Titaner Razorbill: A Modified Tanto From the Kings of Titanium EDC

Hong Kong-based Titaner has spent nearly 20 years applying considered design, high craftsmanship, and its signature material — tough, lightweight grade-5 titanium — to everyday carry items. It took its time entering the folding knife category, but the Heron and Hornbill, a pair of precision-machined powerhouses that dropped earlier this year, announced the brand's arrival in a way that put competitors on notice. Now Titaner has released its third folder, and Gear Patrol's hands-on verdict is that the Razorbill is arguably the best of the bunch.

The Razorbill's defining feature is its modified tanto blade. A true tanto offers a strong, acute point optimized for piercing, but its flat primary grind can sacrifice slicing performance. Titaner's modified version keeps the tanto character — the distinct profile, the strong tip — while adjusting the geometry so the knife slices far better than a traditional tanto. That is the kind of considered compromise that distinguishes a thoughtfully designed knife from one that merely looks the part.

Just launched on Kickstarter and already in the reviewer's hand, the Razorbill carries Titaner's machining DNA throughout: tight tolerances, a flipper deployment tuned for consistency, and the brand's hallmark titanium hardware. The handle follows the ergonomic lessons of the Heron and Hornbill, and the whole package stays light in the pocket — the point of building a folder from grade-5 titanium in the first place.

The Kickstarter route is worth noting for buyers. Early pricing is typically the best you will get on a Titaner product, but crowdfunding also means waiting for fulfillment, and the brand's track record with its first two folders suggests demand will outpace early supply. If the modified tanto geometry appeals to you — a strong point with usable slicing — the Razorbill is the most interesting titanium folder launch of the season.