HemiSERE Titanium Lapel Knife

The HemiSERE is a modernized version of the classic OSS Lapel Knife that was issued to clandestine operatives in WW2. With enhanced ergonomics and ultra-light titanium construction, the HemiSERE is a capable and concealable backup blade.

Specs:

Titanium/Ceramic composite for enhanced edge retention
Non-slip grip and wharncliffe blade profile to maximize performance
3.375"L x 0.75"H x 0.05"W; 1.875" cutting edge
Weighs 4 grams - 1 gram less then a nickel
Made in Japan

As a knife nerd who also loves spy gadgets, I have always admired the concept of the OSS Lapel Knife. After all, what's not to like about a super concealable knife designed specifically for gashing Gestapo agents?

However, the original Lapel Knives were not ideal. They lacked a secure grip, they were made of fairly thick steel, and they required a custom leather sheath to be sewn into the collar.

I designed the HemiSERE to create a more practical and effective Lapel Knife for the modern user in harm's way.

The first issue was ergonomics: How to create a tiny knife that's still secure in the hand so you don't cut the shit out of yourself using the thing. This was solved through the hemispherical cutout in the grip, which locks the knife into the hand and prevents your finger from sliding onto the edge. Another benefit of this grip is that it causes the edge to project forward like a claw.

The next issue was materials. Steel is heavy and magnetic, and ceramic is too delicate for a knife this small. That left Titanium, which is strong, light, and non-magnetic.

However, normal Titanium is too soft for use in knives. Because I wanted the HemiSERE to be able to perform as both a mini survival knife and as an escape tool, poor edge retention was not an option.

Luckily, I found a company in Japan that has developed a special Titanium/Ceramic composite that offers most of the edge retention of a ceramic blade, while keeping the strength of titanium.

Due to the titanium construction, the HemiSERE only weighs 4 grams. Not only does this reduce the metallic signature, but it also allows the knife to be carried in an unconventional manner.

Rather then rely on a sheath, which would add bulk and reduce carry options, the HemiSERE uses "glue dots" that attach the knife directly to the lapel.

The glue dots hold the HemiSERE very securely, but a quick tug of the handle will free the knife from the collar.

While it's called a Lapel Knife, you can actually stick the HemiSERE pretty much anywhere.

Because the HemiSERE is only 1.3mm thick, it can also be stuck to the back of credit card and carried in a wallet.

The HemiSERE is also thin enough that it can be hidden inside of a smartphone case.

And it also fits perfectly within an Altoids tin survival kit.

The question is: How well does such a tiny knife actually perform?

The Wharncliffe blade profile of the HemiSERE maximizes cutting performance. Due to the straight edge, it exerts tremendous pressure at the tip of the blade, ensuring a deep cut every time.