickstarter knives across various categories for knife enthusiasts who are looking for something new and innovative.

Key Takeaways

• Kickstarter offers a wide range of knife projects for enthusiasts to support and engage with.
• Crowdfunding knives on Kickstarter involves a step-by-step process: Test, Launch, Scale.
• Successful knife campaigns on Kickstarter have common traits such as limited production runs, customization options, and community engagement.
• The article highlights the best Kickstarter knives across various categories, including multipurpose chef knives, premium utility knives, EDC pocket tools, and more.
• Crowdfunding knives on Indiegogo is also possible but requires separate campaigns and promotion strategies.
• Kickstarter knives can be purchased directly from the campaigns or through e-commerce websites, online marketplaces, and specialty retailers.

What Makes Knives and Tools Perfect for Crowdfunding on Kickstarter?

Limited Production Runs and Exclusivity

Many knife and tool projects on Kickstarter are produced in limited quantities. This adds an element of exclusivity to the products.

Backers are often attracted to the idea of owning a unique item that’s not widely available in the market. Limited production runs also create a sense of urgency, encouraging backers to pledge and secure their desired product before the campaign ends.

Customization and Personalization

People love being able to personalize their belongings, and knives and tools are no exception.

Creators allow backers to choose specific handle materials, blade finishes, and engravings or collaborate on unique design elements.

This customization lets backers feel a deeper connection to the product. It becomes a reflection of their tastes and preferences.

How Crowdfunding Knives Works on Kickstarter

Crowdfunding knives on Kickstarter involves steps and strategies to maximize your chances of success.

At LaunchBoom, we call this strategy Test. Launch. Scale.” Framework.

Let’s walk through the process, providing unique insights and surprising elements along the way:

Phase 1: Test

Validation and Market Research

Before launching a Kickstarter campaign, you have to validate the demand for your knife product.

This involves conducting market research, gathering feedback from potential customers, and testing the product concept with a select audience. By collecting data and insights, you can refine your product offering and marketing strategy.

Used these methods for validation and market research:

• Surveys
• Interviews
• Focus groups
• Research similar products

TestBoom

TestBoom tells if there’s enough demand for your product to make a launch worth it.

TestBoom is a pre-launch system that drives targeted traffic to a landing page to validate product demand and collect email leads.

Here’s how it works:

1. Begin by developing initial hypotheses regarding how your knife product should be positioned in the market.
2. Next, create and test different advertisements and landing pages that incorporate your positioning hypotheses. Place these advertisements across various channels like Facebook and Instagram to drive targeted traffic to your landing page.
3. As the advertisements run, carefully analyze the data gathered from the campaign. This data includes metrics such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and engagement levels.
4. Based on the data analysis, refine and optimize your product positioning. Identify the most effective messaging elements and discard or modify the less successful ones.

Phase 2: Launch

Compelling Campaign Page

Create a visually appealing and informative Kickstarter campaign page. Include captivating visuals, a compelling video demonstrating your knife’s features and benefits, and engaging written content that tells a compelling story.

Remember to highlight what makes your knife unique and why backers should support your project.

Compelling Campaign Page

Offering early bird rewards with discounted prices or limited edition versions creates a sense of exclusivity and urgency.

It encourages backers to pledge early and helps generate momentum for your campaign.

Stretch Goals and Backer Engagement

Incorporate stretch goals into your campaign. These are additional features or rewards unlocked as funding milestones are reached.

Also, engage with your backers by responding to comments, providing regular updates, and encouraging them to share your project with their networks.

NOTE: Building a community around your campaign before launch significantly impacts its success.

Phase 3: Scale

This phase involves leveraging the knowledge and marketing insights gained during the earlier stages to drive sales and expand your business.

The Scale Phase is built upon the foundation of your successful crowdfunding campaign.

Having already validated your product and generated a loyal customer base, you have a solid starting point for scaling your efforts. The credibility and trust established during the crowdfunding campaign will be crucial in driving sales to your eCommerce website.

