The WESN Henry is a slip-joint pocket knife, no lock, held open by spring tension the way pocket knives were for a century, with a Swedish-made Sandvik 12C27 blade and titanium, brass or cherry wood handles. It is named for the founder's Swedish grandfather and it is built as a modern version of the Scandinavian working knife. This review covers the slip joint, the steel, the handle options, and who a non-locking knife is for.
Specs
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Traditional slip-joint folding knife |
| Blade steel | Swedish-made Sandvik 12C27 stainless |
| Handles | Titanium, Blacked Out Titanium, Brass, Cherry Wood inlay |
| Sheath | Optional Stock and Barrel leather sheath, natural or black, $30 |
| Warranty | WESN lifetime |
| Price | $129 |
The slip joint
No lock. A spring holds the blade open and you close it with two hands. It is simpler, slimmer, legal in places locking knives are not, and it asks you to use the knife with some care. People who grew up with a slip joint find it natural; people who did not usually take a week.
The steel
Sandvik 12C27 is a Swedish stainless with a long record in Scandinavian knives: easy to sharpen, corrosion resistant, and stable at the edge. It is not a super steel and it does not need to be on a knife you will sharpen in two minutes.
Handles
Titanium for the modern clean version, brass for warmth and patina, cherry wood for the traditional look. The wood version is the one that looks like the knife it is descended from.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a knife for food, string and small work that slips into a pocket and does not look tactical. For a locking modern folder, the Allman; for a sheepsfoot friction folder for camp cooking, the Samla.
Frequently asked questions
Does the WESN Henry lock?
No. It is a slip joint, held open by spring tension.
What steel is the Henry?
Swedish-made Sandvik 12C27 stainless.
Is a slip joint safe?
With normal use, yes. It is the design pocket knives used for a century.
Which handle should I get?
Titanium for modern, cherry wood for traditional.
Is it legal where locking knives are not?
In many places, a non-locking knife is treated more leniently. Check local law.
The bottom line
The WESN Henry is the pocket knife for people who want a pocket knife, not a tool. Get it in cherry wood.
Related reading
WESN Allman review
Best WESN knives
What is an everyday carry knife?
