Kansept Goblin K2016A4 CPM-S35VN Blade Titanium Handle Frame Lock Folding Knife

The Kansept Goblin K2016A4 represents a masterclass in compact knife design, engineered by renowned designer Marshall Noble who has been perfecting his craft since 2002. Inspired by the legendary 1984 US Airforce XF-85 Goblin fighter jet, this EDC knife proves that size doesn't limit capability. Despite its compact 5.63-inch overall length, the Goblin features a broad 2.18-inch Wharncliffe blade crafted from premium CPM-S35VN steel, delivering exceptional edge retention and durability for demanding tasks. The stonewashed blade pairs seamlessly with chamfered titanium handles adorned with a compass print, providing both comfort and style whether in your pocket or hand. Three intuitive opening methods—front flipper tab, finger flick, or traditional thump hole—offer versatility for any situation. Ceramic ball bearings ensure smooth, reliable deployment every time. The frame lock mechanism provides secure blade stability, while the elegant pocket clip completes this refined package. Weighing just 2.4 ounces, the Goblin delivers premium materials and meticulous fit-and-finish that transforms it from a practical tool into a true work of art. Perfect for everyday carry enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality or performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Overall Length	5.63" / 143mm
Blade Length	2.18" / 55.6mm
Blade Thickness	0.118" / 3.0mm
Blade Material	CPM-S35VN
Blade Style	Wharncliffe
Blade Grind	Flat Grind
Blade Finish	Stonewashed
Handle Material	Titanium
Color	Gray
Lock Type	Frame Lock
Weight	2.4oz/68g
Model Name	Goblin
Model Number	K2016A4
Designer	Marshall Noble

Kansept Goblin K2016A4 Compact EDC Folding Knife

The Kansept Knives Goblin {model} is a small knife that does not behave like one. Designer Marshall Noble has been making knives since 2002, and the Goblin takes its name and its profile from the 1984 XF-85 Goblin, a fighter jet designed to pack full-size capability into a parasite aircraft. That is the brief here: a 2.18 in CPM-S35VN wharncliffe blade in a 5.63 in, 2.4 oz frame, with chamfered titanium handles and three ways to open it. A straight wharncliffe edge bites into cardboard and shrink wrap without wandering off the cut, which is exactly what a small pocket knife gets used for. If you work somewhere a full-size folding knives draws attention, this is the frame lock knives answer — small enough for compact EDC knives carry, tough enough to live in a EDC gear kit.

Why the Goblin Puts Full-Size Steel in a Sub-3-Inch Package

• CPM-S35VN in a sub-3-inch blade. Most knives this size use budget stainless; the Goblin uses a Crucible powder-metallurgy super-steel, so the edge lasts like a full-size knife's.
• Wharncliffe utility edge. The straight edge bites into cardboard and clamshell packaging instead of sliding off, which is the whole point of the profile.
• Titanium with Compass Print. A chamfered titanium frame with a compass print worked into the surface, giving grip and a design detail you will not find on a plain handle.
• Only 2.4 oz. Light enough to vanish in a coin pocket or on a keychain, heavy enough to feel like a real tool when you use it.
• Frame lock. Part of the handle itself flexes to block the blade tang, so there are fewer parts than a liner lock and the lock gets stronger the harder you grip.
• Three opening methods. Front flipper tab, finger flick and thumb hole all work, so the knife opens reliably with gloves or cold fingers.
• Ceramic ball bearings. They cut pivot friction to almost nothing, which is why a knife this small still snaps open with authority.
• Chamfered handle edges. Beveled corners mean a compact handle does not dig into your palm when you grip hard.

Where a Small Wharncliffe Actually Works

• Keychain or coin-pocket carry, where the 5.63 in closed length and 2.4 oz weight disappear.
• Opening envelopes, packages and blister packs with a wharncliffe that never slips off the cut.
• Backup blade for anyone who already carries a larger primary knife.
• Layered carry in restricted jurisdictions where blade length limits apply.
• Collector display — the XF-85 Goblin fighter-jet inspiration makes it a talking point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2.18 inches of blade actually useful?
For day-to-day cutting, yes — and it is more useful than a larger blade in places where blade length is restricted. A wharncliffe edge this size opens packaging, cuts tape and breaks down boxes without fuss.