Best Kickstarter Knives: Our Picks

Most Funded Knife Campaign on Kickstarter: Kuroi Hana Japanese Steel

Backers: 6705

Average Pledge Per Backer: £253

Funded: £1,698,619 of £25,000

Dates: May 29th to Jul 13th (45 days)

Kuroi Hana, taking the lead as the most funded knife, demands attention with its captivating blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary innovation.

Alt: KUROI HANA features

Each blade is meticulously crafted using AUS-10 Japanese steel—renowned for its exceptional hardness and edge retention. It also has a hardness range of 58-60 HRC. This ensures that this knife delivers unparalleled performance and maintains its sharpness over extended periods of use.

Best Multipurpose Chef Knife on Kickstarter: Misen Cook Sharp

Backers: 13117

Average Pledge Per Backer: $83

Funded: $1,083,404 of $25,000

Dates: Sep 22nd to Oct 22nd (30 days)

“A good Chef’s Knife is the single most important tool in any kitchen.”

Designed to revolutionize your culinary skills, this knife is poised to become an indispensable tool in your kitchen.

Misen Cook Sharp Knife boasts a premium Japanese AUS-8 high carbon stainless steel blade. This choice of material ensures:

• Excellent sharpness
• Durability
• Corrosion resistance

One of the standout features of this knife is its precisely angled edge, honed to a 15-degree double bevel. This edge allows for effortless slicing, dicing, and chopping.

Best Premium Utility Knife on Kickstarter: Caswell Morphing Karambit

Backers: 705

Average Pledge Per Backer: $507

Funded: $357,323 of $23,000

Dates: Mar 20th to Apr 18th (30 days)

This CASWELL “MORPHING KARAMBIT” seamlessly adapts to different cutting tasks with its unique folding mechanism, allowing quick and effortless adjustments.

“Because fingers do not cross a rotational path of a blade while the tool is grasped for use.”

This knife is also sleek and has a modern design. It adds a touch of sophistication to your toolkit.

Best EDC Pocket Tool Knife on Kickstarter: Maker Knife

Backers: 4343

Average Pledge Per Backer: €62

Funded: €267,790 of €10,000

Dates: Jun 7th to Jul 12th (35 days)

The Maker Knife was born out of a need for a practical and reliable holder for utility knife blades that would cater specifically to the needs of makers.

It’s designed with usability in mind. It offers a range of adjustment options to suit your preference. Whether you prefer a secure, almost impossible-to-open position or a quick and easy wrist flick to access the blade, the Maker Knife can be tailored to meet your needs.

Strongest Chef Knife on Kickstarter: KNASA Chef Knife Inspired by NASA

Backers: 4095

Average Pledge Per Backer: $109

Funded: $446,023 of $20,000

Dates: Nov 1st to Dec 16th (45 days)

KNASA Chef Knife is inspired by NASA’s patented technology.

The knife is designed to be ultra-sharp and stay sharp five times longer than others on the market.

According to the project description, the Habitat KNASA Chef Knife is priced under $100, making it more affordable than most professional knives that cost hundreds of dollars. It has been tested and recommended by professional chefs.

Best Butter Knife on Kickstarter: The Stupendous Splendiferous ButterUp

Backers: 15251

Average Pledge Per Backer: $24

Funded: $360,286 of $38,000

Dates: Aug 4th to Sep 2nd (29 days)

If you’re a butter lover, rejoice!

The ButterUp features a cleverly designed built-in grater on one side of the knife. Yes, you heard it right, a grater! No more struggling with cold and hard butter that rips apart your toast.

The ButterUp knife lets you effortlessly create silky smooth butter ribbons that melt seamlessly on your favorite warm bread.

Best Kitchen Knife on Kickstarter: Bulat

Backers: 5131

Average Pledge Per Backer: $138

Funded: $707,001 of $25,000

Dates: Jun 14th to Jul 14th (30 days)

The Bulat knife boasts a meticulously designed blade combining elements from Eastern and Western knifemaking traditions.

The cutting core is made of Japanese VG-10 steel, known for its high carbon content and edge retention. Surrounding the cutting core are 66 layers of alternating stainless steels, a technique inspired by traditional Japanese sword making.

