Eggplant Knife by HARNDS: A Sleek Blend of Function and Design
The Eggplant Knife by HARNDS is more than just a cutting tool—it’s a design statement. With its organic, plant-inspired silhouette and a focus on ergonomic performance, this fixed-blade knife is built for daily utility and outdoor resilience.
We spoke with the HARNDS team about the philosophy behind the HK2024 Eggplant, the choice of materials, and how every design decision—from finger holes to jimping—enhances functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. If you’re looking for a lightweight, compact knife that embodies both craftsmanship and innovation, the Eggplant might just be your next essential companion.
The Philosophy Behind the Eggplant Knife Design
Michael (GizmoCrowd): HARNDS is known for blending durability, precision, and elegant design. What inspired the creation of the HK2024 Eggplant knife, and how does it reflect your philosophy of craftsmanship and innovation?
HARNDS team: Inspired by plant bionics, its streamlined blade mimics the natural curvature of an aubergine, achieving an organic unity of mechanics and aesthetics. The curvature of the back of the knife is close to the curvature of the thumb, which saves effort when cutting. For example, the increase in finger holes allows users with larger hands to have a good grip and experience the firmness and reliability of the Eggplant.
The sheaths are made of the same material as the handles, depending on the configuration (e.g. G10 handle with G10 sheath, Carbon Fibre handle with Carbon Fibre sheath), in order to better match the knife. The standard sheath clip has a moderate elasticity. The additional clip has a strong elasticity and can be adjusted for individual habits, making it more user-friendly. These details are a unified combination of function and aesthetics, but also the embodiment of HARNDS’s functional decorative design philosophy.
D2 vs. N690 Editions – Materials with Purpose
Michael (GizmoCrowd): The Eggplant knife is offered in two premium editions: D2 steel with a G10 handle and N690 steel with carbon fiber. What distinguishes these materials in terms of performance, durability, and user preference?
HARNDS team: For ordinary users, the different versions of the choice is more to provide visual selection reference. For professional outdoor enthusiasts, different versions of steel are adapted to different occasions. For example, for users who focus on hardness and practical cost-effective users, you can choose the D2 version. If users use the knife in a wet environment for a long time, it is recommended to choose the N690 version, which provides better corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, the handle material of the G10 belongs to the category of inexpensive and widely applicable, and the carbon fibre handle can provide a better-looking and tactile appearance, but the relative price is also higher. Different choices to match different user needs.
Functional Details & Everyday Use
Michael (GizmoCrowd): With features like jimping, full-tang construction, finger holes, and paracord lanyards, this knife is clearly designed for everyday carry and outdoor versatility. Can you walk us through how these design elements enhance usability and safety?
HARNDS team:
1- Full-tang construction: the full-tang construction can maximize the stability of the structure. In order to reduce the weight of the knife handle is designed with weight reduction holes. There are finger holes on the outside, which are both decorative and weight reduction holes.
2- Finger holes: Fingers pass through when gripping, both positive and negative grip is very secure. It also greatly reduce the weight of the knife.
3- Jimping: the jimping on the back of the knife have a good landing and stop-slip effect. It can better control the operation of the knife.
4- Knife closing design: when closing the knife, you can obviously feel a clamping feedback. The knife will be firmly fixed in the sheath will not fall off;
5- Additional multi-functional knife sheath clip: It occupies a small volume, has strong elasticity. It also can be clamped to light things. Hole spacing can be adjusted to facilitate the free choice of holes. And at the same time is also a pry bar and clip.
6- Paracord : paracord is very practical in the outdoors, whether it is to build equipment or used to tie up. It is a good object, and comes with the knife, can be tied to the knife sheath or handle, as an emergency use.
Compact, Lightweight, and Built to Last
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Despite its rugged performance, the Eggplant knife weighs just around 2 ounces. How did your team achieve such a compact and portable design without compromising strength?
HARNDS team: In order to reduce weight to a greater extent, there are weight reduction holes and large exposed finger holes in the handle, while the opening method is chosen to have a larger area of flat grinding followed by a second opening to ensure better strength and sharpness.
The Future of HARNDS & Innovation in Outdoor Gear
Michael (GizmoCrowd): With the launch of the HK2024 Eggplant, what’s next for HARNDS? Are there plans for new product lines, modular accessories, or expanded outdoor gear collections?
HARNDS team: Handy for life, Hardy for survival. This is not just a slogan of HARNDS, but something that HARNDS has always insisted on doing. After HK2024 Eggplant, HARNDS will continue to introduce more high quality and more fashionable design of both folding knives and fixed blade knives. HARNDS is mainly focusing on outdoor knives. At the same time we will be expanding into other gear through another brand. In fact, we’ve already introduced a modular accessory, such as the fire starter kit for the Eggplant. It not only fits almost all of our own branded sheathed knives, but also most of the sheathed knives on the market. We’re always looking for practical, universal accessories that improve the user’s experience.
Michael (GizmoCrowd): A big thank you to the team at HARNDS for sharing the inspiration behind the Eggplant Knife. It’s clear that every curve, cut, and component has been crafted with care and purpose. We’re excited to see what’s next as HARNDS continues to expand its vision for outdoor-ready tools with style and function.
HARNDS Knife: D2 G10, N690 Carbon Fiber
About HARNDS
Founded in 2011 in Yangjiang, China, HARNDS combines durability, practicality, and forward-thinking design. The name itselfis a blend of “Handy” and “Hardy”. It reflects the brand’s core philosophy: tools that are convenient for everyday life and rugged enough for survival. With a decade of innovation behind them, HARNDS continues to lead the way in high-quality knives and gear, blending form and function with a sharp eye on the future.
Discover now HARNDS Eggplant on Indiegogo
- Tags:
- knife