Why is the blade stonewashed?
A stonewashed finish is tumbled with abrasive media, which hides the scuffs and scratches a working blade picks up, and slightly softens reflections. It is the most practical finish on a knife designed to be used.

What is unique about the Goblin design?
It is inspired by the 1984 XF-85 Goblin fighter jet — a parasite aircraft designed to deliver full-size capability from a tiny airframe, which is exactly what Marshall Noble set out to do with the knife.

How does it carry?
On a tip-up titanium pocket clip, or loose in a coin pocket at 2.4 oz. Many owners carry it as a backup to a larger primary blade.

Which handle variant should I pick?
The compass print is the most decorative, the grooved version gives the most grip, and the vented frame is the lightest and the most mechanical-looking. All three are the same knife underneath.

CPM-S35VN vs. Common Pocket Knife Steels

Steel	Typical HRC	Edge Retention	Corrosion Resistance	Toughness	Sharpening Ease
CPM-S35VN (this knife)	58-61	Very Good	Very Good	Very Good	Easy
CPM-S30V	58-60	Very Good	Good	Good	Moderate
CPM-20CV / M390	59-61	Excellent	Very Good	Good	Moderate
Elmax	58-61	Excellent	Very Good	Very Good	Moderate
154CM / ATS-34	58-60	Good	Good	Very Good	Easy
D2 Tool Steel	58-61	Very Good	Fair	Good	Hard
14C28N	56-58	Good	Excellent	Excellent	Very Easy

CPM-S35VN adds niobium to the S30V recipe, which refines the grain and makes the edge noticeably tougher and easier to sharpen without giving up wear resistance. It is the best-balanced premium stainless in this price band. HRC figures are typical mill ranges.

Glossary of Key Terms

Wharncliffe
A blade with a straight edge and a spine that drops in a gentle curve to the point. The straight edge means it bites into cardboard and shrink wrap without sliding off, which is why it is the classic utility profile.

CPM-S35VN
A Crucible powder-metallurgy stainless steel. Niobium refines the grain of the S30V recipe, so the edge is tougher and easier to sharpen while keeping excellent wear resistance.

Frame lock
A locking system where part of the handle itself flexes inward to block the blade tang. It uses fewer parts than a liner lock and gets stronger as the handle is gripped.

Ceramic ball bearings
Small ceramic balls running in a race around the pivot. They cut friction dramatically, which is what makes a small flipper snap open as reliably as a large one.

Front flipper tab
An opening tab positioned at the spine of the blade so you push it forward with your thumb rather than flicking from the underside. It keeps the profile slimmer than a conventional flipper.

Thumb hole
A round hole cut through the blade that you push with your thumb to open the knife. It works with gloves and when your hands are cold, unlike a small flipper tab.

Chamfered titanium
Titanium handle edges machined with an angled bevel rather than left square. It removes the sharp corners that dig into a palm and makes a small handle far more comfortable to grip hard.

Who Should Buy the Kansept Goblin K2016A4

• You want a true compact EDC knife that still carries premium CPM-S35VN steel.
• You work in an office and need a small, non-intimidating folder for daily tasks.
• You like wharncliffe blades because they cut packaging without wandering.
• You want three opening methods — flipper tab, finger flick and thumb hole — in one small knife.
• You collect Marshall Noble designs or Kansept's compact line.

Who Should Skip It

• You need a large blade for food prep or field dressing.
• You want a low-cost beater and do not care about steel quality.
• You have large hands and prefer a full four-finger grip handle.
• You dislike maintenance and want a completely carefree tool.

Care & Maintenance

• Wipe the stonewashed blade dry after use; CPM-S35VN is stain resistant but still steel.
• Rinse and dry immediately after cutting anything acidic or salty.
• Oil the blade lightly every 4-8 weeks and after any wet use.
• Touch the edge up on a fine ceramic rod — a wharncliffe edge is easy to maintain because the edge is straight.
• Keep the factory flat-grind angle; do not reprofile a small blade, you will lose too much stock.
• Flush the ceramic-bearing pivot with warm water and mild soap, dry it, then add a drop of light oil.
• Check the frame-lock screws monthly and snug them with the correct driver; over-tightening titanium galls the threads.
• Keep the chamfered titanium frame away from solvents and abrasive polish.
• Store closed and dry. A 2.4 oz knife gets lost in junk drawers — keep it in a pouch.