And to ensure long-lasting sharpness, the Bulat knife undergoes rigorous testing and refinement.

Best Tactical Pocketknife on Kickstarter: B-2 Nano Blade

Backers: 5875

Average Pledge Per Backer: $56

Funded: $327,907 of $5,000

Dates: Apr 5th to Jun 4th (60 days)

Inspired by the B-2 Stealth Bomber military aircraft, it’s designed to be extremely robust and versatile for survival situations while remaining concealable.

Here are some key features of the B-2 Nano Blade:

• Blade – The blade is made of 440C black stainless steel and features both a sharp and serrated edge.
• Size and weight – The B-2 Nano Blade is incredibly small and lightweight. When closed, it measures 48mm in length, 20mm in width, and 5mm in thickness
• Folding and locking – The B-2 Nano Blade is a folding and locking knife.

Best Knife for Bushcrafting on Kickstarter: Dutch Bushcraft Knife

Backers: 752

Average Pledge Per Backer: €377

Funded: €283,147 of €25,000

Dates: Apr 29th to Jun 8th (40 days)

The DBK Bushcrafter is a true beauty. Its full-tang Elmax steel blade boasts a cryogenic heat treatment and an impressive 60-61 HRC hardness rating.

The knife is designed with elegance in mind. The black Micarta handle exudes class and promises exceptional durability. It’s a match made in knife heaven – strength and style combined!

This knife isn’t just another factory-made tool; it’s a labor of love and a testament to the dedication of its creators.

Best Carbid Cutting Tool Desk Knife on Kickstarter: Cizor

Backers: 3500

Average Pledge Per Backer: $87

Funded: $305,362 of $18,000

Dates: Dec 11th to Feb 9th (60 days)

Crafted from tungsten carbide, one of the hardest man-made materials, CIZOR knives are unlike anything you’ve seen before.

These knives come in two sizes: a portable version perfect for everyday cutting tasks and a larger variant ideal for more intricate tasks.

CIZOR also excels in functionality and aesthetics. For example, it comes in various color options, including the sleek black finish created through a vapor depositing technique.

Where Can You Buy Kickstarter Knives?

Once a Kickstarter campaign has been successfully funded and completed, the knives are typically available through various channels.

eCommerce Websites

Many creators set up their own eCommerce websites selling their Kickstarter-funded knives directly to consumers.

Alt: CIZOR Shop

These websites often offer a wide selection of products, including the knives initially offered during the crowdfunding campaign.

Creators also introduce new variations or designs based on customer feedback or demand.

Online Marketplaces

The knives are available on popular online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, or Etsy.

Specialty Retailers

Depending on the popularity and reach of the Kickstarter-funded knife, it may also be available for purchase at specialty retailers that focus on knives, outdoor gear, or kitchenware.

What Do These Successful Knife Campaigns Have in Common?

Some common factors these successful knife campaigns share include:

• Authenticity and passion – All the campaigns convey a genuine passion for knives and a deep understanding of their target audience’s needs.
• Demonstrated functionality – The campaigns presented their products aesthetically and demonstrated their practicality and functionality through real-life usage scenarios.
• Social and environmental responsibility – Many successful campaigns emphasized their commitment to sustainable practices, using eco-friendly materials, or supporting social causes related to knife making.

Can You Run a Knive Campaign on Indiegogo as well as a Kickstarter?

Yes, you can run a knife campaign on Indiegogo and Kickstarter.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Indiegogo and Kickstarter have different rules and regulations
• You will need to create a separate campaign
• Some platforms are better suited to certain categories of campaign

If you’re unsure how to proceed, talk to us at LaunchBoom.

Wrapping Up

The best Kickstarter knife campaigns have demonstrated their success through various factors.

So, suppose you’re a knife enthusiast eager to explore cutting-edge designs or a knife maker looking to launch your creation to a passionate audience.

In that case, Kickstarter provides the perfect stage to unite creativity, passion, and innovation.

For guidance on how to go about crowdfunding, talk to us at LaunchBoom.