Buying Guides, Reviews
Product Review: Willumsen Copenhagen RED E
Jul
Right from the start, let’s make something very clear – I really like Willumsen Copenhagen knives.
Ever since I got my first Willumsen designed knife (The Lansky World Legal) I’ve fallen in love with the design ethos and the quality tactical feel that these great value knives have.
There is something very appealing about the combination of materials used, the layout, comfort and amazing quality you get with a Willumsen – but the most surprising thing is how great they are in terms of value.
Every Willumsen knife I’ve seen looks like it should cost so much more than it does.
In this post we will be taking a close look at the RED E – a tactical folder with top specs, a great choice of colours and finishes and a shockingly low price.
Let’s take a closer look.
The RED E is made from D2 steel which has good corrosion resistance but isn’t officially classed as ‘stainless steel’ as it just falls short of having enough chromium in its composition (13% is required to classify as ‘stainless’). D2 is actually classed as a ‘tool steel’ designed for hardness and edge retention.
This hardness makes for a good knife making medium and would be classed as ‘high end’. Something to bear in mind though – due to it’s hardness D2 steel is a bit harder to sharpen so requires a bit more experience and care when getting a fine edge.
The blade is a solid 2.7″ long and the knife is 6.7″ overall. The blade is chunky and short with a nice fat belly. This makes the knife a great all rounder – cutting, slicing, fine work – the very epitome of an all rounder.
It has a G-10 handle which is available in different colours – more on that later.
If you’ve read any of our other posts you’ll know I’m a fan of G-10 – it’s solid and grippy without being heavy. The G-10 on the RED E feels particularly nice in the hand – not at all rough which is a criticism that is sometimes levelled at knives with G-10 handles.
The design of the handle grip – tiny raised diamond shapes – almost makes the handle feel like it’s rubberised which is a triumph of design in itself.
The handle also has an exposed steel liner which compliments the G-10 – the handle cut out and attractive adornments just add to the tactical look. Every detail on this knife is deliberate – such is he genius of a master knife maker! Just because something needs to be practical, doesn’t mean it has to be ugly.
The blade opens as smooth as warm butter, with just enough resistance to stop it feeling loose. The cut out in the blade gives your fingers something to grip to enable an easy open.
The knife is a locking folder and the locking mechanism is an axis lock. A beautiful ridged thumb stud, easily accessed in a one handed grip allows for a quick one handed open and is sturdy enough to keep the open blade locked securely.
In the hand the Willumsen Copenhagen RED E feels really comfortable and easy to handle. The jimping on the spine of the blade enables you to position the knife in the hand allowing for maximum control. The scalloped steel liner which forms part of the handle fits my hand perfectly. I can’t seem to put this knife down – it’s just such a nice hold.
I love the look of this knife – I am a big fan of tactical looking knives anyway as they just look so tough. In fact, I liked this knife so much I decided to add one to my personal collection. At this price and with these features it’s a definite no brainer for me.
In the box you also get a replacement pocket clip in black, so if you want to swap out the pocket clip on the knife you can – you can also put the clip on the opposite side if you wish to make this is completely ambidextrous carry.
Also in the box is a nice Willumsen Copenhagen vest patch which is a nice touch.
In terms of choices, there are many – handle colours and blade finishes make for a nice combination.
I decided to go for Stone & Black model. It took a while to come to this decision as they are all great looking knives, but as I have a bit of OCD around scratched blades I decided not to go the black blade route. Having said that, it was a close run thing between this one and the Midnight all black model which looks absolutely beautiful.
It is worth noting that I won’t be using this as an EDC – the locking mechanism means it’s not a UK legal carry, but it will sit happily in my collection until I’m out in the wilds again.
If you do want a tough looking tactical folder with that trademark Wullumsen design then you definetly need to check out the Lansky World Legal. It’s not made by Willumsen, but if designed by him so you get a tough tactical folder that is legal in the UK.
Watch the Willumsen Copenhagen RED E unboxing video
To summarise – the Willumsen Copenhagen RED E is one hell of a knife for the money. A great looking tactical design coupled with good quality materials make for a cracking all rounder that provides exceptional value for money.
I liked this knife so much I just had to get my greedy little mitts on one for my personal collection – I cannot give it higher praise than that!
