# Sword-Inspired Pocket Knives The Raikiri Folding Knife Uses Design Cues Inspired by Mythic Swords By Justin Lam | Published 2018-02-07 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raikiri-folding-knife References: [blessthisstuff](https://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/wear/acessories/raikiri-folding-knife/) & [crkt](https://www.crkt.com/raikiri.html) The Raikiri folding knife is an awesome pocket blade that gets its name from a mythical Japanese sword. Designed by respected knife-maker Dew Hara and constructed by CRKT, this folding pocket knife bears the name of a legendary sword that is said to have sliced a bolt of lightning in two. The blade is built in a modified wharncliffe style, and features a stain finish and low profile flipper. Once in the open position, the locking liner anchors hold the blade in place between two cold forged handles. The opening movement of the Raikiri folding knife was designed to mimic the traditional slash of a Japanese sword, and come out in snappy and responsive motion. The Raikiri folding knife also comes equipped with CRKT's field-stripping technology. This innovative design feature gives the user the ability to take apart and clean the knife without the use of tools. This entire system relies on a locking wheel and pivot, making the system simple and intuitive to use. Image Credit: CRKT, Bless This Stuff ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Mythic-inspired Knives:** Opportunity for knife-makers to create folding knives with design cues inspired by mythical weapons, catering to customers who appreciate unique and artistic blade designs. - **Slash Motion Opening:** Potential for knife manufacturers to incorporate a snappy and responsive opening motion that mimics the traditional slash of a Japanese sword, enhancing the user experience and creating a sense of excitement. - **Tool-less Maintenance:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for knife brands to implement field-stripping technology, enabling users to easily disassemble and clean the knife without the need for additional tools, simplifying maintenance and enhancing convenience. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Knife-making:** The knife-making industry can explore the design and production of pocket knives with mythic-inspired aesthetics, capturing the interest of consumers looking for unique and visually appealing blades. - **Outdoor Recreation:** Opportunity for companies in the outdoor recreation industry to offer folding knives with responsive opening motions, catering to outdoor enthusiasts who value performance and functionality in their gear. - **E-commerce:** E-commerce platforms can capitalize on the trend of tool-less maintenance by showcasing and selling innovative folding knives with field-stripping technology, targeting customers seeking convenience and ease of maintenance. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Intricately Designed Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rike-knife.md) - [Miniature EDC Sword Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-katana.md) - [Kukri-Style Blade Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandstorm-20.md) - [Dynamic Movement Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craighill-sidewinder-knife.md) - [Gourmet Japanese Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiru-knife.md) - [Foldout Kinetic Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craighill-sidewinder.md) - [Titanium Edc Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/syncrablade.md) - [Titanium Tactical Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serpblade.md) - [Wallet-Ready Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bison-gears-kiridashi-pocket-knife.md)