"Keep it simple, stupid." KISS is a design philosophy that cheekily speaks for itself: it states that systems should be kept as simple as possible, always, and avoid unnecessary complexity. I like to believe I subscribe to the KISS mindset. I'm not a designer, but a lot of gear comes across my desk to be tested and reviewed, and it's the simplest, most elegant solutions that get to stay.
I've had my hands on a lot of pocket knives, and I have more knives than fingers in my personal collection. Each one to appeals to a different part of my personality, but there's one that is the Goldilocks of my EDC journey, and it's the one I least expected: the WESN Henry.
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WESN The Henry Read More
I received the Henry back in January 2023, and I fell fast — and hard — for this little knife. The reasons I love this knife go far beyond its dimensions, but for those who are curious, the Henry is three inches closed, and 5.35 inches open. It's small. It weighs less than two ounces, and it's so discrete you could easily have it in your pocket and forget all about it.
It's got a lanyard hole, which I have personally never used but could actually see being very handy — it wouldn't be hard to misplace this little wonder. Not that you'd want to; it's so fun to use, I've carried it on my person almost every single day this year.
I can't put this thing down. I've even flown with it (accidentally!) multiple times. It lives in my fanny pack, which I also carry every day ... but that's a different story. The Henry is so sneaky, sometimes I can't even find it in my own bag — and there aren't a lot of hiding places in there. I love to find a reason to use it. Need a tag removed from a new jacket? Why rip it when I can slice it? Want to open a taped-up package? Here comes the Henry. Need to break into someone's car? Just kidding...
I love the way it feels in my hand. I love the non-locking slip-joint mechanism, which clicks into place with a solid authority that is hard not to admire. I love that it's hard to close, thanks to that same slip joint — it reminds me of the respect demanded when using a knife. The steel is sharp and has held an edge beautifully. Even the price — $115 for a Sandvik 12c27 steel blade and aerospace-grade titanium scales — is endearing.
I love the cherry wood inlays on the handle; they're warm and strong and remind me of something my grandpa would have carried on his own adventures in the backcountry. Which makes sense: WESN founder Billy Chester was actually inspired to create (and name) the Henry after discovering his Swedish grandfather's slip joint in some old belongings.
I would be remiss not to point out that the midpoint semi-lock feels treacherous at first — almost like you're going to lose a finger. Once I used the knife a few times, I got used to the resistance in the mechanism, but from my experience, this definitely isn't a knife you'll be flipping open and closed with one hand. And although the teensy size is undeniably part of its charm, the small stature of the Henry does disqualify it from bigger or more rugged jobs — like cutting through thick or extra-tough materials.
Still, there is little I don't love about this knife. Heck, I even let my nine-year-old use it. It's small enough that I don't worry about him not being able to handle it, and someday, I'll probably let him have it. Or maybe I'll get him one of his own ... I don't know if I'll ever be ready to give this thing up.
